How to tell Wild Animals Solutions and Questions and Answers

Content Structure

1. About the author – Carolyn Wells
2. Summary of the A Tiger in the Zoo
3. Word meanings
4. Thinking about the poem
5. Extra Questions and Answers
- A. Multiple Choice Questions and Answers (MCQs)
- B. Fill in the blanks
- C. True and false
- D. Short Questions and Answers
- E. Long Questions and Answers

1. About the Author – Carolyn Wells

Carolyn Wells was an American poet, novelist, and children’s writer. She was born on June 18, 1862, in Rahway. She wrote more than 170 books, including poems, mystery novels, humorous stories, and children’s literature. She was well known for her wit, imagination, and humorous writing style. The poem How to Tell Wild Animals reflects her love for humor and creativity. She died on March 26, 1942, in New York City.

2. Summary of the Poem

“How to Tell Wild Animals” is a humorous poem that describes different wild animals and explains how they can be identified. The poet uses funny and exaggerated situations to help readers remember the characteristics of each animal. He begins with the Asian Lion, which can be recognized by its yellowish-brown color and loud roar. Next, he describes the Bengal Tiger, identified by its black stripes on a yellow body, and jokingly says that if it eats you, you can be sure it is a tiger. The Leopard is recognized by its spotted skin and habit of repeatedly jumping on its victim. The Bear is humorously described as an animal that gives very tight hugs and may offer another one if there is any doubt about its identity. The poet then distinguishes the Crocodile from the Hyena by saying that hyenas appear to smile while crocodiles are known for shedding tears. Finally, he talks about the Chameleon, a small lizard-like creature that changes its color and blends into its surroundings so well that if you cannot see anything on a tree, it is probably a chameleon. Overall, the poem uses humor, irony, and imagination to make learning about wild animals enjoyable and memorable.

3. Word Meanings

Word	Meaning
Tawny	Yellowish-brown in colour
Beast	A wild animal
Roar	A loud, deep sound made by a lion or other wild animals
Roaming	Moving or wandering around without a fixed destination
Noble	Grand, majestic, and impressive
Greet	To meet or welcome someone
Stripes	Long, narrow bands or lines of colour
Discern	To recognize or identify
Strolling	Walking in a relaxed manner
Lept	Jumped (past tense of leap)

4. Thinking about the poem

1. Does ‘dyin’ really rhyme with ‘lion’? Can you say it in such a way that it does?
Ans: No, the word ‘dyin’ does not normally rhyme perfectly with ‘lion’ in standard pronunciation. However, the poet deliberately shortens the word ‘dying’ to ‘dyin’ and expects the reader to pronounce it in a way that sounds similar to ‘lion’. When read aloud with the rhythm of the poem, the two words sound close enough to create a rhyme. The poet uses this poetic freedom to maintain the rhyme scheme and make the poem more humorous and musical.

2. How does the poet suggest that you identify the lion and the tiger? When can you do so, according to him?
Ans: The poet suggests identifying the Asian Lion by its large, tawny body and loud roar. He humorously says that if the lion roars at you while attacking you, you will know that it is an Asian Lion. Similarly, he suggests identifying the Bengal Tiger by its black stripes on a yellow body. According to the poet, if the tiger eats you, you can be sure that it is a Bengal Tiger. These suggestions are funny because the identification takes place only when the person is being attacked and is in great danger. The poet uses exaggeration and irony to create humor.

3. Do you think the words ‘lept’ and ‘lep’ in the third stanza are spelt correctly? Why does the poet spell them like this?
Ans: The word ‘lept’ is a correct past form of the verb ‘leap’, meaning “jumped.” However, ‘lep’ is not the standard spelling of any English word. The correct form would be ‘leap’. The poet intentionally uses ‘lep’ instead of ‘leap’ to maintain the rhythm and rhyme of the poem. The unusual spelling also adds a playful and humorous effect. It makes the line sound more lively and helps the poem flow smoothly when read aloud.

