NCERT Class 10 Words and Expression 2 unit 6 solutions. Increase your English language understanding.
Mijbil The Otter
Reading Comprehension
Text I
The following is a story of a baby Civet cat that fell from a tree and was raised by humans. It is a true story from Assam written by Rommel Shunmugam who is a conversation photographer. Through his photo stories, he seeks to inculcate in children a love for nature and wildlife.
Civet cats are found in most parts of India. They are also called toddy cats. They live on palm trees and love to drink the sweet sap, which is collected by toddy tappers to make wine! Dharini and his family rescues and rehabilitates wild animals. These are mostly babies or animals that cannot look after themselves.
Baby Bhakat
Hi! My name is Bhakat. I am a baby Civet cat. I am three month old. Shhh! I am taking a nap with my brothers. Yes, I live in a family of humans. They treat me like their own Baby!
My home is a little thatched hut by a river in a small village in Assam. The hut has an earthen floor and mud-splattered walls. Its doors are always open. I come and go as I please! Mama takes care of all three of us! Her name is Anjali. She cooks, cleans and plays with me. I secretly think she loves me the most. She lets me be real naughty!
Mama is about to make brunch! She is making roti and vegetables. I don’t like vegetables, but I like fruits. I love meat. I am omnivorous. Mama always feeds me before anyone else! I love things dippe in milk. They are yummy!
The man of the house is Dharini. If not for him, I would not be alive today! My civet mother built a nest for me in a very tall coconut tree. One night I slipped and felt to the grounds! When villagers found me they took me to Dharini. Dharini loves animals. I began to live in his home. I was very small. I could not walk. I ate and slept a lot!
Do you know why my eyes are so large? That’s because I am a nocturnal animal. I sleep in the day and am active in the night. My large eyes help me see better in the dark! I also have a very long tail! It helps me balance on tree-tops and branches. I mostly live on trees, though I do come down to the ground. Animals like me are called arboreal!
Inside Dharini’s house, I always snooze in the rafters. I like being high up; it reminds me of trees! One day I woke up to find a strange sight, Dharini’s house was filling with water! In the night, the river behind the house started overflowing its banks! Inside everything was helter-skelter. Things were piled on top of one another! The monsoon had arrived!
Dharini and Anjali carried us babies outside the house! There was water everywhere and it was very muddy! But the sun was out and it was not raining! I stayed high on the fence and made sure even my long tail did not get wet! Dharini went to pick snails.
Snails had climbed branches and walls to escape drowning in the flood! Every gardener knows that snails eat plants. By eating snails, I ensure that they do not overrun your garden. I maintain the balance of life in nature!
When it floods, you find fish everywhere! Dharini cast his net in the garden and began catching fishes. They are kept in a pan of water to keep them alive and fresh to eat!
Montu, my brother, tried to be naughty! He caught me and threatened to dip me in water! He got a scolding from Dharini. I hate to be in water! Back inside the house, it is time for me to play with Mama! I shall rest awhile and then be up again at night. Mama always leaves a midnight snack by the lantern!
Rommel Shunmugam
Now read the following questions and tick the right answer.
Q.1. Dharini ___
(a) is the land owner
(b) loves animals
(c) is a gardener
(d) is father of Bhakat
Q.2. Civet cats are also called __________.
(a) Baby cats
(b) Night cats
(c) Today cats
(d) Snail cats
Q.3. Baby Bhakat loves to eat ______.
(a) roti
(b) fruits
(c) vegetables
(d) meat
Q.4. Baby Bhakat hates to ________.
(a) eat snails
(b) plays with Mama
(c) be in water
(d) sleep in the rafter
Q.5. The home for the Bhakat is ________.
(a) a garden near a river
(b) the roof of the little hut
(c) a little hut by a river
(d) the nest in a coconut tree
Q.6. Tick the statements which is not true.
(a) Dharani and Anjali treat Bhakat as their own baby.
