Chapter 4: How to Tell Wild Animals

Important questions — the ones the board asked most (12)

1. Q1Short answer12 marksAsked: 2025

   Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 30-40 words each : I. Every creature possesses a unique characteristic that defines it, and this trait is closely linked to its nature. This concept is beautifully illustrated in the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals.” Elucidate. II. Pranjal seemed to have a different level of enthusiasm compared to Rajvir when they both saw the tree plantation. Justify. (Glimpses of India) III. In the poem “Dust of Snow”, the ‘hemlock tree’ and the ‘crow’ hold specific meanings. Elaborate on how these symbols are utilized within the context of the poem. IV. In what manner did Lencho’s cornfield suffer damage? Did he hold any expectations of receiving assistance? (A Letter to God) V. Engaging in discussions and disputes rarely leads to problem resolution. Support the statement with evidence from the text. (The Proposal)

   

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   Model answer

   1. 1.Each animal in the poem is known by a trait that comes from its nature. The lion roars, the Bengal tiger has black stripes on yellow, the leopard leaps on you, the bear hugs, the hyena smiles, the crocodile weeps and the chameleon blends so well that you see nothing on the tree.3 marks
   2. 2.Rajvir was visiting Assam for the first time. He was thrilled by the sea of tea bushes and eagerly shared what he had read about tea and its legends. Pranjal, born and brought up on a tea plantation, had seen it all before, so he showed little interest.3 marks
   3. 3.The hemlock is a poisonous tree and the crow is considered a bird of ill omen, so both stand for gloom and negativity. Yet when the crow shook the dust of snow from the hemlock onto the poet, his sad mood changed and he saved some part of a day he had rued.3 marks
   4. 4.IV: A hailstorm ruined Lencho's cornfield — the corn was totally destroyed and the flowers were gone. Yet he had firm faith in God and hoped for help from Him alone, so he wrote a letter to God asking for a hundred pesos. OR V: Lomov comes to propose to Natalya, but they quarrel over the Oxen Meadows and then over the dogs Guess and Squeezer. Chubukov joins in and Lomov collapses. The proposal is settled only when Chubukov intervenes, and even then they go on quarrelling, so arguments solve nothing.3 marks

   Marks split from a structure derived from past papers (checked twice); not CBSE’s official scheme

2. Q2Short answer5 marksAsked: 2024

   Read the given extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two : (a) The true Chameleon is small A lizard sort of thing; He hasn't any ears at all, And not a single wing, If there is nothing on the tree, 'Tis the Chameleon you see. (How To Tell Wild Animals) (i) Fill in the blank with one word : When the speaker says "If there is nothing on the tree, 'Tis the Chameleon you see", he refers to _____ as characteristic trait of a true Chameleon. (ii) What does the speaker mean when he says, "A lizard sort of thing" ? (iii) Which of the following best describes the speaker's disposition while describing the Chameleon ? (A) indifferent (B) playful (C) dismissive (D) respectful (iv) Comment on the poet's use of language in these lines. Answer in about 40 words. OR (b) My head is full of whispers Which tomorrow will be silent. Listen. The glass is breaking. The trees are stumbling forward into the night. Winds rush to meet them. The moon is broken like a mirror, its pieces flash now in the crown of the tallest Oak. (The Trees) (i) Identify the figure of speech used in the line : "The Trees are stumbling forward into the night". (ii) Explain the significance of the line : "The moon is broken like a mirror, its pieces flash now in the crown of the tallest Oak." Answer in about 40 words. (iii) Complete the sentence with the appropriate option. In the third line, the word 'Listen' is used to _______. (A) serve no purpose but to complete the sentence. (B) emphasize listening carefully to the sound of glass breaking. (C) emphasize listening carefully as a change is about to take place. (D) make the reader more attentive. (iv) What does the line : "My head is full of whispers which tomorrow will be silent" tell us about the poet's state of mind ?