4. Do you know what a ‘bearhug’ is? It’s a friendly and strong hug — such as bears are thought to give, as they attack you! Again, hyenas are thought to laugh, and crocodiles to weep (‘crocodile tears’) as they swallow their victims. Are there similar expressions and popular ideas about wild animals in your own language(s)?
Ans: Yes, many languages have similar expressions and popular beliefs about animals. For example:

Cunning as a fox refers to someone who is very clever and tricky.
Busy as a bee refers to a person who is always working hard.
Wise as an owl refers to a person who is very intelligent.
Strong as a bull refers to someone with great physical strength.
Snake in the grass refers to a deceitful or untrustworthy person.

In Indian languages too, many animal-based expressions are used to describe human qualities and behaviour. Such expressions make language more colourful and interesting.

5. Look at the line “A novice might nonplus”. How would you write this ‘correctly’? Why is the poet’s ‘incorrect’ line better in the poem?
Ans: The line can be written more correctly as: “A novice might be nonplussed.” Here, ‘nonplus’ is normally used as a verb, while ‘nonplussed’ is the correct adjective meaning “confused” or “puzzled.” However, the poet deliberately uses “A novice might nonplus” because it fits the rhythm, rhyme, and playful style of the poem. The unusual usage sounds humorous and keeps the poem light-hearted. Poets often take liberties with language to make their poems more effective and entertaining.

6. Can you find other examples of poets taking liberties with language, either in English or in your own language(s)? Can you find examples of humorous poems in your own language(s)?
Ans: Yes, poets often take liberties with language by changing spellings, grammar, or sentence structures to create rhythm, rhyme, or special effects.

For example:

William Shakespeare often invented new words and used unusual sentence patterns in his poems and plays.
Robert Burns used Scottish dialect words instead of standard English words in many of his poems.
In Indian languages, poets frequently use shortened forms of words and regional expressions to maintain rhyme and rhythm.

Examples of humorous poems include:

How to Tell Wild Animals by Carolyn Wells.
The Tale of Custard the Dragon by Ogden Nash.
Many humorous folk poems and children’s rhymes found in regional Indian languages.

These poems entertain readers while using creative language.

7. Much of the humour in the poem arises from the way language is used, although the ideas are funny as well. If there are particular lines in the poem that you especially like, share these with the class, speaking briefly about what it is about the ideas or the language that you like or find funny.
Ans: One of the funniest lines in the poem is: “Just notice if he eats you.” This line is amusing because it suggests an impossible way of identifying a tiger. A person who is eaten by a tiger would not be able to identify it afterward. The exaggeration creates a strong comic effect. Another humorous line is: “Who hugs you very, very hard, Be sure it is a Bear.” The poet describes a bear’s dangerous attack as a friendly hug. This contrast between a gentle action and a frightening situation makes the line funny and memorable. These lines show how the poet uses simple language, exaggeration, and irony to create humor throughout the poem.

5. Extra questions and answers

5A. Multiple choice questions and answers

1. What does the word “tawny” mean?
a) Black in colour
b) Yellowish-brown in colour
c) White in colour
d) Green in colour

Ans: b) Yellowish-brown in colour

2. What type of poem is “How to Tell Wild Animals”?
a) Humorous poem
b) Patriotic poem
c) Narrative poem
d) Epic poem

Ans: a) Humorous poem

3. The poet suggests identifying animals mainly through their ______.
a) Colour
b) Habitat
c) Dangerous actions
d) Size

Ans: c) Dangerous actions

4. The poem belongs to which chapter in Class 10 English?
a) First Flight
b) Footprints Without Feet
c) Honeydew
d) Moments

