With reference to the poem A Tiger in the Zoo, compare our situation during lockdown with the animals in the zoo and the birds in the cage locked down for our amusement.
Answers
i According to the extract, the poet wishes for the tiger to be ‘sliding’ through the foliage as this would
a) assist in keeping the prey unsuspecting of the predator’s sound.
b) aid in camouflaging the presence of the predator before it rushes in.
c) help the predator pounce on the prey comfortably without getting tired.
d) Support the predator’s vision as it eyes its prey.
ii Which fact DOES NOT connect with the significance of the water hole for the tiger?
a) Many tigers chase prey into the water and hold the victim’s head underwater until it drowns.
b) Prey feed in the water on water-lilies and often wander into the middle of the water hole, where they are vulnerable and easy for the tiger to kill.
c) Prey that has quenched its thirst ensures consumption of hydrated meat for the tiger.
d) Chasing the panicked prey from shallow to deep water where the tiger grabs it.