NCERT Solutions for Class 11th: Ch 1 The Portrait of Lady Hornbill English

By Khushwant Singh

Page No: 3

1.Notice these expressions in the text. Infer their meaning from the context.
the thought was almost revolting
an expanse of pure white serenity
a turning-point
accepted her seclusion with resignation
a veritable bedlam of chirrupings
frivolous rebukes
the sagging skins of the dilapidated drum
Answer

the thought was almost revolting The thought that the authors grandmother was once young and
pretty raises a doubt in the mind of the author. He finds it too hard to believe.
an expanse of pure white serenity It refers to the calm, peaceful and serene character and conduct of
the authors grandmother. She is compared to the peaceful winter landscape in the mountains.
a turning-point It refers to the point where the authors relationship with his grandmother changes
drastically after they move to the city-house.
accepted her seclusion with resignation This shows the authors grandmothers passive submission
to her secluded life after she gradually loses touch with her grandson.
a veritable bedlam of chirruping It refers to the noise, confusion and chaos caused by the chirruping
of the sparrows that scattered and perched around the authors grandmother.
frivolous rebukes It refers to the casual and light-hearted rebukes of the grandmother to the
sparrows.
the sagging skins of the dilapidated drum It points to the shabby and deteriorated condition of the
drum.
Page No: 6

Understanding the Text

1. Mention the three phases of the authors relationship with his grandmother before he left the country
to study abroad.
Answer
The three phases of the authors relationship with his grandmother before he left the country to study
abroad are given below.
The first phase was the period of the authors early childhood. During this phase, he used to live with
his grandmother in the village. The grandmother used to take care of him from waking him up and
getting him ready to accompanying him to the school. Both shared a good friendship with each other.
The second phase was the time when the author and the grandmother moved to the city to live with
authors parents. This was a turning-point in their friendship because now they saw less of each other.
The third phase was the time the author joined University. He was given a room of his own and the
common link of their friendship was snapped. The grandmother turns to wheel-spinning and reciting
prayers all day long. She accepts her seclusion with silence.
2. Mention three reasons why the authors grandmother was disturbed when he started going to the
city school.
Answer
The authors grandmother was disturbed when he started going to the city school because:
(i) She could not help him with his lessons in English, science. She didn't believe in them.
(ii) No teaching of God and scriptures.
(iii) She was unhappy with the idea of music lessons being given at school. She considered music
suitable only for the people with low dignity.
Page No: 7
3.Mention three ways in which the authors grandmother spent her days after he grew up.
Answer
The three ways in which the author's grandmother spent her days after he grew up are by spinning
wheel, reciting prayers and feeding the sparrows.
4. Mention the odd way in which the authors grandmother behaved just before she died.
Answer
The grandmother told the family her end was near. She had omitted to pray, she was not going to
waste any more time talking to us. She lay peacefully in bed praying and telling her beads.

5. Mention the way in which the sparrows expressed their sorrow when the authors grandmother died.
Answer
The sparrows and the grandmother developed an intimate relationship in this manner. When the
grandmother died thousands of sparrows expressed their sorrow by sitting scattered in the verandah in
mourning while grandmothers dead-body lay there. They did not chirrup. Authors mother threw some
pieces of bread but they did not eat them. When they carried grandmothers corpse they flew away
quietly. Thus, the sparrows mourned her death and paid their silent tribute to the grand old lady in a
very unique manner.
Talking about the Text
1. The authors grandmother was a religious person. What are the different ways in which we come to
know this?
Answer
The authors grandmother was a religious lady with a kind heart. Her one hand was always busy in
telling the beads of her rosary. Her lips constantly moved in an inaudible prayer. She used to get up
early in the morning. She did her morning prayer in a monotonous sing-song. Everyday, she went
along with the author to his school and while narrator studied she sat in a temple and read scriptures
Later, in the city she was unhappy that there was no religous teaching at school. Before dying, she
stopped talking to her family members and turned to prayers, and counting the beads.

2. Describe the changing relationship between the author and his grandmother. Did their feelings for
each other change?
Answer
The changing circumstances did have a bearing on the relationship between the author and his
grandmother. Author and his grandmother lived as intimate friends in the village. A turning point came
in their relationship when they came to the city to live with authors parents. The author joined an
English school in the city. She remained confined to home as here she could not accompany him to the
school. In the new English school she could not help him in studies. She could not like the kind of
education being given to the author at the English school. The grandmother became disturbed as there
was no teaching about God and scriptures in the new school. She reconciled herself with spinning and
taking to feed the sparrows. When the narrator grew up, he went up to university and then went
abroad. The common link of friendship between the author and his grandmother was snapped. His
grandmother accepted her seclusion with resignation.
No, their feelings for each other did not change though distances grew between them.
3. Would you agree that the authors grandmother was a person strong in character? If yes, give
instances that show this.

