Chapter 8: Mijbil the Otter by Gavin Maxwell. 10

 Chapter 8: Mijbil the Otter by Gavin Maxwell.

Word Meanings (Simple English)

• Otter – an animal that lives in water and on land

• Dull – not bright, boring

• Hectic – very busy

• Companion – a friend, one who stays with you

• Lodged – placed or stuck

• Whiskers – long hairs near the mouth of some animals

• Haul – pull with force

• Tumbled – fell suddenly

• Absorbed – fully interested

• Complicated – difficult

• Scrambled – moved quickly and awkwardly

• Obvious – clear, easy to see

• Fascinated – very interested

• Gurgle – bubbling sound

• Exhausted – very tired

 NCERT Question–Answers

Thinking about the Text

Q1. What ‘experiment’ did Maxwell think Camusfearna would be suitable for?
Maxwell wanted to keep an otter as a pet instead of a dog. He thought Camusfearna, his home in Scotland surrounded by water, was a suitable place to keep and raise an otter.

Q2. Why does he go to Basra? How long does he wait there, and why?
He went to Basra to collect and bring an otter. He waited there for several days because his mail had not arrived, and he could not travel without his necessary papers and permissions.

Q3. How does he get the otter?
 His friend brought a sack containing a small otter sent by the zoo. This little otter was later named Mijbil (Mij) by Maxwell.

Q4. How was Mijbil transported to England?
 Mijbil first travelled in a box on an airplane. Later, he travelled with Maxwell in public transport in London, where he behaved very well, making people curious and friendly toward him.

Q5. What happened when Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom? What did it do two days after that?
 At first, Mijbil was afraid of water. But soon he played joyfully in the bathtub, splashing and swimming. After two days, he himself went to the bathroom, turned on the tap, and played with water.

Q6. How did Mijbil behave in London?
 In London, Mijbil was very friendly and well-behaved. He accompanied Maxwell in taxis and buses. People were curious and often asked questions about him, but Mijbil never created trouble in public places.

Q7. What are some things we learn about otters from this text?
 Otters are playful, intelligent, and love water. They are curious by nature, learn quickly, and can adjust to humans. They make good companions and have friendly and attractive personalities.

Chapter 8 – Mijbil the Otter

Q1. What ‘experiment’ did Maxwell think Camusfearna would be suitable for?
Maxwell thought of keeping an otter as a pet instead of a dog. His house, Camusfearna, surrounded by water, was perfect for such an experiment because it gave a natural environment for an otter to live happily.

Q2. Why does he go to Basra? How long does he wait there, and why?
Maxwell went to Basra to collect and bring an otter. He waited there for several days because his mail had not arrived. Without his papers and permits, he could not proceed further for his journey back.

Q3. How does he get the otter?
A friend brought him a sack containing a small otter from the zoo. This otter soon became Maxwell’s companion. He named it Mijbil (Mij), and it later became the most lovable part of his life.

Q4. How was Mijbil transported to England?
Mijbil first travelled in a small box on the airplane. In London, he accompanied Maxwell in taxis and buses. People were curious and asked about him, but Mijbil behaved very well without troubling anyone during the journey.

Q5. What happened when Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom? What did it do two days after that?
At first, Mijbil was afraid of water, but soon he started playing happily in the bathtub. After two days, he went to the bathroom on his own, turned on the water tap, and played with water.

Q6. How did Mijbil behave in London?
Mijbil adjusted well to city life. He travelled in public transport, played with toys, and made people laugh with his innocence. Everyone was curious about him, but he always remained friendly, calm, and never created any trouble.

Q7. What are some things we learn about otters from this text?
Otters are intelligent, playful, and curious animals. They love water, can learn things quickly, and adjust well with humans. They enjoy companionship, can be trained, and often become friendly and loyal pets for their owners.