CBSE Class 12 English HOTs Journey to the End of the Earth Set 01

Short Answer Type Questions

Question. How did Antarctica amaze the writer when she first saw it?
Answer: The writer was amazed to see the vastness and isolation of Antarctica. The white beauty of the place left her wonder struck. She wondered how there could have been a time when India and Antarctica were a part of the same landmass - Gondwana.

Question. Antarctica is unlike any other place on Earth. Justify the statement.  Or How is Antarctica different from the place you live in? 
Answer: Antarctica is different from all other places as there has never been a human existence on it. There is 24 hours austral light on the continent. The visual scale ranges from the microscopic to the mighty phenomena. There are no trees, no bill boards, no buildings. Only vast stretches of ice can be seen all around.

Question. What happened to Gondwana 650 million years ago?
Answer: Gondwana was a Southern super continent which existed 650 million years ago. But around the time when the dinosaurs were destroyed and the age of mammal got underway, the landmass was forced to separate into continents shaping the world globe much as we know it today.

Question. ‘And for humans, the prognosis is not good.’ What is in store for humans, as per the above statement? 
Answer: The statement hints at an ominous future for humanity, indicating the dire consequences of environmental degradation. It suggests that humans face significant challenges and potential threats to their existence, particularly in the context of climate change and ecological crises. It underscores the urgent need for collective action to address these issues and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Question. What are phytoplanktons? How are they important for the Earth’s survival?
Answer: Phytoplanktons is a single-celled grass that feed the entire Southern ocean’s marine life. These micro organisms require a low degree of temperature for their survival. But due to the overheating and depletion of ozone layers, their existence is threatened. The message for the humans is to take care of small things so that bigger issues or problems will fall in place.

Question. What did Geoff Green switch over to? Why? 
Answer: Geoff Green switched from taking celebrities and rich retired people to Antarctica to taking high school students to one end of the world. The reason for this switch was that he wanted to provide the future policy makers the opportunity to develop the respect and understanding for the Earth. He wanted the students to experience how difficult it would have been for the Earth to sustain life by rising its temperature.

Question. Tishani Doshi considered the programme ‘Students on Ice’ a success. Do you agree with her? Why/Why not? 
Answer: Yes, I agree with Tishani Doshi in considering the programme ‘Students on Ice’ a success. It is due to the fact that the school students could see the collapsing ice shelves and retreating glaciers with their own eyes which will help them to stay aware of the reality. Their young minds could learn and act better about the potential hazards that our Earth’s environment faces.

Question. How can you say ‘Students on Ice Programme’ was a step towards the future? Or What was the aim of the project ‘Students on Ice’? 
Answer: The ‘Students on Ice’ initiative sought to equip high school students with environmental awareness by immersing them in Antarctica’s extreme conditions. Geoff Green envisioned these students as pivotal in addressing global warming and ecological threats. By experiencing Antarctica’s simplicity and vulnerability, students would gain insights into the interconnectedness of Earth’s systems, preparing them to be responsible stewards of our planet’s future.

Question. ‘With students of ice, he offers future generation of policy makers a life-changing experience ......’ What expectation of the narrator is reflected in the above line? 
Answer: The narrator anticipates that by participating in the ‘Students on Ice’ programme, students will undergo a transformative experience that will shape them into future policymakers. The expectation is that this immersive journey will not only provide students with valuable knowledge and insights but also instil in them a sense of responsibility and stewardship towards the planet, influencing their decisions and actions in the future.

Question. What prevented the ‘Shokalskiy’ from going further? What did the captain instruct the passenger to do? 
Answer: The ‘Shokalskiy’ was prevented from going any further because it had wedged itself or one can say that the ship was stuck in a thick white sheet of ice between the peninsula and Tadpole island. The captain instructed the passengers to climb down the gangplank and walk on the ocean.

Question. For the narrator, spending two weeks in Antarctica is a challenge not only for the body but also the mind. Elaborate. 
Answer: It is true that spending two weeks in Antarctica was a physical and a mental challenge for the narrator. She has never endured such harsh cold conditions. The lack of human habitation and the low temperatures along with the self reflection made by the narrator, made the entire experience very enlightening but tiring.