(b) They keep the door closed to keep Bhakat safe.
(c) Anjali plays with Bhakat and lets it be naughty.
(d) Anjali feeds Bhakat before anyone else.
Answers:
Q.1. Dharini ___
(b) loves animals
Q.2. Civet cats are also called __________.
(b) Night cats
Q.3. Baby Bhakat loves to eat ______.
(d) meat
Q.4. Baby Bhakat hates to ________.
(c) be in water
Q.5. The home for the Bhakat is ________.
(c) a little hut by a river
Q.6. Tick the statement which is not true.
(b) They keep the door closed to keep Bhakat safe.
Text II
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.
It’s not east having Elephants in your backyard. Around the world, as communities expand, and natural wild places are reduced, people and wildlife are increasingly coming into conflict over living space and food.
It might be baboons in Namibia attacking young goats or elephants in Nepal eating crops or European bears and wolves killing livestock. The problem is universal, affects rich and poor, and is bad news for all concerned. The impacts are often huge. People lose their crops and
livestock (and therefore a source of income and food security), property, and sometimes their lives—even a severe injury caused
by wildlife can result in a loss of livelihood. The animals, some of
which are already threatened or even endangered, are sometimes
killed in retaliation or to prevent future conflicts. Human-wildlife conflict is happening more and more, affecting a lot of different species. The effects of climate change will probably make the problem worse.
How we are tackling human-wildlife conflict
The solutions are often specific to the wildlife or area concerned, and are often creative and simple-for instance planting a barrier of crops that repel the animals (elephants and some other wildlife
don’t like chilli, for example).
An important aspect, of the work is that it benefits both the animals and local people and actively involves the communities concerned (in the case of chilli, it can be sold to increase income.)
It’s about finding solutions that lead to mutually beneficial coexistence.
The work has also often led to people being more enthusiastic and supportive of conversation, and has demonstrated that people can live alongside wildlife while developing sustainable livelihoods.
(Source: https://www.wwf.org.uk/what-we-do/area-of-work/
preventing-human-wildlife-conflict
Q.1. What happens when communities expend?
Q.2. What is the meaning of “impact” in the passage? How it is affecting people and their life?
Q.3. What will make the human-wildlife conflict more intense?
Q.4. The passage talks about one solutions to tackle humans-wildlife conflict. What is it?
Q.5. These types of creative and simple solutions lead to –
(Tick the statement(s) which is/are not true.)
(a) active community involvement.
(b) generate income naturally.
(c) mutually beneficial coexistence.
(d) people live with wildlife happily.
(e) be more enthusiastic and supportive of conservation
(f) developing sustainable livelihood.
Answers:
Q.1. What happens when communities expand?
When communities expand, natural wild places are reduced, and as a result, people and wildlife come into conflict over living space and food.
Q.2. What is the meaning of “impact” in the passage? How it is affecting people and their life?
The word “impact” in the passage refers to the negative effects or consequences of human-wildlife conflict. It affects people by causing them to lose their crops, livestock (a source of income and food security), property, and sometimes even their lives. Severe injuries caused by wildlife can result in a loss of livelihood.
Q.3. What will make the human-wildlife conflict more intense?
The effects of climate change are expected to make the human-wildlife conflict more intense, as changing environmental conditions may push wildlife closer to human habitats in search of food and living space.
Q.4. The passage talks about one solution to tackle human-wildlife conflict. What is it?
One solution mentioned in the passage is planting a barrier of crops that repel animals, such as using crops like chili, which elephants and some other wildlife do not like.
Q.5. These types of creative and simple solutions lead to –
(Tick the statement(s) which is/are not true.)
(d) People live with wildlife happily.
This statement is not true, as the passage suggests that these solutions aim for “mutually beneficial coexistence” rather than making people live with wildlife “happily.”
Text II
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.
Animal rights
People who support animal rights recognise that all animals have an inherent worth, a value completely separate from their usefulness to humans. Every being with a will to live has the right to live free from exploitation and suffering.