Answer
Yes, the authors grandmother was a person strong in character. The instances to prove this are given
below.
The authors grandmother was a person strong in character. She was a picture of contentment.
She had her own thoughts about the learning at school. She considered the teaching of scriptures to
be more fruitful than science and music.
In her phase of loneliness and seclusion, she took to wheel-spinning and feeding sparrows.
She appeared composed and did not display any emotion when the author decided to go abroad for
studies.
Ignoring everyone who tried to stop her, she sang for several hours celebrating the home-coming of
her grandson.
During the last few hours of her life, ignoring the protests of her family members, she stopped
talking to everyone and took to reciting prayers and telling her beads.
4. Have you known someone like the authors grandmother? Do you feel the same sense of loss with
regard to someone whom you have loved and lost?
Answer
Yes, I knew someone like the authors grandmother. It was my own grandmother who passed away
recently. The intense sense of loss is very heart-wrenching as I spent almost fifteen years of my life
with her.
OR
No, I have never known someone the way the author knew his grandmother. Thus, I have never felt the
sense of grief presented in the story.
Thinking about the Language
1. Which language do you think the author and his grandmother used while talking to each other?
Answer
The author and his grandmother might have used their mother-tongue to converse with each other. As
the author, Khushwant Singh, belongs to Punjab, the language used by them might be Punjabi.
2. Which language do you use to talk to elderly relatives in your family?
Answer
Your Mothertongue (Could be English, Hindi, Telgu, Bhojpuri etc.)
3. How would you say a dilapidated drum in your language?

Answer
Know your meaning in mothertongue (In Hindi it is phata-hua dholak.)
Working with Words
1. Notice the following uses of the word tell in the text.

1. Her fingers were busy telling the beads of her rosary.

2. I would tell herEnglish words and little things of Western science and learning.
3. At her age one could never tell.
4. She told usthat her end was near.
Given below are four different senses of the word tell. Match the meanings to the uses listed above.
1. make something known to someone in spoken or written words
2. count while reciting
3. be sure
4. give information to somebody
Answer
1. Make something known to someone in spoken or written words: I would tell her English words and
little things of western science and learning.
2. Count while reciting: Her fingers were busy telling the beads of her rosary.
3. Be sure: At her age, one could never tell.
4. Give information to somebody: She told us that her end was near.
Page No: 8
2. Notice the different senses of the word take.
1. to take tosomething: to begin to do something as a habit
2. to take ill: to suddenly become ill
Locate these phrases in the text and notice the way they are used.
Answer
The instances where these phrases have been used in the story are given below.
1. ... she took to feeding sparrows in the courtyard of our city house.
This phrase refers to the daily activity that the authors grandmother took up when they shifted to the
city.

2. The next morning she was taken ill.

This phrase refers to the authors grandmothers sudden illness.
3. The word hobble means to walk with difficulty because the legs and feet are in bad
condition. Tick the words in the box below that also refer to a manner of walking.
haggle

shuffle

stride

ride

waddle

wriggle

paddle

swagger

trudge

slog

Answer
The words that also refer to a manner of walking are:
shuffle
stride
waddle
paddle
swagger
trudge
slog

The Photograph by Shirley Toulson - Question & Answers

1) What does the word cardboard denote in the poem? Why has this word been used?

Ans: The cardboard means a very stiff and thick paper, here the cardboard is a part of the frame that keeps the photograph intact.
It's use in poem is ironical It keeps the photograph of that 12 year old girl safe who herself was terribly transient The player's
mother had died some years ago.
2) What has the camera captured?
Ans: The camera had captured all the three girls alive in it. It has captured the pretty face of the poet's mother who as a girl
of twelve at that time. It has also captured the smiling faces of the two girl cousins Betty and Dolly. They are holding the hands of
the poet's mother.
3) What has not changed over the years? Does this suggest something to you?
Ans: The sea has not changed over the years. It rings out the transient nature and its object. Time spares none. The pretty faces and
the feet of the three girls are terribly transient or moral when compared to the ageless and unchangeable sea.
4) The poets mother laughed at the snapshot. What did this laugh indicate?
Ans: The poet's mother laughs at the snapshot which was taken years ago. In the photograph, she as well as her two little cousins
stood at the each. She laughed at the ay all of them were dressed up for the beach. Perhaps they looked funny. Their laughter
indicated the youthful spirit.
5) What is the meaning of the line Both wry with the laboured ease or loss
Ans: Both the mother and the poet suffered a great sense of loss. The mother has lost her childhood innocence and joyful spirit that
the photograph has captured some years ago. For the poet, the smile of her mother has become thing of the past. She has silently
resigned to her faith. Ironically both labour to bear their loss with ease.

6) What does "this circumstance" refer to?

Ans: The circumstance refers to the death of the poet's mother. The photograph of her dead mother brings sad nostalgic feelings in
the past. But the poet has nothing to say at all about the circumstance. The silence of the poet makes the silence prevailing their still
deeper.
7) The three stanzas depict three different phases. What are they?
Ans: In the first stanza, the poet's mother is shown as a twelve year old girl with pretty smiling face. Then she is paddling with her
two girl cousins. This face is before the poet's birth. The second face describes the middle aged mother laughing at her own
snapshot. The third face describes the chilling pale of silence that the death of her mother has left of the past.

Page No: 11

Infer the meaning of the following words from the context.

Padding

transient

Now look up the dictionary to see if your inference is right.

Answer
Paddling: To move a boat by means of paddles.
Transient: Something that stays at a place for a short time-period.
Page No: 12
Think It Out
1. What does the word cardboard denote in the poem? Why has this word been used?
Answer
Cardboard refers to the photograph only. This word has been used because photograph it lost it colur
and also clarity of its images.
2. What has the camera captured?
Answer
The camera has captured some happy moments from the childhood of the poets mother. It was a
scene taken from a beach where she had gone with her cousins and her uncle for a sea holiday. The
girls were paddling in the water.
3. What has not changed over the years? Does this suggest something to you?
Answer
The sea has not changed over the years. It is still the same. The sea symbolizes eternity.

