India's #1 AI Tutorworksheet · English — First Flight · Chapter 6

CBSE Class 10 English — First Flight Chapter 6 Mijbil the Otter / The Tale of Custard the Dragon Worksheet with Answers

Chapter 6 of CBSE Class 10 English First Flight pairs Gavin Maxwell's delightful memoir 'Mijbil the Otter' with Ogden Nash's humorous mock-heroic poem 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon'. The prose piece chronicles Maxwell's adventures with a pet otter in London, while the poem subverts traditional heroism through a cowardly dragon who turns brave. This worksheet offers targeted practice across all question types seen in CBSE board exams.

Your child's private AI tutor — trained on NCERT.

3-day free trial · ₹1 to start · Cancel anytime.

Start 3-day free trial →

Key takeaways

✓Complete 90-minute printable worksheet covering both Mijbil the Otter (memoir) and The Tale of Custard the Dragon (mock-heroic verse)
✓Six well-crafted MCQs testing comprehension of the otter's behaviour and the dragon's character traits
✓Five short-answer questions (30–40 words each) focusing on NCERT textbook extracts and thematic understanding
✓Three long-answer HOTS questions requiring critical analysis of narrative technique and poetic devices
✓Case-study question mirroring the 2025 board exam pattern with three sub-questions
✓Full answer key with explanations for every MCQ, blank, and descriptive question
✓Difficulty level: Moderate | Suggested Time: 90 minutes | Marks: 40

Quick Chapter Recap: Mijbil the Otter and The Tale of Custard the Dragon

Mijbil the Otter is an extract from Gavin Maxwell's autobiographical work 'Ring of Bright Water'. The author receives an otter from his friend in Basra, Iraq, and names him Mijbil (Mij). The narrative details Mij's playful antics with a rubber ball, his fascination with water, and the challenges Maxwell faces transporting the otter to London by air. The otter's curiosity, intelligence, and unique relationship with humans form the heart of this memoir. The Tale of Custard the Dragon, on the other hand, is a mock-heroic ballad by Ogden Nash. Belinda lives with four pets: a kitten (Ink), a mouse (Blink), a dog (Mustard), and a dragon (Custard). While the first three boast of their bravery, Custard is openly timid and cowardly, demanding a safe cage. When a pirate attacks, the so-called brave pets flee, but Custard rises to the occasion and gobbles up the intruder. The poem playfully explores themes of true courage versus empty boasting. Both texts are rich in descriptive language, humour, and character study, making them staples of the NCERT Class 10 English First Flight syllabus.

Memoir: Mijbil the Otter — focuses on the bond between Maxwell and his pet otter, covering episodes in Basra and London
Mock-heroic verse: The Tale of Custard the Dragon — uses exaggerated, heroic language to describe ordinary household pets
Key themes: companionship, adaptability, courage, appearance versus reality
Literary devices: imagery, alliteration, repetition, refrain, irony, humour

Worksheet Details: Difficulty Level, Time, and Marking Scheme

This worksheet is calibrated at a moderate difficulty level, suitable for average to above-average Class 10 CBSE students. It mirrors the blueprint of the 2025 board exam: a mix of objective (MCQs, fill-in-the-blanks) and subjective (short-answer, long-answer) questions, plus one case-study passage. The total marks allocated are 40, distributed as follows: Section A (MCQs) — 6 marks, Section B (Fill-in-the-Blanks) — 5 marks, Section C (Match / True-False) — 5 marks, Section D (Short Answer) — 10 marks (5×2), Section E (Long Answer / HOTS) — 9 marks (3+3+3), and Section F (Case Study) — 5 marks. The suggested time is 90 minutes, allowing students to read both texts carefully, attempt all questions, and review their answers. Teachers can use this worksheet for formative assessment, while students can practice independently at home. Print double-sided to save paper, and encourage students to write answers in complete sentences for descriptive questions.

