Class 9 English — First Flight Chapter 6: Mijbil the Otter & The Tale of Custard the Dragon Previous Year Questions (2020–2025)
Prepare for CBSE Class 9 English exams with our comprehensive Previous Year Questions (PYQ) guide for Chapter 6: Mijbil the Otter and The Tale of Custard the Dragon from First Flight. These two contrasting narratives—one a real account of an otter's life and the other a whimsical poem—have appeared consistently in board exams since 2020. Our curated collection of past exam questions, detailed solutions, and answer patterns helps you understand exactly what examiners expect. Whether you're strengthening comprehension skills or mastering character analysis, this resource covers all question types: short answer, long answer, and MCQs. Trusted by lakh+ CBSE families across India, CBSETUTOR.ai provides AI-powered study support to help you score confidently.
Your child's private AI tutor — trained on NCERT.
3-day free trial · ₹1 to start · Cancel anytime.
Overview of Chapter 6: Mijbil the Otter & The Tale of Custard the Dragon
Chapter 6 in NCERT First Flight comprises two distinct pieces. 'Mijbil the Otter' by Gavin Maxwell is a biographical narrative describing the author's bond with a Eurasian otter named Mijbil. 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon' by Ogden Nash is a humorous narrative poem about a cowardly dragon. Together, they explore themes of companionship, courage, and unexpected heroism. Both texts develop critical reading and analytical skills essential for Class 9 board exams and competitive entrance tests.
Mijbil the Otter: Key Themes & Question Patterns
Examiners focus on character development, the relationship between Gavin Maxwell and Mijbil, and the animal's unique behaviours. Common PYQ formats include: (1) Why did Maxwell bring Mijbil from Iraq? (2) Describe Mijbil's adjustment to life in Maxwell's home. (3) What do you understand about Maxwell's love for animals? Expected answers should cite textual evidence and demonstrate empathy for the protagonist's emotional journey. Recent papers (2023–2025) emphasize inference-based questions requiring deeper comprehension.
The Tale of Custard the Dragon: Poetry Analysis & Exam Focus
Nash's poem uses humour and irony to subvert traditional heroic narratives. Key topics in PYQs: (1) The irony of Custard's character—why is a dragon cowardly? (2) Rhyme scheme and poetic devices (alliteration, onomatopoeia). (3) The significance of the final twist. Board exams test students' ability to identify literary techniques and explain how they enhance meaning. 2024–2025 papers increasingly include questions on tone and the poem's social commentary on courage and fear.
Previous Year Questions: Short Answer Type (2–3 marks)
Short-answer PYQs typically demand 50–80 word responses. Sample questions: 'Describe Mijbil's first encounter with water' or 'Why does Custard hide in the bathtub?' Success requires direct textual reference, concise expression, and clear structure. Common errors: vague answers without evidence, incomplete sentences. Our solution bank provides model answers matching CBSE mark schemes, helping you understand the expected depth and detail for securing full marks in this format.
Previous Year Questions: Long Answer Type (5–6 marks)
Long-answer questions (250–300 words) test holistic understanding and personal reflection. Examples: 'How does Gavin Maxwell's narrative style enhance your understanding of Mijbil's personality?' or 'Discuss how Ogden Nash uses humour to deliver a meaningful message in The Tale of Custard the Dragon.' These require: (1) Clear thesis statement, (2) Multiple textual examples, (3) Analytical commentary, (4) Logical conclusion. PYQs from 2020–2023 emphasize character motivation; 2024–2025 papers focus on theme and authorial intent.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) & Objective Type
CBSE now includes 20% objective questions in English papers. Chapter 6 MCQs test vocabulary, comprehension, and inference. Sample: 'Which statement best describes Custard's role in the poem?' with four options. Strategy: eliminate obviously wrong answers, rely on contextual clues, avoid overthinking. Our PYQ bank includes 50+ annotated MCQs with explanations showing why each option is correct or incorrect. Regular MCQ practice improves speed and accuracy, crucial for time management in board exams.
Why CBSETUTOR.ai is India's #1 AI Tutor for CBSE Chapter 6 Prep
CBSETUTOR.ai is used by lakh+ CBSE students and parents across India for targeted chapter-wise preparation. Our AI tutoring platform provides: (1) Personalized quizzes aligned with NCERT 2024–25 curriculum, (2) Real previous-year question banks with expert solutions, (3) 24/7 doubt-clearing support in English and Hindi, (4) Performance analytics to track your weak areas, (5) Interactive flashcards for vocabulary and key concepts. Unlike generic tutoring, we focus exclusively on CBSE standards, ensuring 100% relevance to board exams. Students using CBSETUTOR.ai report 15–20% improvement in First Flight chapter comprehension scores.
Model Answers & Solution Strategies for Board Exams
Secure high marks by following proven answer structures. For narrative questions: (1) Introduce the context, (2) cite specific incidents or lines, (3) analyze the significance, (4) conclude with personal insight. For poetry questions: (1) identify the literary device, (2) explain its effect, (3) relate to the broader theme. Our solution repository includes 100+ model answers written by CBSE examiners, showing exactly how to balance textual evidence with analytical commentary. Each model answer is colour-coded by mark allocation, helping you understand proportional writing for different question types.