4. The poets mother laughed at the snapshot. What did this laugh indicate?
Answer
This laugh indicates her remembering her past. She looked back to her childhood with nostalgia and
remembered the innocent joys of her childhood days.
5. What is the meaning of the line Both wry with the laboured ease of loss.
Answer
The line refers to the sea holiday as remembered by her mother and the poet remembering her
mothers laughing face. Both these now belong to the past. Her mother is no more now.
6. What does this circumstance refer to?
Answer
This circumstance refers to the present situation of the poet wherein the poet is absorbed in the
painful memory of her dead mother. Looking at the photograph and thinking of her mothers laughter,
the poet also realises that it has been the same number of years since her mother died as her mothers
age in the photograph.

NCERT Solutions for Class 11th: Ch 2 We're Not Afraid to Die...if We Can All Be Together Hornbill
English
By Gordon Cook and Alan East

Page No: 13
1. Notice these expressions in the text. Infer their meaning from the context.
honing our seafaring skills
ominous silence
Mayday calls
pinpricks in the vast ocean
a tousled head

Answer
honing our seafaring skills: this refers to the efforts made by the author and his wife, to perfect or
sharpen their seafaring skills.

ominous silence: the silence here refers to an impending danger.

Mayday calls: Mayday calls are radio-telephonic words which signal aircrafts or ships stuck in a
disastrous situation.
pinpricks in the vast ocean: this phrase expresses the search for two small islands in the vast ocean.
a tousled head: this refers to hair in disarray or the disarranged hair of the authors son, Jonathan
Page No: 18
Understanding the Text
1. List the steps taken by the captain
(i) to protect the ship when rough weather began.
(ii) to check the flooding of the water in the ship.
Answer
(i) In order to protect the ship from rough weather, the capitan decided to slow it down. So he dropped
the storm jjb and lashed heavy mooring rope in a loop across the stern. Then they doubled fatened
everything and went through their life-raft drill
(ii) To check the flooding of water in the ship, he put waterproof hatch covers across the gaping holes
which diverted the water to the side. When the two hands pump blocked and electric pump short
circuited, he found another electric pump, connected it to an outpipe and started it.
2. Describe the mental condition of the voyagers on 4 and 5 January.
Answer
On January 4 and 5, the voyagers felt relieved after rigorous practice of continuous pumping. They had
their first meal in almost two days. Their respite was short-lived. They faced dangerous situation on
January 5. Fear of deah loomed large. They were under great mental stress.
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.
Answer
The first section: The first section opens on a cheerful note. The narrator and his family are all set for
their ultimate dream- to take up an around-the-world voyage like Captain James Cook did. They have
perfected their seafaring skills. They begin the voyage and despite of the bad weather, they celebrate
Christmas on the Wavewalker.
The second section: This part of narration covers the hazards faced by the voyagers. There is a shift in

the narration from cheerful to intense. They find themselves in an extremely fatal and disastrous
situation. A huge wave hits their boat and the narrator is thrown overboard. Despite getting injured, he
maintains his composure and applies every possible way to tackle the critical situation. They manage
to pump out maximum amount of water out of the boat in about 36 hours. But as they continue to face
bad weather conditions the narrator loses hope. The children remain fearless, courageous and
optimistic throughout.
The third section: The children provide moral support to the narrator and he continues with his efforts.
Under the captaincy of the narrator, they manage to reach Ile Amsterdam. The narrator proves his
seamanship and receives the title of the best daddy and the best captain from his children.
The above three sections can be subtitled as follows:
a) The first section: Round-the-world voyage begins
b) The second section: The attack of the big wave
c) The third section: Ultimate victory

Talking about the Text

1. What difference did you notice between the reaction of the adults and the children when faced with
danger?
Answer
There was lot of difference between the way in which the adults and children reacted when faced
danger. The adults lose hope and wait for their end with a heavy heart. At this point, they are motivated
by the children. The children offer moral support to the adults. They display maturity and tolerance.
Jonathan expresses his fearlessness and courage when he says that they are not afraid of dying if they
all can be together. Sue expresses her love and gratitude for her parents by making a greeting card.
She is strong enough to not let her parents know about her serious injuries. She did not want to bother
her parents in the times of crisis.
2. How does the story suggest that optimism helps to endure the direst stress?
Answer
Optimism is a determination to overcome difficulties. It raises ones spirits and helps one overcome
stress and difficulty with ease. The story displays courage and optimism throughout. Survival happens
only because of the optimistic struggle that the family carries on with.
The level of perseverance in the author rises when Jonathan says, were not afraid of dying if we can
all be together. Besides, the caricatures of him and Mary, drawn by Sue, helps his determination and
optimism to grow many folds. The positive outlook of the children infuses positivity in the narrator. He
rigorously calculates their position and finally asks Larry to steer a course of 185 degrees. Though he
had lost all hope by then, he did not show it and optimistically told Larry that they would spot the island
by about 5 P.M. Fortunately, their struggle and optimism pays off and they manage to find Ile
Amsterdam by evening.

