Extra Questions and Answers from Against Idleness and Mischief by Isaac Watts and How Doth the Little Crocodile by Lewis Carroll
⭐ SECTION 1 — Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) (20 Questions)
1. Which creature is used by Watts to teach hard work?
a) Ant
b) Bee
c) Sparrow
d) Butterfly
Ans: b)
2. “Against Idleness and Mischief” mainly warns against:
a) Kindness
b) Laziness
c) Honesty
d) Joy
Ans: b)
3. Bees gather honey from:
a) Leaves
b) Stones
c) Flowers
d) Soil
Ans: c)
4. The tone of “How Doth the Little Crocodile” is:
a) Serious
b) Humorous
c) Sad
d) Angry
Ans: b)
5. The crocodile’s smile is:
a) Honest
b) Kind
c) False
d) Sad
Ans: c)
6. The word “improve” in the crocodile poem means:
a) Destroy
b) Make better
c) Hide
d) Forget
Ans: b)
7. Watts suggests that idle hands lead to:
a) Strength
b) Mischief
c) Peace
d) Success
Ans: b)
8. The crocodile improves his tail by:
a) Dirtying it
b) Scratching it
c) Spreading Nile water
d) Painting it
Ans: c)
9. The bees’ work teaches:
a) Laziness
b) Constant effort
c) Anger
d) Cruelty
Ans: b)
10. The crocodile welcomes:
a) Birds
b) Fish
c) Insects
d) Frogs
Ans: b)
11. Watts encourages children to be:
a) Idlers
b) Busy
c) Shy
d) Silent
Ans: b)
12. Carroll’s poem is a parody of another poem about:
a) A snail
b) A shark
c) A bee
d) Diligence
Ans: d)
13. The poem describes the crocodile’s scales as:
a) Blue
b) Golden
c) Pale
d) Dull
Ans: b)
14. “Idle hands” means:
a) Very clean hands
b) Sick hands
c) Hands doing nothing
d) Hands working hard
Ans: c)
15. In Watts’ poem, mischief is compared to:
a) Poison
b) A friend
c) A song
d) Something natural
Ans: a)
16. The crocodile’s claws are:
a) Spread neatly
b) Hidden
c) Broken
d) Soft
Ans: a)
17. The bee builds its cell with:
a) Wax
b) Clay
c) Mud
d) Leaves
Ans: a)
18. The crocodile’s grin seems:
a) Painful
b) Cheerful
c) Tired
d) Angry
Ans: b)
19. Both poems use animals to:
a) Frighten children
b) Teach lessons
c) Show scientific facts
d) Entertain only
Ans: b)
20. The main theme common to both poems is:
a) Deception
b) Nature
c) Hard work vs. trickery
d) Friendship
Ans: c)
⭐ SECTION 2 — Fill in the blanks (20 Questions)
1. The busy bee improves each _______ hour.
Ans: shining
2. Bees gather sweet _______.
Ans: honey
3. Watts warns that _______ hands lead to mischief.
Ans: idle
4. Bees build their cells with _______.
Ans: wax
5. The crocodile improves his shining _______.
Ans: tail
6. The crocodile pours the waters of the _______.
Ans: Nile
7. The crocodile seems to _______ cheerfully.
Ans: grin
8. He welcomes little _______.
Ans: fishes
9. The poet of the first poem encourages _______.
Ans: hard work
10. Idleness leads to _______.
Ans: mischief
11. Bees are used as a symbol of _______.
Ans: diligence
12. The crocodile’s scales shine like _______.
Ans: gold
13. Bees never remain _______.
Ans: idle
14. The crocodile spreads his _______ neatly.
Ans: claws
15. The bee is a model of _______.
Ans: industry
16. Carroll’s poem is _______ in tone.
Ans: humorous
17. The crocodile’s smile is _______.
Ans: deceptive
18. Watts’ poem carries a strong _______.
Ans: moral
19. The crocodile uses his beauty to _______ fish.
Ans: attract
20. Both poems use _______ to convey messages.
Ans: animals
⭐ SECTION 3 — One-Line Answers (20 Questions)
1. What do bees symbolize in Watts’ poem?
= Hard work and discipline.
2. What does idleness lead to?
= It leads to mischief.
