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Important Questions: CBSE Class 10 English — First Flight Chapter 6 Mijbil the Otter / The Tale of Custard the Dragon

CBSE Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 6 pairs Gavin Maxwell's memoir 'Mijbil the Otter'—a true account of life with a pet otter in London—with Ogden Nash's humorous mock-heroic verse 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon.' Together, they explore themes of companionship, courage versus appearance, and narrative versus poetic forms. This page provides 18 important exam-style questions, organized by marks, with model answers that mirror CBSE marking schemes and help you master both prose and poetry elements.

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Key takeaways

✓Chapter 6 combines a memoir and a mock-heroic poem, each worth 2-3 marks in CBSE exams.
✓Mijbil the Otter tests comprehension of narrative events, character portrayal, and the bond between human and animal.
✓The Tale of Custard the Dragon assesses understanding of mock-heroic elements, rhyme scheme, and irony.
✓MCQs often focus on factual recall; 2-mark questions require concise explanations; 3-mark questions demand analysis or comparison.
✓Five-mark questions expect detailed answers with textual references, covering themes like courage, companionship, or poetic devices.
✓CBSETUTOR.ai offers 24×7 AI-powered doubt solving for English literature—upload a question photo and get instant step-by-step answers at ₹999/month, all classes included.
✓Practising past-year questions and NCERT exercise questions is critical for scoring full marks in literature sections.

Chapter Overview and Marks Weightage in CBSE Exams

Chapter 6 of NCERT Class 10 English First Flight comprises two distinct pieces: a memoir and a mock-heroic poem. 'Mijbil the Otter' is an excerpt from Gavin Maxwell's autobiography 'Ring of Bright Water,' describing how he brought an otter from Iraq to London and the challenges of keeping an exotic pet. 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon' by Ogden Nash uses rhyme, repetition, and irony to tell the story of a timid dragon who proves brave when danger arrives. In CBSE term-wise or annual exams, this chapter typically carries 4-6 marks—split between the prose and the poem. You may see 1 MCQ, 1 two-mark question, 1 three-mark question, or 1 five-mark long-answer question. The 2024 sample paper included a 3-mark question on the irony in Custard's character and a 2-mark question on Maxwell's feelings during the air journey.

Prose: Memoir genre—first-person narrative, descriptive language, real events.
Poetry: Mock-heroic verse—exaggerates trivial events in epic style, uses AABB rhyme scheme.
Common question types: character sketch (Mij or Custard), theme analysis (courage, companionship), poetic devices (refrain, alliteration, onomatopoeia).
Weightage: 2-3 marks from the prose, 2-3 marks from the poem in most years.

1-Mark Questions: Multiple-Choice and Very Short Answer

One-mark questions test factual recall and basic comprehension. They appear as MCQs in the Reading section or as assertion-reason pairs. For this chapter, expect questions on specific events—where Maxwell found Mij, what Mij's species was, or which character laughed at Custard. Answer in one sentence or choose the correct option. No elaboration is needed, but precision is rewarded. CBSE answer keys are strict: if the question asks for the otter's species and you write 'a rare otter,' you lose the mark; the correct answer is 'a smooth-coated otter from the Tigris marshes.'

2-Mark Questions with Model Answers

Two-mark questions require a brief explanation in 30-40 words. They often ask 'why' or 'how' and expect two distinct points. For Mijbil the Otter, questions focus on Maxwell's feelings, Mij's behaviour, or the reactions of Londoners. For Custard the Dragon, expect questions on character traits, the moral, or the use of repetition. Structure your answer: Point 1 + Point 2, each supported by a textual reference or example. Avoid long sentences; clarity and coverage earn you full marks.

3-Mark Questions with Model Answers

Three-mark questions demand 50-60 words and usually ask you to analyse, compare, or explain with examples. They may ask for a character sketch, a thematic exploration, or identification of poetic devices. Structure: Introduction sentence + two or three supporting points + concluding remark. For Mijbil, popular questions include Maxwell's attachment to Mij, the challenges of keeping an exotic pet, or Londoners' reactions. For Custard, expect questions on the contrast between appearance and reality, the moral lesson, or the use of refrain and rhyme.

5-Mark Long-Answer and Case-Based Questions

Five-mark questions require 100-120 words and test deep understanding, thematic analysis, or the ability to link text to broader ideas. For Mijbil the Otter, you might be asked to discuss the theme of human-animal relationships or Maxwell's portrayal of Mij's personality. For Custard, questions explore the moral about courage, the use of mock-heroic elements, or the poem's message about appearances. Structure: Introduction (thesis) + three or four well-developed points with textual evidence + conclusion. CBSE values coherence, textual support, and originality. A well-organized answer with clear topic sentences scores higher than a rambling narrative.