Ans: a) First Flight

5. What literary device is mainly used in the poem?
a) Humour
b) Tragedy
c) Mystery
d) Adventure

Ans: a) Humour

6. Which animal is mentioned first in the poem?
a) Tiger
b) Bear
c) Lion
d) Leopard

Ans: c) Lion

7. Which animal is mentioned last in the poem?
a) Hyena
b) Chameleon
c) Bear
d) Crocodile

Ans: b) Chameleon

8. Which pair of animals is compared in the poem?
a) Lion and Bear
b) Crocodile and Hyena
c) Tiger and Bear
d) Leopard and Chameleon

Ans: b) Crocodile and Hyena

5B. Fill in the Blanks

1. The Asian Lion is described as a large and ________ beast. (tawny)
2. Crocodiles are identified when they ________. (weep)
3. The Chameleon is a ________ sort of thing. (lizard)
4. The Chameleon has not a single ________. (wing)
5. The poet says the Chameleon is ________ in size. (small)
6. The poet uses ________ to make the poem amusing. (humour)
7. The Lion may ________ at you. (roar)
8. The Tiger has black ________ on a yellow ground. (stripes)

5C. True or False Set

1. The Lion is described as a small animal. (False)
2. The Bengal Tiger has black stripes. (True )
3. The Leopard is covered with stripes. (False)
4. Roaring with pain will help you escape the Leopard. (False)
5. The Bear hugs people softly. (False)
6. The Bear’s hug is called a caress in the poem. (True)
7. Hyenas are known for their merry smiles. (True)
8. The poem is written in a serious and sad tone. (False)

5D. Short Questions and Answers

1. What kind of poem is “How to Tell Wild Animals”?
Ans: “How to Tell Wild Animals” is a humorous and light-hearted poem that describes different wild animals in a funny and entertaining way. The poet uses wit, exaggeration, and irony to make the poem enjoyable and memorable.

2. Why is the Chameleon different from the other animals in the poem?
Ans: The Chameleon stands out from the other animals in the poem because it is a small and harmless lizard. While most of the other animals are shown as dangerous predators, the poet focuses on the Chameleon’s appearance and colour-changing ability instead of describing an attack.

3. What is meant by the phrase “crocodile tears”?
Ans: The phrase “crocodile tears” means false or insincere sorrow. In the poem, the poet uses this expression humorously while explaining how a Crocodile can be distinguished from a Hyena.

4. Why does the poet use humour in the poem?
Ans: The poet uses humour to make learning about wild animals enjoyable. Instead of giving scientific descriptions, he presents funny and exaggerated situations that entertain readers.

5. How does the poet make animal identification memorable?
Ans: The poet uses humorous situations, vivid descriptions, and exaggeration. These funny images remain in the reader’s mind and make the animals easy to remember.

6. What is the central idea of the poem?
Ans: The poem humorously explains how to identify various wild animals. Through funny and exaggerated situations, the poet entertains readers while describing the characteristics of different animals.

7. What message does the poem convey?
Ans: The poem conveys that learning can be fun when presented humorously. It also reminds readers that wild animals are dangerous and should be treated with caution.

8. What qualities of the Tiger are highlighted in the poem?
Ans: The Tiger is shown as noble, powerful, and dangerous. Its black stripes on a yellow body and its habit of eating its prey help identify it.

5E. Long Questions and Answers

1. “The poem is both educational and entertaining.” Justify the statement.
Ans: The poem is educational because it introduces readers to several wild animals and some of their distinguishing features. Readers learn that Lions are tawny, Tigers have black stripes, Leopards have spots, and Chameleons are small lizards. At the same time, the poem is highly entertaining because the poet presents these facts through humour and exaggeration. The funny situations, witty language, and playful rhymes keep readers interested. Instead of giving textbook information, the poet creates amusing images that are easy to remember. This combination of knowledge and humour makes the poem educational as well as entertaining. It proves that learning can be enjoyable when presented creatively.

