Class 11 English Hornbill (Reading Skills) Chapter 6 Silk Road

Key Concept: Talking about the text

d) To reach sacred or significant places.

[Solution Description]

People willingly undergo the travails of difficult journeys to reach sacred or significant places, such as Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash, which hold great religious and cultural importance. This is implied by the author’s eagerness to forge ahead despite the harsh conditions.

Key Concept: Altitude Effects

c) 4,760 metres

[Solution Description]

The narrator mentions that his watch told him he was at 4,760 metres, and at this altitude, he experienced severe nocturnal disturbances due to lack of oxygen. This is directly stated in the passage.

Key Concept: Snow and Soil

b) To make the surface less slippery

[Solution Description] Tsetan threw dirt on the icy surface to make it less slippery. By spreading soil, the icy surface became more stable, allowing the car to drive over it without slipping.

Key Concept: Tsetan’s Caretaker Role

c) He cared for the author’s safety for professional reasons

[Solution Description]

Tsetan’s statement reflects his practical and professional attitude towards the author. While acknowledging his Buddhist belief that death is not significant, he humorously emphasizes the importance of keeping the author safe for the sake of his business. This shows his responsibility as a caretaker and guide, ensuring the author’s well-being during the journey.

Key Concept: Symbolism

b) Peace

[Solution Description]

A dove is universally recognized as a symbol of peace. It is frequently used in literature and other forms of storytelling to represent harmony and the absence of conflict.

Key Concept: Basic Concepts

c) Gurla Mandhata

[Solution Description]

The passage mentions that the author saw a “huge, snow-capped mountain, Gurla Mandhata” from Darchen. Therefore, the correct answer is Gurla Mandhata.

Key Concept: Author’s purpose

c) To complete the kora

[Solution Description]

The author’s journey to Mount Kailash was primarily to complete the kora, a pilgrimage around the mountain. This is evident from the text where the author mentions heading towards Mount Kailash to complete the kora.

Key Concept: About the Author

a) Geographer and author

[Solution Description]

Nick Middleton is primarily known for his work as a geographer, author, and lecturer. He has written several books on geography and environmental issues.

Key Concept: Geology

b) Brackish lakes

[Solution Description]

The passage mentions that the plateau is pockmarked with salt flats and brackish lakes, which are vestiges of the Tethys Ocean.

Key Concept: General Description of Darchen

b) Dusty and derelict but relaxed

[Solution Description]

The passage describes Darchen as a dusty, partially derelict town with heaps of rubble and refuse. However, after a good night’s sleep, it appears less horrible with brilliant sunshine and a clear blue sky. The town has rudimentary general stores selling basic provisions and prayer flags. People gather to play pool, and women wash their hair in a brook. Overall, Darchen feels relaxed and unhurried.

Key Concept: Mathematical Reasoning

c) 11

[Solution Description]

According to the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS), multiplication should be performed before addition. Therefore, $3 \times 2 = 6$, and then $5 + 6 = 11$.

Key Concept: Medical Problems and Anxiety

b) A five-day course of Tibetan medicine

[Solution Description]

The Tibetan doctor prescribed a five-day course of Tibetan medicine, which included brown powder to be taken with hot water and small, spherical brown pellets. These medications helped the narrator recover and sleep soundly.

Key Concept: Basic Concepts

b) Sunglasses

[Solution Description]

The passage states that all the men working at the salt lake wore sunglasses against the glare. This is directly mentioned in the text.

Key Concept: Cafe Description

b) Small, dark, and cavernous

[Solution Description]

The cafe is described as small, dark, and cavernous, with a long metal stove that ran down the middle. The walls and ceiling were covered with multi-colored plastic sheets.

Key Concept: Descriptive Phrases

a) These shaggy monsters, blacker than the darkest night

[Solution Description]

The phrase describing the appearance of the Tibetan mastiffs is “These shaggy monsters, blacker than the darkest night, usually wore bright red collars.”

Key Concept: Character Analysis

c) He believed it didn’t matter but thought it would be bad for business

[Solution Description]

Tsetan, being a Buddhist, believed that death is a natural part of life and does not hold much significance in the grand scheme of things. However, he also mentioned that the narrator’s death would be bad for his business. This indicates that while he was philosophical about death, he was also concerned about the practical implications on his livelihood.

Key Concept: Author’s adventurous experiences while scaling the hilly terrain, Lifestyle of hill-folk

c) They use traditional clothing and tools to adapt to harsh environments.

