Extract Based Questions: Silk Road | English Class 11 PDF Download

Read the extract and answer the following questions.

Extract:
By now we could see snow-capped mountains gathering on the horizon. We entered a valley where the river was wide and mostly clogged with ice, brilliant white and glinting in the sunshine. The trail hugged its bank, twisting with the meanders as we gradually gained height and the valley sides closed in.
(Silk Road)

Question (i) What is the name of the river that the narrator is following?
Ans: The name of the river that the narrator is following is the Indus River.
Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to use our knowledge of geography and the context of the extract.
• Geography tells us that the Indus River is one of the longest and most important rivers in Asia. It originates in Tibet and flows through India and Pakistan before emptying into the Arabian Sea. It forms a large and fertile valley that supports many civilizations and cultures. It is also known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife.
• The context of the extract tells us that the narrator is on a journey to Mount Kailash, a sacred mountain in Tibet. He is traveling along a valley where the river is wide and mostly clogged with ice. He is gradually gaining height and the valley sides are closing in. He can see snow-capped mountains on the horizon.
• Therefore, we can infer that the name of the river that the narrator is following is the Indus River, which flows through Tibet and forms a valley near Mount Kailash.

Question (ii) What does the word "clogged" mean in the context of the extract?
Ans: The word "clogged" means blocked or obstructed in the context of the extract.

Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to use our knowledge of vocabulary and synonyms.
• Vocabulary tells us that the word "clogged" has more than one meaning depending on how it is used. It can mean blocked or obstructed, covered or coated, broken or damaged, or frozen or solidified.
• Synonyms are words that have similar meanings to other words. For example, big and large are synonyms. We can use synonyms to replace words in a sentence without changing its meaning.
• The context of the extract tells us that the river is mostly clogged with ice. This means that the river has a lot of ice in it that prevents or slows down its flow. The ice may be formed by freezing water or by snow melting from the mountains. Therefore, he used the word "clogged" to mean blocked or obstructed in this sentence.
• We can check if this meaning is correct by replacing "clogged" with a synonym such as "jammed" or "choked". The sentence would still make sense and convey the same idea.

Question (iii) How does the extract show that the narrator is in a cold and high-altitude place?
Ans: The extract shows that the narrator is in a cold and high-altitude place by using details such as snow-capped mountains, ice, sunshine, and height.

Step-by-step explanation:
To answer this question, we need to understand how details can create a sense of setting in a story.
Details are specific pieces of information that describe something or someone. They can be used to create a sense of setting in a story, which is the time and place where the story happens. They can also be used to create a sense of mood or atmosphere in a story, which is the feeling or emotion that the story evokes.
The extract shows that the narrator is in a cold and high-altitude place by using details such as snow-capped mountains, ice, sunshine, and height. For example:

• Snow-capped mountains: The extract says that they could see snow-capped mountains gathering on the horizon. This detail implies that they are in a place where there are mountains that have snow on their tops. This suggests that they are in a cold and high-altitude place where snow does not melt easily.
• Ice: The extract says that the river was mostly clogged with ice. This detail implies that they are in a place where there is a lot of ice in the water. This suggests that they are in a cold and high-altitude place where water freezes quickly or does not thaw easily.
• Sunshine: The extract says that the ice was brilliant white and glinting in the sunshine. This detail implies that they are in a place where there is bright sunlight. This suggests that they are in a high-altitude place where there is less atmosphere to filter or scatter light.
• Height: The extract says that they gradually gained height and the valley sides closed in. This detail implies that they are in a place where they are climbing up and getting closer to the mountains. This suggests that they are in a high-altitude place where there is less oxygen and more pressure.

Question (iv) How does the author create a sense of beauty and contrast in the extract?
Ans: The author creates a sense of beauty and contrast in the extract by using words such as "brilliant", "glinting", "twisting", and "closed in".

Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to analyse how the author uses language and word choice to create a sense of beauty and contrast in the extract.
• Beauty is a literary device that shows how something is pleasing or attractive to the senses or the mind. It can be used to create a sense of awe or appreciation in the story. Contrast is a literary device that shows how two or more things are different or opposite. It can be used to highlight differences in characters, settings, themes, or moods.

