CBSE Class 10 English The Tale of Custard The Dragon Worksheet

 

 

`The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ is a whimsical fantasy. Belinda lives alone in her house with four pets, a dog, a cat, a mouse and a dragon named Custard. All other dwellers of the house except Custard, pride themselves on their fearlessness. They mock poor Custard for his timidity. However, when the real danger comes all others run away in a panic except Custard. Only Custard fights ferociously and swallows the pirate. The poem ends ironically. After the danger is past, everyone begins to boast again about their courage. Ironically, Custard who fought like a hero against the pirate agrees that everyone else is braver than he is. So, appearances may be deceptive. And even your merit and real value may not be recognised by your unwilling rivals.

 

 

Belinda lived in a little white house,
With a little black kitten and a little grey mouse,
And a little yellow dog and a little red wagon,
And a realio, trulio, little pet dragon.

Question. Where did Belinda live?
Answer. Belinda lived in a little white house.

Question. What was the colour of the kitten?
Answer. Black

Question. Apart from the kitten which other animals were living with her?
Answer. Mouse, dog and a dragon

Question. What is the rhyme scheme of this stanza?
Answer. aabb

 

Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears,
And Ink and Blink chased lions down the stairs,
Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage,
But Custard cried for a nice safe cage.

Question. How is Belinda described in the stanza?
Answer. Belinda is as brave as a barrel full of bears.

Question. How did Ink and Blink show their strength?
Answer. Ink and Blink chase the lions down the stairs.

Question. How did Mustard show his bravery?
Answer. Mustard is as brave as a tiger in a rage.

Question. What did Custard cry for?
Answer. Custard keeps crying for a nice safe cage.

 

Belinda paled , and she cried Help! Help!
But Mustard fled with a terrified yelp,
Ink trickled down to the bottom of the house hold,
And little mouse Blink strategically mouse holed

Question. What did Mustard do?
Answer. Mustard ran with a fearful bark.

Question. Why did Belinda get pale ?
Answer. She got paled to see the pirate.

Question. What did Belinda cry for ?
Answer. Belinda cried for help.

Question. What did Blimk do on seeing the pirate ?
Answer. Blink ran into his mouse hole

Question. Find a word from the stanza which means same as diplomatically.
Answer. Strategically

 

The pirate gaped at Belinda’s dragon,
And gulped some grog from his pocket flagon
He fired two bullets, but they didn’t hit,
And Custard gobbled him, every bit.

Question. What did the dragon do to the pirate ?
Answer. The dragon swallowed the pirate .

Question. What did the pirate gulp ?
Answer. The pirate gulped grog from his flagon.

Question. How did the pirate attack Custard ?
Answer. The pirate fired two bullets but they did not hit .

Question. Find a word from the stanza which means same as a container
Answer. flagon

Question. Identify the poetic device applied in the second line .
Answer. Alliteration: gulped some grog “

Question. Who mourned over the death of the pirate?
(a) Blink
(b) Custard
(c) Ink
(d) None
Answer. D

Question. What did the dragon cry for?
(a) Because he was hurt.
(b) For a new mouse
(c) For a nice safe cage.
(d) None of the Above
Answer. C

Question. Who was called cowardly?
(a) Blink
(b) Custard
(c) Ink
(d) Mustard
Answer. B

Question. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem? the rhyme scheme of the poem is
(a) ‘abba’
(b) ‘aabb‘.
(c) ‘abab’
(d) ‘aaba’
Answer. B

Question. What was the colour of the wagon?
(a) Black
(b) Yellow
(c) Red
(d) White
Answer. C

Question. Who ran with a fearful bark. ?
(a) Mustard
(b) Pirate
(c) Custard
(d) Belinda
Answer. A

Question. What is the poet’s purpose of using the onomatopoeic words given in the following lines?
Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon,
With a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm
He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm.
a) It is to emphasize on the might and boldness of Custard.
b) It is to introduce the character Custard to the readers.
c) It is to impress upon the readers that Custard was ready.
d) It is to make Custard bold enough to face the situation.
Answer. A

