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The Tale of Custard the Dragon · Class 10 English · First Flight Poetry: 137 MCQs with answers

All 137 multiple-choice questions from this kit, free and with no sign-up.

Full kit · everything Flashcards · 60 Quick Revision · 36

Warm-up · 12 questions

Q1. The introduction defines the form before the poem begins, and the definition is short enough to quote. What is a ballad?

Beginner
A A poem of exactly fourteen lines B A poem without rhyme C A poem addressed to an animal D A song or poem that tells a story
Show answer & explanation

A song or poem that tells a story

Which is why this one has characters and a plot.

Q2. Which animal is called Ink, and why does the name suit it?

Beginner
A The little grey mouse — because it leaves marks B The little black kitten — ink is the blackest thing in an ordinary house C The little yellow dog — because it is messy D The dragon — because it breathes smoke
Show answer & explanation

The little black kitten — ink is the blackest thing in an ordinary house

The names are chosen with care.

Q3. The last item in the description of the dragon is a metaphor for his claws. What does the poem say is on his toes?

Beginner
A Claws of iron B Spikes C Daggers D Scales
Show answer & explanation

Daggers

The last item in the description.

Q4. Stanza four opens with an extravagant claim about the girl who owns the house. How brave is Belinda said to be?

Beginner
A As brave as a barrel full of bears B As brave as a lion C As brave as a soldier D Braver than the dragon
Show answer & explanation

As brave as a barrel full of bears

An extravagant claim, in stanza four.

Q5. Which pairing of pet and animal is correct?

Beginner
A Ink — the little yellow dog B Blink — the little grey mouse C Mustard — the little black kitten D Custard — the little grey mouse
Show answer & explanation

Blink — the little grey mouse

The other three swap the animals around.

Q6. The girl who was as brave as a barrel full of bears is tested in the very next stanza. What does Belinda do?

Beginner
A Pales and cries Help! Help! B Runs at him with the wagon C Calls the dragon by name D Locks the door
Show answer & explanation

Pales and cries Help! Help!

Having been as brave as a barrel full of bears.

Q7. The dog who was as brave as a tiger in a rage is tested in the same four lines. What does Mustard do?

Beginner
A Flees with a terrified yelp B Bites the pirate's wooden leg C Barks until help comes D Hides behind Belinda
Show answer & explanation

Flees with a terrified yelp

The tiger in a rage, from stanza four.

Q8. One of the two words the textbook glosses for this poem belongs to the pirate's pocket flagon. What is grog?

Beginner
A A kind of gunpowder B A sailor's short sword C A leather bottle D A drink typically drunk by sailors
Show answer & explanation

A drink typically drunk by sailors

One of the poem's two glossed words.

Q9. The whole encounter lasts four lines, and the last of them settles the matter in five words. How does the fight end?

Beginner
A The pirate escapes through the window B Belinda drives the pirate off C The pirate surrenders D Custard gobbles the pirate, every bit
Show answer & explanation

Custard gobbles the pirate, every bit

And the poem uses the verb of eating a sweet.

Q10. The second of the poem's two glossed words describes what the kitten and the mouse did in glee. What does it mean?

Beginner
A To shout with joy B To jump repeatedly C To fall over D To move around in circles
Show answer & explanation

To move around in circles

The poem's other glossed word.

Q11. The textbook defines the poem's form before the first line is read. What is a ballad?

Beginner
A A poem of fourteen lines about love B A poem written without rhyme C A poem spoken by two voices D A song or poem that tells a story
Show answer & explanation

A song or poem that tells a story

Usually narrating courage or heroism.

Q12. The eighth set question asks students to decide on the tone of the poem and to justify that decision. Which is it?

Beginner
A Serious B Light-hearted C Tragic D It is impossible to say
Show answer & explanation

Light-hearted

A set textbook question — and it asks for reasons.

Building up · 52 questions

Q13. Before the poem begins, the textbook tells students what kind of poem they are about to read. What does it call it?

Intermediate
A A serious narrative poem B A sonnet about courage C A humorous ballad, close to a parody D A poem in free verse
Show answer & explanation

A humorous ballad, close to a parody

And it asks for it to be read aloud.

Q14. The first set question asks for the characters with their pet names. Which list is complete?

Intermediate
A Ink, Blink, Mustard and Custard B Belinda, Custard and the pirate C Belinda, Ink, Blink, Mustard and Custard D Ink, Mustard and Custard
Show answer & explanation

Belinda, Ink, Blink, Mustard and Custard

Leaving Belinda out is the commonest error.

Q15. Of the four pets, one has been given a name that fits neither his colour nor his species. Why is Custard comic?

Intermediate
A Custard is soft, yellow, sweet and harmless, and slides off a spoon B Custard is the name of a famous dragon in a story C Custard is a very old-fashioned name D Custard is a word for fire
Show answer & explanation

Custard is soft, yellow, sweet and harmless, and slides off a spoon

Nothing could be less like a dragon.

Q16. The whole of stanza three is spent describing the dragon, and it lists five separate features. Which of these is among them?