   

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   Model answer · poem interpretation, How to Tell Wild Animals / The Trees

   1. 1.(a)(i) camouflage. OR (b)(i) Personification — the trees are described as 'stumbling forward' like human beings.1 mark
   2. 2.(a)(ii) He means that the chameleon looks like a lizard — it is a small creature of the lizard kind. OR (b)(iii) (C) emphasize listening carefully as a change is about to take place.1 mark
   3. 3.(a)(iii) (B) playful. OR (b)(iv) It shows that the poet's mind is restless and full of thoughts and worries about the change taking place; by tomorrow, when the trees have left, these whispers will be silent.1 mark
   4. 4.(a)(iv) The poet uses simple, informal and conversational language, as in 'A lizard sort of thing' and 'Tis'. The lines have a regular rhythm and rhyme (small–all, thing–wing, tree–see). The humour lies in the witty twist: if you see nothing on the tree, that is the chameleon, since it blends with its surroundings. OR (b)(ii) The line is a simile: the moon is compared to a broken mirror. Seen through the branches and leaves of the tallest oak, the moonlight appears in broken, flashing pieces. It shows the great change of that night — the old order is shattered as the trees move out of the house into the open forest.2 marks

   Marks split from a structure derived from past papers (checked twice); not CBSE’s official scheme

3. Q3Case-based5 marksAsked: 2023

   Attempt any one of the given two extracts : (a) Though to distinguish beasts of prey A novice might nonplus, The crocodiles you always may Tell from the Hyena thus : Hyenas come with merry smiles; But if they weep they're crocodiles. (i) Select the appropriate option to complete the sentence, according to the extract : Crocodiles can be identified by their ________. (a) tears (b) attitude (c) smiles (d) attacks (ii) State whether the following statement is True or False : Hyenas are famous for weeping. (iii) 'Novice' in line 2 means the same as : (a) learner (b) beast (c) tender foot (d) beginner (iv) In this extract the poet has presented two different behavioural traits of animals. They are ________. (v) The poet uses 'A novice might nonplus' instead of the novice might get confused. How does this usage impact the poem ? (a) adds an incorrect option. (b) it is associated with beasts. (c) it rhymes and adds humour. (d) it simplifies the meaning. OR (b) He stalks in his vivid stripes The few steps of his cage, On pads of velvet quiet, In his quiet rage He should be lurking in shadow Sliding through long grass Near the water hole Where plump deer pass. (i) Complete the sentence appropriately. The vivid stripes refer to the ________. (ii) Which word from the extract is the opposite of 'loud' ? (iii) The use of the phrase 'pads of velvet' means (a) neck (b) tail (c) skin (d) paws (iv) State whether the following statement is True or False : The confinement of the cramped space of the cage has restricted the tiger's steps. (v) The tiger was lurking in shadow ________. (a) to catch its prey (b) as the cage was dark (c) as the velvet was quiet (d) as he was in a rage

   

   Medha Ma’am

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   Model answer · How to Tell Wild Animals extract

   1. 1.(i) (a) tears. Crocodiles can be identified by their tears. The poet says, "But if they weep they're Crocodiles." Crocodiles are thought to weep as they swallow their victims.1 mark
   2. 2.(ii) False. Hyenas are not famous for weeping. In the poem, hyenas "come with merry smiles", because hyenas are thought to laugh. It is the crocodile that weeps.1 mark
   3. 3.(iii) (d) beginner. A novice is someone new to a job, so in line 2 'novice' means a beginner, someone who cannot yet tell wild animals apart.1 mark
   4. 4.(iv) The two different behavioural traits shown in the extract are the smiling of the hyena and the crying of the crocodile.1 mark
   5. 5.(v) (c) It rhymes and adds humour. 'Nonplus' rhymes with 'thus' at the end of line 4, which keeps the strong, regular rhythm of the poem. The poet takes liberties with language here, and the odd use of 'nonplus' makes the line funny.1 mark

   • For (iv), name both traits together: "the smiling of the hyena and the crying of the crocodile".
   • For the option questions, write the option letter along with the option's words, for example "(d) beginner".
   • For (v), say that 'nonplus' rhymes with 'thus' and adds humour.