The author creates a sense of beauty and contrast in the extract by using words such as "brilliant", "glinting", "twisting", and "closed in". For example:

• Brilliant and glinting: The author uses these words to describe the ice that was clogged in the river. These words imply that the ice was shining or sparkling with light. They create a sense of beauty by making readers imagine the ice as a dazzling or stunning sight. They also create a sense of contrast by making readers compare the ice with the river or the sky, which may have different colours or textures.
• Twisting and closed in: The author uses these words to describe the trail and the valley that they were following. These words imply that the trail and the valley were curving or bending with the river and the mountains. They create a sense of beauty by making readers imagine the trail and the valley as a dynamic or graceful sight. They also create a sense of contrast by making readers compare the trail and the valley with the horizon or the mountains, which may have different shapes or sizes.

Read the extract and answer the following questions.
Extract:
We finally reached the top of the pass at 5,515 metres. It was marked by a large cairn of rocks festooned with white silk scarves and ragged prayer flags. We all took a turn round the cairn, in a clockwise direction as is the tradition, and Tsetan checked the tyres on his vehicle. He stopped at the petrol tank and partially unscrewed the top, which emitted a loud hiss. The lower atmospheric pressure was allowing the fuel to expand. It sounded dangerous to me. “Maybe, sir,” Tsetan laughed “but no smoking.”
(Silk Road)

Question (i) What is a cairn and why is it decorated with white silk scarves and prayer flags?
Ans: A cairn is a pile or stack of stones that is used as a landmark or a memorial. It is decorated with white silk scarves and prayer flags as a sign of respect or reverence for the sacred place or the spirits of the ancestors.

Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to use our knowledge of culture and religion and the context of the extract.
• Culture and religion tell us that a cairn is a pile or stack of stones that is used as a landmark or a memorial. It is a common feature in many cultures and regions around the world. It can mark a boundary, a route, a grave, or a site of significance. It can also serve as a symbol of remembrance, gratitude, or honour.
• The context of the extract tells us that they reached the top of the pass at 5,515 metres. It was marked by a large cairn of rocks festooned with white silk scarves and ragged prayer flags. They are in Tibet, where cairns are often found at high-altitude places such as mountain passes or peaks. They are decorated with white silk scarves and prayer flags as a sign of respect or reverence for the sacred place or the spirits of the ancestors. White silk scarves are called khata and they are offered as gifts or greetings to show goodwill or devotion. Prayer flags are called lungta and they are hung to spread blessings or prayers to all living beings.
• Therefore, we can infer that a cairn is a pile or stack of stones that is used as a landmark or a memorial. It is decorated with white silk scarves and prayer flags as a sign of respect or reverence for the sacred place or the spirits of the ancestors.

Question (ii) What does the word "festooned" mean in the context of the extract?
Ans: The word "festooned" means adorned or decorated in the context of the extract.

Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to use our knowledge of vocabulary and synonyms.
• Vocabulary tells us that the word "festooned" has more than one meaning depending on how it is used. It can mean adorned or decorated, damaged or destroyed, protected or guarded, or surrounded or enclosed.
• Synonyms are words that have similar meanings to other words. For example, big and large are synonyms. We can use synonyms to replace words in a sentence without changing their meaning.
• The context of the extract tells us that the cairn was festooned with white silk scarves and ragged prayer flags. This means that the cairn was covered or embellished with white silk scarves and ragged prayer flags. The white silk scarves and ragged prayer flags were added to the cairn to make it more attractive or meaningful. Therefore, he used the word "festooned" to mean adorned or decorated in this sentence.
• We can check if this meaning is correct by replacing "festooned" with a synonym such as "bedecked" or "ornamented". The sentence would still make sense and convey the same idea.

Question (iii) How does the extract show that the narrator and his companions are following the local customs and beliefs?
Ans: The extract shows that the narrator and his companions are following the local customs and beliefs by describing their actions and words at the cairn.

