Find here the solutions to Class 12 English (Core) NCERT textbook exercises for the lesson “Deep Water”. Also read Notes & Para wise Explanations . Click here for other lessons and resources for class 12 English.
NCERT Solutions: Deep Water
Understanding the text
Q.1. How does Douglas make clear to the reader the sense of panic that gripped him as he almost drowned? Describe the details that have made the description vivid.
Answer. Douglas vividly conveys the overwhelming panic he experienced while nearly drowning by providing detailed and sensory-rich descriptions of his emotions and physical sensations. He describes the initial calmness as he planned how to reach the surface, but this quickly turns into panic as he realizes he is unable to rise as expected. The sense of suffocation is palpable when he describes his lungs aching, his head throbbing, and the feeling of being pulled under by an “irresistible force.” His fear escalates to sheer terror when he describes himself as paralyzed, unable to move his arms or legs, and shrieking underwater, though no sound escapes. The imagery of the “yellow water,” the “dirty yellow tinge,” and the sense of endlessness as he sinks deeper all contribute to the reader’s understanding of his panic. These details make the experience intensely vivid, allowing readers to empathize with his fear and desperation.
Short Answer:
Douglas vividly describes his panic by detailing his physical sensations and emotions during the near-drowning experience. He talks about the suffocating feeling as his lungs ached and his head throbbed, and how he felt paralyzed, unable to move his arms or legs. The dirty yellow water and the sense of endless sinking add to the terror. His descriptions of trying to scream underwater, only to have his voice silenced, make the fear and desperation very real for the reader.
Q.2. How did Douglas overcome his fear of water?
Answer. Douglas overcame his fear of water through a combination of persistent effort, guided practice, and gradual exposure to the situations that triggered his terror. He decided to confront his fear by hiring a swimming instructor who used a methodical approach to build his confidence. The instructor started with simple exercises, like kicking at the side of the pool, and gradually introduced more complex tasks, such as putting his face underwater and practicing different strokes. Over several months of consistent practice, Douglas learned to manage the panic that arose each time he encountered a situation that reminded him of his near-drowning experience. He also tested his newfound skills and confidence by swimming in various natural bodies of water, including Lake Wentworth and Warm Lake. Each successful swim helped him to further reduce his fear until he finally felt free from it.
Short Answer:
Answer. Douglas overcame his fear of water by taking swimming lessons and practicing regularly. He hired an instructor who taught him step by step, starting with basic exercises and gradually moving to more challenging tasks. Over time, with consistent practice and exposure, he learned to manage the panic that would arise when he was in the water. He also tested his progress by swimming in lakes, which helped him build confidence until he finally felt free from his fear.
Q.3. Why does Douglas, as an adult, recount a childhood experience of terror and his conquering of it? What larger meaning does he draw from this experience?
Answer. Douglas recounts his childhood experience of terror and the process of conquering it to illustrate a powerful lesson about overcoming fear. The larger meaning he draws from this experience is that the fear of something—whether it’s drowning, death, or any other challenge—can be more paralyzing than the actual threat itself. By facing his deepest fear head-on, Douglas learns that the key to overcoming terror is not just survival but confronting and understanding the fear itself. He references Roosevelt’s famous quote, “All we have to fear is fear itself,” to highlight that the fear of fear can be the most debilitating aspect of any challenge. This experience teaches him that courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to push through it, which leads to a profound sense of freedom and the ability to enjoy life fully. The narrative serves as a metaphor for overcoming any obstacle in life, suggesting that facing and conquering one’s fears is essential for personal growth and liberation.
Short Answer:
Douglas shares his childhood experience to show how facing and overcoming fear can lead to personal growth. He realized that the fear of something—like drowning or even death—can be worse than the actual danger. By confronting his fear, he learned that courage is about pushing through fear, not avoiding it. This experience taught him that overcoming fear is key to enjoying life and feeling truly free.
Talking about the text
Q.1. “All we have to fear is fear itself”. Have you ever had a fear that you have now overcome? Share your experience with your partner.
Answer. When considering this quote, you might reflect on a personal fear that you’ve faced and eventually overcome. For example, maybe you had a fear of public speaking that made you nervous and anxious. Over time, by practicing in small groups, preparing well, and gradually speaking in front of larger audiences, you might have gained confidence. Now, instead of feeling paralyzed by fear, you might even enjoy sharing your thoughts with others. Sharing this story with your partner could help them see how facing fears head-on can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.
