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I. Chapter Summary

Mijbil the Otter, written by Gavin Maxwell, is a heartwarming account of the author’s experiences with an otter named Mijbil, whom he brought from Iraq to his home in London. The story begins with the author’s decision to keep an otter instead of a dog as a pet. After some effort, he acquires Mijbil, and the two develop a strong bond. The chapter humorously and tenderly details Mijbil’s playful nature, his adventures in water, and the challenges of traveling with an unusual pet. The narrative highlights the joy of human-animal relationships, adaptability, and the uniqueness of animal behavior.

II. Key Concepts Covered

Concept	Explanation
Human-Animal Bond	Shows the affectionate, loyal relationship between the author and Mijbil.
Curiosity and Playfulness	Mijbil’s natural behavior displays a mix of intelligence and innocence.
Adaptation and Exploration	Mij adapts to a new environment while exploring everything curiously.
Cultural Contrast	Depicts people’s reactions to exotic animals in different countries.
Challenges of Unconventional Pets	Highlights the struggles of traveling and living with a wild pet.

III. Important Questions

(A) Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark)

1. Where did the author decide to keep an otter instead of a dog?
   • a) England
   • b) Iraq
   • c) Egypt
   • d) India
   •  Answer: b) Iraq
2. What name was given to the otter?
   • a) Tommy
   • b) Mijbil
   • c) Otley
   • d) Kit
   •  Answer: b) Mijbil
3. What was Mijbil’s favorite activity?
   • a) Eating
   • b) Sleeping
   • c) Swimming and playing with water
   • d) Running around the house
   •  Answer: c) Swimming and playing with water
4. What was the reaction of people at the airport towards Mijbil?
   • a) They were scared
   • b) They ignored him
   • c) They were curious and amused
   • d) They scolded the author
   •  Answer: c) They were curious and amused

(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks)

1. Why did the author choose to keep an otter as a pet instead of a dog? (PYQ – 2020)
2. How did Mijbil react to his new surroundings in London?
3. Describe Mijbil’s behavior when he was let out of his box in the beginning.
4. What made the author’s travel with Mijbil challenging?

(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)

1. Describe the bond between the author and Mijbil with examples from the story. (PYQ – 2021)
2. What do we learn about otters and their nature from the story?
3. How does the story highlight the emotional depth and intelligence of animals?
4. What challenges did the author face while transporting Mijbil? How did he overcome them?

(D) HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills)

1. Do you think wild animals like otters can adapt to domestic life? What are the pros and cons?
2. If you were in the author’s place, how would you manage traveling with an unusual pet?

IV. Key Formulas/Concepts

Being a literary narrative, this chapter doesn’t involve formulas. However, it includes:

• Tone: Warm, humorous, and affectionate.
• Narrative Style: First-person, autobiographical.
• Theme: Human-animal friendship, curiosity, adaptation, and companionship.
• Literary Devices: Personification (Mij is described with human-like traits), imagery (vivid description of actions), humor.

V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025–2026)

 No portions have been deleted from this chapter as per the rationalized NCERT textbooks (2025–26).

VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025–2026)

Unit/Chapter	Estimated Marks	Type of Questions Typically Asked
Mijbil the Otter	6–8 marks	MCQs, Short Answer, Long Answer, HOTS

VII. Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Year	Marks	Question
2020	2	Why did the author decide to keep an otter as a pet?
2021	5	Describe the relationship between the author and Mijbil. What made it special?

VIII. Real-World Application Examples

• Wildlife Conservation: Raises awareness about respecting animals and their natural habitats.
• Pet Care: Emphasizes responsibilities of owning exotic or unconventional pets.
• Behavioral Science: Helps understand animal intelligence, bonding, and emotional expression.
• Travel & Wildlife Law: Shows challenges related to animal transport and airport protocols.

IX. Student Tips & Strategies for Success

 Time Management

• Divide the story into 3 phases: Meeting Mij, Life with Mij, Travel with Mij for better understanding.
• Make short notes on Mijbil’s traits and behaviors.

 Exam Preparation

• Use value-based vocabulary: “loyalty,” “curiosity,” “companionship,” “playfulness.”
• Practice character sketch questions and theme-based analysis.

 Stress Management

• Watch nature documentaries or stories of unusual pets to relax and connect emotionally with the chapter.
• Maintain a gratitude journal for your bond with pets or nature.

X. Career Guidance & Exploration

For Classes 9–10

Stream Connections:

• Science: Zoology, veterinary science, behavioral ecology.
• Commerce: Pet care businesses, wildlife tourism.
• Arts: Travel writing, storytelling, animal photography.

Career Paths:

• Wildlife Photographer
• Pet Psychologist / Animal Trainer
• Travel & Nature Journalist
• Conservationist or Zoologist

Relevant Exams & Programs:

• NTSE
• CBSE Expression Series
• Wildlife Olympiad / Nature Clubs

XI. Important Notes

•  Always follow ncert.nic.in and cbseacademic.nic.in for updates.
•  Use this chapter to build empathy and understanding toward animals and their needs.
•  Reflective writing (e.g., “My Ideal Pet” or “A Day with Mijbil”) improves personal expression.