Intermediate
A Wings and a forked tail B Spikes on top and scales underneath C Green eyes and a long neck D A soft hide and short legs
Show answer & explanation

Spikes on top and scales underneath

One of five features in the stanza.

Q17. How does the poem describe the dragon's mouth and nose?

Intermediate
A A mouth like a cave and a horn for a nose B A mouth full of smoke and a flat nose C A wide mouth and no nose at all D A mouth like a fireplace and a chimney for a nose
Show answer & explanation

A mouth like a fireplace and a chimney for a nose

Fire coming out of one and smoke out of the other.

Q18. A kitten and a mouse are credited in the same stanza with an activity that neither could possibly manage. What is it?

Intermediate
A Chase lions down the stairs B Guard the little white house C Fight with the yellow dog D Ride in the red wagon
Show answer & explanation

Chase lions down the stairs

A kitten and a mouse, chasing lions.

Q19. The third of the boasts in stanza four belongs to the little yellow dog of the household. How brave is Mustard said to be?

Intermediate
A As brave as a tiger in a rage B As brave as a barrel full of bears C Braver than Belinda D Brave only at night
Show answer & explanation

As brave as a tiger in a rage

The third boast in the same stanza.

Q20. The second set question asks why Custard cried for a nice safe cage. What is the answer?

Intermediate
A He wanted somewhere quiet to sleep B He was trying to protect the others C He was frightened and wanted to be safe D He had been told to by Belinda
Show answer & explanation

He was frightened and wanted to be safe

The simpler half of a two-part question.

Q21. While they were laughing at him from the little red wagon, the three pets gave the dragon a nickname. What was it?

Intermediate
A Pudding B Percival C Coward D Pirate
Show answer & explanation

Percival

And the poem says they did it rudely.

Q22. The object introduced in the poem's very first stanza turns up again as a seat for the mockers. Where were they sitting?

Intermediate
A On the stairs B In the little red wagon C In the white house D Around the fireplace
Show answer & explanation

In the little red wagon

An object introduced in the very first stanza.

Q23. The mouse makes exactly one noise during the teasing, and the poem stops to translate it for the reader. What is it?

Intermediate
A Weeck! — which the poem says is giggling for a mouse B Meowch! — which is a mouse's cry of alarm C Ooh! — which is a mouse's laugh D Nothing at all
Show answer & explanation

Weeck! — which the poem says is giggling for a mouse

The poem translates its own sound effect.

Q24. Besides the nickname and the laughter, two of the pets put a rude question to the dragon. What did they ask?

Intermediate
A His name B His age C Where he came from D Why he has spikes
Show answer & explanation

His age

A third kind of mockery in two stanzas.

Q25. Which statements about the household are correct? 1. Belinda owns four pets. 2. There is a little red wagon. 3. The dragon lives in a cage.

Intermediate
A 1 and 2 only B 1 and 3 only C 2 and 3 only D 1, 2 and 3
Show answer & explanation

1 and 2 only

He only cries for one.

Q26. Which is the best summary of the poem's opening half?

Intermediate
A A girl buys four pets and names them B A dragon frightens everybody in a small white house C A pirate plans an attack on a family D A frightening-looking creature is mocked by a household whose courage has never been tested
Show answer & explanation

A frightening-looking creature is mocked by a household whose courage has never been tested

And then the pirate arrives.

Q27. For a poem of fifteen stanzas the textbook supplies only two glossary entries in total. Which two words are they?

Intermediate
A Cutlass and flagon B Spikes and scales C Grog and gyrate D Percival and Custard
Show answer & explanation

Grog and gyrate

A sailors' drink, and moving in circles.

Q28. List every character in the poem, giving each of the animals by the name Belinda uses for it.

Intermediate
Show answer & explanation

—

Q29. 'The names in this poem are doing more than naming.' Discuss.

Intermediate
Show answer & explanation

—

Content 3 · Expression 2 · Accuracy 1. Content should include: Ink as description; Blink as manner plus rhyme; Mustard as colour plus pun; Custard as a pudding-name given to a dangerous creature; the distinction between naming for what something is and naming for what it is thought to be; and the point that the verdict…

Q30. A ballad needs a moment when the story turns, and this one takes a single stanza. How does the danger announce itself?

Intermediate
A The dragon smells smoke B Belinda sees a ship in the harbour C They hear a nasty sound, Mustard growls, and they all look round D The little red wagon is stolen
Show answer & explanation

They hear a nasty sound, Mustard growls, and they all look round

And then there is a face at the window.

Q31. As the household turns towards the noise, the poem records a separate cry from two of them. Which two?

Intermediate
A Help! from Blink and Weeck! from Mustard B Weeck! from Ink and Meowch! from Belinda C Nothing is cried out at all D Meowch! from Ink and ooh! from Belinda
Show answer & explanation

Meowch! from Ink and ooh! from Belinda

The poem supplies a noise for each animal.

Q32. In four lines the poem equips its villain with everything a storybook pirate requires. Which set of props does it give him?

Intermediate
A A sword, a hat, a parrot and a map B A pistol, a rope and a lantern C Two pistols, a cutlass in his teeth, a black beard and a wooden leg D A knife and a flag
Show answer & explanation

Two pistols, a cutlass in his teeth, a black beard and a wooden leg

The complete storybook villain, in four lines.