   Marks split as in the board’s published marking scheme

4. Q4Case-based5 marksAsked: 2023

   Attempt any one of the given two extracts : (a) Though to distinguish beasts of prey A novice might nonplus, The crocodiles you always may Tell from the Hyena thus : Hyenas come with merry smiles; But if they weep they're crocodiles. (i) Select the appropriate option to complete the sentence, according to the extract : Crocodiles can be identified by their _______. (a) tears (b) attitude (c) smiles (d) attacks (ii) State whether the following statement is True or False : Hyenas are famous for weeping. (iii) 'Novice' in line 2 means the same as : (a) learner (b) beast (c) tender foot (d) beginner (iv) In this extract the poet has presented two different behavioural traits of animals. They are ______. (v) The poet uses 'A novice might nonplus' instead of the novice might get confused. How does this usage impact the poem ? (a) adds an incorrect option. (b) it is associated with beasts. (c) it rhymes and adds humour. (d) it simplifies the meaning. OR (b) He stalks in his vivid stripes The few steps of his cage, On pads of velvet quiet, In his quiet rage He should be lurking in shadow Sliding through long grass Near the water hole Where plump deer pass. (i) Complete the sentence appropriately. The vivid stripes refer to the ______. (ii) Which word from the extract is the opposite of 'loud' ? (iii) The use of the phrase 'pads of velvet' means (a) neck (b) tail (c) skin (d) paws (iv) State whether the following statement is True or False : The confinement of the cramped space of the cage has restricted the tiger's steps. (v) The tiger was lurking in shadow __________ (a) to catch its prey (b) as the cage was dark (c) as the velvet was quiet (d) as he was in a rage

   How the model answer begins

   1. (a)(i) (a) tears. OR (b)(i) The vivid stripes refer to the tiger's striped skin (body).

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5. Q5Case-based5 marksAsked: 2023

   7. Attempt any one from Or if some time when roaming round, A noble wild beast greets you, With black stripes on a yellow ground, Just notice if he eats you. This simple rule may help you learn The Bengal Tiger to discern. (A) and (B) given below : (A) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : (i) Who is the ‘noble wild beast’ in the above lines ? (a) zebra (b) Asian Tiger (c) Asian Lion (d) Bengal Tiger (ii) Complete the sentence appropriately. It is clear that ‘Alliteration’ is the poetic device used for ‘roaming round’ because __________. (Clue : explain how alliteration applies here) (iii) State whether the following statement is True or False : The extract helps to identify a Royal Bengal Tiger. (iv) In the given lines, what effect does the poet create ? ‘Just notice if he eats you. This simple rule may help you learn The Bengal Tiger to discern.’ (a) irony (b) terror (c) sympathy (d) criticism (v) Which word in the extract tells you that you have recognised the ‘noble beast’ ? (a) rule (b) discern (c) roaming (d) notice OR (B) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : (i) Whose is the last voice heard by the tiger ? (a) police jeep (b) patrolling cars (c) watchmen (d) roar of lion (ii) Complete the sentence appropriately. It is clear that ‘Repetition’ is the poetic device used for ‘his brilliant eyes at the brilliant stars’ because __________. (Clue : explain how repetition applies here) (iii) The main contrasting ideas in this extract are (a) tiger and deer. (b) cruelty and sympathy. (c) confinement and freedom. (d) master and slave. (iv) The use of the word ‘stalks’ creates an image of (a) cowardice. (b) frustration. (c) lethargy. (d) purposefulness. (v) State whether the following statement is True or False : The poem uses ‘staring at the sky’ to symbolize the freedom ‘he’ yearns for.