Difficulty Level: Moderate (aligned with CBSE board standards)
Suggested Time: 90 minutes
Total Marks: 40
Sections: A (MCQs), B (Blanks), C (Match/T-F), D (Short), E (Long), F (Case Study)
Answer Key: Full explanations provided at the end

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (1 mark each)

Multiple-choice questions test quick recall and comprehension. Read each question carefully; often, two options may seem correct, but only one is the best answer. For 'Mijbil the Otter', focus on factual details: where Maxwell received Mij, the otter's favourite toy, and the transport episode. For 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon', note character names, their traits, and the sequence of events during the pirate attack. These six MCQs are designed to cover both texts evenly. Check your answers against the key and review any mistakes to strengthen your understanding of the chapter. Remember, in the actual CBSE board exam, MCQs from prose and poetry often carry one mark each, so speed and accuracy are equally important. Practice eliminates careless errors and builds confidence for the reading comprehension section.

Section B: Fill in the Blanks (1 mark each)

Fill-in-the-blank questions demand precise vocabulary and attention to detail. The blanks in this section are drawn directly from key sentences in both the prose and the poem. For 'Mijbil the Otter', focus on Maxwell's descriptions of Mij's behaviour, the setting, and the travel incident. For 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon', pay attention to the names of the pets, the rhyming refrain, and the poet's choice of adjectives. Write your answers neatly in the space provided, and double-check spelling—marks are often deducted for incorrect spelling in CBSE exams. These five blanks test whether you have read the chapter closely and can recall exact terms used by the authors. If you are unsure, re-read the relevant paragraphs or stanzas in your NCERT Class 10 English First Flight textbook before attempting this section. Consistent practice with such exercises sharpens your retention and prepares you for similar questions in the board exam reading section.

Section C: Match the Following / True or False (1 mark each)

This section tests your ability to connect characters, objects, or statements with their correct counterparts. In a match-the-following exercise, read all items in both columns before you begin matching; this prevents hasty errors. For true-or-false questions, look for absolute words like 'always', 'never', or 'only'—they often signal a false statement. The five items here span both texts. For instance, you may need to match each pet in 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon' with its behaviour, or verify factual statements about Maxwell's experiences with Mij. Cross out matched pairs as you go to avoid confusion. If a statement seems partially true, it is usually false unless every part is accurate. This section is a quick way to score full marks if you have read the chapter carefully and made brief notes. CBSE Class 10 English First Flight exams frequently include such objective questions in the unseen-passage or literature section, so mastering this format is valuable beyond Chapter 6 alone.

Section D: Short Answer Questions (2 marks each, 30–40 words)

Short-answer questions require you to express ideas concisely, sticking to the 30–40 word limit. Begin with a direct answer to the question, then add one or two supporting details from the text. Avoid lengthy introductions like 'In this chapter…'—jump straight to the point. For instance, if asked why Mij fascinated Maxwell, mention Mij's playful intelligence and unique antics, citing the rubber-ball episode or water-play. For the poem, if asked about Custard's transformation, note that true courage appears in crisis, not in boasting. Use simple, grammatically correct sentences. In CBSE board exams, two-mark questions are evaluated for content (1 mark) and expression (1 mark), so clarity and accuracy matter equally. These five questions cover character analysis, thematic understanding, and textual evidence. Practice writing within the word limit; it trains you to be precise and relevant, skills that earn full marks even when time is short during the actual exam.

Section E: Long Answer / HOTS Questions (3 marks each, 80–100 words)

Long-answer questions test your ability to analyse, compare, and evaluate. Each answer should be 80–100 words and structured in three parts: introduction (state your main point), body (provide evidence and explanation), and conclusion (sum up or offer insight). For a question on Maxwell's relationship with Mij, discuss mutual affection, Mij's trust, and Maxwell's patience, citing specific incidents. For the poem, explore how Nash uses irony and repetition to mock false bravery and celebrate quiet courage. HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) questions ask you to infer, justify, or connect themes to real life. For instance, 'Compare the narrative style of the memoir with the poetic form'—here, note that the memoir uses first-person prose for authenticity, while the poem employs rhyme and refrain for humour. Always quote or paraphrase the text to support your argument. CBSE examiners reward original thought backed by textual evidence. These three questions are designed to mirror board-exam standards, so treat them as mini-essays.

