Get summaries, questions, answers, solutions, notes, extras, PDF and guide of Class 9 English textbook, chapter 4 A Day in the Zoo which is part of the syllabus of students studying under West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE). These solutions, however, should only be treated as references and can be modified/changed.
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Summary
The chapter, “A Day in the Zoo” by Gerald Durrell, provides a vivid description of daily activities in a zoo, blending observation with experiences. It begins at dawn, with the author awakened by bird songs and the sight of peahens searching for food on dew-laden grass, while a peacock displays its feathers. At 8 a.m., the zoo staff arrives to clean and organize. The gorillas are let out of their cages, expressing playful energy, while the staff cleans their living spaces. Other animals, like the Celebes ape, parrots, and mongooses, are introduced, showcasing their unique behaviors.
The narrative moves to the birdhouse, highlighting specific animals such as Peety, a touraco that responds to the author’s call. The reptile house is next, where snakes, frogs, and lizards rest quietly in a warm environment. At 10 a.m., visitors flood the zoo, requiring staff vigilance to protect animals from harmful actions like being prodded or offered inappropriate objects.
As the day winds down, the atmosphere changes. The robin retreats to its tree, while owls awaken. Shadows grow, and animal routines shift, marking the transition to night. The chapter ends with the author lying in bed, listening to the lions and anticipating the next dawn.
The narrative offers not just facts but also a sense of connection to the animals, portraying the zoo as a living, dynamic space. Metaphors, like the peacock’s tail being a “fountain,” add richness, helping readers imagine the beauty of the zoo.
Video tutorial
Textbook solutions
Exercise 1 (MCQs)
Tick the correct answer from the given alternatives:
1. The average day in a zoo begins just before
A. dusk
B. dawn
C. afternoon
D. evening
Answer: B. dawn
2. The birds searching the dewy grass on the lawn were
A. peahens
B. peacocks
C. robins
D. thrushes
Answer: A. peahens
3. Stephen with a broom in his hand was guarding over the
A. bears
B. gorilla
C. apes
D. armadillo
Answer: B. gorilla
4. The name of the black Celebes ape was
A. Etam
B. Jeremy
C. Mike
D. Stephen
Answer: A. Etam
5. The reptiles dozed in the temperature of
A. sixty degrees
B. seventy degrees
C. eighty degrees
D. ninety degrees
Answer: C. eighty degrees
Exercise 2 (short)
Answer the following questions within fifteen words:
(1) How does the sky look as one is awakened by the birdsong?
Answer: The sky is slightly tinged with yellow.
(2) How do the parrots and parakeets salute the people?
Answer: The parrots and parakeets salute with a cacophony of sounds.
(3) What do all the animals do at the start of a new day?
Answer: All the animals bustle about in their cages, excited and eager.
(4) As the light fades, where does the robin fly off to?
Answer: The robin flies off to roost in the mimosa tree.
Exercise 3 (medium)
Answer the following questions within twenty-five words:
(1). What work do Jeremy and Mike do in the gorillas’ cages?
Answer: Jeremy and Mike sweep up the mess on the floor and scatter fresh white sawdust.
(2). Describe the state of the frogs and snakes in the reptile house.
Answer: Frogs make gulping sounds, and snakes regard people calmly with lidless eyes.
(3). What would one see and hear while lying in bed at night?
Answer: While lying in bed at night, one would see the moon separating from the shadow of the trees and hear the lions cough.
Exercise 4 (adverb)
Classify the underlined adverbs according to their functions in the chart given below:
(a). I have already done the job.
Answer: already – Time.
(b). Bappa can go anywhere for his work.
Answer: anywhere – Place.
(c). Puja often comes to my place.
Answer: often – Frequency.
(d). Nargis sings sweetly.
Answer: sweetly – Manner.
Exercise 5 (clauses)
Underline the clauses in the following sentences and state what kind of clauses they are:
(a) As he was not there, I spoke to his brother.
Answer: The clause “As he was not there” is an adverbial clause of reason.
(b) The house where Nazrul was born is in Churulia.
Answer: The clause “where Nazrul was born” is an adjective clause.
(c) She said that she would return soon.
Answer: The clause “that she would return soon” is a noun clause.
(d) Have you read the book which you borrowed from me?
Answer: The clause “which you borrowed from me” is an adjective clause.
Exercise 6 (types of sentences)
Identify the following sentences as simple, complex or compound sentence:
(i) He is too tired to walk alone.
Answer: Simple sentence.
(ii) I have a friend who lives in Mumbai.
Answer: Complex sentence.
(iii) Priyam wrote a letter but he got no reply.
Answer: Compound sentence.
(iv) Being ill, I could not attend school.
Answer: Simple sentence.
(v) She told me that she would enter a house which is believed to be haunted.
Answer: Complex sentence.
(vi) The sun shines brightly and the flowers bloom.
Answer: Compound sentence.
Exercise 7 (letter writing)
Write a letter to the Headmaster/Headmistress of your school within 100 words seeking leave for three days to visit your ailing grandmother.
Answer:
To
The Headmistress
Ramakrishna Vidyapith
Shyambazar, Kolkata – 700004
Sub: Leave of absence
Madam,
I am Ramesh Saha, a student of Class 10-B in your school. My grandmother is unwell, and I need to visit her in Asansol to assist my family in taking care of her. Therefore, I kindly request you to grant me leave for three days, from 15th December to 17th December 2024.
I will ensure that I complete all my missed lessons after returning. Your kind approval for this leave will be greatly helpful.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
Ramesh Saha
6/3, Bagbazar Street, Kolkata – 700003
12th December 2024
Exercise 8 (letter writing)
Write a letter to your friend within 100 words narrating your experience of visiting a Wild Life sanctuary.
12/3, Lake View Road
Durgapur – 713203
12th December 2024
Dear Anjali,
I hope this letter finds you well. Last week, I visited the Sunderban Wildlife Sanctuary with my family. It was an incredible experience. We saw Royal Bengal Tigers, crocodiles, and many colorful birds. The dense mangrove forests and the rivers flowing through them were beautiful. The local guides shared fascinating stories about the wildlife. Watching the sunset over the forest was unforgettable.
I wish you were there with me. It was truly a memorable trip, and I learned so much about nature and animals.
Take care, and write back soon.
Yours lovingly,
Mina
Extras
Additional MCQs
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Additional questions and answers
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