Q33. Having listed two pistols, a cutlass, a beard and a wooden leg, the stanza closes on a single flat remark. What is it?

Intermediate
A That it was clear he meant no good B That he was the most dangerous man alive C That he had come for the dragon D That nobody had seen him before
Show answer & explanation

That it was clear he meant no good

Understatement, after two pistols and a cutlass.

Q34. The mouse who was said to chase a lion downstairs is given the poem's oddest verb. What does Blink do?

Intermediate
A He squeaked for help B He climbed into the wagon C He strategically mouseholed D He stood beside Custard
Show answer & explanation

He strategically mouseholed

Two jokes in three words.

Q35. Which three similes carry Custard's attack?

Intermediate
A Roaring like a lion, moving like a snake, striking like lightning B Fierce as a tiger, quick as a fox, loud as thunder C Burning like a fire, hard as a rock, sharp as a knife D Snorting like an engine, tail like irons in a dungeon, at the pirate like a robin at a worm
Show answer & explanation

Snorting like an engine, tail like irons in a dungeon, at the pirate like a robin at a worm

Three in four lines.

Q36. After six stanzas in which almost nothing is heard, the dragon crosses the room noisily. Which sounds accompany the attack?

Intermediate
A A roar, a hiss and a crash B A clatter, a clank and a jangling squirm C A whistle and a bang D Complete silence
Show answer & explanation

A clatter, a clank and a jangling squirm

All the noise the poem has been saving up.

Q37. Confronted by the creature he had not expected to meet, the pirate does two things in a single line. What are they?

Intermediate
A Runs back out of the window B Throws down his pistols C Laughs at him D Gapes at him, then gulps some grog from his pocket flagon
Show answer & explanation

Gapes at him, then gulps some grog from his pocket flagon

Astonishment, and then a drink.

Q38. Before he is dealt with, the pirate gets one chance to defend himself with his pistols. How many bullets does he fire?

Intermediate
A Two, and one wounds the dragon B One, and it misses C Two, and they miss D None — his pistols fail
Show answer & explanation

Two, and they miss

Nothing in the poem ever touches Custard.

Q39. With the pirate disposed of, the household changes its attitude to the dragon for exactly one stanza. What happens?

Intermediate
A Belinda embraces him, Mustard licks him, and Ink and Blink gyrate around him B Everybody goes quietly to bed C The dragon is put in a cage D The wagon is repaired
Show answer & explanation

Belinda embraces him, Mustard licks him, and Ink and Blink gyrate around him

And nobody mourns for the pirate victim.

Q40. Once the danger is entirely over, the little yellow dog is the first of them to speak up. What does Mustard say?

Intermediate
A That he is sorry for running away B That he would have been twice as brave if he had not been flustered C That he did not see the pirate D That he chased the pirate out
Show answer & explanation

That he would have been twice as brave if he had not been flustered

The classic excuse.

Q41. Not to be outdone by the dog, the two smallest animals in the house make a claim of their own. What is it?

Intermediate
A That they helped the dragon B That they warned Belinda C That they were asleep D That they would have been three times as brave
Show answer & explanation

That they would have been three times as brave

A larger claim than the dog's.

Q42. Having listened to everybody explain how brave they would have been, the dragon offers two lines of his own. What does he say?

Intermediate
A That he quite agrees everybody is braver than he is B That he saved them all C That he wants to be thanked D Nothing at all
Show answer & explanation

That he quite agrees everybody is braver than he is

Two lines after eating a pirate.

Q43. A student writes that Mustard fought bravely beside the dragon. How should that be corrected?

Intermediate
A Mustard fled with a terrified yelp; Custard is the only one who did anything B Mustard fought, but only after the bullets were fired C Mustard held the pirate's arm D Nothing is wrong with the statement
Show answer & explanation

Mustard fled with a terrified yelp; Custard is the only one who did anything

A common misreading.

Q44. Which is the best summary of the second half of the poem?

Intermediate
A A pirate frightens a family and is driven away by a dog B The only coward in the house turns out to be the only one who acts — and nobody notices C A dragon is rewarded and given his freedom D A household learns to value its pets
Show answer & explanation

The only coward in the house turns out to be the only one who acts — and nobody notices

And the last stanza proves the noticing never happens.

Q45. Which of these happen in the stanza in which the household meets the pirate? 1. Belinda cries for help. 2. Ink trickles downstairs. 3. Custard is fired at.

Intermediate
A 1 and 2 only B 1 and 3 only C 2 and 3 only D 1, 2 and 3
Show answer & explanation

1 and 2 only

The shooting comes two stanzas later.

Q46. Describe the pirate and the way he is introduced.

Intermediate
Show answer & explanation

—

Q47. 'The bravest character in this poem is the one everybody calls a coward.' Discuss.

Intermediate
Show answer & explanation

—

Content 3 · Expression 2 · Accuracy 1. Content should include: the four claims made before the danger; the collapse of the first three, with the verbs; Custard's action with at least one simile; the fact that he was fired at and unhurt; the excuses and the rising numbers; his own agreement with the verdict; and a state…

Q48. Write the pirate's account of what happened, in about 120–150 words.