Question. What are the significant features of the ‘Students on Ice’ programme? 
Answer: The ‘Students on Ice’ programme aims to provide high school students with inspiring educational opportunities to take them to the end of the world and foster a new understanding and respect for our planet. The main goal of the programme is to inspire future generations of policy-makers to act on environmental issues, and the main benefit of participating is understanding the real threat of global warming.

Question. In 20-30 words describe one primary emotion felt by the speaker during her expedition to Antarctica in ‘Journey to the End of the Earth’? 
Answer: During her expedition to Antarctica, the speaker felt a distinct sense of awe about the cosmic nature of creation and the place of humanity in the vast history of this planet. She also felt excitement tinged with fear at witnessing nature in such a grand and unforgiving form.

Question. It is easier to measure and study the effects of climate change in Antarctica. Explain in 40-50 words with an example from ‘Journey to the End of the Earth’? 
Answer: The ecosystem of Antarctica is simple and not very diverse. Due to this, little changes in the environment can cause considerable impact that are noticeable. For example, if the phytoplankton, which is a microorganism, disappears, it will endanger the marine animals and birds in the entire world.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question. Based on the chapter, elucidate any three consequences that global warming will have on Antarctica. 
Answer: Scientists warn that a further depletion of the ozone layer will affect the lives of the sea-animals and birds of the region. It will also affect the global carbon cycle. The burning of fossil fuels has polluted the atmosphere. It has created a blanket of carbon dioxide around the world. It is increasing the global temperature which is visible at Antarctica when we see icebergs melting away. It shows how minor changes in the atmosphere can cause huge effects. If the global temperature keeps on increasing the human race may be in peril. ‘Students on Ice’ is a programme which provides the students an ample opportunity to understand how global temperature can be a big threat to human existence. It inculcates a new understanding in them. Geoff Green thinks that high school students are the future policy makers. They can help in saving the earth from ecological dangers and the effects of global warming.

Question. What is the significance of the title ‘Journey to the End of the Earth’?
Answer: The title assumes significance as the author travels to Antarctica, which is the southernmost part of Earth and almost appears at the end of it. This chapter is a memoir of the author’s journey to Antarctica with high school students on board a Russian vessel. The two poles North and South virtually signify two ends of the planet Earth. The journey takes the author across nine time zones, three water bodies three ecosystems and six check points, which implies that almost the whole of the planet has been travelled before one reaches to the end of it. As Antarctica is at one end of the planet, it is without human existence; there is no sign of billboards or trees. It is a place far-far away from the crowd noise and pollution. Thus ‘Journey to the End of the Earth’ is an apt title.

Question. What are phytoplankton? How are they important to our ecosystem? 
Answer: Phytoplankton are microscopic plants that live in the Southern Ocean. These small plants are very important to the ocean and to the whole planet. These single-celled plants use the sun’s energy to assimilate carbon and synthesise organic compounds. They are at the base of foodchain. They nourish and sustain the entire Southern Ocean’s food chain. Many small fish and whales eat them. Then bigger fish eats the small fish and so, the food chain continues. At some point in time we also get joined in this food chain. So, the energy of plankton becomes our energy too. But unfortunately these plants face extinction due to depletion of ozone layer. Scientists warn that a further depletion in the ozone layer will affect the activities of phytoplankton. This will affect the lives of all the marine animals and birds of the region and the global carbon cycle, as a whole. In this context there is no doubt that we have got to “take care of small things and big things will take care of themselves.”

Question. The author of ‘Journey to the End of the Earth’ is Tishani Doshi who is now a famous poet and dancer. As the narrator, write a speech discussing the impact of the ‘Students on Ice’ programme on your life and writing.
Answer: The Making of a Writer
Dear audience members, I did not simply take to writing. Many experiences of my life forced me to pick up the pen and write about my experiences. One of these experiences had been of the ‘Students on Ice’ programme. I had never expected the programme to change the way I think and live life. The journey was tiring and challenging but was it worth it?
Yes, it was. When you are there, in the middle of the white ice with no human habitation, you realise how vain and futile we humans are. For our own selfish need, we are destroying our planet. I had seen it first hand- the reducing ice caps, the rising temperatures and so on. The experience of the journey left a huge mark on my life. Everything that I do has to be well- thought of. My writing had changed. I had become environmentally conscious and expect the same out of my reader.
Thank you

