Class 11 English Hornbill(Reading Skills) Chapter 2 “We’re Not Afraid to Die if We Can All Be Together”

Key Concept: Thinking about language

c) He used an improvised sea anchor to protect the boat.

[Solution Description]

The narrator decided to heave-to with the undamaged port hull facing the waves, using an improvised sea anchor made of heavy nylon rope and two 22-litre plastic barrels of paraffin. This action shows his determination to protect his family and the weakened side of the boat from further damage.

Key Concept: Verb Forms

b) ran

[Solution Description]

The correct past tense form of the verb “run” is “ran”.

Key Concept: Mental Condition of the Voyagers

c) The pressure on the rigging would pull the damaged hull apart.

[Solution Description]

The voyagers could not set any sail on the main mast because the pressure on the rigging would pull the damaged section of the hull apart. This is mentioned in the text as a critical factor that prevented them from using the main mast for sailing.

Key Concept: Metaphors and Similes

c) An impending danger

[Solution Description]

The term “ominous silence” conveys a sense of foreboding or a threatening quietness. It implies that something dangerous or unsettling might be about to happen, creating an atmosphere of tension and anxiety.

Key Concept: Phrasal Verb: “Take On”

d) To decide to do something

[Solution Description] Here, the phrase ‘take on’ means to decide to do something. The sentence suggests that she has chosen to face the challenge.

Key Concept: Geographical Location

c) South Indian Ocean

[Solution Description]

Ile Amsterdam is a French scientific base located in the South Indian Ocean, between the southernmost parts of Australia and South Africa. Its specific coordinates are 37°92′ S latitude and 77°67′ E longitude.

Key Concept: Emotional Arrival on the Island

b) Because he found the island

[Solution Description]

Sue insisted that the narrator was the best captain because he had successfully found Ile Amsterdam, which is evidenced by her statement: “You found the island.”

Key Concept: Contrasting Reactions

c) Adults were practical and stressed while children were calm and optimistic.

[Solution Description]

The adults, like the captain and his wife, focused on taking immediate action to protect the ship and ensure safety. They were stressed but practical. In contrast, the children, Jonathan and Suzanne, remained calm and optimistic. Suzanne made a card to express her love, and Jonathan expressed trust and admiration for his father.

Key Concept: Talking about the text

a) The best daddy and the best captain

[Solution Description]

Jonathan describes his father as “the best daddy in the whole world — and the best captain.” This highlights his admiration for his father during the crisis.

Key Concept: Family’s Resilience

c) Heavy nylon rope and two 22-litre plastic barrels of paraffin

[Solution Description]

The captain improvised a sea anchor using heavy nylon rope and two 22-litre plastic barrels of paraffin to protect the weakened starboard side.

Key Concept: Direct Recall

b) She screamed, “We’re sinking!”

[Solution Description]

In the story, Mary appeared on the deck and screamed, “We’re sinking!” This indicates her immediate reaction to the situation.

Key Concept: Canvas and Hatch Covers

d) Canvas

[Solution Description]

The primary material used to cover the gaping holes in the boat was canvas. This is evident from the text where the narrator mentions finding a hammer, screws, and canvas to make repairs.

Key Concept: Suspense and Foreshadowing

d) To navigate towards Ile Amsterdam based on his calculations.

[Solution Description]

The captain calculated their position using the spare compass and considered the westerly currents. Steering a course of 185 degrees was his best estimate to reach Ile Amsterdam, hoping to spot the island by 5 p.m.

Key Concept: Improvised Sea Anchor

c) To reduce drift and stabilize the boat

[Solution Description] An improvised sea anchor helps stabilize the boat by reducing its drift and keeping the undamaged side facing the oncoming waves. It provides stability and prevents further damage to the weakened starboard side.

Key Concept: Survival Strategy

c) To protect the weakened starboard side

[Solution Description]

The narrator decided to heave-to with the undamaged port hull facing the oncoming waves to protect the weakened starboard side of the ship. This strategy was aimed at minimizing further damage to the already compromised section of the hull.