[Solution Description]

The hill-folk are highly adaptable to challenging terrains, as evident from their use of traditional practices, clothing, and tools. They wear long-sleeved sheepskin coats for warmth and have developed techniques to navigate steep and rocky paths. Their ability to live in such harsh environments showcases their resilience and resourcefulness.

Key Concept: Basic Concept

b) Absence of snow

[Solution Description]

Tsetan assured that the short cut would not be a problem only if there was no snow on the route. He couldn’t confirm this until they reached the location.

Key Concept: Contextual Meaning, Interpretation

b) She returned to her tent briefly to fetch something

[Solution Description]

The phrase “ducking back into her tent” suggests that Lhamo quickly and briefly returned to her tent. This indicates a sense of urgency or purpose in her action, as she was going back to fetch something specific, which in this case was the sheepskin coat.

Key Concept: Environmental Conditions

b) Low atmospheric pressure

[Solution Description]

The passage explains that “the lower atmospheric pressure was allowing the fuel to expand.” Therefore, the correct answer is low atmospheric pressure.

Key Concept: Nomads and Their Animals

b) They veered away from the vehicle

[Solution Description]

The passage describes that when the track took the vehicle close to the nomads’ animals, the sheep would take evasive action by veering away from the speeding vehicle. This indicates that the sheep reacted by moving away from the vehicle.

Key Concept: Challenges of the Journey

b) It was well-trodden but seasonal

[Solution Description]

The author observed that the pilgrimage trail was well-trodden but seasonal. Parts of the route were liable to blockage by snow, which made him hesitant to proceed alone.

Key Concept: High Altitude Effects

b) Relief from headache

[Solution Description]

As the group descended from a high altitude of 5,515 metres, the author’s severe headache cleared. This was due to the lower atmospheric pressure at high altitude causing the fuel in the vehicle’s petrol tank to expand, emitting a loud hiss.

Key Concept: Adjective Usage

c) Shaggy

[Solution Description]

The adjective “shaggy” in the phrase “shaggy monsters” describes the appearance of the monsters, indicating that they have long, unkempt hair or fur.

Key Concept: Nomadic Life, Tibetan Mastiffs

a) Guarding the nomads’ tents and livestock

[Solution Description]

The passage describes Tibetan mastiffs as standing guard near nomads’ dark tents. They are fearless, respond aggressively to approaching vehicles, and act as protectors of the flock and property. Their primary role is to guard the nomads’ tents and livestock.

Key Concept: Geographical feature near Darchen

c) Gurla Mandhata

[Solution Description]

From Darchen, the view across the plain to the south includes a vision of the Himalayas, dominated by Gurla Mandhata, a huge snow-capped mountain with a wisp of cloud over its summit. This description highlights Gurla Mandhata as the prominent geographical feature visible from Darchen.

Key Concept: Tradition at the Pass

c) Turning clockwise around the cairn

[Solution Description]

The passage states that the travelers took a turn round the cairn in a clockwise direction as is the tradition. This is explicitly mentioned.

Key Concept: Altitude

b) 5,210 metres

[Solution Description]

The travelers encountered the first snow patch at an altitude of 5,210 metres above sea level, as mentioned in the passage.

Key Concept: Description of Hor

c) A grim and miserable place

[Solution Description] The passage describes Hor as a grim and miserable place with no vegetation, only dust and rocks, and years of accumulated refuse. This directly indicates that the primary characteristic of Hor is its grim and miserable nature.

Key Concept: Purpose Comparison

c) To experience personal growth and self-discovery

[Solution Description]

The primary purpose of both a spiritual journey and an adventurous expedition is personal growth and self-discovery. Both aim to transform the individual through experiences and overcoming challenges.

Key Concept: Understanding the text

c) Its position on the shore of Lake Manasarovar

[Solution Description]

The town of Hor is located on the shore of Lake Manasarovar, which is Tibet’s most sacred lake. This geographical location gives Hor its spiritual significance.

Key Concept: Active Voice Contribution

c) It makes the narrative more direct and engaging.

[Solution Description]

Active voice makes the narrative more direct and engaging because the subject performs the action. It creates clarity and immediacy in the story, making it easier for readers to understand who is doing what.

Key Concept: Wildlife

b) Wild ass

[Solution Description]

Tsetan pointed towards a far-off pall of dust and mentioned “Kyang,” which refers to wild asses. This indicates that the animal he pointed out was a wild ass.

Key Concept: Activity Description

c) Mining salt

[Solution Description]

The text describes the workers using pickaxes and shovels, trudging back and forth, and loading blue trucks with piles of salt.

Key Concept: Contextual Understanding

d) They charged at the car aggressively.