Question. ‘Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears’. Identify two poetic devices used in the above line.
(a) Metaphor and alliteration
(b) Hyperbole and consonance
(c) Simile and alliteration
(d) Simile and Anaphora
Answer. C

Question. The dragon had daggers on his toes. Identify the poetic device
(a) Metaphor
(b) Simile
(c) Poetic licence
(d) Hyperbole
Answer. A

Question. Select the option that fits with the reaction of the characters in the context of the extract.
Ink: terrified : : Blink : i) __________________
Pirate: ii) ______________:: Custard: undaunted
(a) i) shocked ii) displeased
(b) i) petrified ii) wondered
(c) i) upset ii) dazed
(d) i) petrified ii) shocked
Answer. D

Question. ‘He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm. Why has this comparison been used here?
(a) Custard attacked the pirate after careful observation.
(b) Custard attacked the pirate without delay.
(c) Custard attacked the pirate valorously.
(d) Custard attacked the pirate stealthily.
Answer. B

Question. Pick the option that does not display a simile
(a) Clashed his tail like irons……..
(b) ……….at the pirate like a robin at a worm.
(c) ……….Custard, snorting like an engine………
(d) ……….trickled down to the bottom……….
Answer. D

Question. ‘According to the poem ‘irons’ is a reference to----------------,in the line ‘irons in a dungeon’.
(a) iron racks for scared books.
(b) iron cases housing treasures.
(c) iron chains holding the prisoners captive.
(d) iron coffins for burying the royal dead.
Answer. C

Question. A cage means captivity. Why is Custard inclined to remain in a cage despite what it symbolises?
This is so because he viewed it as a
1) sanctuary 2) guardhouse 3) cubicle 4) refuge 5) booth
(a) 1, 2 & 5
(b) 1 & 4
(c) 3, 4 & 5
(d) 3 & 5
Answer. B

Question. The poet used the word ‘weeck’ to signify the giggling of the mouse?
The poet
(a) uses it to add suspense in the poem.
(b) has imagined how the mouse would sound in this mood.
(c) has mocked the mouse for giggling at Custard.
(d) uses it to create a scary effect for readers.
Answer. B

Question. Choose the option that includes an example of hyperbole?
(a) And Mustard growled, and they all looked around
(b) Ink and Mustard rudely asked his age
(c) Belinda giggled till she shook the house,
(d) When Custard cried for a nice safe cage.
Answer. C

Question. What did Custard do to the pirate?
(a) ate him
(b) scared him away
(c) held him hostage
(d) None of these
Answer. A

Question. The Pirate came to Belinda’s house through the ------------
(a) Chimney
(b) Back door
(c) Attic
(d) Window
Answer. D

Question. Who is ‘Percival’?
(a) Custard
(b) Pirate
(c) A warrior
(d) A coward
Answer. C

Question. Assertion: Custard was really not satisfied in the little white house.
Reason: Custard always keep crying for a nice cage.
(a) Both assertion and reason are correct and reason is the correct explanation of assertion
(b) Both assertion and reason are correct but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) Assertion is true and reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false and reason is true.
Answer. D

Question. Assertion: Percival was a coward knight
Reason: Custard is called as ‘Percival’.
(a) Both assertion and reason are correct and reason is the correct explanation of assertion
(b) Both assertion and reason are correct but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) Assertion is true and reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false and reason is true.
Answer. B

Question. Assertion: Belinda’s gave the name ‘Mustard’ to the dog
Reason: Because his colour is yellow and very sharp in detecting smell
(a) Both assertion and reason are correct and reason is the correct explanation of assertion
(b) Both assertion and reason are correct but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) Assertion is true and reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false and reason is true.
Answer. A