Key Concept: Duration Calculation

b) July 1979

[Solution Description]

The expedition started in July 1976 and was planned to last three years. Adding three years to July 1976 leads us to July 1979. Therefore, the expedition would end in July 1979.

Key Concept: Emergency Repairs

c) Canvas and waterproof hatch covers

[Solution Description]

The narrator mentions using canvas and waterproof hatch covers to secure the gaping holes in the starboard side. This action helped deflect most of the water over the side, reducing the amount of water entering the boat.

Key Concept: Optimism

b) Optimism

[Solution Description]

The children display a remarkable sense of optimism and trust in their parents, while the adults are focused on survival and immediate tasks.

Key Concept: Details from the story

c) January 2

[Solution Description]

The story mentions that the gigantic wave was encountered at dawn on January 2. This is explicitly stated in the text.

Key Concept: Talking about the text

b) They remained optimistic and supportive

[Solution Description]

The children remained optimistic and supportive, while the adults were more focused on the practical challenges of survival.

Key Concept: Basic Concept

b) 1976

[Solution Description]

The narrator mentions that they set sail in July 1976 to duplicate Captain James Cook’s round-the-world voyage.

Key Concept: Word Meanings, Contextual Usage

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.

[Solution Description] The word “knot” indeed has two distinct meanings. In sailing terminology, it refers to a unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour. However, in everyday language, a “knot” is a method of fastening or securing ropes or strings. The reason provided correctly explains that this duality arises from the historical usage of the word in both maritime and general contexts, where it evolved to serve different purposes.

Key Concept: The Dream and Preparation

b) Wavewalker

[Solution Description]

The text states that the boat used for the voyage was named Wavewalker.

Key Concept: Encounter with Strong Gales

c) January 2

[Solution Description]

The narrator encountered the gigantic waves on January 2, as mentioned in the passage: “At dawn on January 2, the waves were gigantic.”

Key Concept: Boat Details

b) 23 metres

[Solution Description]

The passage mentions that Wavewalker was a 23 metre, 30 ton wooden-hulled beauty. Therefore, the length of the boat is 23 metres.

Key Concept: Determination and Hope

c) To express her love and encourage them

[Solution Description]

Sue gave the narrator a card with caricatures of her parents to express her love and gratitude despite their dire situation. The card was a gesture of hope and encouragement, showing that she believed in their ability to survive. This is evident from the message inside the card: “Oh, how I love you both. So this card is to say thank you and let’s hope for the best.”

Key Concept: Survival Struggle

b) Dropped the storm jib and lashed a heavy mooring rope

[Solution Description]

The text states that they dropped the storm jib and lashed a heavy mooring rope in a loop across the stern to slow the boat down.

Key Concept: Resilience, Optimism

c) Resilience includes maintaining optimism under stress

[Solution Description]

Larry and Herbie remain cheerful and optimistic even under the most stressful conditions. Their behavior shows that resilience is not just about enduring hardship but also maintaining a positive attitude and hope despite dire circumstances. This optimism helps them and others around them to stay motivated and focused on survival.

Key Concept: Basic Concepts

c) A card with a heartfelt message

[Solution Description]

Sue gave her father a card she had made, with caricatures of Mary and the captain on the front and a message inside: “Oh, how I love you both. So this card is to say thank you and let’s hope for the best.”

Key Concept: Reaction of Adults and Children

a) Adults panicked, children remained calm

[Solution Description]

The adults were more visibly worried and stressed, while the children remained calm and optimistic. This is evident from the text where the children expressed their lack of fear and tried to reassure the adults.

Key Concept: Strong Gales and Enormous Waves

c) 15 metres

[Solution Description]

The syllabus mentions that the waves reached alarming heights of up to 15 metres, as high as the main mast of the ship. Therefore, the correct answer is 15 metres.

Key Concept: Understanding the text

b) She screamed, “We’re sinking!”