Section F: Case-Based Question (5 marks)

The case-study format has become a hallmark of the 2025 CBSE Class 10 English board exam. You are given an extract from the chapter followed by three sub-questions: typically one MCQ (1 mark), one very short answer (1 mark), and one short answer (3 marks). Read the extract carefully, underlining key phrases. The MCQ tests direct comprehension, the very short answer asks for a specific detail, and the longer question requires interpretation or analysis. For example, an extract describing Mij's antics in the aircraft might ask: (i) What was Mij's reaction to being confined? (MCQ) (ii) Name the city where Maxwell boarded the flight. (1-word answer) (iii) How does this episode reveal Maxwell's concern for Mij's well-being? (3 marks). Answer in the order given, budgeting roughly 10 minutes for this section. Case-study questions reward close reading and the ability to infer meaning, so practice with past-year board papers and sample papers from CBSE official resources.

Answer Key: Section A (Multiple Choice Questions)

Below are the correct answers for the six MCQs in Section A, along with brief explanations to help you understand why each option is correct. Cross-check your responses and note any mistakes for revision. Q1 (b) Basra — Maxwell's friend sent the otter from Basra, Iraq. Q2 (b) A rubber ball — The text explicitly mentions Mij's fascination with a rubber ball, which he would shuffle around like a soccer player. Q3 (d) Custard — Custard is Belinda's pet dragon; Ink is the kitten, Blink the mouse, Mustard the dog. Q4 (b) A nice safe cage — This refrain is repeated throughout the poem to emphasise Custard's timidity before the pirate attack. Q5 (b) A pirate — A pirate with pistols and a cutlass climbs through the window, triggering the central conflict. Q6 (b) Custard gobbled him up — Despite his earlier cowardice, Custard defeats and eats the pirate, proving his hidden courage. Review any incorrect answers by re-reading the relevant sections in your NCERT Class 10 English First Flight textbook.

Q1: (b) Basra
Q2: (b) A rubber ball
Q3: (d) Custard
Q4: (b) A nice safe cage
Q5: (b) A pirate
Q6: (b) Custard gobbled him up

Answer Key: Sections B, C, D, E, and F with Explanations

Section B (Fill in the Blanks): Q7. Basra | Q8. rubber | Q9. Blink | Q10. spikes; scales | Q11. pistols; cutlass. Each blank is a direct quote or close paraphrase from the text. Section C (Match/True-False): Match: (i)–b, (ii)–c, (iii)–d, (iv)–a, (v)–e. True/False: (i) F (from Basra, not London), (ii) F (he was timid initially), (iii) T, (iv) F (Custard defeated the pirate), (v) F (Gavin Maxwell wrote 'Mijbil'; Nash wrote 'Custard'). Section D (Short Answers): Q12. Maxwell wanted an otter after his dog's death; his friend sent Mij from Basra, sparking his fascination with the playful, intelligent creature. Q13. Mij shuffled the rubber ball like a soccer player, showing skill and enjoyment, spending hours in this game. Q14. Ink, Blink, and Mustard, despite boasting bravery, fled in terror; only Custard stayed and fought the pirate. Q15. The poem shows true courage emerges in crisis, not through boasting; Custard's quiet bravery contrasts with the others' empty pride. Q16. Maxwell transported Mij by air in a box; Mij escaped mid-flight, causing chaos and distress. Section E (Long Answers): Q17. Maxwell describes Mij's playful dribbling of a rubber ball and joyful water games, illustrating intelligence, curiosity, and an affectionate bond with humans. Q18. Nash satirises superficial bravery by contrasting boastful pets with the genuinely courageous Custard, using irony and a mock-heroic tone to critique empty pride. Q19. 'Mijbil' explores companionship through Maxwell's tender observations; 'Custard' examines courage via ironic reversal. Both use humour—Maxwell through anecdotes, Nash through rhyme and exaggeration—to engage and entertain readers. Section F (Case Study): (i) b, (ii) rubber ball, (iii) Mij's prolonged play and fascination with water demonstrate his innate curiosity and zest, traits Maxwell keenly observes and cherishes, deepening their bond.