Intermediate
Show answer & explanation

—

Content 3 · Expression 2 · Accuracy 1. Accept any first-person account consistent with the poem. Content should include: the entry through the window with the pistols and cutlass; the flight of at least two members of the household; the noise and speed of the dragon's approach; the grog and the two missed shots; and an…

Q49. What does the textbook add about this particular ballad?

Intermediate
A That it is a traditional English ballad B That it was written to be sung C That it is humorous, and close to a parody D That it is the oldest poem in the book
Show answer & explanation

That it is humorous, and close to a parody

And asks students to read it aloud.

Q50. The textbook describes this poem as close to a parody, which is a term worth defining precisely. What does it mean?

Intermediate
A It repeats another poem word for word B It imitates a serious form for comic effect C It has no fixed rhyme scheme D It is written for children
Show answer & explanation

It imitates a serious form for comic effect

The form kept, the content moved.

Q51. Look at the last word of each of the four lines in any stanza of this poem. What is the rhyme scheme?

Intermediate
A abab B abba C aabb D aaaa
Show answer & explanation

aabb

Rhyming couplets, in every stanza.

Q52. Several pairs of rhymes could be quoted as evidence, but only one pair actually opens the poem. Which is it?

Intermediate
A House and mouse; wagon and dragon B Ink and Blink; Mustard and Custard C Bears and stairs; rage and cage D Teeth and underneath; nose and toes
Show answer & explanation

House and mouse; wagon and dragon

All four pairs are in the poem, but only one opens it.

Q53. A student gives the rhyme scheme as abab. How should it be corrected?

Intermediate
A It is aabb — rhyming couplets — and the pattern never varies B It is abba throughout C It changes from stanza to stanza D The poem does not rhyme
Show answer & explanation

It is aabb — rhyming couplets — and the pattern never varies

A common error.

Q54. Rather than leaving students to find the first device themselves, the textbook supplies one simile as a model. Which?

Intermediate
A Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon B As brave as a barrel full of bears C Like a robin at a worm D Snorting like an engine
Show answer & explanation

Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon

And then it asks for more.

Q55. Reading the poem aloud, one line stands out for the repetition of a single hard consonant. Which is it?

Intermediate
A It was clear that the pirate meant no good B Custard cried for a nice safe cage C And Custard gobbled him, every bit D Belinda still lives in her little white house
Show answer & explanation

Custard cried for a nice safe cage

Three hard c-sounds in a line.

Q56. Which group of words are all onomatopoeic?

Intermediate
A Brave, sharp, little, safe B Pirate, cutlass, flagon, grog C Belinda, Ink, Blink, Mustard D Weeck, Meowch, growled, clank
Show answer & explanation

Weeck, Meowch, growled, clank

Words that sound like what they mean.

Q57. Which of these has the poet invented outright?

Intermediate
A Trulio B Flustered C Cutlass D Dungeon
Show answer & explanation

Trulio

A childish stretching of 'truly'.

Q58. The seventh set question asks students to trace the poem's images. Which of these is one?

Intermediate
A The pirate's ship at anchor B A storm over the harbour C Ink trickling down to the bottom of the household D The dragon asleep by a fire
Show answer & explanation

Ink trickling down to the bottom of the household

A black kitten flowing away downstairs.

Q59. Which statements about the poem's form are correct? 1. It rhymes aabb. 2. It has fifteen four-line stanzas. 3. It is written in free verse.

Intermediate
A 1 and 2 only B 1 and 3 only C 2 and 3 only D 1, 2 and 3
Show answer & explanation

1 and 2 only

Nothing about it is free.

Q60. What does the ninth set question ask students to look for?

Intermediate
A Other poems about dragons B Ballads written before 1900 C Poems by Ogden Nash D Modern songs or lyrics that tell a story
Show answer & explanation

Modern songs or lyrics that tell a story

And to collect them as a project.

Q61. Which is the best summary of this topic?

Intermediate
A A free-verse poem about a household pet B A perfectly regular ballad, packed with devices, doing something irregular with courage C A serious narrative about a pirate attack D A study of rhyme schemes in English poetry
Show answer & explanation

A perfectly regular ballad, packed with devices, doing something irregular with courage

Form, devices and tone together.

Q62. Trace some of the images the poem creates.

Intermediate
Show answer & explanation

—

Q63. Would you call this a serious poem or a light-hearted one? Set out your reasons in full.

Intermediate
Show answer & explanation

—

Content 3 · Expression 2 · Accuracy 1. Content should include: the verdict of light-hearted; at least four reasons drawn from names, language, rhythm, comic devices and the callousness about the pirate; and then the serious idea underneath, with the untested boasts, the collapse, the excuses and the repeated ending. Ot…

Q64. Write the opening three stanzas of a ballad of your own, following the chapter's guidelines, and explain the choices you made. About 120–150 words in all.