Short Answer:
Think about a fear you’ve faced and conquered. For example, if you were once afraid of public speaking, you might have overcome it by practicing in front of small groups and gradually building up to larger audiences. Now, instead of feeling scared, you might feel more confident. Sharing this experience with your partner can show how facing your fears can help you grow and gain new confidence.
Q.2. Find and narrate other stories about conquest of fear and what people have said about courage. For example, you can recall Nelson Mandela’s struggle for freedom, his perseverance to achieve his mission, to liberate the oppressed and the oppressor as depicted in his autobiography. The story We’re Not Afraid To Die, which you have read in Class XI, is an apt example of how courage and optimism helped a family survive under the direst stress.
Answer. There are many inspiring stories of individuals who have conquered their fears and demonstrated remarkable courage. One well-known example is Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison fighting against apartheid in South Africa. Despite the fear and hardships he faced, Mandela remained steadfast in his mission to liberate both the oppressed and the oppressors. His perseverance and courage eventually led to the end of apartheid and his election as the first Black president of South Africa. Mandela’s story teaches us that true courage often involves standing firm in the face of overwhelming fear and adversity.
Another example is the story “We’re Not Afraid To Die… If We Can All Be Together,” which we read in Class XI. This story tells of a family’s harrowing experience as they sailed around the world and faced a massive storm. Despite the terrifying circumstances, their courage, optimism, and determination helped them survive. These stories remind us that courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the strength to keep going in spite of it.
Short Answer:
One famous story of overcoming fear is Nelson Mandela’s fight against apartheid in South Africa. Despite spending 27 years in prison, Mandela never gave up on his mission to end racial segregation. His courage and determination eventually led to his country’s freedom and his role as the first Black president of South Africa.
Another example is the story “We’re Not Afraid To Die… If We Can All Be Together,” (Class X1 CBSE) It’s about a family who faced a dangerous storm while sailing. Despite their fear, they stayed strong and worked together to survive. These stories show that courage is about facing fear and pushing through it.
Thinking about language:
Q. If someone else had narrated Douglas’s experience, how would it have differed from this account? Write out a sample paragraph or paragraphs from this text from the point of view of a third person or observer, to find out which style of narration would you consider to be more effective? Why?
Answer. Here is given a sample containing both the perspectives – 1st person and the 3rd person narration of the Dougla’s experience.
Third-Person Perspective Sample Paragraph:
Douglas was just a boy when he decided to learn how to swim at the Y.M.C.A. pool. One day, while he was alone by the poolside, a much older and stronger boy picked him up and threw him into the deep end without warning. As Douglas hit the water, panic immediately set in. He tried to push himself to the surface, but his legs felt heavy, and his breath was quickly running out. The water seemed endless, and fear gripped him so tightly that he was paralyzed, unable to move or cry for help. Though he struggled with all his might, the terror only deepened, leaving him on the brink of drowning.
Comparison of Narration Styles:
The first-person narration, where Douglas recounts his experience, is more effective in conveying the intense emotions and fear he felt. It allows readers to connect with his thoughts and feelings directly, making the terror and panic more personal and relatable. In contrast, the third-person narration feels more distant and detached, as it describes the events from an observer’s viewpoint. While it still conveys the story, it lacks the emotional depth and immediacy that the first-person perspective provides. Therefore, the first-person narration is generally more effective in drawing readers into the experience and making them feel the fear alongside the narrator.
Writing
Q.1. Doing well in any activity, for example a sport, music, dance or painting, riding a motorcycle or a car, involves a great deal of struggle. Most of us are very nervous to begin with until gradually we overcome our fears and perform well. Write an essay of about five paragraphs recounting such an experience. Try to recollect minute details of what caused the fear, your feelings, the encouragement you got from others or the criticism.
You could begin with the last sentence of the essay you have just read — “At last I felt released — free to walk the trails and climb the peaks and to brush aside fear.”
Answer. Here is a sample answer.
Overcoming the Fear of Riding a Bicycle
At last, I felt released—free to walk the trails and climb the peaks and to brush aside fear. This feeling of freedom came after I conquered my fear of riding a bicycle, a task that had seemed impossible when I was younger. The struggle to learn and the fear of falling were constant companions during the process, but the sense of accomplishment that followed made every effort worthwhile.
When I first tried to ride a bicycle, the thought of balancing on two wheels filled me with dread. I remember feeling the shaky handlebars and the unsteady wobble of the bike beneath me. My hands gripped the handlebars so tightly that my knuckles turned white. Every time I tried to push off and pedal, I imagined myself crashing to the ground. The fear of falling was overwhelming, and each failed attempt only reinforced my anxiety.