All animals have the ability to suffer in the same way and to the same degree that humans do. They feel pain, pleasure, fear, frustration, loneliness, and familial love. Whenever we consider doing something that would interfere with their needs, we are morally obligated to take them into account.
People often ask if animal rights mean that animals should have the right to vote or drive a car. Of course, that would be silly because those aren’t rights that would benefit animals. But animals have the right not to suffer at the hands of humans and to live their lives free from suffering and exploitation because they have an interest in doing so. That is the difference between equal consideration and equal treatment.
Almost everyone cares about animals in some context, whether it’s a beloved family companion, an irresistibly cute kitten or a majestic wild animal seen in a documentary. After all, we each have some built-in capacity for empathy and compassion, as can be seen from the lengths that children often go to in order to help animals.
Logically and morally, there is no reason to differentiate in the way we treat the animals we share our homes with and those who are farmed for food. They are all individuals, with the same capacity to feel pain and fear. Animal rights help us to look past the arbitrary distinctions between different species, to rediscover our innate compassion, and to respect all animals equally.
Anyone who cares about animals can start putting these principles into practice every single day with the food they eat, the clothes they wear, and the products they buy. These choices are a form of non-violent protest that makes a real difference both by reducing the profits of corporations that harm or kill animals and by creating a growing market for cruelty-free food, fashion, services, and entertainment.
(Source: https://www.peta.org.uk/action)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Q. 1. What do the people who support animal rights recognise?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Q. 2. As human beings, what are our moral obligations towards animals?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Q. 3. What is the right f animals as mentioned in paragraph three?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Q. 4. Why should we rediscover our empathy, compassion, and respect for animals?
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
Q. 5. Anyone who cares about animals can start putting “these principles” into practice. What are “these principles?”
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Answers:
Q.1. What do the people who support animal rights recognize?
People who support animal rights recognize that all animals have inherent worth, a value separate from their usefulness to humans. They believe every being with a will to live has the right to live free from exploitation and suffering.
Q.2. As human beings, what are our moral obligations towards animals?
Our moral obligations towards animals are to consider their needs and avoid causing them suffering. Whenever we do something that might interfere with their well-being, we are morally obligated to take their needs into account.
Q.3. What is the right of animals as mentioned in paragraph three?
The right of animals, as mentioned in paragraph three, is to live their lives free from suffering and exploitation. They have an interest in living free from harm, which is different from rights that would not benefit them, like voting or driving a car.
Q.4. Why should we rediscover our empathy, compassion, and respect for animals?
We should rediscover our empathy, compassion, and respect for animals because all animals have the capacity to feel pain and fear, just like humans. There is no logical or moral reason to differentiate between animals we care for at home and those farmed for food. Rediscovering these qualities helps us treat all animals equally and with respect.
Q.5. Anyone who cares about animals can start putting “these principles” into practice. What are “these principles?”
“These principles” refer to the ideas of respecting animal rights, recognizing their inherent value, and making daily choices (such as in food, clothing, and products) that reduce harm to animals. By making cruelty-free choices, people can contribute to non-violent protest and create a demand for animal-friendly products and services.
Vocabulary
1. The following words are from the text you have read. The synonyms for each word are given. Find the odd one out.
(a) serious, grave, ridiculous, stern, solemn
(b) suitable, unfitting, appropriate, right, proper
(c) hostile, unfriendly, averse, agreeable, unreceptive
(d) peaceful, harmonious, quiet, serene, violent
(e) appalling, atrocious, wonderful, awful, dreadful
2. Look at the two sentences given below. These are from the text. Look at the words in italics. These are used as verbs. They can be used as nouns as well.
(a) By then it had crossed my mind…
(b) Camusfearna, ringed by water…
The noun forms of these two verbs are ‘cross’ and ‘ring’ Mahanadi is.
(b) She put the ring back in the jewellery box.