   How the model answer begins

   1. (A) (i) (d) Bengal Tiger. The 'noble wild beast' with black stripes on a yellow ground (background) is the Bengal Tiger.

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6. Q6Case-based5 marksAsked: 2023

   Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below : (A) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : 5x1=5 Or if some time when roaming round, A noble wild beast greets you, With black stripes on a yellow ground, Just notice if he eats you. This simple rule may help you learn The Bengal Tiger to discern. (i) Who is the 'noble wild beast' in the above lines ? (a) zebra (b) Asian Tiger (c) Asian Lion (d) Bengal Tiger (ii) Complete the sentence appropriately. It is clear that 'Alliteration' is the poetic device used for 'roaming round' because ________. (Clue : explain how alliteration applies here) (iii) State whether the following statement is True or False : The extract helps to identify a Royal Bengal Tiger. (iv) In the given lines, what effect does the poet create ? 'Just notice if he eats you. This simple rule may help you learn The Bengal Tiger to discern.' (a) irony (b) terror (c) sympathy (d) criticism (v) Which word in the extract tells you that you have recognised the 'noble beast' ? (a) rule (b) discern (c) roaming (d) notice OR

   How the model answer begins

   1. (i) (d) Bengal Tiger. The 'noble wild beast' with black stripes on a yellow ground is the Bengal Tiger, which the poet names in the last line.

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7. Q7Case-based5 marksAsked: 2023

   7. (a) Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow by choosing the most appropriate option : 5 x 1 = 5 If strolling forth, a beast you view, Whose hide with spots is peppered, As soon as he has leapt on you, You'll know it's the leopard. 'Twill do no good to roar with pain, He'll only lep and lep again. (i) One can find out that it is a leopard by the way it ______. (a) leaps (b) eats (c) looks (d) roars (ii) State whether the following statement is true or false : When an animal repeatedly leaps at a person, it is a leopard. (iii) Complete the sentence appropriately : It is clear that repetition is a poetic device used for 'lep and lep again' because ________. (Clue : explain how repetition is applied here.) (iv) The Royal Bengal Tiger has black stripes on yellow skin whereas a leopard has ________. (v) Complete the analogy with a word from the extract : claws : nails :: ? : skin OR (b) He stalks in his vivid stripes The few steps of his cage On pads of velvet quiet In his quiet rage. He should be lurking in shadow Sliding through long grass Near the water hole Where plump deer pass (i) 'He' is in a rage because he is (a) hungry (b) tied (c) thirsty (d) in a cage (ii) He is lurking in the shadow because ________. (iii) The above lines express the tiger's ________. (a) resignation (b) fear (c) anger (d) acceptance (iv) Complete the sentence appropriately : It is clear that metaphor is the poetic device used for 'pads of velvet' — because ________ (Clue : explain how metaphor is applied here.) (v) The contrast in the above extract is between life in the forest and life in the (a) circus (b) national park (c) cave (d) zoo

   How the model answer begins

   1. (i) (a) leaps. You know it is the leopard as soon as it has leapt on you.

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8. Q8Case-based5 marksAsked: 2026

   Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (a) or (b) : (a) Though to distinguish beasts of prey A novice might nonplus, The Crocodile you always may Tell from the Hyena thus: Hyenas come with merry smiles; But if they weep they’re Crocodiles. The true Chameleon is small, A lizard sort of thing; He hasn’t any ears at all, And not a single wing. If there is nothing on the tree, ’Tis the chameleon you see. (How to Tell Wild Animals) (i) How does the poet describe the crocodile's tears ? Choose the correct option : (A) genuine and heartfelt (B) joyful and sincere (C) false and deceptive (D) cold and indifferent (ii) What confusion will a newcomer face while distinguishing between a hyena and a crocodile, as described humorously by the poet in the above extract ? (iii) Mention any two characteristics of a chameleon on the basis of the given extract. (iv) Fill in the blank with the correct option from those given in the brackets : The tone of the poet in the above lines is __________ (playful and humorous/serious and confused). OR (b) [passage] (i) Complete the sentence appropriately : Amanda wants to be an orphan because __________. (ii) What does the image of Amanda "roaming barefoot in the dusty street" signify ?

