Class 10 English Chapter 1 Question Answers - First Flight

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Q1. “Humour is the perfect medicine for all diseases”. Discuss this statement by taking examples from the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals”.
Ans: The poet presents wild animals in a humorous way, making even the most dangerous creatures, such as lions, tigers, leopards, bears, hyenas, crocodiles, and chameleons, seem amusing. Their perilous actions are described in a manner that evokes laughter. For instance, the poem suggests that if you encounter a large beast that roars at you, it is likely the Asian Lion. Similarly, the Bengal Tiger can be identified by its black stripes and yellow background, particularly if it is about to eat you. This playful approach to identifying wild animals highlights the absurdity of the situations. Moreover, the poet cleverly uses language to create humour. Phrases like "bearhug" and the idea that hyenas laugh while crocodiles shed "crocodile tears" add to the comedic effect. The poet's unique spelling choices, such as "lept," contribute to the overall playful tone, making the poem both entertaining and engaging.

Q2. Name the different animals and birds found in the jungles of the east.
Ans: In the jungles of the east, you can find various fascinating animals and birds. The Bengal Tiger is known for its striking black stripes on a yellow background. The Leopard, with its distinctive spotted coat, is another notable predator. Additionally, the Bear is a large creature often recognised for its strength. The Hyena, known for its unique laugh, is also present in these jungles. You may also encounter Crocodiles, which are often found near water bodies, and the Chameleon, a small lizard famous for its ability to change colour.

Bengal Tiger

Q3. What is the famous saying associated with crocodiles and what does it mean?
Ans: The famous saying associated with crocodiles is ‘shedding crocodile tears’. This expression refers to tears or displays of sorrow that are insincere. The phrase originates from an old belief that crocodiles would weep while consuming their prey.

Q4. Peppered spots, tawny beast and noble wild beasts live in the jungles along with some others. Name them.
Ans: The leopard, lion, and Bengal Tiger inhabit the jungles alongside other creatures such as bears, hyenas, crocodiles, and chameleons.

Q5. What is the theme of the poem — ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’?
Ans: The theme of the poem is to create humour. The poet achieves this by suggesting dangerous methods for identifying wild animals. You can recognise most beasts while they are attacking you. Instead of calling for help or trying to defend yourself, you are focused on identifying the attacker, which makes the situation amusing.

Q6. How does the Bengal Tiger look? What is so distinct about a hint?
Ans: The Bengal Tiger is a noble wild animal that roams the forest. Its skin is a striking yellow adorned with black stripes. When the Bengal Tiger spots someone, it instinctively tries to attack them.

Q7. How does the poet describe the bear?
Ans: The poet describes the bear as a creature that can easily enter human spaces, which is why one might encounter a bear in their own yard. When the bear approaches a person, it may seem to embrace them affectionately. However, this seemingly loving gesture can actually be fatal.

Q8. Why does the poet say that a bear’s ‘hug’ may confuse a novice?
Ans: The poet describes a bear's ‘hug’ as potentially confusing for a novice because bears can be dangerous. When a bear hugs its victim tightly, it can lead to death. A novice, unaware of this, might misinterpret the bear's embrace as a loving gesture, not realising the true danger behind it.

Bear

Q9. What does the poet say about the crocodile and the hyena?
Ans: The poet presents the crocodile and the hyena in a humorous light. The hyena appears to be laughing, but it is merely a trick of its expression; it does not actually laugh. In contrast, the crocodile seems to shed tears while consuming its prey, giving the impression of mourning. However, this is misleading, as the crocodile's tears do not signify genuine sorrow for its victim.

Q10. How can one recognise the leopard?
Ans: The leopard is a highly agile animal, always prepared to pounce on its prey. Its coat is covered with distinctive dark spots. If it spots you, it may leap towards you, showing no mercy. Remember, calling for help will not deter it, as it will continue to attack.

Q11. Can a novice distinguish among wild animals? How can hyenas be distinguished from crocodiles?
Ans: It can be quite difficult for a novice to distinguish between wild animals, as they may easily become confused. However, distinguishing between crocodiles and hyenas is relatively straightforward. Hyenas are often recognised by their merry smiles, while crocodiles can be identified by their characteristic tears.

Leopard

Q12. How will you recognise a chameleon?
Ans: A chameleon is a small creature that resembles a lizard. Notably, it lacks ears and does not have any wings. If you spot such a creature resting on a tree, you can be certain it is a chameleon.

Q13. What humorous descriptions do you find in the poem?
Ans: Humorous descriptions of animals appear throughout the poem. The poet uses clever word choices and unique explanations to create these images. For instance, the Bengal tiger is portrayed as noble, while the bear is said to give hugs and the hyena is depicted as smiling.

Q14. Does ‘dyin’ really rhyme with ‘lion’? Can you say it in such a way that it does?
Ans: No, ‘dyin’ does not rhyme with ‘lion’. The poet uses ‘dyin’ specifically so that when pronounced, it creates a rhyme with ‘lion’.