Tiger in "A Tiger in the Zoo" is a wild animal confined in a cage, stripped of his natural freedom. He moves restlessly behind bars, his velvet paws padding softly, his brilliant eyes watching patrol cars at night — a symbol of suppressed rage and silent despair. He should be terrorising villages and lurking in shadows, but instead suffers quiet captivity.
Custard the Dragon in Nash's poem is a cowardly pet who longs for safety despite having fearsome weapons — sharp teeth, spikes, and a fire-breathing mouth. Ironically, he proves braver than all others when a real pirate appears.
Similarities: Both are powerful creatures kept in domestic/confined settings, both possess natural weapons, and both are misunderstood by those around them.
Differences: The tiger is genuinely fierce but helpless; Custard appears cowardly but is actually brave. The tiger suffers silently; Custard is mocked openly. The tiger's captivity evokes pathos; Custard's story is comic and light-hearted.
Examiners look for a balanced comparison — at least two similarities and two differences, with textual evidence from both poems. Mention specific details: the tiger's "velvet paws," "brilliant eyes," and Custard's "realio, trulio" cowardice versus his heroic act. Keep the tone analytical, not just a summary of each poem. Scoring: ~3 marks for similarities/differences + ~3 marks for textual support and expression.