[Solution Description]

The Tibetan mastiffs, described as shaggy monsters with bright red collars, were completely fearless of the vehicle. When they noticed the car approaching, they would cock their heads, fix the car in their sights, and then explode into action, speeding directly towards the car like a bullet from a gun. This reaction caused Tsetan to brake and swerve to avoid them.

Key Concept: Cultural Beliefs and Journeys

c) Due to religious and cultural beliefs

[Solution Description] People undertake difficult journeys such as the kora due to their religious and cultural beliefs. These beliefs motivate them to endure the hardships associated with such pilgrimages, as mentioned in the syllabus.

Key Concept: Contextual Understanding

c) It is a traditional marker used for navigation and cultural practices.

[Solution Description] The “cairn of rocks” is mentioned as a landmark at the top of the pass, decorated with white silk scarves and ragged prayer flags. It serves as a traditional marker where travelers walk around it clockwise as per local customs. This practice signifies respect and adherence to cultural traditions.

Key Concept: Continental Collision

b) India, Indonesia, and the Indian Ocean

[Solution Description]

Today, India, Indonesia, and the Indian Ocean cover the area that was once occupied by the Tethys Ocean. This is based on geological studies and the understanding of continental drift and plate tectonics.

Key Concept: Understanding the text

c) It highlights the author’s personal journey along historic trade routes.

[Solution Description] The article is titled ‘Silk Road’ because the author’s journey follows a route historically known as the Silk Road, which was a network of trade routes connecting the East and West.

Key Concept: Wildlife, Geography

c) The terrain was barren with limited vegetation

[Solution Description]

The gazelles were seen nibbling on arid pastures, and the wild asses appeared in an area where the plains became more stony than grassy. This indicates that the terrain was mostly barren with limited vegetation, characteristic of arid or semi-arid regions.

Key Concept: Geographical Features

c) Plateau

[Solution Description]

The plateau is described as being pockmarked with salt flats and brackish lakes, which are vestiges of the Tethys Ocean.

Key Concept: Author’s Physical Discomfort

b) Sitting up

[Solution Description]

The author found that sitting up immediately cleared his nasal passages and relieved the feeling in his chest, making it easier for him to breathe. Lying down, however, caused his sinuses to fill and his chest to feel odd again.

Key Concept: Landscape

c) Grim and desolate

[Solution Description]

The town of Hor is described as grim and desolate, with no vegetation and scattered refuse. This contrasts sharply with the sanctity of Lake Manasarovar.

Key Concept: Atmosphere of Darchen

b) Relaxed and unhurried

[Solution Description]

The passage mentions that Darchen felt relaxed and unhurried, despite its physical condition. The town had a relaxed atmosphere with people gathering for games and women washing their hair in the brook.

Key Concept: Lake Manasarovar, Spiritual Purity

c) Sutlej

[Solution Description] According to the syllabus, Lake Manasarovar is considered the source of four great Indian rivers: the Indus, the Ganges, the Sutlej, and the Brahmaputra. However, only the Sutlej directly flows from the lake, while the headwaters of the others rise nearby on the flanks of Mount Kailash.

Key Concept: High Altitude Symptoms

a) Increased oxygen levels and higher air pressure

[Solution Description]

Headaches at high altitudes are a common symptom of acute mountain sickness (AMS), caused by lower oxygen levels and changes in air pressure. As the narrator descended, the atmospheric pressure increased, and oxygen availability improved, relieving the headache.

Key Concept: Meeting Norbu

b) Hire yaks to carry their luggage

[Solution Description]

Norbu suggested that they hire some yaks to carry their luggage. This suggestion was interpreted by the author as a good sign, indicating a practical approach to the challenges of the pilgrimage.

Key Concept: Noticing form – Use of adjectives

b) The dogs have long, thick, and unkempt fur

[Solution Description]

The adjective “shaggy” implies that the Tibetan mastiffs have long, thick, and unkempt fur. This description helps to visualize the rugged appearance of these dogs, which are well-suited to the harsh climate of the Tibetan plateau.

Key Concept: Snow and Terrain

c) The car could turn over if it slipped off

[Solution Description]

Daniel explained that the primary danger of the icy top layer of snow was not its depth but the risk of the car slipping off and turning over. This highlights the hazardous nature of icy surfaces on steep mountain tracks.

Key Concept: Sentence Construction

b) She was excited to get it done

[Solution Description] The sentence “Tsetan was eager to have them fixed” has a structure where the subject (Tsetan) is followed by a verb phrase expressing eagerness about an action being performed by someone else. A similar structure would be “She was excited to get it done.”