Question. Imagine you are the narrator writing to your parents back home telling them about your experience in Antarctica and how it is similar to that back home in some ways. 
Answer: Antarctica
2nd August, 20XX
Dear Mom
It is so different here. I can’t post this letter but I write to capture these amazing moments I am spending here. Antarctica is so mysteriously beautiful that words will fall short but I would not stop describing it. There is white ice sheet all around. You lose all earthly sense of perspective and time here. The visual scale ranges from the microscopic to the mighty midges and mites to blue whales and icebergs as big as countries. Days go on and on and on in surreal 24-hour austral summer light, and a ubiquitous silence, interrupted only by the occasional avalanche or calving ice sheet, consecrates the place. I hope I could bring you here someday.
With love
XYZ

Question. On returning home, Tishani Doshi writes her thoughts reflecting on how her decision to enrol for the ‘Students on Ice’ programme has been the single most important decision of her life that has completely transformed her. Imagine yourself to be Tishani and express these thoughts. You may begin like this... I can’t thank my stars enough for having cashed in on the opportunity of ........
Answer: I can’t thank my stars enough for having cashed in on the opportunity of a lifetime wherein I got the opportunity to visit Antarctica with the world famous ‘Students on Ice’ Programme. It was an experience completely different from any other - to visit a landscape that is not inhabited by humans and so still relatively pristine. The views, the weather and the extensive knowledge provided by expert scientists gave us deep insights into its ecosystem. The landscape provided an insight into the Earth’s past, present and the future. It made us delve deep into the threat faced by the environment and the Earth itself due to human’s exploitative activities. I not only understood how our actions have been so selfish but also that little changes can have a major impact on our surroundings. Therefore, we need to take care of the small things and protect our environment as well as the Earth at all costs. Overall, it was an eye opening experience which made me understand that everything on this Earth is interlinked.

Question. Justify the title of the story ‘Journey to the End of the Earth’ as a metaphor for devastating climate change. In 120-150 words, mention another reason for the title of the text. 
Answer: It is true to say that the title ‘Journey to the End of the Earth’ is a metaphor given to the devastating climate change. The title literally assumes significance as the author travels to Antarctica, which is the Sourthern-most part of Earth and almost appears at the end of it. This chapter is a memoir of the author’s journey to Antarctica with high school students on board, in a Russian vessel. However, the journey of self reflection indicates that Antarctica’s vulnerable ecosystem is affected first due to the changing climate. The ecosystem of Antarctica is already collapsing due to global warming leading to the destruction of the planet. This reflection contributes to the thematic exploration of the passage by highlighting the urgency of addressing climate change and the need for collective action to mitigate its effects. Through the narrator’s introspection, readers are encouraged to consider the long-term implications of environmental degradation and the importance of adopting sustainable practices to safeguard the planet for future generations.

Extract Based Questions

Students on Ice, the programme I was working with on the Shokalskiy, aims to do exactly this by taking high school students to the ends of the world and providing them with inspiring educational opportunities which will help them foster a new understanding and respect for our planet. It’s been in operation for six years now, headed by Canadian Geoff Green, who got tired of carting celebrities and retired, rich, curiosity-seekers who could only ‘give’ back in a limited way. With Students on Ice, he offers the future generation of policy-makers a life-changing experience at an age when they’re ready to absorb, learn, and most importantly, act.

Question. Complete the sentence appropriately, with reference to the extract. The writer states that educational opportunities do ‘exactly this. ‘This’ refers to ........
Answer: help them foster a new understanding and respect for our planet.

Question. Which of the following would not be ‘a life changing experience’?
(a) Getting into Oxford University
(b) Standing first in the International Olympiad
(c) Playing a role in local Ramayana
(d) Visiting a concert attending
Answer: (d) Visiting a concert attending

Question. Select the most suitable word that can be attached to the biven extract.
(a) Hopeful
(b) Factual
(c) Argumentative
(d) Poetic
Answer: (a) Hopeful

Question. Write a short note on Geoff Greene and how he seems as a person.
Answer: Geoff Green is a Canadian visionary who heads the 'Students on Ice' programme. He seems to be a practical and environmentally conscious individual who recognized that the future of the planet lies in the hands of the younger generation. By choosing to take high school students instead of celebrities to Antarctica, he demonstrates a commitment to long-term impact and education over immediate monetary gain or vanity expeditions.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question. What was the objective of the ‘Students on Ice’ programme?’
Answer: The objective of the programme is to provide high school students with inspiring educational opportunities by taking them to the ends of the world. It aims to foster a new understanding and respect for the planet, preparing the future generation of policy-makers to act on environmental issues by understanding the real threat of global warming firsthand.