Intermediate
Show answer & explanation

—

Content 3 · Expression 2 · Accuracy 1. Accept any subject and any characters. Content should include: verse with a clear narrative beginning, a small cast and a workable rhyme scheme; and an explanation naming at least three of the chapter's five guidelines and showing where each has been followed. Deduct if the explan…

Topper level · 73 questions

Q65. Set aside for a moment what the word means, and listen to it beside the kitten's name. Why does Blink suit the mouse?

Advanced
A It rhymes with Ink, so the poem is choosing for sound as well as sense B It is the shortest name in the poem C It is a traditional name for a mouse D It describes the mouse's colour
Show answer & explanation

It rhymes with Ink, so the poem is choosing for sound as well as sense

Sound matters a great deal in this poem.

Q66. What double joke does the name 'Mustard' contain?

Advanced
A The dog eats mustard and dislikes it B Mustard is both a colour and a country C The dog is yellow like mustard, and the poem also calls him sharp as mustard D The dog is named after its owner
Show answer & explanation

The dog is yellow like mustard, and the poem also calls him sharp as mustard

Colour and character in one word.

Q67. Does the poem explain why the dragon was given that name?

Advanced
A Yes, at length, in the first stanza B Only briefly — it says he was a coward, and she called him Custard C Yes, in a footnote D No, the name is never mentioned
Show answer & explanation

Only briefly — it says he was a coward, and she called him Custard

The joke is left for the reader.

Q68. Reading the whole of stanza three, what is most striking about the description?

Advanced
A Every detail is silly B The dragon is described as small C The dragon has no distinguishing features D Not one item in it is comic — it is a genuinely alarming animal
Show answer & explanation

Not one item in it is comic — it is a genuinely alarming animal

Teeth, spikes, scales, fire and daggers.

Q69. Why does the poem take a whole stanza to make the dragon frightening?

Advanced
A Because dragons must always be described in detail B To frighten younger readers C So that the next stanza can knock it down, which is where the joke lies D To fill out the ballad form
Show answer & explanation

So that the next stanza can knock it down, which is where the joke lies

The gap between looks and behaviour.

Q70. A student writes that Custard wanted the cage in order to keep the household safe. Why is that wrong?

Advanced
A He never asked for a cage at all B Belinda asked for the cage C Nothing is wrong with the answer D He asked for it for himself — the poem calls it a nice safe cage for him
Show answer & explanation

He asked for it for himself — the poem calls it a nice safe cage for him

A common misreading.

Q71. Given that everybody else in the house was making claims about their own courage, why is Custard the one called cowardly?

Advanced
A Because he ran away from the pirate B Because he was small and weak C Because he was the only one in the house who admitted to being afraid D Because he refused to eat
Show answer & explanation

Because he was the only one in the house who admitted to being afraid

Everybody else claimed to be brave.

Q72. Considering the timing of all four claims about courage, what has not yet happened?

Advanced
A The animals have not been named B None of them has been tested — the pirate has not arrived C The dragon has not been described D Belinda has not appeared
Show answer & explanation

None of them has been tested — the pirate has not arrived

No lion, no tiger, and no danger of any kind.

Q73. Why is that detail of timing so important to the poem?

Advanced
A Because it explains the rhyme scheme B Because it tells us the season C Because it shows the animals are young D Because courage claimed in safety is worth nothing until it is tried
Show answer & explanation

Because courage claimed in safety is worth nothing until it is tried

And the second half of the poem tries all four.

Q74. The third set question asks why Belinda tickled him unmercifully. What is the best answer?

Advanced
A Because she wanted him to breathe fire B Because he had disobeyed her C Because it was enjoyable, and because he would not fight back D Because he had frightened the mouse
Show answer & explanation

Because it was enjoyable, and because he would not fight back

Nobody teases somebody likely to retaliate.

Q75. Why is that name an effective insult?

Advanced
A It is the name of a famous coward B It is difficult to pronounce C It belongs to the pirate D It is long, grand and knightly, which makes the mockery sharper
Show answer & explanation

It is long, grand and knightly, which makes the mockery sharper

Grand names on frightened creatures.

Q76. What does the amount of teasing tell us about the household?

Advanced
A That the animals dislike one another B That Belinda is cruel by nature C That the dragon is newly arrived D That it is entirely comfortable, since frightened people do not spend afternoons laughing
Show answer & explanation

That it is entirely comfortable, since frightened people do not spend afternoons laughing

Nothing has ever threatened this house.

Q77. Assertion (A): The poem makes Custard genuinely frightening to look at. Reason (R): Ogden Nash wrote more than four hundred comic poems in the course of his life.

Advanced
A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A B Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A C A is true, but R is false D A is false, but R is true
Show answer & explanation

Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A

Both are true. How many poems Nash wrote says nothing about how the dragon is described.

Q78. Which everyday habit does the naming of these pets belong to?

Advanced
A Naming animals after their owners B Giving an animal a name that jokes about what it is C Naming animals after places D Using the same name for every pet
Show answer & explanation

Giving an animal a name that jokes about what it is

A huge dog called Tiny; a dragon called Custard.

Q79. How many separate mockeries of the dragon does the poem list in two stanzas?

