class 10 English - Important & Question Anwers

Short Answer Type Questions (2-3 Marks)

Word limit: 30-40 words

Q1. How can you identify the Asian Lion and the Bengal Tiger according to the poet?

Ans: The poet says that the Asian Lion is a large, “tawny” (brownish-yellow) beast that roars so loudly that you feel like you are dying of fear. The Bengal Tiger, on the other hand, is a “noble” beast with black stripes on a yellow ground who eats you as soon as he sees you.

Q2. What is the “humorous” way to identify a Bear?

Ans: The poet suggests that if you meet a creature in your yard who hugs you very, very hard, it is a Bear. She adds wittily that if you have any doubt, he will give you just one more “caress” (hug) to make sure you know it’s him.

Q3. How does the poet distinguish between a Hyena and a Crocodile?

Ans: The poet uses the popular expressions associated with these animals. She says that a Hyena always comes with “merry smiles,” while a Crocodile can be identified by the “tears” in its eyes as it eats its prey.

Q4. What are the characteristics of a Chameleon?

Ans: A Chameleon is a small, lizard-like creature. It has no ears at all and not a single wing. Its most unique feature is its ability to change color; if there is nothing on the tree, you see the chameleon because it has blended into the tree.

Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)

Word limit: 100-120 words

Q1. “How to Tell Wild Animals” is a humorous poem. Discuss the use of irony and humor in it.

Ans: The humor in the poem lies in the ironic way the poet suggests “identifying” wild animals. Usually, we identify animals from a safe distance, but the poet suggests being eaten or attacked as a way to recognize them. For example, she says you’ll know the Bengal Tiger when he “eats” you, or the Leopard when he “leaps” on you. The idea of a bear “hugging” someone to death being called a “caress” is highly comical. The poet uses a light-hearted, playful tone to describe terrifying predators, making the life-threatening situations seem funny. This contrast between the danger of the animals and the casual language of the poet creates the “dark humor” of the poem.

Q2. What is the theme of the poem? How does the poet use language to create an impact?

Ans: The theme of the poem is the unique characteristics of various wild animals, presented through a lens of wit and humor. The poet wants to educate the reader about the natural world but in an entertaining way. She uses alliteration (e.g., “Lep and lep again”) and personification to bring the animals to life. She also uses poetic license—intentionally misspelling words like “leapt” as “lept” to maintain the rhythm and rhyme. The language is simple but the imagery is vivid, allowing the reader to visualize the tawny lion, the striped tiger, and the spotted leopard clearly while enjoying the clever wordplay.

Q3. Why does the poet say that a novice might be nonplussed to distinguish beasts of prey?

Ans: A “novice” (someone new to something) might get confused because many wild animals share similar habits. For instance, both the hyena and the crocodile are predators that eat other animals. However, the poet provides a unique “trick” to tell them apart: look at their “expressions.” A hyena’s face looks like it is smiling, while a crocodile looks like it is weeping. By using these famous idioms (“hyena’s laugh” and “crocodile tears”), the poet helps the novice distinguish between them in a way that is easy to remember, even if the situation itself is purely imaginary and dangerous.

Q4. Give a brief description of the Leopard and the Lion as portrayed in the poem.

Ans: The poet describes the Asian Lion as a “tawny” beast found in the jungles of the East. His roar is his primary identification mark; it is so powerful that it can scare a person to death. The Leopard, however, is identified by its “peppered” hide (spots). Unlike the lion, the leopard is known for its agility and speed. The poet warns that even if you yell with pain, the leopard will not stop; it will “lep and lep again” on you. While the lion uses his voice to terrify, the leopard uses constant, relentless physical attacks.