Class 10 English › NCERT Words and Expressions II · Unit 8

Workbook focus · Observation, descriptive vocabulary and paragraph cohesion

Unit 8: Mijbil the Otter

Practise turning close observation into a clear description. The text’s details about an animal’s habits show how patience and attention help a person understand another living creature.

Language focus

Observation, descriptive vocabulary and paragraph cohesion

Practise turning close observation into a clear description. The text’s details about an animal’s habits show how patience and attention help a person understand another living creature.

Practice activity

Observe an animal or bird from a distance. Record five visible actions without guessing its thoughts, then write a short descriptive paragraph.

Solved workbook-style practice

Original practice for this guide; use the NCERT workbook for its complete exercises.

Question 1

Why are precise observations stronger than vague descriptions?

Precise details allow the reader to picture an action and judge its meaning. “The otter rolled the object across the floor” is clearer than “it behaved strangely.”

Question 2

Replace the vague word in “Mijbil did a funny thing.”

A clearer sentence could be: “Mijbil repeatedly pushed the small object across the room with his paws.” It names the action rather than judging it.

Question 3

How can a paragraph remain cohesive?

Keep one central focus, arrange details in a sensible order and use pronouns or transitions that clearly connect each sentence.

Self-check