NCERT Class 10 English First Flight: Chapter 6 — A Tiger in the House
This chapter, 'A Tiger in the House,' from NCERT Class 10 English First Flight, introduces the concept of pet responsibility through an anecdote about Gavin Maxwell and his dog, Jonnie. It highlights the commitment involved in pet ownership, emphasizing the need for family agreement and proper care. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) provides guidelines on vaccinations, training, diet, socialization, and exercise. The chapter also prompts readers to consider the specific needs of different animals, using the example of an otter, and contrasts the environments of Iraq and London to illustrate the challenges of relocating a pet. It aims to foster responsible pet ownership and an understanding of animal welfare among students.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 10 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | First Flight |
| Chapter | Chapter 6 — A Tiger in the House |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 594 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the responsibilities associated with owning a pet.
- Recognize the importance of proper care, training, and socialization for pets.
- Appreciate the challenges of keeping exotic animals as pets.
- Develop empathy towards animals and promote animal welfare.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Responsibility | The state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone. |
| Commitment | The state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc. |
| Acquire | Buy or obtain (an asset or object) for oneself. |
| Adorable | Inspiring great affection; delightful. |
| Consideration | Careful thought. |
| Vaccination | The administration of a vaccine or related substance to an individual for the prevention of disease. |
| Grooming | The process of making yourself or someone else look neat and attractive. |
| Obedience | Compliance with an order, request, or law or submission to another's authority. |
| Socialisation | The process of learning to behave in a way that is acceptable to society. |
| Temperate | (of climate or weather) mild. |
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Practice questions
- According to the SPCA, why should the decision to acquire a pet be made by the whole family? Answer: The decision should be made by the whole family because owning a pet is a lifetime commitment involving considerable responsibility, and without full agreement, the pet could end up unwanted.
- List three basic points to keep in mind before adopting a puppy, as mentioned in the text. Answer: Three points are: annual vaccination against major diseases, toilet training, and feeding a balanced diet.
- What is considered very important for dogs, according to the SPCA, and why is confining them wrong? Answer: Socialisation is very important. Confining dogs in cages or tying them up to stop them from dirtying the garden or chewing is wrong.
- What kind of climate does London have? Answer: London has a temperate climate, with regular but generally light rainfall or snow throughout the year.
Frequently asked questions
What is the SPCA?
SPCA stands for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, an organization that provides guidelines on how to care for pets.
What does the SPCA say about acquiring a pet?
The SPCA states that acquiring a pet is a lifetime commitment and the decision should be made by the whole family to ensure the pet is wanted and properly cared for.
What are some essential care requirements for a pet dog mentioned by the SPCA?
Essential care includes annual vaccinations, toilet training, obedience training, a balanced diet, socialization, and daily exercise, affection, and play.
Why is reading up on pet care important before getting a pet?
Reading up on the subject beforehand helps guide individuals towards being responsible pet owners and ensures they have the knowledge to take proper care of their pet.
What are the general climate conditions in Iraq?
Iraq has mostly broad plains and marshes, with a large part of its land area being desert, experiencing cool winters and dry, hot, cloudless summers. Mountain areas have cold winters with heavy snowfall.
What is the climate like in London?
London has a temperate climate with regular, light rainfall or snow throughout the year, neither very hot nor very cold.
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NCERT Class 10 English — First Flight — Chapter 6 — A Tiger in the House. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.