Section B: Basra, rubber, Blink, spikes/scales, pistols/cutlass
Section C: Correct matches and T/F as detailed above
Section D: Concise 30–40 word answers with textual support
Section E: 80–100 word analytical answers covering theme, tone, and technique
Section F: MCQ (b), one-word answer (rubber ball), 40-word interpretation

How CBSETUTOR.ai Helps You Master Chapter 6 and Beyond

CBSETUTOR.ai offers every CBSE student (Classes 6–12) a 24×7 AI tutor at a flat ₹999 per month—one price for all classes. Stuck on a tricky comprehension question from 'Mijbil the Otter' or need help analysing the mock-heroic elements in 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon'? Simply snap a photo of the question and upload it. Within seconds, you will receive a step-by-step explanation in clear Indian English, complete with textual references and exam tips. The platform covers every NCERT chapter, practice worksheet, and board-pattern question, so you can revise at your own pace without waiting for tuition classes. Parents love the transparent pricing and the 3-day free trial, which lets students explore the interface and see real results before committing. Whether you are in a metro coaching hub or a Tier-2 town with limited resources, CBSETUTOR.ai levels the playing field, ensuring every child has access to high-quality, on-demand English Literature and Language support. Try the free trial today and experience how AI-powered learning transforms exam preparation into an engaging, stress-free journey.

Flat ₹999/month for Classes 6–12, all subjects including English First Flight
Photo-upload feature: snap any question, get instant solutions and explanations
24×7 availability—study at midnight or early morning, no tutor scheduling needed
3-day free trial with no credit card required; cancel anytime
Covers every NCERT chapter, sample papers, worksheets, and board-exam patterns

Tips for Using This Worksheet Effectively

Print this worksheet and attempt it in one sitting under timed conditions to simulate the board exam environment. Keep your NCERT Class 10 English First Flight textbook and a dictionary nearby for quick reference, but try to answer from memory first. After completing all sections, use the answer key to self-assess: award yourself marks honestly and note recurring mistakes. If you scored below 28 out of 40, revisit the chapter summaries and re-read both texts carefully. Focus on understanding, not rote learning—CBSE examiners reward interpretation and original expression. For short and long answers, practice writing within word limits; use a timer to build speed. Discuss your answers with a study partner or teacher to gain new perspectives. Finally, attempt similar worksheets for other chapters to build confidence across the entire First Flight syllabus. Consistent practice with structured worksheets like this one is the surest path to scoring 35+ in the CBSE Class 10 English board exam.

Attempt the worksheet in one 90-minute session without interruptions
Self-assess using the answer key; note mistakes and review relevant text passages
Practice writing within word limits for short (30–40) and long (80–100) answers
Discuss difficult questions with peers or teachers to deepen understanding
Repeat with worksheets for other First Flight chapters to build exam readiness

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of 'Mijbil the Otter' in CBSE Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 6?+

The main theme is the unique bond between humans and animals. Maxwell's memoir illustrates how Mij's playful intelligence and trust enrich his life, highlighting companionship, responsibility, and the joys of observing nature closely.

How does 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon' use mock-heroic verse?+

Ogden Nash employs exaggerated, grandiose language to describe ordinary pets and a household crisis. By treating Custard's act as epic heroism and the others' cowardice with irony, the poem satirises superficial bravery and celebrates quiet courage.

