CBSE Class 9 English Question 17 of 18

The Bond of Love — Question 17

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17
Question
Pets have unique care and handling requirements and should only be kept by those with the commitment to understand and meet their needs. Give your argument in support of or against this statement.
Answer

In favour of the Motion, Pets play a significant role in the life of its owner. They become the members of the family. Animals do have emotions and sentiments. They play the role of a father, a mother and a brother/sister. They need to be tackled properly and utmost care. I am of the opinion that pets give us happiness and assist us in regaining confidence in the trying circumstances. These pets need proper care and love. Those who fulfil their requirements become the most fortunate people because they get true friends. It’s very difficult to get a worthy and honest friend in this commercial world. But animals reciprocate love and take care of the entire family. I strongly say that animals should be treated amiably and amicably.

Overview: The Bond of Love

Kenneth Anderson narrates how his wife adopted a sloth bear cub (Bruno, later called Baba) after Anderson accidentally shot its mother. Bruno became a beloved pet — eating everything, surviving two poisoning incidents, playing with dogs. When he grew too large, he was sent to Mysore Zoo, but both he and Anderson's wife were miserable. She visited, and Bruno hugged her, refusing to let go. She arranged to bring him home, where a special enclosure was built.

Key Points

  • Bruno is a sloth bear cub adopted after his mother was shot
  • Named Bruno, later affectionately called Baba
  • Survived barium carbonate poisoning (rat poison)
  • Survived engine oil poisoning
  • Grew large — sent to Mysore Zoo for safety
  • Both Bruno and the author's wife were miserable during separation
  • At the zoo, Bruno immediately recognised her and hugged her
  • She arranged to bring him home — special island enclosure built
  • Theme: Human-animal bonds can be as deep as human bonds
  • Raises ethical questions about keeping wild animals as pets

Frequently Asked Questions

How did the author's wife come to adopt Bruno?
During a hunt, Kenneth Anderson shot a bear. A baby bear cub was riding on the mother's back. The cub was brought home and the author's wife adopted it, naming it Bruno. She raised it with love and affection.
Why was Bruno sent to the zoo and what happened?
Bruno grew too large to keep at home safely. He was sent to Mysore Zoo. But both he and the author's wife were heartbroken. When she visited, Bruno recognised her instantly, hugged her, and wouldn't let go. She eventually brought him back home.

Common Mistakes

  • Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
  • Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
  • Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
  • Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

  • For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
  • For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
  • For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
  • Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.