Worksheet Solutions: Silk Road | English Class 11 PDF Download

Fill in the Blanks

Q1: The narrator and Tsetan took a short cut to get off the Changtang. This route would take them _______________, almost directly towards Mount Kailash.
Ans: south-west
The blank is filled with "south-west" because the text mentions that the route they took would lead them in a south-western direction.

Q2: The narrator and Tsetan saw a few gazelles and a great herd of ______________ on the vast plains.
Ans: wild asses
The text explicitly mentions the presence of a herd of wild asses.

Q3: The huge black dogs guarding the nomads' tents were ______________ mastiffs.
Ans: Tibetan
The text specifies that the large black dogs were Tibetan mastiffs.

Q4: The narrator and Tsetan reached a pass at ______________ meters above sea level.
Ans: 5,515
The altitude of the pass they reached is provided in the text as 5,515 meters.

Q5: The lower atmospheric pressure at high altitudes could cause the fuel to ______________.
Ans: expand
The text states that the lower atmospheric pressure could cause the fuel to expand, which can be dangerous.

Q6: After reaching the pass, the narrator's headache cleared, and they stopped for ______________.
Ans: lunch
The text mentions that they stopped for lunch after reaching the pass, and this is what typically follows after a long journey.

Q7: They were back on the main east-west highway, which followed the old trade route from ______________ to Kashmir.
Ans: Lhasa
The text indicates that the highway follows the old trade route from Lhasa to Kashmir.

Q8: Tsetan got the punctured tires ______________ in Hor.
Ans: repaired
The word "repaired" is used to indicate that Tsetan took care of the punctured tires in Hor.

Q9: The narrator found Hor to be a grim, miserable place with ______________ vegetation.
Ans: no
The text describes Hor as a place with no vegetation, and "no" is used to emphasize this lack.

Q10: Norbu, a Tibetan working in Beijing, came to do the Kora but found it hard due to his ______________ tummy.
Ans: tummy
The term "tummy" is used to describe Norbu's difficulty in performing the Kora due to his physical condition.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: The narrator and Tsetan passed the dark tents of the nomads in lonely places.
Reason: The nomads' tents were located in crowded areas.
(a) True, and the reason is correct.
(b) True, but the reason is incorrect.
(c) False, and the reason is correct.
(d) False, and the reason is incorrect.
Ans: (b)
The assertion is true as they passed the dark tents of nomads in lonely places. However, the reason is incorrect because the nomads' tents are explicitly described as being in lonely places, not crowded areas.

Q2: Assertion: Tsetan advised against smoking after reaching the pass at high altitude.
Reason: Smoking could cause headaches at lower atmospheric pressure.
(a) True, and the reason is correct.
(b) True, but the reason is incorrect.
(c) False, and the reason is correct.
(d) False, and the reason is incorrect.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is true, and the reason is correct. Tsetan advised against smoking due to the lower atmospheric pressure at high altitudes, which could lead to headaches and fuel-related issues.

Q3: Assertion: The narrator's nostril was blocked during his stay in Darchen.
Reason: Altitude-related issues can lead to blocked nostrils.
(a) True, and the reason is correct.
(b) True, but the reason is incorrect.
(c) False, and the reason is correct.
(d) False, and the reason is incorrect.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is true, and the reason is correct. Altitude-related issues, such as low oxygen levels, can lead to blocked nostrils.

Q4: Assertion: Norbu hired yaks to carry their luggage on the trek.
Reason: Norbu's intention was to prostrate himself all around the mountain.
(a) True, and the reason is correct.
(b) True, but the reason is incorrect.
(c) False, and the reason is correct.
(d) False, and the reason is incorrect.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is true, and the reason is correct. Norbu hired yaks to carry their luggage, and he had no intention of prostrating himself all around the mountain.

Q5: Assertion: Darchen had many cafes and stores selling a variety of items.
Reason: Darchen was a bustling town with a thriving economy.
(a) True, and the reason is correct.
(b) True, but the reason is incorrect.
(c) False, and the reason is correct.
(d) False, and the reason is incorrect.
Ans: (d)
The assertion is false as the text indicates that Darchen had only one cafe and simple general stores. The reason is also incorrect because the description of Darchen is not consistent with a bustling town with a thriving economy.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: What was the narrator's altitude when they reached the top of the pass?
Ans: The narrator's altitude was 5,515 meters above sea level when they reached the top of the pass.

Q2: Why did Tsetan advise against smoking at high altitudes?
Ans: Tsetan advised against smoking at high altitudes because the lower atmospheric pressure can be dangerous when combined with smoking.

