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“We’re Not Afraid to Die… if We Can All Be Together” is a true story about a family’s courage and determination during a dangerous sea journey. In NCERT Class 11 English Chapter 2, students learn how teamwork and hope can help overcome tough challenges.
To make it easier for students to understand the story, we have provided clear and detailed solutions to all the exercises. These solutions will help students grasp the main ideas, understand the important events, and do well in their studies.
Table of Contents
Explore Notes of Class 11 English Hornbill
Exercises
Understanding the Text
1. List the steps taken by the captain:
(i) To protect the ship when rough weather began:
- Dropped the storm jib to slow down the boat.
- Lashed a heavy mooring rope across the stern to keep the boat facing the waves.
- Double-lashed everything and prepared for emergency conditions.
(ii) To check the flooding of the water in the ship:
- Pumped out the water manually using a hand pump.
- Connected an electric pump to drain out more water.
- Covered leaks temporarily with canvas and waterproof hatch covers.
2. Describe the mental condition of the voyagers on 4 and 5 January.
On 4 and 5 January, the voyagers were physically exhausted and emotionally drained. The continuous bad weather and flooding made them fearful and tense. However, they showed strong determination. Although fear was present, they stayed focused on survival, encouraging each other and working together to save their boat.
3. Describe the shifts in the narration of the events as indicated in the three sections of the text. Give a subtitle to each section.
- First Section – The Journey Begins: The family sets sail from England, excited and hopeful about their long journey to Australia. The early days at sea are smooth and adventurous.
- Second Section – Battling the Storm: A fierce storm strikes, causing serious damage to the boat. The family struggles to control the flooding and fights for survival against harsh conditions.
- Third Section – Hope and Rescue: Despite injuries and a battered boat, the family’s courage and teamwork lead them towards safety. They finally spot land and are rescued.
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Talking about the Text
1. What difference did you notice between the reaction of the adults and the children when faced with danger?
The adults remained calm, took leadership, and made efforts to repair the boat and plan their survival. In contrast, the children, though young, showed remarkable bravery. They did not panic or cry, but instead motivated their parents by expressing their willingness to support them and even accept death bravely if needed.
2. How does the story suggest that optimism helps to endure “the direst stress”?
The story shows that optimism gives strength and hope even in the worst situations. The family did not give up even when their boat was sinking, and they were hurt. Their positive thinking and belief that they would survive kept them working hard to save themselves.
3. What lessons do we learn from such hazardous experiences when we are face-to-face with death?
Such experiences teach us the importance of courage, resilience, and teamwork. They remind us that even in the toughest times, staying calm and focused can help us overcome difficulties. We also learn to value life, family, and the power of hope.
4. Why do you think people undertake such adventurous expeditions in spite of the risks involved?
People undertake adventurous expeditions because they seek thrill, excitement, and a sense of achievement. These journeys help them test their physical and mental limits. Some people are also driven by a desire to explore the unknown and experience the beauty and power of nature closely.
Thinking about Language
1. Words for ‘storm’ in other languages:
- Hindi: तूफ़ान (Toofan), आँधी (Aandhi), बवंडर (Bavandar)
2. Terms for different kinds of vessels in other languages:
- Hindi: नाव (Naav), जहाज (Jahaj), डोंगी (Dongi), स्टीमर (Steamer), नौका (Nauka)
3. ‘Catamaran’ origin:
The word ‘catamaran’ comes from the Tamil language. It refers to a kind of boat made by tying two logs together.
4. Boatmen’s songs and emotions:
Yes, boatmen’s songs are common, especially in river areas. These songs usually express emotions like hope, hard work, sadness, longing for home, and the joy of sailing.
Working with Words
1. Ship terminology used in other meanings:
- Knot:
- Ship term: A unit for measuring the speed of a ship.
- Other meaning: A tied loop in a rope or thread.
- Stern:
- Ship term: The back part of a ship.
- Other meaning: A serious or strict attitude.
- Boom:
- Ship term: A pole that holds the bottom of a sail.
- Other meaning: A loud sound or a rapid increase in something (e.g., economic boom).
- Hatch:
- Ship term: A door or opening in a ship’s deck.
- Other meaning: To hatch a plan (make a plan secretly).
- Anchor:
- Ship term: A heavy object to hold the ship in place.
- Other meaning: A source of security or stability in life.
2. Meanings of compound words ending in -ship:
- Airship: A large balloon-like flying craft filled with gas.
- Flagship: The main or most important ship in a fleet; also used for the best product in a brand.
- Lightship: A ship that acts like a lighthouse to warn other ships about dangerous areas.
3. ‘Take on’ meaning used in the third paragraph:
In the third paragraph of the story, ‘take on’ is used in the sense of “to allow something to enter” — referring to the boat taking in water during the storm.
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