A list of words is given below. Make sentences using these words as verb and noun.
(c) Book __________________________________________
(d) Mail __________________________________________
(e) Cable __________________________________________
(f) Sack __________________________________________
(g) End __________________________________________
(h) Head __________________________________________
(i) Colour __________________________________________
(j) Lead __________________________________________
Answers:
1. Find the odd one out:
(a) Ridiculous (The other words are serious in tone, while “ridiculous” refers to something silly or laughable.)
(b) Unfitting (The other words refer to something that is suitable or appropriate, whereas “unfitting” means not appropriate.)
(c) Agreeable (The other words describe a negative attitude, while “agreeable” is positive and friendly.)
(d) Violent (The other words refer to peaceful or calm states, while “violent” is the opposite.)
(e) Wonderful (The other words describe something terrible, while “wonderful” is positive.)
2. Use words as both verb and noun in sentences:
(c) Book
- Noun: I bought a new book from the store.
- Verb: She will book the tickets for our trip tomorrow.
(d) Mail
- Noun: I received a letter in the mail today.
- Verb: Please mail me the documents as soon as possible.
(e) Cable
- Noun: The cable connecting the TV to the internet was damaged.
- Verb: They will cable the information to us by tomorrow.
(f) Sack
- Noun: The potatoes were packed in a large sack.
- Verb: He was sacked from his job for repeated misconduct.
(g) End
- Noun: Every story has an end.
- Verb: We need to end the meeting by 5 PM.
(h) Head
- Noun: The head of the organization gave an inspiring speech.
- Verb: We will head to the park after lunch.
(i) Colour
- Noun: The colour of the sunset was breathtaking.
- Verb: The children love to colour in their drawing books.
(j) Lead
- Noun: She took the lead in the race.
- Verb: He will lead the team to success.
Grammar
1. These give more information about a noun, hence are called noun modifiers. These are adjectives or adjective phrases. Let us look at more of the adjectives phrases and their usage.
Example: I went to a party. It was a Christmas party. The Party was lovely.
I went to a lovely Christmas party.
Now, join the sentences given below and make a simple sentence with an adjectives phrase.
(a) I bought a Maruti car. The colour is blue. It is sporty.
I bought _______________________car.
(b) He made a speech. The speech was short. The speech was interesting.
He made ______________________________ speech.
(c) Suresh went to a house. It was decorated beautifully.
Suresh went _______________________ house.
(d) She bought a dress. It is designer one but frightfully expensive.
She bough ______________________ dress.
(e) The food was tasty. It was prepared quickly.
___________________________food was tasty.
2. Use the correct form of the word given in the bracket and fill in the blanks. One has been done for you.
His behaviour was disappointing. I expected him to be more polite. People present there were disappointed. (disappoint)
(a) The death of 40 jawans was _________. We were _________ when we heard the news. (shock)
(b) I met an _______ person in the party. He was _________ in tasting each and every dish kept in the food counter. (interest)
(c) Ravi is not very _________ to visit new places. He tells his friends no place is ________ compared to his village in Ranikhet. (excite)
(d) She got new guest in her house. She was _____ by his handing the pups. His voice was more _______ when he was calling these pups near him. (amuse)
(e) It is very humid in the Summers. I don’t like this weather. This weather is _______ . I am _______ as I sweat a lot. Children ae _______ as they can’t play outside. (disgust)
3. You have read about how to describe a repeated action in the past by using ‘would’ or ‘used to’. Go through the rules again and fill in the blanks with ‘would’ or ‘used to’ as appropriate.
(a) Every day she ______ come home from work with a rose to give to her mother.
(b) I ______ lend him my books when he was preparing for his examination.
(c) He ________ visit his friend in the hospital every evening.
(d) Each time I called him he ______ eat all kinds of food without grumbling.
(e) During his hostel life, he _________ eat all kinds of food without grumbling.
