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Question
What are ‘compulsive habits’? What does Maxwell say are the compulsive habits of
(i) school children
(ii) Mij?
Solution
Compulsive habits are habits that are impossible to control. According to Maxwell, children on their way to and from school must place their feet squarely on the centre of each paving block; they must touch every seventh upright of the iron railings, or pass to the outside of every second lamp post. Such were the compulsive habits of children.
Opposite to Maxwell’s flat, there was a single-storied primary school. Along its frontage ran a low wall some two feet high. On its way home, Mij would tug Maxwell to this wall, jump onto it, and gallop the full length of its thirty yards, distracting both the pupils and the staff. Such was the compulsive habit of Mij.
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| 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. |
- Which of the following is not a reason why Mijbil came onto Maxwell’s bed in the small hours? (1)
- He had started taking interest in his surroundings.
- He was becoming friendly with Maxwell.
- He wanted to play with Maxwell on his bed.
- He wanted to feel safe and not remain indifferent.
- 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)
- Read the following descriptions (A) - (D) and identify which one correctly corresponds to the extract. (1)
- Owning a pet is tedious and needs commitment.
- A pet needs his own space and time to get adjusted to his owner’s environment.
- Maxwell decided to bring Mijbil because he was very sad to lose his dog.
- Maxwell and Mijbil loved travelling.
- Which characteristic trait of otters is revealed when Mijbil is taken to the bathroom? (1)
