Worksheet Solutions: We`re Not Afraid to Die...if We Can All Be Together | English Class 11 PDF Download

Fill in the Blanks

Q1: The author's journey was on board a _______________.
Ans: ship
The author traveled on a ship, as mentioned in the text.

Q2: The author's motive for the journey was to travel around the world like _______________.
Ans: Joshua Slocum
The author's motive was to emulate Joshua Slocum, a famous sailor who was the first person to sail solo around the world.

Q3: The first phase of the journey covered approximately _______________ kilometers.
Ans: 10,000
The text indicates that the first phase of the journey covered this distance.

Q4: The ship celebrated New Year's in _______________ in 1977.
Ans: Bali
The text mentions the ship celebrating New Year's in Bali in 1977.

Q5: The ship encountered stormy seas in the _______________.
Ans: Roaring Forties
The "Roaring Forties" refer to a region in the Southern Ocean known for its strong westerly winds and rough seas.

Q6: The electric pump on the ship stopped working due to a _______________.
Ans: burned-out coil
The text mentions that the electric pump malfunctioned due to a burned-out coil.

Q7: The author's daughter suffered a deep injury, and her head had _______________.
Ans: a large gash
This description refers to the injury the author's daughter sustained.

Q8: The children exclaimed, "We aren't afraid of dying if we can all be _______________."
Ans: together
The children expressed their desire to be together in this situation, as per the text.

Q9: The author was welcomed by the inhabitants of _______________ island.
Ans: Tahiti
The text states that the author was welcomed by the inhabitants of Tahiti.

Q10: The author's wife, Mary, displayed _______________ courage throughout the journey.
Ans: remarkable
This is an interpretation of the author's wife's courage, as the text doesn't specify the exact word used to describe her courage.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: The author embarked on the journey to explore new lands.
Reason: The author wanted to be like Captain James Cook.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (c)
The author's motive was not to explore new lands but to travel around the world like Captain James Cook, as mentioned in the text.

Q2: Assertion: The ship celebrated New Year's in the stormy seas.
Reason: The author's family wanted to experience a unique New Year celebration.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The family celebrated New Year's in the stormy seas to experience a unique celebration, as mentioned in the text.

Q3: Assertion: The author's children displayed remarkable courage during the journey.
Reason: The author's son was afraid of dying.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (c)
The author's son was not afraid of dying, which is contrary to the assertion. The author's children, including his son, displayed remarkable courage, as stated in the text.

Q4: Assertion: The author's determination and willpower helped them overcome the stormy situation.
Reason: The ship was well-prepared for extreme weather conditions.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The author's determination and willpower helped them overcome the stormy situation, as stated in the text. The ship's preparedness for extreme weather conditions is not mentioned.

Q5: Assertion: The author considered Ile Amsterdam to be the most beautiful island in the world.
Reason: The island was a popular tourist destination.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (b)
The author considered Ile Amsterdam to be the most beautiful island in the world, as stated in the text. The reason about it being a popular tourist destination is not mentioned.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: What is the author's motive for embarking on the journey?
Ans: The author's motive for embarking on the journey was to travel around the world like Captain James Cook.

Q2: Where did the author's ship celebrate New Year's in 1977?
Ans: The ship celebrated New Year's in the southern Indian Ocean in 1977.

Q3: What happened to the ship during the stormy seas?
Ans: During the stormy seas, the ship started sinking, and there was water everywhere.

Q4: Why was the electric pump not working during the storm?
Ans: The electric pump on the ship stopped working due to a short circuit.

Q5: How did the author's daughter get injured?
Ans: The author's daughter got injured, and her head had swollen during the stormy seas.

Q6: What did the children exclaim when facing adversity?
Ans: The children exclaimed, "We aren't afraid of dying if we can all be together."

Q7: How did the author feel when he saw Ile Amsterdam?
Ans: The author felt that Ile Amsterdam was the most beautiful island in the world.

Q8: What did the author do after being welcomed by the inhabitants of the island?
Ans: After being welcomed by the inhabitants of the island, the author anchored offshore for the night.

Q9: Whose courage is praised in the story?
Ans: The author's wife, Mary, displayed unwavering courage throughout the journey.

Q10: Who was Captain James Cook?
Ans: Captain James Cook was a famous explorer and the author's inspiration for the journey.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Describe the first phase of the author's journey, including the distance covered.
Ans: The first phase of the author's journey covered approximately 105,000 kilometers. During this phase, the author and his family sailed to the South African seaport of Cape Town.

Q2: Explain the author's reaction to the stormy seas and the condition of the ship during that time.
Ans: The author and his family encountered a severe storm at sea. The ship started sinking, and they had to keep pumping water and steering all night long to survive.