Step-by-step explanation:
To answer this question, we need to understand how actions and words can reveal character traits and motivations in a story.
Actions are things that someone does or performs. They can reveal character traits such as personality, attitude, or behaviour. They can also reveal motivations such as reasons, goals, or desires. Words are things that someone says or writes. They can reveal character traits such as thoughts, feelings, or opinions. They can also reveal motivations such as intentions, plans, or promises.
The extract shows that the narrator and his companions are following the local customs and beliefs by describing their actions and words at the cairn. For example:

• Actions: The extract says that they all took a turn round the cairn, in a clockwise direction as is the tradition. This action implies that they are following the local custom of circumambulating or walking around sacred objects in a clockwise direction. This custom shows respect or reverence for the sacred object and its associated deities or spirits. It also implies that they are following the local belief that circumambulating sacred objects can bring merit or blessings to oneself and others.
• Words: The extract says that Tsetan checked the tyres on his vehicle and partially unscrewed the top of the petrol tank, which emitted a loud hiss. He stopped at the petrol tank and said, "Maybe, sir, but no smoking." This word implies that he is following the local custom of avoiding fire or smoke near sacred places. This custom shows respect or reverence for the sacred place and its associated deities or spirits. It also implies that he is following the local belief that fire or smoke can offend or harm the sacred place and its associated deities or spirits.

Question (iv) How does the author create a sense of humour and relief in the extract?
Ans: The author creates a sense of humour and relief in the extract by using words such as "loud hiss", "dangerous", and "laughed".

Step-by-step explanation:
To answer this question, we need to analyse how the author uses language and word choice to create a sense of humour and relief in the extract.
Humour is a literary device that shows how something is amusing or funny. It can be used to create a sense of joy or entertainment in the story. Relief is a literary device that shows how something is comforting or reassuring. It can be used to create a sense of calm or satisfaction in the story.

The author creates a sense of humour and relief in the extract by using words such as "loud hiss", "dangerous", and "laughed". For example:

• Loud hiss: The author uses this word to describe the sound that came from the petrol tank when Tsetan partially unscrewed the top. This word implies that the sound was sudden or unexpected. It creates a sense of humour by making readers imagine the sound as a funny or surprising noise. It also creates a sense of relief by making readers realize that the sound was harmless or benign.
• Dangerous: The author uses this word to describe what the narrator thought about the sound from the petrol tank. This word implies that the narrator was worried or afraid that the sound indicated a problem or a risk. It creates a sense of humour by making readers contrast the narrator's reaction with Tsetan's action. It also creates a sense of relief by making readers understand that the sound was not dangerous or threatening.
• Laughed: The author uses this word to describe how Tsetan responded to the narrator's comment about the sound from the petrol tank. This word implies that Tsetan was amused or cheerful about the situation. It creates a sense of humour by making readers share Tsetan's emotion or mood. It also creates a sense of relief by making readers feel that Tsetan was confident or optimistic about their journey.

Read the extract and answer the following questions.
Extract: It was dark by the time we finally left again and after 10.30 p.m. we drew up outside a guest house in Darchen for what turned out to be another troubled night. Kicking around in the open-air rubbish dump that passed for the town of Hor had set off my cold once more, though if truth be told it had never quite disappeared with my herbal tea. One of my nostrils was blocked again and as I lay down to sleep, I wasn’t convinced that the other would provide me with sufficient oxygen. My watch told me I was at 4,760 metres. It wasn’t much higher than Ravu, and there I’d been gasping for oxygen several times every night. I’d grown accustomed to these nocturnal disturbances by now, but they still scared me.
(Silk Road)

Question (i): Complete the sentence appropriately. The narrator had a cold that was triggered by ___________.