(f) When I was a child, I _______ believe that fire flies were small fire balls.
Answers:
1. Joining sentences with an adjective phrase:
(a) I bought a sporty blue Maruti car.
(b) He made a short and interesting speech.
(c) Suresh went to a beautifully decorated house.
(d) She bought a designer but frightfully expensive dress.
(e) The quickly prepared food was tasty.
2. Using the correct form of the word:
(a) The death of 40 jawans was shocking. We were shocked when we heard the news.
(b) I met an interesting person at the party. He was interested in tasting each and every dish kept at the food counter.
(c) Ravi is not very excited to visit new places. He tells his friends no place is exciting compared to his village in Ranikhet.
(d) She got a new guest in her house. She was amused by his handling of the pups. His voice was more amusing when he was calling the pups near him.
(e) It is very humid in the Summers. I don’t like this weather. This weather is disgusting. I am disgusted as I sweat a lot. Children are disgusted as they can’t play outside.
3. Using ‘would’ or ‘used to’:
(a) Every day she would come home from work with a rose to give to her mother.
(b) I would lend him my books when he was preparing for his examination.
(c) He used to visit his friend in the hospital every evening.
(d) Each time I called him he would answer immediately.
(e) During his hostel life, he used to eat all kinds of food without grumbling.
(f) When I was a child, I used to believe that fireflies were small fireballs.
These sentences help with understanding sentence combination, appropriate use of adjectives, and usage of ‘would’ and ‘used to.’
Editing
1. Use capital letters, full-stops, commas, and inverted commas whenever necessary in the following paragraph.
the land of the Bisnois in rajasthan is known for conservation of wildlife. it is a living religion to the Bishnois. It is said This is probably only one religion in the world that is founded on the principles of conserving nature. It has followers over ten lakhs. For these many people protection of living beings is a way of life for the ishnois tree is sacred and their empathy and love extend to all living beings on earth. They protect the
ecosystem that surrounds the village which is a safe haven for blackbucks chinkaras vultures great Indian bustards peacocks etc they protect them from poachers and provide them plenty vegetation they keep water in the stone vessels for the animals to drink from, and hang water filled pots from the branches for the birds.
2. Parts of sentences are given below. Rearrange the parts and write meaningful sentences in the space provided. Use appropriate punctuation marks.
(a) a town in iraq/ in large numbers/ otters are found/ in the marshes near Basra.
(b) to the market/ we were fatigued/ having walked so far/on account of
(c) 40 paramilitary personnel/ the suicide car/ pulwana district killed/ bombing in
(d) india’s first semi-high speed train,/ was flagged off with excitement/ the inaugural trip of/ Vande Bharat Express,
(e) the eastern hemisphere/ the longer than all/ the nile is said to be/ other rivers in
Answers:
1. Editing the paragraph with proper punctuation and capitalization:
The land of the Bishnois in Rajasthan is known for the conservation of wildlife. It is a living religion to the Bishnois. It is said that this is probably the only religion in the world that is founded on the principles of conserving nature. It has over ten lakh followers. For these many people, the protection of living beings is a way of life. For the Bishnois, the tree is sacred, and their empathy and love extend to all living beings on Earth. They protect the ecosystem that surrounds the village, which is a safe haven for blackbucks, chinkaras, vultures, great Indian bustards, peacocks, etc. They protect them from poachers and provide them with plenty of vegetation. They keep water in stone vessels for the animals to drink from and hang water-filled pots from the branches for the birds.
2. Rearranging sentence parts:
(a) Otters are found in large numbers in the marshes near Basra, a town in Iraq.
(b) Having walked so far to the market, we were fatigued on account of the distance.
(c) The suicide car bombing in Pulwama district killed 40 paramilitary personnel.
(d) India’s first semi-high speed train, Vande Bharat Express, was flagged off with excitement on its inaugural trip.
(e) The Nile is said to be longer than all other rivers in the eastern hemisphere.