3. What lessons do we learn from such hazardous experiences when we are face-to-face with death?
Answer
Such experiences teach us the potential that courage, perseverance and tolerance hold. It explains
how one must react in the direst of the situations. It teaches us that one must never lose hope and try
to find reasons to stay positive in the face of adversity. In such situations one must try his/her best to
remain calm and composed and understand the power of unity and team work. Moreover, the
importance of common sense, putting continuous efforts to overcome the catastrophe and the
significance of being extra cautious and careful are learnt from such hazardous experiences.
4. Why do you think people undertake such adventurous expeditions in spite of the risk involved?
Answer
The spirit to experience unique elements of nature, undaunted passion and willingness to accept
challenges drive people to take up adventurous expeditions. The people who involve themselves in
such activities are very well aware of the risk involved in them. But due to their passion and enthusiasm
to do something unique and great, they willingly accept such challenges. Also, their desire to be in the
lap of nature and experience its beauty pushes them to such expeditions.
Thinking about Language
1. We have come across words like `gale and `storm in the account. Here are two more words for
`storm: typhoon, cyclone. How many words does your language have for `storm?
Answer
In Hindi, storm is known as aandhi, toofan 'andhad', etc.
Page No: 19
2. Here are the terms of different kinds of vessels: yacht, boat, canoe, ship, steamer, schooner. Think
of similar terms in your language.
Answer
Naav, Nauka, Jahaaz and Kishti are some of the various words used in Hindi for the word boat.
3. Catamaran is a kind of a boat. Do you know which Indian language this word is derived from?
Check the dictionary.
Answer
The word Catamaran is derived from Tamil word Kattumaram.

4. Have you heard any boatmens songs? What kind of emotions do these songs usually express?
Answer
Yes, Boatmens songs usually express love and nostalgia. It revolves around the longing to meet a
loved one. It may also express their love for the sea.
Working with Words
1. The following words used in the text as ship terminology are also commonly used in another
sense. In what contexts would you use the other meaning?
Knot

stern

boom

hatch

anchor

Answer
Knot: a) interlacing, twining, looping, etc.
b) a group of persons.
Stern: firm, strict, uncompromising, harsh, hard etc.
Boom: a) deep, prolonged, resonant sound
b) to progress or flourish
c) to hit hard
Hatch: a) to bring forth, produce.
b) derive, concoct
c) to draw, cut, or engrave lines
Anchor: a) a person or thing that can be relied upon for support
b) host of an event.
2. The following three compound words end in-ship. What does each of them mean?
airship

flagship

lightship

Answer
Airship: It is a self-propelled lighter-than-air aircraft with the means of controlling the direction of the
flight.
Flagship: It is a ship carrying the flag officer or the commander of a fleet, squadron. It displays the
officers flag.
Lightship: It refers to a ship anchored in a specific location flashing a very bright light for the guidance

of ships, as in avoiding dangerous areas.

3. The following are the meaning listed in the dictionary against the phrase `take on. In which
meaning is it used in the third paragraph of the account:
Take to begin to have a particular quality or appearance; to assume sth
on
sth:
take

to employ sb; to engage sb

sb

to accept sb as ones opponent in a game,contest or conflict

on:
Take to decide to do sth; to allow sth/sb to enter e.g. a bus, plane or ship; to take
sb/sth sth/sb on board
on:

Answer
In the third paragraph, in lines: we took on two crewman to help us tackle roughest seas, the
word took on suggests to take somebody on i.e., to employ or engage somebody.

NCERT Solutions for Class 11th: Chapter 3 Discovering Tut: the Saga Continues Hornbill English
By A. R. Williams

Page No: 22
1. Notice these expressions in the text. Infer their meaning from the context.
forensic reconstruction
scudded across
casket grey
Resurrection
funerary treasures
Circumvented
computed tomography
eerie detail

Answer
Forensic reconstruction- It refers to the process of creating a face on the skull and see how the owner
of the skull looked like. Here, it refers to the construction of the bust of King Tut based on the data
received from CT scan.

Scudded across- It refers to moving quickly. The phrase is used with reference to the movement of the
dark-bellied clouds.
Casket grey- The words point out to the covering of the stars by thedark-bellied clouds, the way jewels
are kept in a casket (a jewel box).
Resurrection- It refers to a new beginning for something which is old and long forgotten. Here, it refers
to the new life after death.
Funerary treasures- The valuable things with which the king was buried were no less than treasures as
most of the items were made of pure gold. They are, thus, referred to as funerary treasures.
Circumvented- The thieves would easily bypass the guards with artfulness and rip the mummy apart to
remove the gold.
Computed tomography- Also known as CT scan, it provides X-ray image of a body in cross section. It is
used for diagnostic purposes.
Eerie detail- Uncanny description of the resulting image of the head of Tut visible through the CT scan.
Page No: 28
Understanding the Text
1. Give reasons for the following.
(i) King Tuts body has been subjected to repeated scrutiny.
Answer
King tut's body has been subjected to to repeated scrutiny for the riches it was buried with. There has
also been a lot of speculation about the manner of his death and the time of his death.
(ii) Howard Carters investigation was resented.
Answer
Howard Carters investigation was resented because he used unscientific methods to cut the body
away from the wooden base. He also focused more on the discovery of gold than on thefascinating
details of Tut's life and the mysteries of his death.
(iii) Carter had to chisel away the solidified resins to raise the kings remains.
Answer
Carter found that the ritual resin that was used as a polish hashardened. The result was that the