Q3: Where did Daniel get a ride to?
Ans: Daniel got a ride in a truck to return to Lhasa.

Q4: What did the narrator's headache clear up after reaching the pass?
Ans: The narrator's headache cleared up, likely due to the relief from the high-altitude conditions and lower atmospheric pressure.

Q5: What did the doctor prescribe to the narrator at Darchen medical college?
Ans: The doctor prescribed medicines for cold and exhaustion due to altitude to the narrator at Darchen medical college.

Q6: What was Norbu's profession?
Ans: Norbu worked at the Chinese Academy of Social Science in the Institute of Ethnic Literature in Beijing.

Q7: Why did Norbu find it difficult to perform the Kora?
Ans: Norbu found it hard to perform the Kora due to his physical condition, particularly his large tummy.

Q8: What did the narrator and Norbu hire to carry their luggage on the trek?
Ans: The narrator and Norbu hired yaks to carry their luggage on the trek.

Q9: Why did the narrator stay awake all night after reaching Darchen?
Ans: The narrator stayed awake all night due to discomfort, possibly caused by altitude-related issues.

Q10: What did the women in Darchen do in the narrow brook near the guest house?
Ans: The women in Darchen washed their long hair in the icy water of the narrow brook near the guest house.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Describe the landscape and wildlife the narrator and Tsetan encountered on their journey.
Ans: The landscape included vast plains with arid pastures, snowy mountains, and a wide river with ice. They saw gazelles, a herd of wild asses, and shepherds tending their flocks in the hills.

Q2: Explain why the narrator's head began to throb as they gained altitude, and how he dealt with it.
Ans: The narrator's head began to throb due to the high-altitude conditions and lower atmospheric pressure. To alleviate the discomfort, he took gulps from a water bottle.

Q3: What was the significance of the pass they reached, and why was it important not to smoke there?
Ans: The pass they reached was at a very high altitude, 5,515 meters above sea level, and smoking was discouraged due to the lower atmospheric pressure, which could lead to fuel expansion and potential dangers.

Q4: What were the limited amenities and services available in Darchen?
Ans: Darchen had only one cafe and simple general stores selling Chinese cigarettes, soap, and basic food supplies.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Describe the challenges and sensations experienced by the narrator and Tsetan as they crossed the high mountain passes. Include details about the landscape, altitude-related issues, and Tsetan's driving precautions.
Ans: The challenges faced by the narrator and Tsetan as they crossed the high mountain passes included dealing with extreme altitudes, lower atmospheric pressure, and uncertain weather conditions. The landscape transitioned from vast arid plains to snow-capped mountains, and they encountered wildlife like gazelles and wild asses. Altitude-related issues, such as the narrator's throbbing headache, were common as they ascended. Tsetan drove cautiously due to the rough terrain and lower pressure, taking precautions not to smoke.

Q2: Discuss the significance of the altitudes and atmospheric conditions in the story. How did they impact the characters, and what precautions were taken to mitigate their effects?
Ans: The altitudes and atmospheric conditions are significant in the story as they pose physical and health challenges to the characters. High altitudes, such as the 5,515-meter pass, lead to issues like headaches, discomfort, and altitude sickness. Lower atmospheric pressure can be dangerous, causing fuel to expand and potential hazards. Characters took precautions, like not smoking, and sought medical help to mitigate these effects. The impact of altitude-related issues, both physical and emotional, is evident in the narrative.

Q3: Explain the narrator's physical and emotional journey in Darchen, from his initial discomfort to his recovery. How did the medical treatment and sleep help him regain his health?
Ans: In Darchen, the narrator initially experienced discomfort, including a blocked nostril and difficulty breathing due to altitude-related issues. He visited the Darchen medical college, where a doctor diagnosed his condition, felt his pulse, and prescribed medicines for cold and exhaustion caused by altitude. These medications and rest helped the narrator recover. He slept soundly after the first full day's course of medicines, indicating his physical and emotional improvement.

Q4: Analyze the character of Norbu and his role in the story. How does his physical condition contrast with his desire to perform the Kora, and how does this reflect the theme of personal determination in the face of challenges?
Ans: Norbu is characterized as a Tibetan working in Beijing, who has a desire to perform the Kora around Mount Kailash. However, his physical condition, particularly his large tummy, presents a significant contrast to his aspiration. This contrast highlights the theme of personal determination in the face of challenges. Norbu's willingness to attempt the Kora despite physical limitations demonstrates his determination and underscores the idea that personal motivation can surpass physical obstacles. His character reflects the human capacity to strive for spiritual or personal goals despite physical constraints.