My parents and friends encouraged me to keep trying, assuring me that everyone goes through this struggle. My father ran alongside me, holding the back of the bike to keep me steady. He kept saying, “You can do this. Just keep pedaling and don’t look down!” But despite his encouragement, I was too afraid to let go of the idea that I would fall. The criticism from a few older kids who had already mastered cycling didn’t help either; they teased me for being so cautious, which made me even more determined to succeed, yet more nervous at the same time.
There were many moments when I wanted to give up. The frustration of not getting it right, combined with the fear of getting hurt, made me question whether it was worth the effort. But I knew deep down that if I didn’t face this fear, it would continue to hold me back. So, I kept practicing, even though my heart raced every time I got on the bike. I started with small steps, practicing in an empty parking lot where there was no one to watch me fail.
Then one day, something changed. As I focused on the road ahead instead of my fears, I realized I was balancing on my own. My father had let go without me noticing, and I was pedaling freely. The wind rushed past my face, and a huge smile spread across my lips as I realized that I was riding without help. The fear that had held me back for so long was gone, replaced by a newfound confidence.
From that day on, riding a bicycle became one of my favourite activities. I felt a sense of freedom that I had never experienced before. The struggle to overcome my fear had been tough, but the reward was more than worth it. I learned that facing my fears head-on, with determination and the support of others, can lead to incredible personal growth and confidence.
Q.2. Write a short letter to someone you know about your having learnt to do something new.
Answer. Here is a sample letter using ‘guitar’ learning. You may use your own choice and adjust the letter accordingly.
ABC (Name)
XYZ Street (Address)
17 August 2024 (Date)
Dear Friend, (Name of to whom you are writing the letter)
I hope this letter finds you well! I wanted to share some exciting news with you—I’ve recently learned how to play the guitar. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do but never quite had the courage or time to pursue.
At first, it was a bit intimidating, and I wasn’t sure if I’d ever get the hang of it. I struggled with mastering the chords of the guitar and even thought about giving up a few times. But I kept practicing, and with a bit of patience and perseverance, I finally started to make progress.
Now, I’m thrilled to say that I can play a few of my favourite songs. It’s such a rewarding feeling to have overcome the initial hurdles and finally be able to do something I’ve always admired in others.
I just wanted to share this little victory with you, and maybe even inspire you to try something new that you’ve been putting off. It’s never too late to learn something fresh!
Looking forward to catching up soon.
Warm regards,
ABC
Things to do
Q. Are there any water sports in India? Find out about the areas or places which are known for water sports.
Answer. Yes, there are several places in India known for water sports. India, with its vast coastline, rivers, lakes, and backwaters, offers a variety of water sports activities. Here are some popular areas and places known for water sports in India:
1. Goa
- Water Sports: Parasailing, jet skiing, windsurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, banana boat rides.
- Popular Spots: Calangute, Baga, and Anjuna beaches.
2. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Water Sports: Scuba diving, snorkeling, sea walking, jet skiing, glass-bottom boat rides.
- Popular Spots: Havelock Island, Neil Island, Port Blair.
3. Kerala
- Water Sports: Kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, parasailing, backwater cruises.
- Popular Spots: Alleppey, Kumarakom, Varkala, Kovalam.
4. Lakshadweep Islands
- Water Sports: Scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, deep-sea fishing.
- Popular Spots: Agatti Island, Bangaram Island, Kadmat Island.
5. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
- Water Sports: White water rafting, kayaking.
- Popular Spots: Ganges River (especially the stretch from Shivpuri to Rishikesh).
6. Pondicherry
- Water Sports: Scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking.
- Popular Spots: Paradise Beach, Karaikal Beach.
7. Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Water Sports: Surfing, windsurfing, scuba diving.
- Popular Spots: Covelong Beach.
8. Alleppey, Kerala
- Water Sports: Kayaking, canoeing, houseboat cruises.
- Popular Spots: Backwaters of Alleppey.
9. Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Water Sports: Jet skiing, parasailing, speed boating.
- Popular Spots: Juhu Beach, Girgaum Chowpatty.
10. Gokarna, Karnataka
- Water Sports: Jet skiing, banana boat rides, parasailing.
- Popular Spots: Om Beach, Kudle Beach.
These locations offer a wide range of activities for both adventure enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy the water in a more relaxed manner. Whether you’re interested in exploring the underwater world or riding the waves, India has plenty of options to choose from.