mummy was cemented to the bottom of the solid gold coffin.Neither the strongestforce could move the
mummynor the burning sun could loosen the remains of the king.
(iv) Tuts body was buried along with gilded treasures.
Answer
The ancient royals of Egypt were fabulously wealthy. They believed inafterlife. They also believed that
they could take their wealth with them. Sogilded treasures were buried with them.
(v) The boy king changed his name from Tutankhaten to Tutankhamun.
Answer
Tutankhamun means Living image of Amun. He was a majorgod in ancient Egypt. King Amennotep
smashed the images of Amun and closed his temples. Tut oversaw a restoration of the old ways. He
also changed his name to express his belief on Amun.
2.
(i) List the deeds that led Ray Johnson to describe Akhenaten as wacky.
Answer
According to Ray Johnson Akhenten was wacky because:
He promoted the worship of Aten instead of Amun.
He moved the religious capital from Thebes to the new city of Akhetaten.
He smashed Amun's images.
He closed Amun's temples.
He changed his name to Akhenaten or servant of Aten.
(ii) List the advances in technology that have improved forensic analysis.
Answer
Today C.T. technology helps us to take hundreds of X-ray images in cross-sections. They can be put
together likeslices of bread tp create three dimensional virtual body.This provides precise data for an
accurate forensicreconstruction.
(iv) Explain the statement, King Tut is one of the first mummies to be scanned in death, as in life ...
Answer
The above statement refers that there are hundreds of mummies in Egypt. ButTut's is the first to be
scanned. He remains the first evenin death, as he was the first among his countrymen whenhe lived.
He was a ruler, an emperor.

Talking about the Text

1. Scientific intervention is necessary to unearth buried mysteries.
Answer
For
If you think history has any relevance in our life, we must get atthe truth. There are so many mysteries
which remain unsolved. For example, we know very little about the Indus civilisation. The seals
remainun-deciphered. This needs scientific investigation. Without scientificintervention they will remain
in the dark.
OR
Against
No doubt we need to know the past. History has relevance in our life. But sometimes we take it too far.
King Tut's mummy has beenrepeatedly investigated. Inspite of spending millions of dollars, nothing
newhas been revealed. We must utilise our resources to help the living rather than investigating the
dead.
2. Advanced technology gives us conclusive evidence of past events.
Answer
For
Today technology is so advanced that we can reconstruct thepast. For example, we know how Pompeii
was destroyed. But now we havereconstructed the whole city. We know precisely how the people lived.
OR
Against
It is an empty boast that advanced technology gives us conclusiveevidence of past events. Let us take
the case of King Tut. It has been C.T.scanned. What can it tell us how he died. If he was murdered who
murderedhim and why ? C.T. scan might give some idea how he died. But it cannotgive conclusive
evidence.
3. Traditions, rituals and funerary practices must be respected.
Answer
For
People who buried their dead with rituals and funerary practices did sowithreverence for their dead.
They wanted to lie in peace, undisturbed. We mustrespect their sentiments.
OR
Against
People in ancient times had some beliefs and funerary rituals. Byinvestigating into them we can know
much about them. It adds to our knowledgeabout the progress of human civilisation in different parts of
the world.

Page No: 29
Talking about Language

2. What do you think are the reasons for the extinction of languages?
Answer
A language becomes extinct when its use is restricted to specific classes or categories of people.
Secondly, the harshness of rules and lack of flexibility in usage also contribute in extinction of
languages.
3. Do you think it is important to preserve languages?
Answer
Yes, it is important to preserve languages as they are responsible for the development of culture of the
community. It helps in preservation of ones heritage and traditions. Language preservation ensures
contact with ones history and literature.
4. In what ways do you think we could help prevent the extinction of languages and dialects?
Answer
Extinction of languages and dialects can be prevented through the following reasons.
Transferring the vocabulary and dialects of the language to the next generation.
Teaching the languages in colleges and universities and encouraging students to specialise in the
same.
Teaching children to use mother-tongue.
Remaining connected to ones cultural roots.
Respecting ones language which will help in taking it forward to the coming generations.
Working with Words
1. Given below are some interesting combinations of words. Explain why they have been used
together.
(i) ghostly dust devils
(ii) desert sky
(iii) stunning artefacts
(iv) funerary treasures
(v) scientific detachment
(vi) dark-bellied clouds
(vii) casket grey

(viii) eternal brilliance

(ix) ritual resins
(x) virtual body
Answer
(i) ghostly dust devils- it points out to the devilish or frightful movement of the dusty winds. It reflects
the anger of the winds for disturbing the king from his resting place.
(ii) desert sky- it refers to the dusty sky of the desert. The barren sky spread over the vast desert
region portrays a sad and dry picture.
(iii) stunning artefacts- items found in the tomb were extremely beautiful. Usage of both the words
together explains the eternal brilliance of the objects.
(iv) funerary treasures- reference is to the fact that king was buried with numerous things which were
no less than treasures as most of the items were made of pure gold.
(v) scientific detachment- it refers to an indifference towards science.
(vi) dark-bellied clouds- it refers to the dark clouds containing rain.
(vii) casket grey- the words point out to the stars being covered by the dark-bellied clouds, the way
jewels are kept in a casket (a jewel box).
(viii) eternal brilliance- eternal refers to something that is timeless. Thus, eternal brilliance refers to
timeless lustre and shine of the jewels and valuables of the king.
(ix) ritual resins- resins are used as a customary duty in the process of burying a body.
(x) virtual body- a body created through electronic images or CT scan. It resembles a real body and
provides a very clear view.
2. Here are some commonly used medical terms. Find out their meanings.
CT scan

MRI

tomography

Autopsy

dialysis

ECG

Post mortem

angiography

biopsy

Answer
CT scan- It refers to Computed Tomography. It provides X-ray image of a body in cross section. It is
used for diagnostic purposes.
MRI- MRI is the short form of magnetic resonance imaging. It is a diagnostic tool.