Advanced
A Two B Three C None D Five
Show answer & explanation

Five

Tickling, the name Percival, the laughter in the wagon, Belinda's giggling and the question about his age.

Q80. What would be lost if the poem described the dragon as small and timid-looking?

Advanced
A The gap between his appearance and his behaviour, which is the poem's first joke B The rhyme scheme C The names of the other pets D Nothing at all
Show answer & explanation

The gap between his appearance and his behaviour, which is the poem's first joke

Daggers on the toes of a creature asking for a cage.

Q81. How does stanza three describe the dragon's appearance?

Advanced
Show answer & explanation

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Q82. Why did Custard cry for a nice safe cage, and why is he called a cowardly dragon?

Advanced
Show answer & explanation

—

Q83. 'Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmerciful.' Why?

Advanced
Show answer & explanation

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Q84. Why are the pets' names funny?

Advanced
Show answer & explanation

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Q85. What does the amount of teasing in this household tell us about it?

Advanced
Show answer & explanation

—

Q86. Describe Belinda's household as the first six stanzas present it, and show how the poem sets up its joke.

Advanced
Show answer & explanation

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Content 3 · Expression 2 · Accuracy 1. Content should include: the household and the repeated 'little'; the four pets' names with a reason for at least three; the five features of the dragon in stanza three and the point that none is comic; the three boasts against Custard's request; the observation that no boast has b…

Q87. Write Custard's diary entry for the evening before the pirate arrives, in about 120–150 words.

Advanced
Show answer & explanation

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Content 3 · Expression 2 · Accuracy 1. Accept any first-person entry consistent with the poem. Content should include: the tickling and at least two other mockeries, such as the name Percival or the question about his age; some reference to his frightening appearance; the wish for a cage and the fear behind it; and a v…

Q88. Why does the poem spell the word 'window' as 'winda'?

Advanced
A Because that was the spelling at the time B To show that the pirate speaks badly C To make the line shorter D So that it will rhyme with Belinda
Show answer & explanation

So that it will rhyme with Belinda

Exactly the sort of liberty Ogden Nash was known for.

Q89. Why is that remark funny?

Advanced
A It contradicts the description B It is spoken by the dragon C It says far too little, on purpose, about a heavily armed man D It repeats an earlier line
Show answer & explanation

It says far too little, on purpose, about a heavily armed man

Comic understatement.

Q90. What does Ink do, and why is the verb so exactly chosen?

Advanced
A He climbs the curtains, because kittens climb B He trickles down to the bottom of the household — because ink trickles C He hides in the wagon, because it is red D He scratches the pirate, because cats scratch
Show answer & explanation

He trickles down to the bottom of the household — because ink trickles

A black kitten flowing away downstairs.

Q91. Why is 'strategically' such a good word there?

Advanced
A It shows the mouse had made a plan in advance B It is what people say when they do not wish to say 'ran away' C It is the longest word in the poem D It rhymes with 'household'
Show answer & explanation

It is what people say when they do not wish to say 'ran away'

The word of retreats and withdrawals, given to a mouse.

Q92. Look closely at the word the poem uses for the mouse's escape, and at the part of speech it belongs to. What is unusual?

Advanced
A It is spelt incorrectly B It is a very old English word C It is being used as a verb, and does not exist as one outside this poem D It appears twice in the poem
Show answer & explanation

It is being used as a verb, and does not exist as one outside this poem

Nash inventing what he needs.

Q93. Taking the whole of that four-line stanza together, what has it done to every claim the poem has made so far?

Advanced
A Confirmed them all B Demolished every one of them in four lines C Left them untested D Repeated them in different words
Show answer & explanation

Demolished every one of them in four lines

Paled, fled, trickled, mouseholed.

Q94. Considering the size of the things compared, why is the robin simile the most effective?

Advanced
A It is the shortest of the three B It is the only one that rhymes C It shrinks the scene from iron and engines to a garden bird and a worm D Robins appear elsewhere in the poem
Show answer & explanation

It shrinks the scene from iron and engines to a garden bird and a worm

A robin does not brace itself before taking a worm.

Q95. What does that simile suggest about how difficult the fight was for Custard?

Advanced
A That it cost him a great effort B That he was frightened throughout C Not difficult at all — quick, ordinary and unremarkable to him D That it lasted a long time
Show answer & explanation

Not difficult at all — quick, ordinary and unremarkable to him

Which is the point of choosing a bird and a worm.

Q96. Why is 'gobbled' a comic choice?

Advanced
A It is a nonsense word B It belongs to sweets and hurried meals, and here it is used of eating a man C It rhymes with 'pirate' D It is used twice in the poem
Show answer & explanation

It belongs to sweets and hurried meals, and here it is used of eating a man

The poem refuses to be solemn even about a death.

Q97. How soon does the boasting begin again after the fight?

Advanced
A The following morning B Not until the last stanza C It never begins again D Presently — which means almost at once
Show answer & explanation

Presently — which means almost at once

Two lines after the danger ends.

Q98. What is significant about the numbers in those two excuses?

Advanced
A They go up — and the largest claim comes from the two smallest animals B They go down as the poem proceeds C They are identical D They match the number of bullets fired
Show answer & explanation

They go up — and the largest claim comes from the two smallest animals

The further from the danger, the braver they were.