Question. Assertion: Custard clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon with a clatter and clank
Reason: He was really afraid of the Pirate and tried to escape from the scene.
(a) Both assertion and reason are correct and reason is the correct explanation of assertion
(b) Both assertion and reason are correct but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) Assertion is true and reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false and reason is true.
Answer. C

Question. Assertion: Custard was older than everyone of the house.
Reason: Ink and Mustard rudely asked his age.
(a) Both assertion and reason are correct and reason is the correct explanation of assertion
(b) Both assertion and reason are correct but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) Assertion is true and reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false and reason is true.
Answer. D

 

II. Extract-Based Questions

Q. 1. “Ink trickled down to the bottom of the household,
And little mouse Blink strategically mouse holed.
But up jumped Custard, snorting like an engine,
Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon,
With a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm,
He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm”

Question. What is the poet’s purpose of using the onomatopoeic words given in the extract?
(a) It is to emphasize on the might and boldness of Custard.
(b) It is to introduce the character Custard to the readers.
(c) It is to impress upon the readers that Custard was ready.
(d) It is to make Custard bold enough to face the situation.
Answer. A

Question. Select the option that fits with the reaction of the characters in the context of the extract.
Ink: terrified : : Blink : (i) __________________
Pirate: (ii) ______________:: Custard: undaunted
(a) (i) shocked (ii) displeased
(b) (i) petrified (ii) wondered
(c) (i) upset (ii) dazed
(d) (i) petrified (ii) shocked
Answer. D

Question. Which option lists the quotes that support the ideas in the extract?
(1) Fear makes strangers of people who would be friends.
(2) If you’re brave enough to start, you’re strong enough to finish.
(3) Courage doesn’t mean you don’t get afraid. Courage means you don’t let fear stop you.
(4) You get in life what you have the courage to ask for
(5) Fear has a large shadow, but he himself is strong.
(a) 1 and 5
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1,3 and 5
Answer. C

Question. ‘He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm. Why has this comparison been used here?
Just like the robin catches the worm,
(a) Custard attacked the pirate after careful observation.
(b) Custard attacked the pirate without delay.
(c) Custard attacked the pirate valourously.
(d) Custard attacked the pirate stealthily
Answer. B

Question. Pick an option that best fits the usage of the word’ trickled’ as used in the extract.
(a) The water trickled down the tap and filled the trough.
(b) Students trickled into the classroom as the teacher entered.
(c) Tears trickled down her cheeks as she heard the sad news.
(d) His enthusiasm for the task slowly trickled away.
Answer. B

Q. 2. Belinda giggled till she shook the house,
And Blink said Weeck! which is giggling for a mouse,
Ink and Mustard rudely asked his age,
When Custard cried for a nice safe cage.
Suddenly, suddenly they heard a nasty sound,
And Mustard growled, and they all looked around.

Question. Why has the poet used the word ‘weeck’ to signify the giggling of the mouse?
The poet
(a) uses it to add suspense in the poem.
(b) has imagined how the mouse would sound in this mood.
(c) has mocked at the mouse for giggling at Custard.
(d) uses it to create a scary effect for readers.
Answer. B

Question. Pick the option with the correct matches for columns A and B.

(a) 1- D, 2-A, 3-C
(b) 1-C, 2-A, 3-B
(c) 1-B, 2-D, 3-C
(d) 1-A, 2-C, 3-D
Answer. B

Question. What can you infer from the repetition ‘suddenly, suddenly’ in the above extract?
(a) There was an immediate change in the scene.
(b) It focuses on the hasty attack and the loud noise.
(c) It emphasises that an unexpected noise was heard.
(d) It draws our attention to the loud cry that occurred.
Answer. C

Question. A cage means captivity. Why is Custard inclined to remain in a cage despite what it symbolises?
This is so because he viewed it as a
(1) sanctuary (2) guardhouse
(3) cubicle (4) refuge
(5) booth
(a) 1, 2 & 5
(b) 1 & 4
(c) 3, 4 & 5
(d) 3 & 5
Answer. B