[Solution Description]

In the text, it is mentioned that Mary appeared from the front hatch and screamed, “We’re sinking!” This indicates her immediate reaction to the situation.

Key Concept: Understanding the Event

c) An ominous silence

[Solution Description]

The passage mentions that the first indication of the impending disaster came with an ominous silence, followed by the wind dropping and the sky growing dark. This indicates that these events were the initial signs of the approaching disaster.

Key Concept: Vivid Imagery

c) 15 metres

[Solution Description]

The narrator mentions that the size of the waves was alarming, reaching up to 15 metres, which was as high as their main mast. This comparison indicates that the height of the waves was equal to the height of the main mast.

Key Concept: Role of the Crew Members

b) She stayed at the wheel

[Solution Description]

Mary stayed at the wheel for all those crucial hours, which shows her dedication and responsibility in ensuring the ship’s safety and navigation.

Key Concept: Position Calculation, Current Drift

c) 6 knots

[Solution Description]

To find the distance drifted due to the current, we use the formula: Distance = Speed $\times$ Time. Given the speed of the current is 3 knots per hour and the time is 2 hours, the distance drifted is:

$\text{Distance} = 3 \, \text{knots/hour} \times 2 \, \text{hours} = 6 \, \text{knots}$

Therefore, the distance drifted due to the current is 6 knots.

Key Concept: Year of Voyage

c) 1976

[Solution Description]

The family set sail from Plymouth, England in July 1976.

Key Concept: Island Sighting

b) As big as a battleship

[Solution Description]

Jonathan and Sue described Ile Amsterdam as being “as big as a battleship” when they finally spotted it.

Key Concept: Wave Characteristics

a) Twice the height

[Solution Description] According to the passage, the gigantic wave was “almost twice the height of the other waves.” Therefore, the correct answer is that it was approximately double the height of the other waves.

Key Concept: Resilience and Love

c) She didn’t want to worry her father

[Solution Description]

Sue prioritized her family’s well-being over her own pain and didn’t want to worry her father while he was trying to save them all, showing her love and concern for her family.

Key Concept: Basic Concept

b) 65 kilometres

[Solution Description]

The text mentions that they were searching for a 65 kilometre-wide island. This is a direct piece of information from the syllabus.

Key Concept: Understanding the Text

b) To express her love and gratitude

[Solution Description]

Sue’s card was a heartfelt message to her parents, expressing her love and gratitude. The front of the card had caricatures of her parents with humorous captions, while the inside conveyed a sincere message of hope and unity during their challenging ordeal.

Key Concept: Captain’s Immediate Actions

b) He stretched canvas and secured waterproof hatch covers.

[Solution Description]

When the rough weather began, the captain took immediate action by stretching canvas and securing waterproof hatch covers across the gaping holes to prevent water from flooding the ship. This action was crucial in protecting the ship from further damage.

Key Concept: Near Capsizing of Wavewalker

b) An ominous silence and darkening sky

[Solution Description]

The first indication of impending disaster was an ominous silence, followed by the wind dropping and the sky growing dark.

Key Concept: Challenges Faced

c) Wavewalker

[Solution Description] The boat used by Gordon Cook and his family during their voyage in 1976 was named Wavewalker.

Key Concept: Boatmen’s Songs and Their Emotions

b) Resilience

[Solution Description]

Traditional boatmen’s songs often express emotions related to their daily lives, such as resilience, hope, and camaraderie. These songs are usually uplifting and reflect the spirit of overcoming challenges.

Key Concept: Understanding the text

c) Survival and courage

[Solution Description]

The story $\textit{We’re Not Afraid to Die…}$ is a first-person account of an adventurous ordeal faced by a family. The main theme revolves around their survival and courage in the face of extreme danger.

Key Concept: Steps taken by the Captain to Protect the Ship

b) To stabilize the ship during rough weather

[Solution Description]

The captain dropped the storm jib and lashed a heavy mooring rope in a loop across the stern to stabilize the ship during rough weather. This action helped reduce the impact of the waves and keep the ship steady, ensuring better control and safety.

