A Tiger in the Zoo — Class 10 English MCQ with Answers (2026-27)

Updated 23 August 2026 · checked against the CBSE 2026-27 syllabus

8 objective questions on A Tiger in the Zoo (Class 10 English — First Flight — Poems), every one checked against the CBSE 2026-27 syllabus. Pick an option and the correct answer is shown straight away, with your marks running at the top.

A Tiger in the Zoo MCQ questions with answers

1. He should be lurking in shadow, Sliding through long grass Near the water hole Where plump deer pass.
   According to the extract, the poet wishes for the tiger to be‌ 'sliding'​ through the foliage as this would
   1. assist in keeping the prey unsuspecting of the predator’s sound
   2. aid in camouflaging the presence of the predator before it rushes in
   3. help the predator pounce on the prey comfortably without getting tired
   4. support the predator’s vision as it eyes its prey

   Answer: a) assist in keeping the prey unsuspecting of the predator’s sound

   Why: ‘Sliding’ describes soundless movement — the deer never hear the tiger coming.

2. He should be lurking in shadow, Sliding through long grass Near the water hole Where plump deer pass.
   Which fact DOES‌ NOT‌ connect with the significance of the water hole for the tiger?
   1. Many tigers chase prey into the water and hold the victim’s head under water until it drowns.
   2. Prey feed on water-lilies and wander into the middle of the water hole, where they are vulnerable.
   3. Prey that has quenched its thirst ensures consumption of hydrated meat for the tiger.
   4. Chasing the panicked prey from shallow to deep water where the tiger grabs it.

   Answer: c) Prey that has quenched its thirst ensures consumption of hydrated meat for the tiger.

   Why: ‘Hydrated meat’ is not a hunting reason — the water hole matters because prey gather there and are easy to trap.

3. He should be lurking in shadow, Sliding through long grass Near the water hole Where plump deer pass.
   Pick the option that DOES​​ NOT use 'lurking' correctly to fill in the blank.
   1. The thug was ______ in the alley late evening, for unsuspecting passers-by.
   2. The hyena was ______ in its den after a good meal.
   3. The detective cautioned her team about the ______ dangers likely to impact the case.
   4. The prejudices ______ beneath the surface create misunderstandings.

   Answer: b) The hyena was ______ in its den after a good meal.

   Why: ‘Lurking’ means waiting in hiding with intent; resting in a den after a meal carries no such intent.

4. He should be lurking in shadow, Sliding through long grass Near the water hole Where plump deer pass.
   'Shadow' here refers to‌​ the shadow of
   1. the tiger
   2. long grass
   3. water hole
   4. deer

   Answer: b) long grass

   Why: The tiger hides in the shade thrown by the tall grass around the water hole.

5. He should be lurking in shadow, Sliding through long grass Near the water hole Where plump deer pass.
   Pick the phrase that DOES NOT suggest​‌ that the forest in the extract is lush.
   1. long grass
   2. the water hole
   3. plump deer
   4. lurking in shadow

   Answer: d) lurking in shadow

   Why: Long grass, water and well-fed deer all signal abundance; ‘lurking in shadow’ describes the tiger’s behaviour, not the forest.

6. But he's locked in a concrete cell, His strength behind bars, Stalking the length of his cage, Ignoring visitors. He hears the last voice at night, The patrolling cars, …
   Which option correctly lists the reason for the‌‌ tiger 'stalking the length of his cage'?
   1. Animals cover large distances and burn energy hunting prey in their natural habitat. Zoos deprive them of such stimulation and they are restless and bored.
   2. Animals are scared of visitors gazing at them in unnatural surroundings. Zoos remove them from the privacy of their habitat.
   3. Animals dislike human noises in the city and react aggressively. Zoos are often located in cities or outskirts.
   4. Animals require human love and care and miss this in captivity. Zoos are places where they walk mechanically to attract attention.

   Answer: a) Animals cover large distances and burn energy hunting prey in their natural habitat. Zoos deprive them of such stimulation and they are restless and bored.

   Why: The pacing is caged energy — a hunter with nothing to hunt.

7. But he's locked in a concrete cell, His strength behind bars, Stalking the length of his cage, Ignoring visitors. He hears the last voice at night, The patrolling cars, …
   The main contrasting idea suggested by the extract is​​ that of
   1. strength and weakness
   2. nature and culture
   3. beasts and mortals
   4. confinement and freedom

   Answer: d) confinement and freedom

   Why: The whole poem sets the free forest tiger against the tiger locked in a concrete cell.

8. But he's locked in a concrete cell, His strength behind bars, Stalking the length of his cage, Ignoring visitors. He hears the last voice at night, The patrolling cars, …
   Choose the option listing the most likely reason for the‌​ tiger to ignore visitors, according to the extract.
   1. He is scared of their constant stares.
   2. The visitors don’t provide him with any food.
   3. He knows that none would help him out of captivity.
   4. The visitors don’t speak to him kindly.

   Answer: c) He knows that none would help him out of captivity.

   Why: Indifference comes from hopelessness — the crowd will never open the cage.