What is the suggested time to complete this Chapter 6 worksheet?+

The worksheet is designed for 90 minutes. This allows you to read both texts carefully, attempt all six sections (MCQs, blanks, match/T-F, short, long, case-study), and review your answers before checking the key.

How many marks is this worksheet worth, and how are they distributed?+

Total marks: 40. Section A (MCQs) — 6 marks, Section B (Blanks) — 5 marks, Section C (Match/T-F) — 5 marks, Section D (Short Answer) — 10 marks, Section E (Long Answer/HOTS) — 9 marks, Section F (Case Study) — 5 marks.

Can I use this worksheet for board exam revision?+

Absolutely. The questions mirror the 2025 CBSE board pattern, covering MCQs, short answers, long answers, and case-based questions. Practicing this worksheet builds confidence and helps you manage time during the actual exam.

Where can I find detailed solutions for NCERT Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 6?+

This worksheet includes a full answer key with explanations for every question. For deeper chapter notes and video solutions, refer to the NCERT textbook, CBSE official website, or CBSETUTOR.ai's 24×7 AI tutor with photo-upload support.

What literary devices are used in 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon'?+

Nash uses alliteration (realio trulio), repetition (the refrain about the cage), rhyme scheme (aabb), irony (the cowardly dragon saves the day), and hyperbole (exaggerated descriptions of bravery) to create humour and mock-heroic tone.

How did Maxwell manage to transport Mijbil to London?+

Maxwell packed Mij in a box for the flight. Mid-journey, Mij escaped and caused chaos in the aircraft. Eventually, Maxwell calmed the otter and completed the journey, demonstrating patience and quick thinking under stress.

Is this worksheet suitable for average students or only for high achievers?+

The worksheet is moderate in difficulty, suitable for all students. Average learners can build foundational skills, while high achievers can refine their analytical and HOTS abilities. The detailed answer key supports learners at every level.

How can CBSETUTOR.ai help me with Chapter 6 and other English chapters?+

CBSETUTOR.ai offers a 24×7 AI tutor for ₹999/month (all classes). Upload a photo of any question from 'Mijbil' or 'Custard' and receive instant, step-by-step solutions. A 3-day free trial is available to test the platform risk-free.

Related resources

Class 10 English — First Flight Chapter 6 Mijbil the Otter / The Tale of Custard the Dragon — Formulas & Key Points 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 5 Glimpses of India / The Trees / Fog Worksheet with Answers Important Questions: CBSE Class 10 English — First Flight Chapter 5 Glimpses of India / The Trees / Fog AI Tutor for Class 10: The Smart Alternative to Tuition AI Tutor for Class 10 Maths: Learn Faster with Instant Help Class 9 English — First Flight Chapter 1: A Letter to God, Dust of Snow & Fire and Ice — Previous Year Questions (2020–2025)CBSE Class 9 Mathematics Chapter 1 Number Systems Worksheet with Answers

Keep learning — related guides

Class 10English — First Flight

Class 10 English — First Flight Chapter 12 Writing Skills — Formulas & Key Points

Class 10English — First Flight

Important Questions: CBSE Class 10 English — First Flight Chapter 12 Writing Skills

Class 10English — First Flight

Class 10 English — First Flight Chapter 11 Grammar Toolkit — Formulas & Key Points

Class 10English — First Flight

CBSE Class 10 English — First Flight Chapter 12 Writing Skills Worksheet with Answers

Class 10English — First Flight

Class 10 English — First Flight Chapter 10 Footprints Without Feet / The Making of a Scientist / Bholi — Formulas & Key Points

Class 10English — First Flight

Important Questions: CBSE Class 10 English — First Flight Chapter 11 Grammar Toolkit

Ready to give your Class 10 child the tutor that never sleeps?

CBSETUTOR.ai covers every chapter in the Class 10 NCERT syllabus — Maths, Science, Social Science, English, Hindi and more. 24×7. Patient. Unlimited. 3-day free trial.

Start your child's 3-day free trial →