Key Concept: Impact of Natural Disasters

c) Massive loss of life and property

[Solution Description]

Natural disasters often lead to significant loss of life, displacement of people, and destruction of property, severely affecting communities and their ability to recover.

Key Concept: Compound Words with “-ship”

c) A ship that acts as a lighthouse to guide other ships

[Solution Description]

A lightship is a ship that acts as a lighthouse, anchored in a specific location to guide other ships. It has a bright light to signal its position and warn of hazards.

Key Concept: Ominous Silence

d) An ominous silence

[Solution Description]

The first indication of the impending disaster was an ominous silence, as mentioned in the text. This silence was followed by the wind dropping and the sky growing dark.

Key Concept: Talking about the text

b) They focus on being together rather than practical solutions

[Solution Description] Jon and Sue display remarkable courage and optimism, even when faced with the possibility of death. Their lack of fear and focus on being together contrasts with the adults’ more pragmatic approach, highlighting the purity of children’s resilience and their ability to find comfort in familial bonds.

Key Concept: Understanding the text

b) The courage and selflessness of his family members

[Solution Description]

The narrator reflects on the courage and selflessness of his family members, especially the children. He mentions Larry and Herbie, who remained cheerful and optimistic under extreme stress, Mary, who stayed at the wheel during crucial hours, a seven-year-old girl who did not want them to worry about her injury, and a six-year-old boy who was not afraid to die. These reflections highlight the bravery and resilience of the children in the face of danger.

Key Concept: Indian Language Origins

b) Tamil

[Solution Description]

The word “catamaran” is derived from the Tamil language, where it originally referred to a type of raft used in South India.

Key Concept: Symbolism in Literature

c) Love and beauty

[Solution Description]

A rose is commonly used as a symbol of love and beauty in literature. It often represents romantic love, but can also symbolize other forms of affection or even secrecy (as in the phrase “sub rosa”). Therefore, the correct answer is “Love and beauty.”

Key Concept: Magnetic Variation

b) To ensure the compass points to true north

[Solution Description]

Magnetic variation is the angle between true north and magnetic north. Correcting for magnetic variation ensures that the compass points towards true north, which is essential for accurate navigation. Without this correction, the compass could lead to significant navigational errors.

Key Concept: Decision to Head Towards Small Islands

c) It was the only hope for survival

[Solution Description]

The primary reason for heading towards Ile Amsterdam was that it was one of the two small islands located a few hundred kilometres to the east, and it served as a French scientific base. This made it their only hope for survival, especially since their auxilliary engine was out of action due to the great wave.

Key Concept: Working with words

c) Friendship

[Solution Description]

Compound words with “-ship” include terms like “friendship,” which combines “friend” and “-ship” to denote a relationship between friends. Other options like “anchor,” “captain,” and “ocean” are not compound words with “-ship.”

Key Concept: Moral Lesson

c) Familial bonds provide strength in adversity

[Solution Description]

The story emphasizes that familial bonds provide strength and support during life-threatening challenges. The adults’ determination to protect the children and the children’s unwavering faith underscore the importance of togetherness and hope.

Key Concept: Multiple Meanings of Nautical Terms

c) Strict or severe in manner

[Solution Description]

The word “stern” refers to the rear part of a ship in nautical terms, but it is also used to describe someone who is strict or severe in manner or attitude.

Key Concept: Contextual Understanding

b) He shouted to take the wheel and scrambled for the hatch

[Solution Description]

The narrator immediately shouted to take the wheel and scrambled for the hatch to address the emergency.

Key Concept: Position Calculation

c) 65 kilometres

[Solution Description]

The passage mentions that they were looking for a 65 kilometre-wide island. This is explicitly stated in the text.

Key Concept: Basic Concept

b) We’re sinking!

[Solution Description] In the story, Mary screamed “We’re sinking!” when she appeared from the front hatch. This indicates the urgency and danger of the situation they were in.