3. What does the bee gather all day?
= Honey.
4. What does the crocodile improve?
= Its shining tail.
5. How does the crocodile behave to attract fish?
= By smiling sweetly.
6. What is the tone of Carroll’s poem?
= Humorous and playful.
7. What lesson does Watts want children to learn?
= Use every hour wisely.
8. What does the crocodile pour on his scales?
= Waters of the Nile.
9. How do bees build their cells?
= Neatly and skillfully.
10. What does the crocodile spread neatly?
= His claws.
11. Why does the crocodile grin?
= To trick little fishes.
12. What does Watts think about idle children?
= They fall into mischief.
13. What is the main quality of a bee?
= Industriousness.
14. What is the crocodile’s smile compared to?
= Shining golden scales.
15. Why is Carroll’s poem funny?
= It treats a dangerous animal playfully.
16. What is the key theme of Watts’ poem?
= Hard work and avoiding idleness.
17. What is the central trick of the crocodile?
= Deceptive friendliness.
18. What do both poems use heavily?
= Imagery from nature.
19. What virtue does Watts praise?
= Industry.
20. What does Carroll warn humorously?
= Appearances can deceive.
⭐ SECTION 4 — Brief Answers (20 Questions)
(2–4 sentences each)
1. Why does Watts choose the bee as his example?
= The bee works tirelessly and makes good use of every moment. It performs every task with skill and purpose. This makes it a perfect example of industriousness.
2. What lesson does Watts give children?
= He teaches them to avoid idleness because it leads to mischief and wrongdoing. Children must stay engaged in useful work. Productive habits lead to growth and character.
3. How does the speaker describe the bee’s work?
= The bee gathers honey all day and builds its cell neatly. Every activity is done with care and skill. This inspires children to work hard.
4. Why is idleness harmful?
= Idleness gives space for mischief to grow. When hands are not busy, the mind drifts into wrong activities. Hence the poet warns against it.
5. How does the crocodile make himself appear attractive?
= He spreads Nile water over his scales, making them shine like gold. His cheerful grin makes him look harmless. This helps him trick fish.
6. Why is the crocodile dangerous despite looking friendly?
= Its smile is false and meant to trap prey. The crocodile hides cruelty behind charm. This makes the poem humorous but meaningful.
7. How does Carroll create humour?
= He shows a fierce predator behaving politely. This contrast creates playful exaggeration. It makes the poem light and amusing.
8. What does the crocodile’s behaviour teach?
= Appearances can deceive. Something that looks friendly may hide danger. The poem warns against trusting looks blindly.
9. What qualities of bees should children adopt?
= Discipline, hard work, and time management. Bees never waste their hours. These habits lead to success.
10. How does the poet describe the bee’s cell?
= It is built skilfully and neatly. This shows the bee’s dedication. It is a symbol of perfection in work.
11. What mood does the crocodile poem create?
= A mischievous and playful mood. The humor makes the poem enjoyable. The crocodile’s false innocence adds charm.
12. Why is the crocodile’s grin misleading?
= It looks cheerful but hides harmful intention. The grin lures fishes closer. It represents deceit.
13. What do the waters of the Nile symbolize?
= Beauty and freshness used to create attraction. It enhances the crocodile’s look. This adds to the deception.
14. What reward do bees get for their hard work?
= Sweet honey. Their efforts produce valuable results. It shows that labour brings reward.
15. Why should children avoid wasting time?
= Wasted time cannot be regained. Idleness leads to bad habits. Being active helps build a strong character.
16. Why does Watts include a moral warning?
= To guide young readers. Morals shape behaviour. The poem offers direction for good living.
17. What contrast do the poems show?
= One praises hard work, the other mocks false behaviour. One is moral, the other humorous. Together they teach balance.
18. Why is the crocodile poem considered a parody?
= It imitates the moral poem style but twists it humorously. Instead of praising virtue, it shows amusing trickery. This creates comic effect.
19. What is the main purpose of using animals?
= To make lessons simple and relatable. Children easily understand through animals. It adds charm and clarity.
20. What should students learn from both poems?
= Work hard like the bee and beware of deceptive appearances. Both poems teach caution and responsibility. They encourage observation and wise behaviour.