These edits and rearrangements make the text grammatically correct and logically structured.
Listening
1. Following is a story of Gangaram, a 130 years old crocodile, who died in a Chhattisgarh village. Listen to the story carefully and answer the questions that follow. You can listen to the recorded story or ask your teacher, sibling or friend to read the story aloud.
The incident took place in Bawamohtra, a village in Bemetra district of Chhattisgarh. The residents of Bawamohatra gathered near the community pond and started weeping after they saw that the crocodile had died. The villagers were emotionally attached to the reptile and were heartbroken after his death. About 500 people of the small village attended the last rites of their beloved crocodile, Gangaram. The over
three-metre long crocodile was buried in Chhattisgarh’s Bawamohatra village after his last rites were performed by the villagers. A forest department official estimated that the crocodile was 130 years old. The crocodile was carried to its funeral on a tractor decorated with flowers and garlands. The villagers say Gangaram was friendly. Even the kids of the village could swim around him. He had never harmed or attacked anyone. He was not a crocodile but a friend and a divine creature for them, who was worshipped in this village. Some say that he would even eat rice and dal which was served by the villagers and kids. He was very understanding and if he saw anyone swimming near him, he used to go to the other side of the pond. Villagers used to identify themselves with the crocodile as people used to call this village—Magarmachha vala gaaon, the Crocodile’s village. In fact, the villagers now wish to build a statue of Gangaram near the pond to remember their friend, who got the village a new name. It may be weird, but it could be an example of how humans and animals can coexist without harming each other.
1. Why did the resident gather near the village pond?
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
2. Why were the villagers crying?
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
3. Who was Gangaram?
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
4. How big was he?
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
5. How old was he?
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
6. give three reasons to justify Gangaram was friendly:
(a)Children could _________________.
(b) Gangaram never _________________.
(c) Gangaram was very _______________.
7. What was the new name given to the village and why?
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
8. What will the villagers do to remember their friend?
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
Answers:
1. Why did the residents gather near the village pond?
The residents gathered near the village pond because they saw that the crocodile, Gangaram, had died.
2. Why were the villagers crying?
The villagers were crying because they were emotionally attached to Gangaram and were heartbroken after his death.
3. Who was Gangaram?
Gangaram was a 130-year-old crocodile who lived in the pond of Bawamohatra village, and he was considered a friend and a divine creature by the villagers.
4. How big was he?
Gangaram was over three metres long.
5. How old was he?
Gangaram was 130 years old.
6. Give three reasons to justify Gangaram was friendly:
(a) Children could swim around him.
(b) Gangaram never harmed or attacked anyone.
(c) Gangaram was very understanding and respectful of the villagers.
7. What was the new name given to the village and why?
The new name given to the village was “Magarmachha vala gaaon” (the Crocodile’s village) because the villagers identified themselves with Gangaram, the crocodile.
8. What will the villagers do to remember their friend?
The villagers wish to build a statue of Gangaram near the pond to remember their friend.
Speaking
1. We all have seen hand puppets on YouTube or during story telling sessions. Try to make one hand puppet of an Otter. The situation is: Mijbil playing with water and spilling water every where. Write a few dialogues between Mijbil and Maxwell. Be the characters and exchange dialogues.
Maxwell: Oh! Mijbil, what have you done?
Mijbil : He, he _____________________________.
Maxwell : ________________________________
Mijbil : ________________________________
Maxwell : ________________________________
Mijbil : __________________________________
2. You have read a story “The Bond of Love” in the class IX textbook, Beehive. In this story, the author talks about a sloth bear that his wife kept as a pet. The sloth bear was sent to the Zoo when it become too big to be kept at home. Now, discuss in a group of four, the following points, list views, and then share in the class.
(a) Keeping any big wild animal, like the sloth bears, at home.