Q3: How did the author's family manage to survive after the ship capsized?
Ans: The author's family survived after the ship capsized by continuous pumping and steering. They managed to keep the ship afloat for 36 hours until the storm subsided.

Q4: Discuss the impact of the children's exclamation on the author's determination.
Ans: The children's exclamation, "We aren't afraid of dying if we can all be together," boosted the author's determination and energy. It inspired him to fight the sea and continue the journey.

Q5: What significance does Ile Amsterdam hold for the author?
Ans: Ile Amsterdam holds significance for the author because it was the first land they saw after surviving the storm. The author considered it the most beautiful island in the world.

Q6: Describe the bravery and resilience displayed by the author's family during the journey.
Ans: The author's wife, Mary, displayed unwavering courage by remaining calm and supportive during the storm. She didn't panic and contributed to their survival. The author's daughter didn't worry about her head injury, and his son wasn't afraid of dying, showing remarkable resilience.

Q7: Explain the role of optimism and strong willpower in the story.
Ans: Optimism and strong willpower are essential themes in the story. The author's optimism helped reduce the direct stress they faced during the storm, and his strong willpower drove them to survive.

Q8: Why did the author want to be like Captain James Cook?
Ans: The author wanted to be like Captain James Cook, a famous explorer. He was inspired by Cook's voyages and wished to travel around the world through the sea like him.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Provide a detailed account of the challenges the author's family faced during the storm at sea and how they managed to overcome them.
Ans: The author's family faced numerous challenges during the storm at sea. The weather turned terrible, and their ship, which was already caught amidst the storm, started sinking. Water was everywhere, and the ship's condition became extremely precarious. Debris was floating across the cabins, and the electric pump, crucial for removing the water, had short-circuited. They had to keep pumping and steering all night long to stay afloat. The author's daughter suffered a deep injury during this time.
To survive, the family displayed immense courage and determination. They continued pumping and steering for 36 hours without a break. Their relief seemed short-lived because the sea witnessed bad weather again by evening. This phase was a turning point in the story, and the author's children's exclamation, "We aren't afraid of dying if we can all be together," energized him. The family's relentless efforts and resilience eventually led to their survival.

Q2: Analyze the transformation in the author's mindset and determination after the children's exclamation and its impact on the family's survival.
Ans: The children's exclamation, "We aren't afraid of dying if we can all be together," marks a significant turning point in the story. It had a profound impact on the author's mindset and determination. Before this, the author and his family were battling the storm and the sinking ship with fatigue and despair.
The children's courage and unity in the face of adversity injected new energy and hope into the author. He decided to fight the sea with renewed determination. The next day, he woke up to a bright morning and was welcomed by his children who called him the best daddy in the world. This positive reinforcement further boosted his spirits and determination. The author found renewed strength to persevere and continue the journey.

Q3: Explain the role of the author's wife, Mary, in the family's journey and the courage she displayed.
Ans: Mary, the author's wife, played a crucial role in the family's journey. Throughout the ordeal, she displayed remarkable courage and resilience. While facing the storm and the sinking ship, Mary remained calm and supportive. Her unwavering support and her ability to stay composed in the face of danger had a stabilizing effect on the family.
Mary's courage and composure likely reassured the author and the children, helping them cope with the crisis. Her role in maintaining the family's unity and spirit cannot be overstated. She symbolizes the importance of family support and leadership in overcoming adversity.

Q4: Discuss the broader life lessons that can be learned from the story, including the importance of determination and family unity in overcoming adversity.
Ans: The story imparts several life lessons. First and foremost, it underscores the power of determination, resilience, and the human spirit in overcoming the most challenging situations. The author and his family faced life-threatening circumstances but persevered through their unity and strong willpower.
Additionally, the story highlights the importance of optimism in reducing stress during stressful situations. The author's positive outlook helped them cope with the dire conditions at sea. The children's fearless attitude, despite the danger, also exemplifies the strength of family bonds.
Ultimately, the story emphasizes the value of family unity. The exclamation, "We aren't afraid of dying if we can all be together," serves as a reminder that being together with loved ones is often more important than the fear of adversity.
The story encourages readers to face challenges with a positive outlook, unwavering determination, and the support of loved ones as a recipe for overcoming even the most daunting obstacles.

Passage Based Questions

1. Read the given extract and answer the following question
The first indication of impending disaster came at about 6 p.m., with an ominous silence. The wind dropped, and the sky immediately grew dark. Then came a growing roar, and an enormous cloud towered aft of the ship. With horror, I realised that it was not a cloud, but a wave like no other I had ever seen. It appeared perfectly vertical and almost twice the height of the other waves, with a frightful breaking crest. The roar increased to a thunder as the stern moved up the face of the wave, and for a moment I thought we might ride over it. But then a tremendous explosion shook the deck. A torrent of green and white water broke over the ship, my head smashed into the wheel and I was aware of flying overboard and sinking below the waves. I accepted my approaching death, and as I was losing consciousness, I felt quite peaceful.
Q1: What was the first sign that indicated a disaster was approaching?
A. The sun shining brightly
B. An ominous silence and darkening sky
C. A sudden rainstorm
D. The sound of people shouting
Ans: B. An ominous silence and darkening sky
 The passage describes how the wind dropped and the sky grew dark, creating an ominous atmosphere.