⭐ SECTION 5 — Line Explanations (20 Questions)
(2–3 sentences each)
1. “How doth the little busy bee improve each shining hour!”
= This line shows how bees make good use of every moment. It encourages diligence.
2. “And gather honey all the day from every opening flower.”
= Bees work continuously and find opportunity everywhere. It teaches hard work.
3. “In works of labour or of skill I would be busy too.”
= The poet wishes to follow the bee’s example. He wants to remain active and useful.
4. “For Satan finds some mischief still for idle hands to do.”
= Idleness leads to wrongdoing. It warns children to stay engaged.
5. “How skilfully she builds her cell!”
= The bee’s craftsmanship is admirable. It symbolizes skill and patience.
6. “How neat she spreads the wax!”
= Bees complete their work with perfection. The line praises careful effort.
7. “We eat the honey that she makes.”
= Hard work benefits both the worker and others. It highlights contribution.
8. “How doth the little crocodile improve his shining tail.”
= The crocodile makes himself look attractive. This hints at deception.
9. “And pour the waters of the Nile on every golden scale!”
= The shining scales create beauty meant to trick prey. It exaggerates the crocodile’s charm.
10. “How cheerfully he seems to grin.”
= His cheerful smile hides danger. The line creates irony.
11. “How neatly spreads his claws.”
= He prepares to catch fish subtly. The neatness enhances the trick.
12. “And welcomes little fishes in…”
= The crocodile pretends to be inviting. It is a trap.
13. “With gently smiling jaws.”
= His gentle smile masks deadly jaws. The contrast creates humour.
14. “Idle hands”
= Hands without work become dangerous. This symbol warns against laziness.
15. “Shining tail”
= The crocodile’s beauty is deceptive. It hides harmful intent.
16. “Satan finds mischief”
= Evil arises where there is no activity. The poet uses strong imagery.
17. “Improve each shining hour”
= Use time wisely. Every hour should be meaningful.
18. “Golden scale”
= The glittering scale represents fake attractiveness. It traps victims.
19. “Gently smiling jaws”
= The crocodile appears harmless. The line shows false innocence.
20. “Opening flower”
= Flowers symbolize opportunity. Bees take advantage of every chance.
⭐ SECTION 6 — Long Answer Questions (20 Questions)
(6–8 sentences each)
1. Compare the themes of both poems.
= Both poems use animals to teach lessons, but in different ways. Watts uses the bee to encourage hard work and discipline. He warns that idleness leads to mischief. Carroll, on the other hand, uses the crocodile to create humour. The crocodile looks innocent but is dangerous, teaching that appearances can be misleading. While one poem is moral and serious, the other is playful and ironic. Together, they help students understand both virtues and caution.
2. How does Watts use imagery to teach a moral?
= Watts uses imagery of hardworking bees gathering honey and building cells neatly. These images help readers visualize constant activity. The contrast between industrious bees and idle children becomes clear. He further uses strong imagery like “Satan finds mischief” to emphasise dangers of laziness. This makes the message memorable. Through vivid descriptions, the poet successfully teaches the value of hard work.
3. Discuss the humour in “How Doth the Little Crocodile.”
= The humour comes from showing a dangerous crocodile behaving politely. Its cheerful grin contrasts with its deadly nature. The poem exaggerates the crocodile’s beauty by describing golden scales. The crocodile seems gentle but is planning to trap fish. This playful portrayal makes the poem entertaining. The exaggeration and irony create comic effect.
4. Explain how deception is portrayed in Carroll’s poem.
= The crocodile looks cheerful, kind, and harmless. His shining scales and smiling jaws create an illusion of beauty. However, this charm is meant to trick fish into coming closer. The contrast between appearance and intention creates a sense of deception. The crocodile’s behaviour warns readers not to trust outward appearances. The poem cleverly shows how danger can hide behind sweetness.
5. Why is the bee an appropriate symbol for hard work?
= Bees work constantly from flower to flower, showing diligence. They never waste time and use every moment productively. Their cells are built with skill and perfection. Honey, their reward, represents the sweetness of hard work. Using the bee makes the moral easy for children to understand. The bee becomes a natural model for good behaviour.