Q99. Why is that line often called the best in the poem?

Advanced
A It is the only line that rhymes properly B The only one who acted accepts the verdict of those who did nothing, without resentment C It is spoken by Belinda D It explains the dragon's name
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The only one who acted accepts the verdict of those who did nothing, without resentment

He does not even mention the two bullets.

Q100. Instead of finishing with the rescue, the poem returns to something the reader has already seen. What do the last two stanzas do?

Advanced
A Repeat the first and the fourth almost word for word, in the present tense B Describe the pirate's funeral C Show the household apologising to Custard D Introduce a new character
Show answer & explanation

Repeat the first and the fourth almost word for word, in the present tense

Belinda still lives; Custard keeps crying.

Q101. What does that repetition show?

Advanced
A That the household has become braver B That the dragon has left C That nothing has changed and nobody has learned anything D That a year has passed
Show answer & explanation

That nothing has changed and nobody has learned anything

The pirate came, the dragon saved them, and the opinions are identical.

Q102. Why does the poem use 'keeps crying' rather than 'cried' in its last line?

Advanced
A It rhymes better B It shows the dragon is louder than before C It marks the end of the story D It is the continuous form — it is still going on, and is expected to go on forever
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It is the continuous form — it is still going on, and is expected to go on forever

The last word the poem leaves you with.

Q103. What would be lost if the poem ended with the household thanking Custard properly?

Advanced
A The rhyme scheme B The irony — and the sense that nothing in this house will ever change C The description of the pirate D Nothing at all
Show answer & explanation

The irony — and the sense that nothing in this house will ever change

Keeps crying for a nice safe cage.

Q104. Assertion (A): The poem's ending is deliberately unsatisfying. Reason (R): The last two stanzas repeat the opening almost word for word, so the rescue changes nothing and Custard is still crying for his cage.

Advanced
A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A B Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A C A is true, but R is false D A is false, but R is true
Show answer & explanation

Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A

Nobody in the household learns anything at all.

Q105. What does each member of the household do when the pirate appears?

Advanced
Show answer & explanation

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Q106. Why is 'strategically mouseholed' such a good phrase?

Advanced
Show answer & explanation

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Q107. Describe Custard's attack and explain the three similes in it.

Advanced
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Q108. What do the others say after the fight, and what does Custard reply?

Advanced
Show answer & explanation

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Q109. What do the last two stanzas of the poem do, and why?

Advanced
Show answer & explanation

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Q110. Describe what happens from the pirate's arrival to the end of the poem, and show where the poem's real joke lies.

Advanced
Show answer & explanation

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Content 3 · Expression 2 · Accuracy 1. Content should include: the arrival and the 'winda' rhyme; the pirate's four props and the understatement; all four reactions with their verbs; the three similes and the effect of the robin; the four-step fight; the excuses with the rising numbers; Custard's reply; and the circula…

Q111. Which features of a heroic ballad does this poem keep, while turning them upside down?

Advanced
A A king, a battlefield and a lament B A journey, a shipwreck and a rescue C A prophecy, a quest and a reward D A threat, a monster, a fight and a victory
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A threat, a monster, a fight and a victory

And the hero has been mocked for six stanzas.

Q112. Which of these is NOT among the five ballad features the chapter lists?

Advanced
A A simple narrative B A few major characters C A tragic ending D A strong rhythm and rhyme
Show answer & explanation

A tragic ending

The others are a refrain and division into verses.

Q113. Most of the poem's rhymes are ordinary, but a few have been got by altering or inventing something. Which of these?

Advanced
A House with mouse B Bears with stairs C Winda with Belinda D Teeth with underneath
Show answer & explanation

Winda with Belinda

The poet's signature.

Q114. One item in this poem's vocabulary cannot be found in any dictionary, because the poet needed a rhyme. Which?

Advanced
A Household B Flustered C Gyrate D Mouseholed
Show answer & explanation

Mouseholed

Invented so that 'household' could have a rhyme.

Q115. The verse tribute printed beside the poem makes a claim about the poet's attitude to rules. What did Nash not care much about?

Advanced
A Being read aloud B Writing about serious subjects C Breaking the poetic laws of the Medes and the Persians D Publishing his work
Show answer & explanation

Breaking the poetic laws of the Medes and the Persians

Anthony Burgess, in verse.

Q116. The same tribute describes the shape of a typical Ogden Nash line before it reaches its ending. What does it say?

Advanced
A Always short and formal B Written without punctuation C Copied from older ballads D Sometimes long, colloquial and prosy — and then arriving at a rhyme
Show answer & explanation

Sometimes long, colloquial and prosy — and then arriving at a rhyme

Which describes this poem exactly.

Q117. Having described the long prosy lines and the rhyme at the end, the tribute names what Nash's genius chiefly loves. What?

Advanced
A Bringing the informal and the formal together B Describing animals C Writing for children D Avoiding rhyme altogether
Show answer & explanation

Bringing the informal and the formal together

And he admits to imitating Nash in the tribute itself.