   How the model answer begins

   1. (i) (C) false and deceptive. They are 'crocodile tears', which crocodiles are thought to weep as they swallow their victims.

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9. Q9Short answer5 marksAsked: 2024

   Read the given extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two : (a) The true Chameleon is small A lizard sort of thing; He hasn't any ears at all, And not a single wing, If there is nothing on the tree, 'Tis the Chameleon you see. (How To Tell Wild Animals) (i) Fill in the blank with one word : When the speaker says "If there is nothing on the tree, 'Tis the Chameleon you see", he refers to ____ as characteristic trait of a true Chameleon. (ii) What does the speaker mean when he says, "A lizard sort of thing" ? (iii) Which of the following best describes the speaker's disposition while describing the Chameleon ? (A) indifferent (B) playful (C) dismissive (D) respectful (iv) Comment on the poet's use of language in these lines. Answer in about 40 words. OR (b) My head is full of whispers Which tomorrow will be silent. Listen. The glass is breaking. The trees are stumbling forward into the night. Winds rush to meet them. The moon is broken like a mirror, its pieces flash now in the crown of the tallest Oak. (The Trees) (i) Identify the figure of speech used in the line : "The Trees are stumbling forward into the night". (ii) Explain the significance of the line : "The moon is broken like a mirror, its pieces flash now in the crown of the tallest Oak." Answer in about 40 words. (iii) Complete the sentence with the appropriate option. In the third line, the word 'Listen' is used to ____. (A) serve no purpose but to complete the sentence. (B) emphasize listening carefully to the sound of glass breaking. (C) emphasize listening carefully as a change is about to take place. (D) make the reader more attentive. (iv) What does the line : "My head is full of whispers which tomorrow will be silent" tell us about the poet's state of mind ?

   How the model answer begins

   1. (a) camouflage. OR (b) Personification — the trees are described as 'stumbling forward' like human beings.

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10. Q10Short answer3 marksAsked: 2026

    What lesson does the poet convey about nature in ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’ ?

    How the model answer begins

    1. In 'How to Tell Wild Animals', the poet Carolyn Wells uses humour to caution the readers about wild animals. Her funny rules say that you will know the Asian Lion when he roars at you as you are dying, and the Bengal…

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11. Q11Short answer3 marksAsked: 2025

    Mention two points of difference between a Bengal tiger and an Asiatic lion. (How to Tell Wild Animals)

    How the model answer begins

    1. 1. Appearance – Asiatic Lion: a large and tawny beast with a huge body and dull brown skin; Bengal Tiger: a noble wild beast with black stripes on a yellow ground (a yellow body). 2. Way of killing – Asiatic Lion: it…

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12. Q12Short answer3 marksAsked: 2025

    Why is the term 'bear hug' ironical? (How to Tell Wild Animals)

    How the model answer begins

    1. The term 'bear hug' is ironical because a hug is usually a sign of love and friendship, but a bear's hug brings death. In the poem 'How to Tell Wild Animals', a creature that "hugs you very, very hard" is surely a Bear.…

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Questions parents and students ask

How many marks does "How to Tell Wild Animals" carry in CBSE Class 10 English?

In the CBSE papers of 2023–2026, this chapter carried about 2 marks and about 0 questions a year; by marks it ranks 9 in English.

Which are the most important (VVI) questions of "How to Tell Wild Animals"?

The 12 questions above are from the board’s real papers, each with the years it was asked; the most-asked come first with their full model answers. All 12 written questions of this chapter, with answers, are in the AskMedha app.

Do the answers follow the board’s marking scheme?

Yes. CBSE publishes its marking schemes; every model answer here is written point by point to the marks the board’s own scheme gives, and checked by a second, independent model.