6. What moral values does Watts promote?
= Watts encourages children to avoid idleness. He emphasises that laziness leads to mischief and wrongdoing. The poem promotes discipline, responsibility, and productive living. The bee shows the beauty of hard work. The poet teaches that every moment should be used wisely. These values prepare children for a meaningful life.
7. Compare the tones of the two poems.
= Watts’ tone is serious and instructive. He speaks like a moral guide, warning children against idleness. Carroll’s tone is humorous and playful. He exaggerates the crocodile’s actions for comic effect. One poem teaches through seriousness, the other through humour. This contrast makes both poems enjoyable and educational.
8. Describe the crocodile’s appearance and behaviour.
= The crocodile improves his tail with Nile water, making his scales shine. His appearance is bright and attractive. He smiles cheerfully, pretending innocence. However, his claws and jaws are ready to catch fish. His behaviour mixes charm with danger. The poem shows him as both comical and cunning.
9. How do bees inspire human behaviour?
= Bees show constant dedication to work. They use every moment meaningfully. Their skill in building and gathering honey inspires humans to do quality work. Bees live in cooperation and discipline. Their product, honey, symbolizes the reward of effort. These qualities make them ideal examples.
10. What does Carroll suggest about trust and appearances?
= Carroll suggests that appearances can be misleading. The crocodile looks polite but hides deadly intentions. His cheerful grin is only a trap. The poem warns readers to think carefully before trusting someone. Beauty and charm must not be accepted blindly. This message is delivered humorously but meaningfully.
11. Explain how both poems use contrast.
= Watts contrasts bees’ hard work with children’s idleness. This shows the importance of discipline. Carroll contrasts the crocodile’s cheerful appearance with its cruel intention. This creates humour and danger. Both poets use contrast to highlight behaviour. Their messages become clearer through differences.
12. How does Watts link idleness to mischief?
= Watts states that idleness leaves room for wrong ideas. When hands are not busy, they may fall into harmful activities. He uses strong words like “Satan finds mischief” to show danger. This connection warns children to stay active. The poet believes that purposeful activity builds character. His message is strong and persuasive.
13. Describe the poetic devices used in Carroll’s poem.
= Carroll uses exaggeration, humour, and irony. He exaggerates the crocodile’s beauty to create a comical image. Irony appears because a dangerous creature acts polite. Imagery of golden scales adds charm. The rhythm makes the poem memorable. These devices make the poem entertaining.
14. How does nature help teach lessons in both poems?
= Nature provides simple and relatable examples. Bees represent hard work and dedication. The crocodile represents deception and danger. Children understand lessons better through animals. Nature becomes a classroom within the poem. This connection makes learning enjoyable.
15. Why are the poems suitable for children?
= They use simple language and lively imagery. Animals make the lessons interesting. One poem teaches discipline, the other warns humorously. The rhythm and rhyme are engaging. Children learn moral values in a fun way. Both poems make reading enjoyable.
16. What is the importance of time in Watts’ poem?
= Time is shown as precious. Bees use every hour meaningfully. Wasting time leads to mischief and regret. The poet wants children to learn time management. Good use of time strengthens character. The poem teaches discipline through time.
17. How does the crocodile act as a symbol?
= The crocodile symbolizes deceptive beauty. It also stands for hidden danger. Its smile and shining scales represent false appearances. The fish represent innocent victims. Together, they symbolize caution against trusting blindly. The poem conveys wisdom humorously.
18. How are both poems different in message?
= Watts focuses on hard work and responsibility. Carroll focuses on deception and trickery. One is moral and instructive; the other is witty and playful. The first promotes virtue, the second warns through humour. Despite differences, both teach important lessons. Their diversity enriches learning.
19. Describe how the poets use animal behaviour to reflect human behaviour.
= Bees reflect the ideal human behaviour—hardworking, disciplined, and purposeful. Crocodiles reflect cunning humans who deceive others with charm. Animal actions become metaphors. Children easily relate to these comparisons. Poets simplify complex ideas through animals. This makes the poems effective.
20. Explain why the poems remain relevant today.
= Hard work and caution are timeless lessons. Modern life still requires discipline, focus, and honesty. Deception is still common, making Carroll’s warning important. Both poems guide young readers morally. Their simple style appeals across generations. They remain powerful teaching tools.