Key Concept: Contrast and Irony

c) Situational irony

[Solution Description] The fire station burning down is unexpected because it is supposed to be a place that prevents fires. This discrepancy between expectation and reality is an example of situational irony, where the outcome is the opposite of what is anticipated.

Key Concept: Role of Tibetan Mastiffs

c) As guard dogs for nomads

[Solution Description]

Tibetan mastiffs were primarily used as guard dogs by nomads. They were stationed near dark tents and would stand guard, reacting aggressively to any perceived threat.

Key Concept: Character Identification

c) Scholar

[Solution Description]

Norbu works at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in the Institute of Ethnic Literature. This information is directly stated in the text.

Key Concept: Nomadic Lifestyle

c) Guarding tents and property

[Solution Description]

The passage mentions that Tibetan mastiffs are used as guard dogs by nomads. They stand guard near the tents and protect the property from intruders. When they sense an approaching vehicle, they react aggressively, chasing it away to ensure the safety of the area.

Key Concept: Lhamo’s Gift

a) Generosity and tradition

[Solution Description]

The central theme of Lhamo’s gift in Tibetan hospitality revolves around the cultural significance of generosity and the deep-rooted traditions of welcoming guests with heartfelt offerings. This reflects the values of kindness, respect, and community bonding.

Key Concept: Understanding the text

c) It highlights the journey along the historic trade routes.

[Solution Description]

The article is titled ‘Silk Road’ because it describes the author’s journey along the historic Silk Road, a network of trade routes that connected the East and West. The title reflects the cultural and historical significance of the route, which is central to the narrative.

Key Concept: Medical Diagnosis

b) A cold and the effects of altitude

[Solution Description]

The narrator visited the Darchen medical college due to sleeplessness and discomfort when lying down. The Tibetan doctor diagnosed his condition as a cold combined with the effects of altitude. He prescribed a five-day course of Tibetan medicine, which helped the narrator recover and sleep soundly.

Key Concept: Pilgrimage

b) There were no pilgrims to accompany him.

[Solution Description]

The narrator was discouraged because there were no pilgrims in Darchen when he arrived, and he didn’t want to undertake the pilgrimage alone. This is evident from his thoughts and the description of the empty town.

Key Concept: Interpretative

c) Rose-tinted

[Solution Description] The text mentions that the sun emerged to “splash the distant mountain tops with a rose-tinted blush,” indicating that the mountain tops were colored with a pinkish hue due to the rising sun.

Key Concept: Lake Manasarovar

b) He burst into tears

[Solution Description]

According to the text, Ekai Kawaguchi, a Japanese monk, was so moved by the sanctity of Lake Manasarovar that he burst into tears.

Key Concept: Geographical Context

b) Grim and miserable

[Solution Description]

Hor is depicted as a grim and miserable place with no vegetation, only dust and rocks, and years of accumulated refuse. Despite its location on the shore of Tibet’s most venerated stretch of water, the town itself lacks any natural beauty or cleanliness.

Key Concept: Punctures

d) Fixing the punctured tyres

[Solution Description] Tsetan was concerned about fixing the punctures in the tyres because he had no spare tyres left after suffering two punctures in quick succession.

Key Concept: First Impressions of Darchen

c) Darchen looked less terrible with clear skies and a view of the Himalayas.

[Solution Description]

The author mentions that Darchen didn’t look so horrible after a good night’s sleep. It was still dusty and partially derelict, but the sun shone brilliantly in a clear blue sky, and the view of the Himalayas, including the snow-capped mountain Gurla Mandhata, was visible. The town had basic stores, prayer flags, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Key Concept: Contrast in Hor

b) A harsh and unwelcoming environment

[Solution Description]

The author found Hor to be a grim and miserable place, starkly contrasting with earlier accounts that described it as serene and picturesque. The town was desolate, with no vegetation, just dust, rocks, and accumulated refuse, despite being on the shore of Lake Manasarovar.

Key Concept: Headache Relief

b) Drinking water

[Solution Description]

The author’s headache was temporarily alleviated by drinking water from his bottle during the ascent to higher altitudes.

Key Concept: Description of Hor

b) On the shore of Lake Manasarovar

[Solution Description]

The passage states that Hor sits on the shore of Lake Manasarovar, which is Tibet’s most sacred lake. Therefore, Hor is located near Lake Manasarovar in Tibet.

Key Concept: Factual Comprehension

c) 5,400 metres

[Solution Description]

The author mentions that as they continued to climb, they crept past 5,400 metres and his head began to throb horribly. Therefore, the height at which the author’s head began to throb is 5,400 metres.