Q2: How did the narrator initially react to the appearance of the wave?
Ans: The narrator felt a sense of horror upon realizing that the enormous cloud was actually a wave. They noted its terrifying height and the roar it produced, indicating fear and disbelief at the sight.

Q3: Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket.
The enormous wave was described as _________(gentle / frightful) and twice the height of the other waves.
Ans: frightful

Q4: What happened to the narrator after the wave broke over the ship?
Ans: After the wave broke over the ship, a tremendous explosion shook the deck, and the narrator's head smashed into the wheel. They were thrown overboard and began sinking below the waves. In that moment, as they lost consciousness, the narrator accepted their impending death and felt a sense of peace.

2. Read the given extract and answer the following question
We had survived for 15 hours since the wave hit, but Wavewalker wouldn’t hold together long enough for us to reach Australia. I checked our charts and calculated that there were two small islands a few hundred kilometres to the east. One of them, Ile Amsterdam, was a French scientific base. Our only hope was to reach these pinpricks in the vast ocean. But unless the wind and seas abated so we could hoist sail, our chances would be slim indeed. The great wave had put our auxilliary engine out of action.

Q1: What did the narrator determine about the ship’s condition after the wave hit?
A. Wavewalker was in perfect condition
B. Wavewalker wouldn’t last long enough to reach Australia
C. Wavewalker was ready to set sail
D. Wavewalker had reached safety
Ans: B. Wavewalker wouldn’t last long enough to reach Australia
The passage indicates that the narrator realized the ship wouldn't hold together long enough to reach Australia.

Q2: What were the survivors' hopes for reaching land?
Ans: The survivors hoped to reach two small islands located a few hundred kilometers to the east, specifically Ile Amsterdam, which was a French scientific base. They recognized that their chances of survival depended on the wind and sea calming down enough to hoist the sail since their auxiliary engine was damaged.

Q3: Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket.
The islands were described as _________________(pinpricks / mountains) in the vast ocean.
Ans: pinpricks

Q4: What challenges did the survivors face in reaching their destination?
Ans: The survivors faced significant challenges due to the damage caused by the wave, which left their auxiliary engine non-functional. This meant they could not use the engine to navigate. Additionally, they needed the wind and sea conditions to improve in order to hoist the sail, making their chances of reaching the islands slim without these favorable conditions.

3. Read the given extract and answer the following question
About 2 p.m., I went on deck and asked Larry to steer a course of 185 degrees. If we were lucky, I told him with a conviction I did not feel, he could expect to see the island at about 5 p.m. Then with a heavy heart, I went below, climbed on my bunk and amazingly, dozed off. When I woke it was 6 p.m., and growing dark. I knew we must have missed the island, and with the sail we had left, we couldn’t hope to beat back into the westerly winds. At that moment, a tousled head appeared by my bunk. “Can I have a hug?” Jonathan asked. Sue was right behind him. “Why am I getting a hug now?” I asked. “Because you are the best daddy in the whole world — and the best captain,” my son replied. “Not today, Jon, I’m afraid.” “Why, you must be,” said Sue in a matter-of-fact voice. “You found the island.” “What!” I shouted. “It’s out there in front of us,” they chorused, “as big as a battleship.” I rushed on deck and gazed with relief at the stark outline of Ile Amsterdam. It was only a bleak piece of volcanic rock, with little vegetation — the most beautiful island in the world!

Q1: What did Sue say to the narrator that surprised him?
A. “I can steer the boat.”
B. “You must be the best captain.”
C. “You found the island.”
D. “Can we go home now?”
Ans: C. “You found the island.”
Sue confidently stated, “You found the island,” which surprised the narrator and shifted his mood from worry to relief.

Q2: How did the narrator feel when he told Larry they might see the island by 5 p.m.?
Ans: The narrator expressed a sense of conviction that he did not genuinely feel, indicating uncertainty or doubt about their chances of spotting the island.

Q3: Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket.
The narrator felt relieved when he saw the outline of the island, which he described as ___________(bleak / lush).
Ans: bleak

Q4: What was the narrator's reaction when he rushed on deck after hearing about the island?
Ans: The narrator was filled with excitement and disbelief when he rushed on deck. He gazed at the outline of Ile Amsterdam with relief, realizing that after all their struggles, they had finally found land. His previous worries faded as he appreciated the sight of the island, despite its bleak appearance.