Question

Read the following extract and answer the questions:

For the first twenty-four hours, Mijbil was neither hostile nor friendly; he was simply aloof and indifferent, choosing to sleep on the floor as far from my bed as possible. The second night Mijbil came on to my bed in the small hours and remained asleep in the crook of my knees until the servant brought tea in the morning, and during the day he began to lose his apathy and take a keen, much too keen, interest in his surroundings. I made a body-belt for him and took him on a lead to the bathroom, where for half an hour he went wild with joy in the water.

1. Which of the following is not a reason why Mijbil came onto Maxwell’s bed in the small hours?     (1)
   1. He had started taking interest in his surroundings.
   2. He was becoming friendly with Maxwell.
   3. He wanted to play with Maxwell on his bed.
   4. He wanted to feel safe and not remain indifferent.
2. Maxwell says that Mijbil was neither hostile nor friendly, he was simply aloof and indifferent for the first twenty-four hours. Give reasons in not more than 40 words.     (2)
3. Read the following descriptions (A) - (D) and identify which one correctly corresponds to the extract.      (1)
   1. Owning a pet is tedious and needs commitment.
   2. A pet needs his own space and time to get adjusted to his owner’s environment.
   3. Maxwell decided to bring Mijbil because he was very sad to lose his dog.
   4. Maxwell and Mijbil loved travelling.
4. Which characteristic trait of otters is revealed when Mijbil is taken to the bathroom?    (1)

Answer 1

1. He wanted to play with Maxwell on his bed.
2. Mijbil was in a new environment, which likely made him feel unsure and cautious. Being in unfamiliar surroundings, he needed time to adjust and feel comfortable around Maxwell, thus initially showing indifference and aloofness as a natural response to the change in his setting.
3. A pet needs his own space and time to get adjusted to his owner’s environment.
4. Joy in water.