Question. Antarctica is the doorway to the past. Explain.
Answer: Antarctica is considered a doorway to the past because it remains relatively 'pristine' compared to other parts of the world. Crucially, it contains half-million-year-old carbon records trapped in its layers of ice, allowing scientists to study Earth's geological history and past climate variations with minimal human interference.

Question. How is man responsible for creating a ruckus on this Earth in a short span of 12 thousand years?
Answer: In a short geological span, humans have established dominance through urbanization (villages, cities, mega-cities), leading to habitat destruction and competition with other species for limited resources. Furthermore, the unmitigated burning of fossil fuels has created a carbon dioxide blanket, causing rising global temperatures.

Question. What concerns does the author express regarding human impact on the environment, particularly in Antarctica?
Answer: The author expresses deep concern about climate change, rising average global temperatures, and the melting of polar ice caps. She is particularly alarmed by how human actions disturb the delicate global carbon cycle and threaten simple ecosystems, such as those relying on phytoplankton in Antarctica.

Question. In what ways does the author underscore the urgency of addressing climate change and environmental degradation?
Answer: The author underscores urgency by highlighting the fragility of Antarctica's ecosystem, where "little changes can have big repercussions." By describing retreating glaciers and collapsing ice shelves seen firsthand, she transitions the threat of global warming from a theoretical debate to a visible, immediate reality that requires collective action.

Long Answer Type Question

Question. Human civilisations lack in Antartica is crucial for its beauty. Elucidate?
Answer: The lack of human civilization in Antarctica is essential to its pristine and majestic beauty. Because it has never sustained human habitation, there are no artificial markers of dominance like buildings, billboards, or trees. This absence of human noise and activity allows for a unique environment where the visual scale ranges from microscopic midges to massive icebergs and blue whales. The "ubiquitous silence" and 24-hour surreal summer light create an environment that "consecrates" the place, forcing visitors to lose their earthly perspective and see themselves within the vast context of geological time. This purity also makes it an invaluable laboratory for science; the lack of human interference has preserved half-million-year-old carbon records in the ice. Therefore, its beauty is not just aesthetic but also symbolic of a balanced, untouched Earth, serving as a stark reminder of the environmental costs elsewhere and why such a "pristine" place must be protected from human-induced degradation.

Short /Long Answer Type Questions

Question. What is Gondwana?
Answer :

• Six-fifty million years ago, a super continent existed present day Antarctica called Gondwana.
• Gondwana thrived for 500 million years. As mammals replace the dinosaurs the landmass separated into countries.

Question. What is Drake Passage?
Answer :

• The Drake Passage is a 100 km. wide strait.
• It is a passage to create a cold current that kept Antarctica very cold, uninhabited and at the bottom of the world.

Question. Which small thing does the writer refer as an important link in the ecological chain?
Answer :

• Microscopic Phytoplankton

Question. Describe the impact of Antarctica on the writer.
Answer :

• It was an amazing, alluring and mind boggling experience.
• Amazed to see the wide stretch of sea under the blue horizon. It was a place which has the history of mankind embedded deep into the layers of the ice.
• The sight of collapsing ice shields, breaking of ice-bergs and melting of ice was an eye opener.
• It made the author and his team aware of the dangers the future times are having in their folds.
• 2 What is the future of mankind and the planet as a whole with difference “to Journey to the end of the Earth?”
• Future of mankind appears dismal.
• Increase in population has led to a “ population boom.”
• Greatly depleted our resources of nature that destroyed forests and extinction of certain species of wildlife.
• Excessive burning of fossil fuels has created a blanket of carbon dioxide around the earth.
• Antarctic environment has been affected by global warming- this is clear from receding glaciers and collapsing ice shelves.
• These grave indications do not anger will for the future of mankind.
• Prognosis not good and may lead to total annihilation.