Introduction: State the central theme or answer the question directly.
Body: Divide into 3-4 sub-points, each illustrated with a quotation or example.
Conclusion: Sum up or draw a broader lesson.
Use transition words: 'Firstly,' 'Moreover,' '.'

Case-Based and Extract-Based Questions

CBSE introduced case-based questions in the 2021 pattern, particularly for poetry. You are given an extract of 4-6 lines from the poem, followed by 3-4 sub-questions (MCQ or VSA) worth 1 mark each. For 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon,' expect extracts featuring the refrain, the description of the pirate, or Custard's brave act. For prose extracts from Mijbil the Otter, questions may focus on Maxwell's emotions or Mij's antics. Read the extract carefully, identify the speaker or event, and answer precisely. These questions reward close reading and familiarity with the text.

How CBSE Frames Questions from This Chapter

CBSE question-setters follow a predictable pattern for literature chapters. For memoir-based prose like Mijbil the Otter, they ask about narrative events, the author's emotions, and thematic elements such as companionship or cultural differences (Londoners' ignorance about otters). Questions test whether you can infer feelings from actions—Maxwell's anxiety during the flight, his relief when Mij settles, or his frustration with public curiosity. For poetry, especially mock-heroic verse, CBSE focuses on irony, poetic devices (rhyme, refrain, alliteration), and the moral. A typical 3-mark question might ask, 'What is the irony in the behaviour of Belinda's pets?' or 'How does the poet use repetition to create humour?' Five-mark questions often ask for a thematic essay or a comparison between characters. Value-based questions—rare but possible—might ask, 'What values does Maxwell's care for Mij reflect?' Always support your answer with textual evidence; vague or generic statements lose marks.

Prose questions: character feelings, sequence of events, cultural or social observations.
Poetry questions: poetic devices, theme, irony, moral lesson.
Extract-based: identification of speaker, context, literary device, mood.
Value-based: empathy, responsibility, courage—link to real life.

Common Mistakes Students Make and How to Avoid Them

Many students lose marks in Chapter 6 questions due to avoidable errors. For Mijbil the Otter, a common mistake is narrating the entire story instead of answering the specific question. If asked 'What challenges did Maxwell face?' do not write about Mij's playfulness in the bathtub—focus only on the difficulties. Another error is ignoring word limits: a 3-mark answer should be around 50-60 words, not 150. For poetry, students often fail to identify the genre; stating that Custard is a 'funny poem' is too vague—use the term 'mock-heroic verse' as NCERT does. Missing poetic devices is another pitfall: if a question asks for two devices and you write only one example, you lose a mark. In extract-based questions, students sometimes answer from memory instead of the given lines, leading to factual errors. Always quote or paraphrase from the extract. Finally, poor handwriting and lack of paragraphing make even good answers hard to follow. Use clear topic sentences, bullet points for multiple examples, and underline key terms like 'memoir,' 'irony,' or 'refrain.'

Mistake 1: Writing irrelevant details—stick to the question.
Mistake 2: Exceeding or falling short of the word limit.
Mistake 3: Not using NCERT terminology (e.g. 'mock-heroic,' 'memoir').
Mistake 4: Ignoring the extract in case-based questions.
Mistake 5: No textual evidence—always cite lines or paraphrase.
Mistake 6: Poor structure—use intro, points, conclusion for 5-mark answers.

Tips for Writing High-Scoring Answers

To score full marks in Chapter 6 questions, start by reading the question twice and underlining keywords—'why,' 'how,' 'compare,' 'with reference to the text.' Plan your answer mentally: for a 3-mark question, list three points; for a 5-mark question, outline an introduction, three body points, and a conclusion. Use the first sentence to directly address the question. For instance, if asked 'What is the theme of the poem?' begin with 'The central theme of "The Tale of Custard the Dragon" is that true courage is quiet and selfless.' Then elaborate with examples. Always include at least one quotation or close paraphrase—'Custard cried for a nice safe cage' or 'Maxwell describes Mij as intelligent and affectionate.' For poetry, name the poetic device before explaining it: 'Nash uses a refrain to emphasize Custard's timidity.' Write in paragraphs for 5-mark answers; use bullet points or numbered sentences for 3-mark answers if it aids clarity. Proofread for spelling (Mijbil, not Mijbil; Custard, not Custerd) and grammar. Finally, manage your time: allocate 3-4 minutes for a 2-mark question, 5-6 minutes for a 3-mark question, and 8-10 minutes for a 5-mark question.

Underline keywords in the question.
Begin with a direct topic sentence.
Use NCERT terms: memoir, mock-heroic verse, refrain, irony.
Quote or paraphrase from the text.
Structure: intro + points + conclusion for long answers.
Proofread for spelling and grammar.