(b) Keeping unusual pets for pleasure
(c) Using tigers, lions, dancing bears in circus
(d) Making the monkeys dance, cock fighting, bull fighting for amusement
Answers:
Dialogue between Mijbil and Maxwell
Maxwell: Oh! Mijbil, what have you done?
Mijbil: He, he, I was just playing with water, Maxwell! It’s so much fun!
Maxwell: But look at the mess! You’ve spilled water everywhere!
Mijbil: Oops! I didn’t mean to. The water just splashed all around when I tried to catch it.
Maxwell: You’re a little troublemaker, aren’t you?
Mijbil: He, he! But you still love me, don’t you? Come on, let’s play some more!
Group Discussion: “The Bond of Love”
- Keeping any big wild animal, like the sloth bear, at home:
- View 1: Keeping a wild animal like a sloth bear at home is dangerous, both for the animal and the people around. These animals belong in the wild where they can live freely in their natural habitat.
- View 2: Even though some people develop strong bonds with wild animals, it’s not ethical or practical to keep them as pets. They require specialized care, and their natural instincts could cause harm unintentionally.
- Keeping unusual pets for pleasure:
- View 1: While having an unusual pet may be exciting, it’s important to consider the animal’s well-being. Exotic pets may not adapt well to domestic environments and may suffer.
- View 2: Some people may enjoy caring for unusual pets, but they should ensure they are knowledgeable about the animal’s needs, provide proper care, and follow regulations regarding pet ownership.
- Using tigers, lions, dancing bears in circus:
- View 1: It’s unethical to use wild animals in circuses for entertainment. These animals are often subjected to poor living conditions and harsh training methods.
- View 2: Wild animals like tigers, lions, and bears should not be used for human amusement. They belong in their natural habitat, and using them for shows is cruel and inhumane.
- Making the monkeys dance, cock fighting, bull fighting for amusement:
- View 1: Forcing animals like monkeys to perform or engaging them in fights like cockfighting or bullfighting is a form of exploitation. It’s harmful to animals and should be banned.
- View 2: These activities are outdated forms of entertainment and promote violence. Animals should not suffer for human amusement, and such practices should be stopped completely.
Writing
1. Based on the above points, write a paragraph giving your points of view. You can highlight on the of natural habitat, cruelty, loss of freedom etc.
2. Read these quotations and write one paragraph in the context of ‘Animal Rights’.
(a) “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
(b) When it comes to pain, love, joy, loneliness and fear, a rat is a pig is a dog is a boy. Each one values his or her life and fights the knife.”
– PETA founder, Ingrid E. Newkirk
Answers:
1. Keeping Wild Animals as Pets and Exploiting Them for Entertainment
Animals, especially wild ones like sloth bears, tigers, and lions, belong to their natural habitat, where they can roam freely and behave as they would in the wild. Keeping such animals at home or using them for entertainment, like in circuses, results in a loss of freedom for the animals and often leads to cruel treatment. Wild animals have instincts and needs that are difficult to fulfill in a domestic setting, and confining them causes physical and psychological harm. Similarly, activities like making monkeys dance or forcing animals into fights for human amusement involve immense cruelty. Animals, like humans, deserve respect and freedom to live without being exploited for pleasure. Instead of taking away their freedom for personal joy or amusement, we should strive to protect their natural environments and ensure they live in peace and harmony.
2. Animal Rights: Respecting All Forms of Life
Mahatma Gandhi’s words, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated,” emphasize the importance of kindness and compassion towards all living beings. A truly advanced society does not just focus on the well-being of its people but also takes responsibility for the rights and welfare of animals. Ingrid Newkirk’s quote reminds us that animals, whether they are rats, pigs, or dogs, experience emotions like love, fear, and pain, just as humans do. Each life holds value, and animals should not be subjected to cruelty or suffering. Just as humans fight for freedom and justice, animals too deserve the right to live free from harm, exploitation, and unnecessary death. Recognizing and advocating for animal rights is not only a moral obligation but also a step towards creating a more humane and just world for all living creatures.