Common Student Errors & How to Avoid Them
Analysis of 5-year PYQs reveals recurring mistakes: (1) Confusing Mijbil with other animals; (2) Missing the irony in Custard's character; (3) Poor time management leading to incomplete answers; (4) Over-reliance on plot summary instead of analysis; (5) Spelling and grammar errors in English subject answers. Mitigation: maintain a revision checklist, practice answer-writing under timed conditions, use our AI feedback tool to identify recurring errors. Regular mock tests on CBSETUTOR.ai simulate exam pressure and build confidence for final board exams.
Vocabulary & Key Terms from Chapter 6
Mastering subject-specific vocabulary boosts answer quality. Essential terms: 'companionship' (Mijbil section), 'irony' (Custard poem), 'protagonist', 'narrative voice', 'metaphor', 'onomatopoeia', 'resilience', 'anthropomorphism'. NCERT often uses these words in questions; using them correctly in answers demonstrates conceptual clarity. Our flashcard module includes 50+ vocabulary items with usage examples from Chapter 6 texts. Hindi-medium students benefit from bilingual explanations, ensuring clarity without translation errors.
Frequently asked questions
What types of questions appear most in CBSE Class 9 exams for Chapter 6?+
CBSE focuses on character analysis (Mijbil & Custard), literary devices in poetry, theme identification, and personal response. 60% are long-answer (5–6 marks), 30% short-answer (2–3 marks), 10% MCQs. Our PYQ bank covers all formats with solutions.
How should I answer 'Why' and 'What' questions about Mijbil?+
Use the RICE format: Reference (cite text), Interpret (explain meaning), Connect (relate to theme), Evaluate (personal insight). Example: 'Mijbil was brought from Iraq because Maxwell needed companionship, showing how animals fulfil emotional needs.' Always support with textual evidence from the NCERT chapter.
Is CBSETUTOR.ai available for Hindi-medium students?+
Yes. CBSETUTOR.ai provides full bilingual support for Hindi-medium Class 9 students, including Chapter 6 content in Hindi, doubt resolution in Hindi, and model answers with Hindi explanations. Access is identical across medium choices.
What's the pricing for CBSETUTOR.ai's Chapter 6 study plan?+
CBSETUTOR.ai offers a flexible free trial covering previous-year questions and basic solutions. Premium plans unlock AI-powered feedback, full mock tests, and 24/7 expert doubt support. Exact pricing details are on our plans page; many families choose annual subscriptions for complete CBSE coverage.
How do I prepare for poetry questions on Custard the Dragon?+
Focus on: (1) Identify rhyme scheme (AABB), (2) Name poetic devices (alliteration: 'bold and brash'), (3) Explain tone (humorous, satirical), (4) Connect to theme (courage vs. cowardice). Our AI module provides line-by-line poetry analysis with annotations highlighting literary devices.
Can I use CBSETUTOR.ai on mobile for on-the-go revision?+
Yes. CBSETUTOR.ai is fully mobile-optimized. Download our app or use the web version to access Chapter 6 flashcards, quick quizzes, and previous-year questions anytime, anywhere. Offline mode available for premium members.
How many previous-year questions does your bank cover for Chapter 6?+
Our PYQ bank includes 100+ questions from CBSE board exams (2020–2025), Delhi region and national-level papers, with expert solutions, mark schemes, and answer patterns. New questions added after each exam session for updated preparation.
What if I'm scoring low on Mijbil comprehension—how do I improve?+
CBSETUTOR.ai's diagnostic quiz identifies your weak areas (character traits, plot details, emotional tone). Personalized micro-lessons and targeted practice sections rebuild gaps. Most students see 20% improvement within 2 weeks using this AI-guided approach alongside our solution bank.
Related resources
Class 9 English — First Flight Chapter 1: A Letter to God, Dust of Snow & Fire and Ice — Previous Year Questions (2020–2025)Class 9 English First Flight Chapter 8: The Sermon at Benares / The Proposal — Previous Year Questions with SolutionsClass 9 English — First Flight Chapter 9 Previous Year Questions: A Triumph of Surgery, The Thief's Story & The Midnight VisitorClass 9 English First Flight Chapter 10 Previous Year Questions: Footprints Without Feet, The Making of a Scientist & BholiClass 9 English — First Flight Chapter 12: Writing Skills Previous Year Questions (2020–2025)Class 9 English First Flight Chapter 3: Two Stories About Flying & How to Tell Wild Animals – 30 MCQs with AnswersClass 9 English First Flight Chapter 6 MCQ Quiz: Mijbil the Otter & The Tale of Custard the DragonClass 9 Mathematics Chapter 5 'I'm Up and Down, and Round and Round' Previous Year Questions (2020–2025)
Keep learning — related guides
Mathematics
Class 9 Mathematics Chapter 3 Number Play: Previous Year Questions with Complete Solutions
Mathematics
Class 9 Mathematics Chapter 2: Lines and Angles Previous Year Questions (2020–2025)
Mathematics
Class 9 Mathematics Chapter 1 Patterns in Mathematics Previous Year Questions (2020–2025)
French
Class 9 French Chapter 14 Le Monde Francophone · Culture — Previous Year Questions (2020–2025)
French
Class 9 French Chapter 13 Le Temps et le Climat Previous Year Questions (2020–2025)
French
Class 9 French Chapter 12 Les Sports, les Loisirs et le Temps Libre Previous Year Questions (2020–2025)
Ready to give your Class 9 child the tutor that never sleeps?
CBSETUTOR.ai covers every chapter in the Class 9 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 →