Practice Questions for Self-Assessment

Self-assessment is the key to mastering this chapter. After studying the text and model answers, attempt the following questions under timed conditions. Write your answers on paper, then compare them with the model answers provided earlier or in your NCERT solutions book. Identify gaps—did you miss a point? Did you fail to quote the text? Did you exceed the word limit? Revise and rewrite. Repeat this cycle three times before the exam. For additional practice, solve previous years' CBSE question papers (2019-2024) and the CBSE sample papers released each year. If you are stuck on a question or want instant feedback, CBSETUTOR.ai lets you upload a photo of your handwritten answer or a tricky question and get step-by-step guidance from an AI tutor, available 24×7 at a flat ₹999/month for all classes. The 3-day free trial is perfect for last-minute revision.

Q16. What did Londoners think Mijbil was? Why? (2 marks)
Q17. How did Custard prove everyone wrong? (3 marks)
Q18. 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon' teaches us not to judge people by their appearance. Discuss. (5 marks)
Q19. Extract: 'He took Mijbil to the bathroom where for half an hour Mij went wild with joy in the water.' Identify what this tells us about Mij's nature. (2 marks)
Q20. Compare Maxwell's feelings before and after bringing Mij to London. (3 marks)

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Frequently asked questions

How many marks does Chapter 6 carry in the CBSE Class 10 English exam?+

Chapter 6 typically carries 4-6 marks in total, split between the prose piece 'Mijbil the Otter' and the poem 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon.' You may see one 2-mark or 3-mark question from each, or one 5-mark long-answer question covering both.

What is the difference between a memoir and a biography?+

A memoir is a first-person narrative focusing on specific events or periods in the author's life, often exploring emotions and personal reflections. A biography is a third-person account of someone's entire life. 'Mijbil the Otter' is a memoir because Gavin Maxwell narrates his own experience.

What does 'mock-heroic' mean in 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon'?+

Mock-heroic is a literary style that treats a trivial or everyday subject with the elevated language and grandeur of an epic. Ogden Nash uses exaggerated descriptions and a sing-song rhyme to humorously depict a household pet's encounter with a pirate, creating a playful contrast.

What is the moral lesson of 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon'?+

The poem teaches that true courage is shown through actions, not boasts. Custard, mocked for his timidity, proves brave when danger arrives, while the loud, boastful pets run away. Appearances and words can be deceiving; real bravery is quiet and selfless.

How should I structure a 5-mark answer for this chapter?+

Start with a clear introductory sentence stating the theme or answering the question. Then present three or four well-developed points, each supported by a quotation or example from the text. End with a concluding sentence that sums up or draws a broader lesson. Aim for 100-120 words.

What are the most important poetic devices in 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon'?+

Key devices include: rhyme scheme (AABB couplets), refrain ('Custard cried for a nice safe cage'), alliteration ('Mustard,' 'mouth like a fireplace'), onomatopoeia ('clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon'), and irony (the coward becomes the hero). Always name the device and give an example.

Why did Maxwell face difficulties transporting Mijbil to England?+

Maxwell had to place Mij in a sealed box for air travel. During the flight, Mij tore the box lining and emerged, causing panic among passengers. The airhostess reacted with horror, and Maxwell struggled to calm Mij and reassure others, highlighting the challenges of travelling with an exotic pet.

How can I remember all the events in 'Mijbil the Otter' for the exam?+

Break the narrative into five parts: (1) Maxwell's decision to get an otter, (2) Mij's arrival and playful nature, (3) the chaotic air journey, (4) life in London and public curiosity, (5) Mij's final disappearance (not in NCERT but in the full book). Make a one-line summary of each part and revise daily.

What should I write if a question asks for a character sketch of Custard?+

Describe Custard as timid and humble in appearance—he constantly asks for a safe cage and is mocked by others. However, when the pirate attacks, Custard reveals his true nature: brave, selfless, and protective. After the danger passes, he returns to his modest demeanour, showing that his courage is genuine, not boastful.

Can I score full marks without quoting from the text?+

Technically yes, but it is much harder. CBSE marking schemes reward textual evidence. A direct quote or close paraphrase shows you have read the chapter carefully and strengthens your argument. Even one well-chosen line can lift a 2-mark answer to full marks.

How does CBSETUTOR.ai help with Chapter 6 questions?+

CBSETUTOR.ai provides instant, step-by-step answers to any question from this chapter. Upload a photo of a question—MCQ, short answer, or long answer—and get a model response aligned with CBSE marking schemes. The AI explains literary devices, suggests quotations, and teaches you how to structure answers for maximum marks, all at ₹999/month with a 3-day free trial.

What are extract-based questions and how do I answer them?+

Extract-based questions give you 4-6 lines from the text, followed by sub-questions (MCQ or VSA). Read the extract carefully, identify the context (who is speaking, what is happening), and answer from the extract, not from memory. Common sub-questions ask for poetic devices, speaker identification, meaning, or mood.

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