Looking for accurate and complete textbook solutions for SEBA Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 10 (The Tale of Custard the Dragon by Ogden Nash) for the 2026–27 academic session? Access step-by-step solved “Thinking about the Poem” textual exercises, comprehension questions, character trait comparisons (Belinda, Mustard, Ink, Blink, Custard), ballad structure explanations, and rhyming patterns strictly formatted according to the Assam Board (SEBA) HSLC examination pattern.
Thinking About the Poem
1. Who are the characters in this poem? List them with their pet names.
Answer:
The characters are Belinda and her four pets:
- Ink – a black kitten
- Blink – a grey mouse
- Mustard – a yellow dog
- Custard – a pet dragon
2. Why did Custard cry for a nice safe cage? Why is the dragon called “cowardly dragon”?
Answer:
Custard wanted a safe cage because he was afraid of danger. He is called a “cowardly dragon” because he appeared timid and lacked courage.
SEBA Class 10 English Chapter 10 Textual Solutions
3. “Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmercifully.” Why?
Answer:
Belinda tickled Custard to tease him because he was always afraid and wanted a safe cage.
4. List some poetic devices used in the poem.
Answer:
Some poetic devices used in the poem are:
- Simile: “as brave as a barrel full of bears”
- Repetition: “realio, trulio”
- Alliteration: “little black kitten”
- Imagery: “mouth like a fireplace”
The Tale of Custard the Dragon Textbook Question Answer SEBA 2026-27
5. How does the poet describe the appearance of the dragon?
Answer:
Custard had big sharp teeth, spikes on his back, scales, a mouth like a fireplace, a nose like a chimney and sharp claws.
6. What is the rhyme scheme of two or three stanzas?
Answer:
The poem mostly follows the AABB rhyme scheme. For example, “house–mouse” and “wagon–dragon” rhyme in the first stanza.
7. Trace some images used in the poem.
Answer:
Some images used in the poem are:
- “Mouth like a fireplace”
- “Chimney for a nose”
- “Clashed his tail like irons”
- “Daggers on his toes”
These images help us imagine Custard’s appearance and actions.
Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 10 Thinking About the Poem Solutions
8. Do you find the poem serious or light-hearted? Give reasons.
Answer:
The poem is light-hearted and humorous. The funny names, playful language and unexpected bravery of Custard make the poem amusing.
9. This poem is in ballad form and tells a story. Have you heard any modern song that tells a story?
Answer:
Yes. “Love Story” by Taylor Swift is a modern song that tells a story. It narrates a love story in a simple and musical way.
SEBA Class 10 English Custard the Dragon NCERT Solutions
🐉 HSLC English Textual Solutions Notice: This page provides complete, official SEBA Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 10 (The Tale of Custard the Dragon) Textbook Questions & Answers updated for the 2026–27 academic session. All answers from the “Thinking about the Poem” section are drafted in clean, concise, board-standard English with stanza-level references to help you secure full marks in your school unit tests, pre-boards, and the upcoming HSLC examination.
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