Project
1. In a group of four, conduct research on the following question and write a report on the findings.
What animals can be exported or imported under law? (Customs seizures show a variety of animals from reptiles, lizards, leopards to pythons, venomous reptile. These are carried in tiny suitcases and smuggled.)
2. Make a team of four students. Imagine a unique animal or bird as a pet. Draw the animal and write the following information about it.
(a) Name of the pet and draw the animal on a chart paper.
(b) My pet: (Make a table like the following and write its specifications)
| has | can | is |
| For example: webbed feet, long legs. fat legs, etc. heavy body, very light weight, soft fur, feather, sense of smell, etc. | Swim, fly, run, grow tall, small size, hunt, carry weight, guard the house, etc. communicate, sing, speak, make variety of sounds to communicate, show affection, emotion, etc. | Warm-blooded, mammal, good swimmer, largest animal, smallest animal, good hunter, etc. sensitive, ferocious, short tempered, docile, smart, etc. |
(c) What all do you have to do to keep the animal with you at home? (You can refer to the dos and don’ts given on page no. 102 of the textbook First Flight.)
(d) Prepare a write up, share it in the class, and put it on the wall for the class to read.
Answers:
Project 1: Research on Animal Import and Export Laws
Report on Findings
Our research focused on understanding which animals can legally be imported or exported under international law. According to various wildlife protection acts and international agreements, there are strict rules governing the movement of animals across borders. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates the import and export of endangered species, ensuring their survival is not threatened by illegal trade. Under these regulations, certain animals such as reptiles, birds, and exotic species like leopards, pythons, and venomous snakes are either banned or require special permits for trade.
Customs seizures have uncovered various cases of animal smuggling. Smugglers often carry endangered reptiles, birds, and mammals in suitcases or concealed containers. For instance, endangered turtles, exotic lizards, and even large cats like leopards have been found in illegal shipments. The demand for these animals is often driven by the exotic pet trade, illegal wildlife markets, or for medicinal purposes. Importing or exporting these animals without proper documentation is illegal and punishable by heavy fines or imprisonment.
In conclusion, it is critical to follow the regulations set forth by wildlife conservation laws to protect endangered species and prevent animal cruelty. Governments must strengthen their efforts to control smuggling and increase awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife.
Project 2: Creating a Unique Pet
(a) Name of the Pet: Fluffertail
Drawing: [Draw your pet animal, Fluffertail, on chart paper]
(b) My Pet: Fluffertail
| Has | Can | Is |
|---|---|---|
| Soft, fluffy tail | Fly for short distances | Warm-blooded |
| Large, round eyes | Swim in rivers | A good communicator |
| Webbed feet | Glide from tree to tree | Very smart and playful |
| A sense of smell | Climb tall trees quickly | Sensitive and curious |
(c) How to Keep Fluffertail as a Pet:
To keep Fluffertail as a pet, you need to ensure that it has a large, spacious environment where it can climb and glide freely. Make sure the area has enough trees or structures for it to explore. Since Fluffertail enjoys swimming, a small pool or access to water should be provided. It needs a balanced diet of fruits, nuts, and small insects. Ensure you spend time playing with it, as it is highly social and affectionate. Avoid leaving it alone for long periods, as it can become lonely and anxious.
- Dos: Provide a large space, ensure proper nutrition, give it time to play and socialize.
- Don’ts: Never confine Fluffertail to a small cage, avoid loud noises that can scare it, and don’t feed it unhealthy snacks.
(d) Write-Up:
Fluffertail is a unique and friendly pet that loves exploring, swimming, and gliding through trees. With its soft, fluffy tail and playful nature, it brings joy to any home. Taking care of Fluffertail requires attention and care, as it thrives on interaction and a stimulating environment. Whether it’s showing affection or communicating with different sounds, Fluffertail is a loyal and smart companion. We have to ensure that Fluffertail feels safe, loved, and has enough space to live comfortably.