Q118. Three of these four phrases from the poem are not similes at all, because they use no comparing word. Which one is?

Advanced
A A chimney for a nose B Daggers on his toes C A nice safe cage D A mouth like a fireplace
Show answer & explanation

A mouth like a fireplace

It uses 'like'.

Q119. Which of these from the same line is a metaphor?

Advanced
A A mouth like a fireplace B As brave as a tiger in a rage C A chimney for a nose D Like a robin at a worm
Show answer & explanation

A chimney for a nose

No comparing word at all.

Q120. Why is stanza three worth quoting when a question asks about devices?

Advanced
A It is the only stanza that rhymes B It contains all the onomatopoeia C It contains a simile and two metaphors within a few lines D It has no devices, which is unusual
Show answer & explanation

It contains a simile and two metaphors within a few lines

Fireplace, chimney and daggers.

Q121. Besides the cry for a cage, one nonsense phrase returns three separate times across the fifteen stanzas. Which?

Advanced
A Suddenly, suddenly B Up spoke C Every bit D Realio, trulio
Show answer & explanation

Realio, trulio

Three times across the poem, along with the cry for a cage.

Q122. Hyperbole means wild exaggeration for effect, and the poem's boasts are full of it. Which of these lines is an example?

Advanced
A It was clear that the pirate meant no good B Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears C And Custard gobbled him, every bit D His beard was black, one leg was wood
Show answer & explanation

Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears

Wild exaggeration, and never tested.

Q123. Which line is an example of understatement?

Advanced
A Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears B It was clear that the pirate meant no good C Ink and Blink chased lions down the stairs D Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage
Show answer & explanation

It was clear that the pirate meant no good

Said of a man with two pistols and a cutlass in his teeth.

Q124. Where does the irony of the poem lie?

Advanced
A The pirate turns out to be friendly B The dragon is revealed to be imaginary C The coward is the hero, the brave ones hide, and the rescued mock their rescuer D Belinda is not really the owner of the house
Show answer & explanation

The coward is the hero, the brave ones hide, and the rescued mock their rescuer

No line states it, and every line depends on it.

Q125. Which image makes the pirate seem small and the fight easy?

Advanced
A Irons clashing in a dungeon B A robin taking a worm C An engine snorting D A cutlass held in the teeth
Show answer & explanation

A robin taking a worm

The reversal of scale at the moment of attack.

Q126. Which of these is a good reason for that answer?

Advanced
A The poem is written in short lines B A man is eaten, nobody mourns, and the household is dancing two lines later C The poem has fifteen stanzas D The poem is printed in First Flight
Show answer & explanation

A man is eaten, nobody mourns, and the household is dancing two lines later

Cheerful callousness.

Q127. What should a full answer to that question add at the end?

Advanced
A A summary of the story B The serious idea underneath — that courage is not loudness, and that nobody notices C The poet's dates D The rhyme scheme
Show answer & explanation

The serious idea underneath — that courage is not loudness, and that nobody notices

Fun first, and the idea last.

Q128. Assertion (A): The poem is a straight heroic ballad with no comic intention anywhere in it. Reason (R): It keeps the threat, the fight and the victory, but gives the heroism to the one character everybody has called a coward while the boasters hide.

Advanced
A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A B Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A C A is true, but R is false D A is false, but R is true
Show answer & explanation

A is false, but R is true

The comedy is unmistakable, so the assertion is false. The reason is an accurate account of how the parody works.

Q129. Which pairing of device and example is correct?

Advanced
A Understatement — it was clear that the pirate meant no good B Simile — daggers on his toes C Metaphor — as brave as a tiger in a rage D Onomatopoeia — realio, trulio
Show answer & explanation

Understatement — it was clear that the pirate meant no good

The other three swap the devices around.

Q130. What does the chapter's ballad-writing project state as the purpose of a ballad?

Advanced
A To entertain and interest B To instruct and warn C To record history accurately D To praise a ruler
Show answer & explanation

To entertain and interest

The first of the guidelines.

Q131. Which is the strongest single observation about this poem's craft?

Advanced
A It contains many long words B It was published in fourteen volumes C It has six characters D Its form is entirely traditional, and everything inside the form has been reversed
Show answer & explanation

Its form is entirely traditional, and everything inside the form has been reversed

Which is what 'close to a parody' means.

Q132. What is a ballad, and why is this one described as close to a parody?

Advanced
Show answer & explanation

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Q133. Give the rhyme scheme of the poem and comment on the rhymes themselves.

Advanced
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Q134. List the poetic devices used in the poem, with examples.

Advanced
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Q135. Why is the line about the dragon's mouth and nose worth examining carefully?

Advanced
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Q136. Is this a serious poem or a light-hearted one? Give your reasons in full.

Advanced
Show answer & explanation

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Q137. 'The poet has employed many poetic devices in the poem.' Discuss, with examples.

Advanced
Show answer & explanation

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Content 3 · Expression 2 · Accuracy 1. Content should include: at least four similes; both metaphors from stanza three; alliteration with an example; onomatopoeia with examples; repetition or refrain; the invented words; hyperbole and understatement; and irony, correctly explained. Other relevant points acceptable.

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