Tomography- It refers to taking pictures of various sections of a human body in a three-dimensional

view.
Autopsy- It refers to the post-mortem examination.
Dialysis- It is the process of filtration of bloodstream usually during kidney failure.
ECG- The electrocardiogram is a diagnostic tool that measures and records the electrical activity of the
heart in exquisite detail.
Post mortem- It refers to the medical examination and dissection of a dead body to determine the
cause of death
Angiography- Angiography is the examination of the blood vessels using x-rays and injecting of a
radiopaque substance.
Biopsy- The removal and examination of a sample of tissue from a living body for diagnostic purposes
is known as biopsy.

NCERT Solutions for Class 11th: Voice of the Rain (Poem) Hornbill English
By Walt Whitman

Page No: 42
Think It Out
I.

1. There are two voices in the poem. Who do they belong to? Which lines indicate this?
2. What does the phrase strange to tell mean?
3. There is a parallel drawn between rain and music. Which words indicate this? Explain the similarity
between the two.
4. How is the cyclic movement of rain brought out in the poem? Compare it with what you have learnt
in science.
5. Why are the last two lines put within brackets?
6. List the pair of opposites found in the poem.

Answer
1. The two voices in the poem are the voice of the rain and the voice of the poet. The poem begins in a
conversational tone. The lines are And who art thou? Said I .. and I am the poem of Earth.
2. The phrase strange to tell means that it is an unusual and extraordinary answer given by the rain
drops to the poet who asked who it was.
3. 'I am the poem of Earth
For song, issuing from its birth place
After fulfillment, wandering, reckd orUnreckd, duly with love returns. They both return to the place of
their origin after fulfilling their tasks.
4. The poet explains that the rain drops in the form of water vapour rise up from land and sea and then
descend again on the earth and dry land in order to wash it down and hence comes back to its origin.
This is the cyclic movement explained by the poet.

5. The last two lines are put within brackets because they do not form the voice of the rain or the poet.
They only contain a general observation made by the poet about the course of a song.
6. (a) Day, night
(b) Reckd, unreckd
(c) Rise, descend
2. Notice the following sentence patterns.
1. And who art thou? said I to the soft-falling shower.
2. I am the Poem of Earth, said the voice of the rain.
3. Eternal I rise
4. For songduly with love returns
Rewrite the above sentences in prose.
Answer
1. I enquired the soft-falling rain about its identity.
2. The voice of the rain introduced itself as the Poem of Earth.
3. The voice of the rain explained its upward movement towards the sky as eternal.
4. The poet says that, similar to the natural cycle of the rain, a song originates from the heart of the
poet, travels to reach others and after fulfilling its purpose (whether acknowledged or not), it returns to
the poet with all due love.

NCERT Solutions for Class 11th: Ch 5 The Ailing Planet: the Green Movement's Role Hornbill
English
By Nani Palkhivala

Page No: 43

Notice these expressions in the text. Infer their meaning from the context.
a holistic and ecological view
inter alia
sustainable development
decimated
languish
catastrophic depletion
ignominious darkness
transcending concern
Answer
a holistic and ecological view It refers to the view that calls for the preservation of the planet. The
holistic and ecological view refers to understanding the importance of earths resources and
environment for the future generations.
sustainable development A balanced development that meets the needs of the present while taking
care of the needs of the future generations.
languish lot of species are neglected or go unnoticed
ignominious darkness disgraced or dishonoured as nobody has knowledge about them or is
enlightened about them
inter alia among other things
decimated to reduce drastically in number
catastrophic depletion a disastrous and harmful reduction in the number of something
transcending concern a concern that surpasses generation, boundaries. It is not only about the
present but also about future; not only about people but also about the planet.
Page No: 47

Understanding the Text

1. Locate the lines in text that support the title. 'The Ailing Planet'.
Answer
The lines that support the title of the chapter are given below.
The earths vital signs reveal a patient in declining health.
Are we to leave our successors a scorched planet of advancing deserts, impoverished landscapes
and ailing environment?
the environment has deteriorated so badly that it is critical in many of the eighty-eight countries
investigated.
2. What does the notice 'The world's most dangerous animal' at a cage in the zoo at Lusaka, Zambia,
signify?
Answer
The notice signifies that there is depletion of resources and deterioration of environment. Man is
responsible for this and his own survival is threatened.
3. How are the earth's principal biological systems being depleted?
Answer
There are four principal biological systems of the earth. These systems are fisheries, forests,
grasslands and croplands. However, due to the increasing demand of human beings to such an
unsustainable extent, the productivity of these systems is being hampered. The excessive demand
results in deterioration and depletion of these resources. A country where protein is consumed on a
large scale, over-fishing is common, which leads to the collapse of fisheries in that area. Grasslands
have been turned into deserts and production of crops is decreasing. The forests are destroyed in large
proportions to obtain firewood. Depletion of tropical forests has also led to the extinction of several
species.