Question. Which belief about dragons is in contrast to Custard’s behaviour in the extract.
(a) Dragons are brave and feared.
(b) Dragons can grant wishes.
(c) Dragons can become invisible at will.
(d) Dragons are soft-hearted and kind.
Answer. A

 

 

Answer. Outwardly, Custard was a picture of power and strength. His teeth were big and sharp. There were spikes on top of him. His mouth spat fire. He had a big nose that resembled a chimney. There were daggers on his toes. However, Custard didn’t possess the strength of character. He lacked courage. He was not the courage of his real strength and always begged for a nice safe cage for his protection.

Question. How did they react when they heard a nasty sound?

Answer. Suddenly, Belinda and her pets heard a nasty sound. They were highly surprised. Mustard growled and Ink mewed. Belinda, herself gave a cry of disbelief. Actually, it was the sound of a pirate climbing through the window.

Question. Describe the dreadful appearance of the pirate.

Answer. The pirate looked quite dreadful and dominating. He carried a pistol in his left as well as in right hand. He held a shining dagger in his mouth. His beard was black and one of his legs was of wood. It seemed that his intentions were terrible.

 

Answer. Belinda became so happy that she embraced Custard intimately. Her pets also celebrated the death of the pirate by dancing around Custard joyfully. However, they gave no credit to Custard for his heroic feat. On the other hand, they indulged in self-praise and self-patting.

Question. What lesson or the message does the poet seem to give to the readers?

Answer. The poet gives a definite message. Merely outer appearances and physical strength don’t make a person brave. One should have the strength of mind and self-confidence to be really great. The dragon, Custard had a lot of physical strength and he swallowed the pirate. In spite of that, he was bullied and mocked at for his timidity and cowardly behaviour.

Question. How did each of Belinda’s pets react at the sight of the pirate?
Answer. At the sight of the pirate ,Belinda’s pets ran away and hid , for they were scared of the pirate.

Question. How is the “ The Tale of Custard the Dragon” a ballad ?
Answer. A ballad is a poem that tells a story . This poem has qualities of adventure and bravery. And the poet is showing these qualities in a humorous way.

Question. Why did Belinda cry for help? Who came to help ?
Answer. Since Belinda was scared of the pirate ,she cried for help. The Custard came to her help.

Question. Who all lived in the white house with Belinda ?
Answer. Ink – a black kitten, Blink- a grey mouse, Mustard – a yellow dog, Custard -a dragon and a red wagon.

Question. Why did everyone make fun of the dragon ?
Answer. Every one made fun of the dragon ,because he always cried for a safe cage ,but others boasted about their bravery.

Question. Where did Belinda live ? Which animals lived with Belinda ?
Answer. Belinda lived in a little white house . A black kitten , a grey mouse, a yellow dog and a pet dragon lived with Belinda.

Question. What did they say about their bravery after the pirate’s death ?
Answer. Mustard said that he would have been twice as brave, if he had not grown nervous. Ink and Blink said that they had been three times as brave as he . But custard said that he agreed with them. He said that they were braver than him .

Question. Writers use words to give us a picture or image without actually saying what they mean. Can you trace some images used in the poem?
Answer. a) Mouth like afire place.
b) Chimney for a nose.
c) Daggers on his toes.
d) His beard was long, one leg was wood.

Question. Custard humbly accepts that other animals are braver than him. Give a reason to support your stance that humility is a virtue worth possessing.
Answer. Humility is a wonderful human virtue It makes a person humble and wiser. A person who has achieved something isn't required to boast about it as his hard work and success speaks for him.

Question. ​​​​​​​State the reason you think the poet named the animals Ink. Blink* Mustard and Custard?
Answer. The poet named the animals aptly. He named the Little kitten as Ink as he was black, the mouse as Blink as he was smalt the dog as
Mustard as he was of a bright yellow colour and the dragon as Custard as he was a soft and timid creature.

