How to Tell Wild Animals Summary Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 4

Introduction 

The poem "How to Tell Wild Animals" by Carolyn Wells teaches us how to recognize different animals in the wild. Wells vividly describes each animal's characteristics to help us identify them. For example, a Bengal tiger has black stripes on yellow fur, while a leopard has spots and might jump at us. If an animal hugs tightly, it's likely a bear. Beginners can tell crocodiles from hyenas: hyenas smile, but crocodiles appear to have tears. And if there's nothing on a tree, it might be a chameleon.

Summary 

The poet describes various wild animals in an engaging and humorous manner, despite their dangerous nature. She begins by introducing the Asian lion, describing its tawny skin and terrifying roar that could induce fear to the point of death. Similarly, she portrays the Bengal tiger as a majestic creature capable of swiftly attacking and devouring its prey, using dark humour to illustrate its deadly nature.

Moving on, she depicts the leopard as an animal with spotted skin that can leap upon its victims in an instant. She humorously suggests that crying out in pain would be futile as the leopard would continue its relentless assault. The poet then introduces the bear, highlighting its ability to fatally hug its victims tightly.

She then poses a question about recognizing predators and explains the distinguishing features of hyenas and crocodiles. Hyenas are characterized by their perpetual smiles, while crocodiles appear to shed tears while hunting.

Lastly, the poet describes the chameleon as a lizard-like creature without ears or wings, emphasizing its unique ability to change color to blend with its surroundings. She humorously suggests that if one sees only a tree without any other visible creatures, it's likely a chameleon camouflaged to match the tree's colour. Through vivid imagery and witty descriptions, the poet effectively conveys the characteristics and behaviours of each wild animal.

Conclusion