4. Why does the author aver that the growth of world population is one of the strongest factors
distorting the future of human society?
Answer
Over-population is one of the strongest factors responsible for a nations poverty and unemployment. It
disturbs the earths principal biological systems leading to degradation of environment.
The author highlights the problem of over-population by pointing out the mental set-up of the poor who
feel more children means more workers to earn money. They do not realise that more children only

means more unemployed people. He argues that development is the best contraceptive, which
includes spread of education, improvement of health and rise in income.
Spread of education leads to awareness among people, which in turn results in a fall in the fertility
rate. The author makes a comment which emphasises the never ending circle of population and
poverty by asserting that The choice is really between control of population and the perpetuation of
poverty.
Talking about the Text
1. Laws are never respected not enforced in India.
Answer
India, the biggest democracy in the world, is condemned for its easy attitude towards laws. Laws are
constituted but never respected nor enforced in our country. For instance, the Indian Constitution
mentions that casteism, untouchability and bonded labour shall be abolished; however, these evils
flourish barefacedly even today.
The author points out that Article 48A of the Indian Constitution, propounds that the State shall
endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the
country. However, little is done in favour of this. What we see is a near catastrophic depletion of
forests over the last four decades. Forests are disappearing over the decades at the rate of 3.7 million
acres a year. Areas that are officially designated as forest land, in reality, are treeless. The actual loss
of forests is eight times the rate pointed by the government statistics.
2. Are we to leave our successors a scorched planet of advancing deserts, impoverished landscapes
and an ailing environment?
Answer
As we learn in the text, the first Brandt Report raised the above mentioned question about the
deteriorating condition of the planet. Earth is like a patient in declining health. The depletion of
forests, grasslands, fisheries and croplands are the result of excessive demand for resources. Overpopulation has led to a severe strain on the health of our planet.
We must realise soon that in this Era of Responsibility it is solely our duty to preserve our planet. We
must realise that the earth belongs as much to the future generation as much to us. Rather making it
our property, we should do our best to preserve it for the generations we have borrowed it from.
3. We have not inherited this earth from our forefathers; we have borrowed it from our children.
Answer
Over the decades, a change has come in the perception of the people in respect to the planet. The
human perception has shifted to a holistic and ecological view of the world. Earth is a living organism
that has limited resources. These resources will not last forever. The earth has its metabolic needs that
require to be preserved. The need of the hour is sustainable development which propounds the need
of meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising with those of future generations.

The present problems are not necessarily fatal for us but they are a passport for future. This is the
Era of Responsibility that calls for a responsible action from us. We must realise that the earth
belongs as much to the future generation as much it belongs to us.
4. The problems of over population that directly affect our everyday life.
Answer
Over-population leads to the issues of poverty and unemployment. The vicious circle of population and
poverty will continue unless the root cause i.e. population is taken care of. It hampers the development
of a country. It leads to the consumption of the natural resources at a much faster rate. The fossils
consumed, the resources depleted, the forests cleared, the heat produced, the global warming caused
are all the repercussions of the fast-growing population.
Page No: 48
Thinking about the Language
The phrase 'inter alia' meaning 'among other things' is one of the many Latin expression commonly
used in English.
Find out what these Latin phrases mean.
1.Prima face
2. ad hoc
3. in camera
4.ad infinitum
5.mutatis multanis
6.tabula rasa
Answer
prima facie means at first sight, before closer inspection
ad hoc means for the specific purpose, case, or situation at hand and for no other
in camera means in secret, in private
ad infinitum means to infinity, having no end
mutatis mutandis means changing [only] those things which needs to be changed, [only] the
necessary changes having been made
Caveat means a warning or caution
tabula rasa means blank slate, without any prior experience or knowledge
Working with Words
Locate the following words in the text and study their connotation.

1. gripped the imagination of

2. dawned upon
3. ushered in
4. passed into current coin
5. passport of the future
Answer
1. gripped the imagination of: received much attention
2. dawned upon: realised it for the first time
3. ushered in: began the new idea
4. passed into current coin: have been brought into use
5. passport of the future: a thing that makes something possible or enables one to achieve it
2. The words grip, dawn. usher, coin, passport have a literal as well as a figurative meaning. Write
pairs of sentences using each word in the literal as well as figurative sense.
Answer
1) grip:
a) She was excellent during the rock-climbing session. She has a good grip.
b) The movement of 'India Against corruption' has gripped the minds of Indians.
2) dawn:
a) The day dawned with a clear sky.
b) Suddenly, the idea dawned on him.
3) usher:
a) The waiter ushered them to their seats.
b) The Green Movement ushered in a new era of awareness.
4) Coin:
a) I have ten coins of Rs. 5.
b) The term was coined by a famous philosopher.

5) passport:
a) He has just got his passport made to visit his uncle in the USA.
b) Education is the passport to a bright future.