Question. ​​​​​​​Blowing one’s trumpet is a well-known idiom. 
Disagree with a friend's opinion in the context of this idiom.
Friend: It's important to recount your achievements whenever there’s an opportunity. 
People need to know about your qualities, accomplishments andi awards. Always project yourself as superior.
You: Gosh! I disagree. What's the point blowing one's own trumpet? You see,
Answer. You: Gosh! I disagree. What’s the point in blowing one's own trumpet? You see if a person has achieved something, then it isn't required for him/her to tell tales of his/her own success. His/her hard work, success and development will tell about his/her struggle and achievements on their own Humility and modesty are very valuable assets for a person ta grow.

Question. ​​​​​​​The poet could have included a burglar or an intruder in the poem, but chose to include a pirate. Explain this choice.
Answer. The poet chose a pirate over any burglar or a thief because a pirate Looks evil and nasty. The way his Leg crippLed as one of them was of wood, pistol in both of his hands and a cutlass between his teeth was scarier than a burglar.

Question. ​​​​​​​Why is it fair to say that Custard could be the 'poster-boy' for the belief that the real nature of a person is revealed at times of the greatest difficulty?
Answer. It is true that the nature of the person is revealed at the times of greatest difficulty.
Custard could be the best example for the same. ALthough Custard was believed to be the most coward of all the pets, he proved himself to be the bravest of them all when the pirate broke in.

Question. ​​​​​​​What did Custard look like?
Answer. Custard, the dragon, had big sharp teeth, spikes on top of him and scales underneath.
His mouth was like a fireplace, his nose looked
Like a chimney, emitting smoke and daggers on his toes.

Question. ​​​​​​​Belinda shares o poston Instagram with the following hashtags lnk Blink Mustard Bravehearts My family My world
She doesn't mention Custard in her post.
As a friend of Belinda, what would be your advice to her and why?
Answer. If Belinda forgets to mention Custa rd in her post on Instagram then as her friend her, I would advise her to definitely include Custard in it because he proved himself to be the bravest of all her pets. Even if he wouldn't hove been able to do so. she should have definitely included him in the post because all the pets should be equoL in the eyes of the owner. No one should be Left out to show appreciation or Love.

Question. ​​​​​​​Describe the pirate who comes through the window?
Answer. The pirate who invaded the house through the window was crippled due to a wooden leg.
His beard was block He had a pistol each in both of his hands and he held a cutlass in his teeth. The appearance of the pirate was so frightful and evil It Looked Like he had no good intentions.

Question. ​​​​​​​How do the other pets celebrate Custard getting rid of the pirate?
Answer. 'Mien Custard successfully destroyed the pirate, Belinda embraced him The other pets too celebrated his victory. Mustard, the dog Licked him. Ink, the cat and Blink, the mouse danced around him in circles. They showed their love and appreciation to him in their awn ways.

 

 

Question. ​​​​​​​Being impressed by Custard's feat, the young seagulls sister wrote a letter to Custard seeking advice on addressing the situation with her young brother. Write Custard’s response to this Letter. Base the a dvice from his experiences.
You may begin like this:
Dear Ms. Seagull
Thank you for seeking me out. I'm humbled.
Based on my Limited experiences;, I feel—
Answer. Dear Ms. SeagulL
Thank you for seeking me out I'm humbled.
Based on my Limited experiences, I feel that what a human actually posses in him con only be proven at the times of utmost difficulty. In my case, not only Belinda and the other pets took me as a coward, but also I was unaware of my own courage. It was only when I saw Belinda crying for help on the sight of a pirate breaking inc I knew that I had to do it at any cost So, I without thinking, I charged at the pirate with all my strength. Similarly. I believe that when your younger brother will faced such a situation where he would be left with no choice but to fly, he would definitely take the plunge He was too unaware of the courage he had in himself Like me. But he would soon prove himself to everyone

Question. ​​​​​​​The usage of words like Tealio trulio’ creates a wonderful poetic effect. How?
Answer. The words Tealio trulio' are used by the poet to bring an amazing comic effect to the poem.
The word Tealio' means 'really' while 'trulio' means truly'. These wards add humor to the poem.