2. Why is “How to Tell Wild Animals” considered a humorous poem?
Ans: “How to Tell Wild Animals” is considered a humorous poem because it presents ridiculous and exaggerated ways of identifying animals. Normally, people identify animals by their physical appearance or behaviour. However, the poet suggests recognizing them only after they attack or harm someone. The humour arises from this absurdity. For instance, a Tiger is identified when it eats a person, and a Bear is recognized through a crushing hug. The poet also uses irony, witty language, and playful rhyme schemes. The descriptions are intentionally unrealistic, making readers laugh. Even the distinction between a Crocodile and a Hyena is based on smiling and weeping rather than scientific facts. These humorous techniques make the poem enjoyable and memorable.

3. What is the theme of the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals”?
Ans: The central theme of the poem is humour in learning. The poet takes the ordinary subject of identifying wild animals and turns it into an amusing experience. Through exaggeration, irony, and playful language, he presents various animals in a memorable way. Another theme is the danger of wild animals. Although the poem is humorous, it indirectly reminds readers that these animals are powerful and potentially harmful. The poem also celebrates imagination and creativity. Instead of relying on facts and scientific descriptions, the poet uses wit and comic situations to engage readers. Thus, the poem combines entertainment with observation, making learning enjoyable and memorable.

4. Describe the poet’s style of writing in “How to Tell Wild Animals.”
Ans: Ogden Nash’s writing style in this poem is humorous, witty, and imaginative. He avoids scientific explanations and instead uses funny situations to identify animals. The poet relies on exaggeration, irony, rhyme, and playful language to entertain readers. For example, a person identifies a Tiger only after being eaten by it, which is clearly impossible and humorous. The poem is written in a conversational tone, making it easy to read and understand. Nash also uses unusual spellings like “lep” and “lept” to maintain rhythm and add amusement. His style transforms a simple lesson about animals into an enjoyable reading experience. Through humour and creativity, he captures the reader’s attention and makes the poem memorable.

5. How does the poet create comic effects in the poem?
Ans: The poet creates comic effects through exaggeration, irony, and unexpected situations. He suggests impossible ways of identifying animals, such as recognizing a Tiger after it has eaten you. This absurdity makes readers laugh. Irony is also used when dangerous actions are described in gentle terms, such as a Bear’s crushing hug being called a “caress.” The poet’s playful language and rhyming words add to the humour. Even the distinction between a smiling Hyena and a weeping Crocodile is amusing because it is based on popular expressions rather than facts. These techniques make the poem entertaining and help readers remember the animals.

6. Why is the poem appealing to young readers?
Ans: The poem appeals to young readers because it combines learning with humour. Children enjoy the funny situations and exaggerated descriptions of animals. The simple language, rhyming pattern, and playful tone make the poem easy to understand. Instead of presenting dry facts, the poet uses imagination and wit to hold the reader’s interest. The humorous images of smiling Hyenas, weeping Crocodiles, and hugging Bears are both amusing and memorable. Young readers can easily remember the animals because of these creative descriptions. The poem demonstrates that education can be enjoyable when presented in a fun and engaging manner.

7. What lessons can readers learn from the poem?
Ans: The poem teaches several valuable lessons through humour and imagination. Readers learn about the physical features and habits of different wild animals in an entertaining way. It shows that learning can be enjoyable when presented creatively. The poem also reminds us that wild animals are powerful and should be treated with respect. Furthermore, it encourages readers to use their imagination and appreciate the role of humour in literature. By combining education with entertainment, the poem leaves a memorable impression on its readers.

8. Explain the significance of the title “How to Tell Wild Animals.”
Ans: The title suggests that the poem will teach readers how to identify wild animals. However, instead of providing scientific information, the poet offers humorous and exaggerated methods of recognition. This contrast between expectation and reality creates amusement. The title is important because it introduces the poem’s central idea of identifying animals while preparing readers for a playful approach. It also reflects the educational aspect of the poem, as readers learn about different animals and their characteristics. Thus, the title is both appropriate and ironic, perfectly matching the poem’s humorous nature.