NCERT Solutions for Class 11th: Ch 6 The Browning Version Hornbill English
By Terence Rattigan

Page No: 50

Notice these expressions in the text. Infer their meaning from the context.
Remove
slackers
muck
kept in
got carried away
cut
sadist
shrivelled up
Answer
emove: a division in a school
slackers: unmotivated and lazy students
muck: useless, of no practical good
kept in: grounded, detained, work after the official school hours
got carried away: to get very excited or lose control of your feelings due to strong emotions.
cut: escape, go away without permission.
sadist: a person who gets pleasure out of inflicting pain to others
shrivelled up: having no feelings
Page No: 56
1. Comment on the attitude shown by Taplow towards Crocker-Harris.
Answer

Crocker Harris is Taplows teacher. According to Taplow and me also; Mr. Crocker Harris is a strict
disciplinarian. He was a hard working teacher and fully devoted to his duty as he called Taplow even on
the last day of school to make up for his missed class. No student in his entire career has a courage to
cut Mr. Crocker Harris. He is neither partial nor biased; he will give Taplow whatever he deserves. He
tries to maintain an appropriate distance from his students. He never responds the feelings shown by
his students and remains shrivel. He is a man of principals and keeps the rules of the school. His
students like him even after his strict behavior. His colleagues, even Frank, envy him for the effect he
has on the students. He is strict but not a sadist that he seems to be.
2. Does Frank seem to encourage Taplow's comments on Crocker-Harris?
Answer

Frank encourages Taplow to comment on Mr. Crocker Harris by cleverly askingTaplow several
questions. He appreciated Taplows imitation of Mr. Crocker Harrisand also asks him to repeat it.

3. What do you gather about Crocker-Harris from the play?

Answer
Mr Harris is a teacher who would not compromise on the rules and regulations to suffice the
sentiments of students. He believes in fair assesment of his students and is not swayed by emotions,
as the man is hardly human. He is not a sadist, but strict in performance of his sduties. Even on his last
day at school, when he is over busy in own affairs he does not neglect his duty towards students.
Talking about the Text
3. Reading plays is more interesting than studying science.
Answer
There is no doubt that reading plays is more interesting than studying science because reading plays
makes us imaginative and provides us ideas about human life and behavior. It has good language that
is helpful in building our linguistic skills. It is a source of entertainment and enjoyment. Reading science
has its own merits. It provides us knowledge and fill us with modern approach. Practical that we do in
laboratories are also useful in daily life. Science makes us our future growth possible.
Working with Words

1. A sadist is a person who gets pleasure out of giving pain to others.

Given below are some dictionary definitions of certain kinds of persons.
Find out the words that fit these descriptions.
1. A person who considers it very important that things should be correct or genuine e.g. in the use of
language or in the arts: P...
2. A person who believes that war and violence are wrong and will not fight in a war: P...
3.A person who believes that nothing really exists: N...
4. A person who is always hopeful and expects the best in all things: O...
5. A person who follows generally accepted norms of behaviour: C...
6. A person who believes that material possessions are all that matter in life: M...
Answer
1. Perfectionist
2. Pacifist
3. Nihilist
4. Optimist
5. Conventionalist
6. Materialist

NCERT Solutions for Class 11th: Childhood Hornbill English

By Markus Natten

Page No: 59
Think It Out
1. Identify the stanzas that talks of each of the following.
Individuality

rationalism

Answer
Individuality- Third stanza

hypocrisy

Rationalism- First stanza

Hypocrisy- Second stanza
2. What according to the poem is involved in the process of growing up?
Answer
According to the poem, the process of growing up involves the attainment of mental maturity. A person
is said to be grown up when he has become logical, rational and is able to build his own thoughts. A
grown up has the power to distinguish between reality and fantasy.
A grown up individual understands the actions of others just as the poet recognises the hiatus between
the preaching and the practice of the adults. He realises the hypocrisy and the double standards
maintained by the adults. A mature individual also asserts his thoughts and opinions.

3. What is the poets feeling towards childhood?

Answer
The poet does not appear to feel sad or upset at the loss of his childhood. He only seems to be
puzzled at the disappearance of childhood and the arrival of adulthood. He expresses his confusion
when he asks the questions When and Where did my childhood go?
4. Which do you think are the most poetic lines? Why?
Answer
The lines that seem to be the most poetic are:
It went to some forgotten place,
Thats hidden in an infants face;
Thats all I know.
These lines sum up beautifully the process of growth and the disappearance of a particular stage of
life. These lines express metaphorically that an infants innocent face hides many things behind its
smiles. Perhaps the childhood also lies hidden somewhere in the childs consciousness.

NCERT Solutions for Class 11th: Father to Son (Poem) Hornbill English
By Elizabeth Jennings

Page No: 86

Think It Out

1. Does the poem talk of an exclusively personal experience or is it fairly universal?

Answer
The poem does talk of an exclusively personal experience. However, we can also call it fairly universal
because a conflict like this is quite common in many households. It is also known as generation gap.
2. How is the fathers helplessness brought out in the poem?
Answer
The helplessness of the father is highlighted through the depiction of the emotional struggle that he
undergoes. He is aware of the problem and is willing to resolve it, but is unable to do so. He regrets the
lack of a strong emotional bond and proper communication with his son who is also physically
distanced from him.

3. Identify the phrases and lines that indicate distance between father and son.
Answer
Phrases/lines that indicate distance between the father and the son are:
1. I do not understand this child
2. I know / Nothing of him
3. We speak like strangers
4. theres no sign/ Of understanding in the air
5. Silence surrounds us.
4. Does the poem have a consistent rhyme scheme?
Answer
No, the poem does not follow a consistent rhyme scheme.