Ans:
The narrator had a cold that was triggered by kicking around in the open-air rubbish dump that passed for the town of Hor.
Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to use our knowledge of the story and the context of the extract. The story tells us that the narrator is a writer who is on a journey to Mount Kailash, a sacred mountain in Tibet. He is accompanied by Daniel, a photographer, Tsetan, a Tibetan driver and guide, and Norbu, a Buddhist monk. They are travelling by jeep, which is a four-wheel drive vehicle that can handle rough terrain and weather conditions.
• The context of the extract tells us that they had stopped at Hor, which was a small and dirty town near Lake Manasarovar. They had spent some time there kicking around in the open-air rubbish dump that passed for the town. They had then left again and reached Darchen, which was another town near Mount Kailash. The narrator had a cold that had started earlier in his journey and had been cured by herbal tea. However, his cold had returned after his visit to Hor and had caused him breathing problems at night. Therefore, we can infer that the narrator had a cold that was triggered by kicking around in the open-air rubbish dump that passed for the town of Hor.

Question (ii): In the given extract, what emotion was the narrator feeling when he said "I wasn’t convinced that the other would provide me with sufficient oxygen"?
Ans: The emotion that the narrator was feeling when he said "I wasn’t convinced that the other would provide me with sufficient oxygen" was anxiety.

Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to use our knowledge of vocabulary and emotions. Vocabulary tells us that anxiety is a feeling or state of nervousness or worry about something uncertain or unknown. It can be expressed by words or phrases such as "not convinced," "not sure," "doubtful," etc.
• Emotions are feelings or states of mind that affect one's mood or behavior. They can be expressed by words or phrases such as "happy," "sad," "angry," etc. The context of the extract tells us that the narrator was suffering from altitude sickness, which is a condition caused by low oxygen levels at high altitudes. He had one of his nostrils blocked due to his cold and he was not sure if his other nostril would provide him with enough oxygen to breathe. He said that he wasn't convinced that the other would provide him with sufficient oxygen. This shows that he was feeling nervous or worried about his situation and his health. He was afraid or uncertain of what would happen to him if he didn't get enough oxygen. Therefore, we can infer that the emotion that the narrator was feeling when he said "I wasn’t convinced that the other would provide me with sufficient oxygen" was anxiety.

Question (iii): Which word or phrase can replace "nocturnal disturbances" without changing the meaning of the sentence?
Ans: A word or phrase that can replace "nocturnal disturbances" without changing the meaning of the sentence is "night-time interruptions".
Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to use our knowledge of synonyms and word choice. Synonyms are words that have similar meanings to other words. For example, "big" and "large" are synonyms. We can use synonyms to replace words in a sentence without changing its meaning.
• Word choice is the selection of words that best suit the purpose or tone of a sentence. For example, we can choose formal or informal words depending on the situation or audience. The context of the extract tells us that the narrator had grown accustomed to these nocturnal disturbances by now, but they still scared him. This means that he had become used to these night-time interruptions by now, but they still frightened him. He had been gasping for oxygen several times every night due to his altitude sickness and his cold. Therefore, he used the word "nocturnal disturbances" to mean night-time interruptions in this sentence. We can check if this meaning is correct by replacing "nocturnal disturbances" with a synonym such as "night-time interruptions". The sentence would still make sense and convey the same idea.

Question (iv): How is the line, "It wasn’t much higher than Ravu, and there I’d been gasping for oxygen several times every night", an example of comparison?

Ans: The line, "It wasn’t much higher than Ravu, and there I’d been gasping for oxygen several times every night", is an example of comparison because it shows how two places are similar or different in terms of altitude and oxygen level.
Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to understand what comparison is and how it is used in the story. Comparison is a literary device that shows how two or more things are similar or different. It can be used to highlight similarities or differences in characters, settings, themes, or moods. It can also be used to create a sense of contrast or connection in the story.
• The line, "It wasn’t much higher than Ravu, and there I’d been gasping for oxygen several times every night," is an example of comparison because it shows how two places are similar or different in terms of altitude and oxygen level. It is said by the narrator when he was at Darchen, which was a town near Mount Kailash. He compared Darchen with Ravu, which was another town where he had stayed earlier in his journey. He said that Darchen wasn't much higher than Ravu, which means that they had similar altitudes. He also said that he had been gasping for oxygen several times every night at Ravu, which means that they had low oxygen levels. He used this comparison to show that he was expecting to have breathing problems at Darchen as well, since it was similar to Ravu in terms of altitude and oxygen level. He used this comparison to create a sense of contrast or connection between the two places and his experiences there.