Evaluate Ogden Nash’s ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ as a ballad. What message does the poet give to the readers in this poem?

Answer. Ballads are stories told in verse. Generally, ballads are tales of adventures and heroism. In the poem, the poet does present the encounter of Custard and the pirate in the typical spirit of a ballad. The four-line stanzas have the rhyme scheme: aa,bb throughout the poem.

Ogden Nash gives a subtle message to the readers through the fate of Custard, the dragon. In this world of deceit, self-confidence, self-dependence and self-respect are essentials to earn your rightful place among your peers. The mere presence of physical strength is not enough. The more important point is that you must be conscious of your strength. You must be fully aware of the fact that many others who are far inferior in strength and power should have no right to taunt and ridicule you.

Question. In spite of being so powerful and displaying rare bravery of killing and swallowing the pirate, why does the dragon Custard taunt as being a coward always asking for a nice safe cage?

Answer. No doubt, Custard has a lot of physical strength. Even his exterior was quite formidable. He had big sharp teeth. There were spikes on his top. There were scales underneath. His mouth was like a fireplace always spitting fire. He proved his strength and bravery when he encountered the terrible pirate. The pirate had two pistols and a dagger but failed to hurt or overpower Custard. The dragon fought valiantly and swallowed the dragon within no time. Custard is constantly ridiculed and taunted by the weaker and more cowardly pets of Belinda. The reason was simple. Custard had no self-respect. Nor was he aware of his great strength. He had a very low opinion of himself. He always asked for a nice safe cage for his protection. This was the reason that he was always taunted and ridiculed as a coward.

Question. Why do you think Custard ,the dragon was called a coward? How was Custard able to save all his housemates from the pirate? .What values should Belinda have possessed so that Custard also could have been among her favorites?
Answer. The dragon was called coward because he appeared to be a coward as he always cried for a safe cage. Later, when the pirate entered the house with the pistols in his left and right hand everyone was scared and ran away and disappeared except Custard who faced him boldly and attacked ,hit him hard with his forceful tail and gobbled every bit of him .Belinda should have been nice to him. She should have made him feel comfortable and safe in the house instead of laughing and making fun of him with other pets. Belinda should have been protective towards him.

 

Question. What was the trouble faced by Belinda and her pets ?How was the crisis resolved at last ?
Answer. Belinda lived in a Little white House along with pets Ink the kitten, Blink the mouse ,Mustard the dog and Custard the dragon. One day ,out of nowhere appeared a pirate . Belinda saw him climbing the window. The pirate looked very dangerous with pistol in both hands . Usually all the pets including Belinda were confident of their bravery except the dragon as he used to cry for a nice safe cage to hide. But now when the pirate spelled danger, all the pets leaving aside the Dragon fled away from the scene leaving Belinda alone. The dragon who was cowardly to everyone's surprise now became furious and started snorting like an engine. Clashing his tail with a clatter and clang he charged at the pirate just like Robin would at a worm. The pirate was puzzled and he was no match to the angry dragon and the dragon gobbled him completely. In this way Custard the dragon resolved the crisis .

 

Question. Do you find the tale of Custard the Dragon a serious or a light hearted poem ? Give reasons in support of your answer.
Answer. The Tale of Custard the dragon at one level is a light hearted poem and a serious poem at another level. The characters in the poem display behavioural attributes contrary to their appearance as well as nature. It is humorous to see e a huge dragon ccrying for a cage . In the end they lived together as a happy family . On the other hand ,the poet indirectly hints at the attitude of man through these pets .Some people like the pets boast of their lives without any valid reason while others keep feeling inferior about their life like the Dragon. Also the judge mental attitude of man can be perceived through the actions of Belinda and their pets about the Custard the dragon