RBSE Solutions Class 12 English Rainbow Chapter 10 Deep Water

Activity 1: Comprehension

A. Say whether the following statements are True or False. Write 'T' for true and 'F' for false.

Question 1. William Douglas began to fear water at an early age of three or four.
Answer: True
In simple words: Douglas started to be afraid of water when he was very young, between three and four years old. This early experience shaped his future fears.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to specific details like age and location when answering comprehension questions to ensure accuracy.

Question 2. Douglas decided to learn swimming at the YMCA pool.
Answer: True
In simple words: Douglas chose the YMCA pool to learn swimming. He thought it would be a safe place for him to overcome his fear of water.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note the key decisions characters make, as they often drive the plot or reveal character traits.

Question 3. The author's introduction to the YMCA revived childish fears in him.
Answer: True
In simple words: When the author first went to the YMCA pool, it brought back all his old childhood fears about water. This shows how deeply rooted his fear was.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand how past events influence current feelings or actions of the characters.

Question 6. The author was frightened when he realized that he was drowning.
Answer: True
In simple words: The author felt a lot of fear when he understood that he was going to drown. This moment was very scary for him.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recognize key emotional reactions of characters during critical moments in the story.

Question 7. Douglas tried to cry for help but no sound came out.
Answer: True
In simple words: Douglas tried to shout for help, but he couldn't make any sound. This shows his deep panic and helplessness in the water.

🎯 Exam Tip: Details about physical reactions or failed attempts often highlight the intensity of a situation.

Question 8. When the author's feet touched the bottom of the pool he made a great jump upwards, to spring from the bottom of the pool.
Answer: True
In simple words: As soon as his feet touched the bottom, the author pushed off with a big jump. He hoped to bounce back up to the surface this way.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the specific strategies characters use, even if they don't work, as they reveal their thought process.

Question 9. After surviving death by drowning the author never went back to the YMCA pool again.
Answer: False
In simple words: It is not true that the author never returned to the YMCA pool after his near-drowning experience. He actually went back to conquer his fear.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between temporary reactions and long-term decisions characters make to overcome challenges.

Question 10. Douglas finally conquered his fear of water.
Answer: True
In simple words: Douglas eventually won over his fear of water. He worked hard to get rid of it completely.

🎯 Exam Tip: The resolution of a character's main conflict is often a key takeaway from a story.

B. Answer the Following Questions in About 30-40 Words Each:

निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक प्रश्न का उत्तर लगभग 30-40 शब्दों में दीजिए:

Question 2. What was the continual warning of the author's mother and did he take it seriously?
Answer: The author's mother always warned him about the dangerous Yakima river. She often reminded him about past drowning incidents in that river. However, the author did not take her warnings seriously at all. This made him less cautious around water.
लेखक की माँ लगातार उसे खतरनाक यकीमा नदी से दूर रहने की चेतावनी देती रहती थी। वह उसे उस नदी में डूबने की प्रत्येक घटना का विवरण बार-बार याद दिलाती कहती थी। किन्तु उसने उनकी चेतावनी को गम्भीरतापूर्वक नहीं लिया था।
In simple words: The author's mother always warned him about the Yakima river and its dangers. But he did not listen to her warnings carefully.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note how characters react to advice from others, as it often highlights their maturity or recklessness.

Question 3. Why did Douglas decide to join the YMCA pool?
डगलस ने YMCA के तरणताल पर जाने का निश्चय क्यों किया?
Answer: Douglas had decided to learn how to swim. He knew the YMCA pool was safe because it was not very deep at the shallow end. So, he chose to go there to learn swimming without any risk. This choice reflected his desire to overcome his fear in a controlled environment.
डगलस ने तैरना सीखने का निश्चय किया था। YMCA के तरणताल को सुरक्षित जानकर उसने वहाँ जाकर बिना किसी खतरे के तैरना सीखने का निश्चय किया।
In simple words: Douglas wanted to learn swimming. He chose the YMCA pool because he knew it was safe and he could learn there without danger.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining character decisions, always provide the reason or motivation behind their choice.

Question 4. What does the author describe as the misadventure and how does he end up?
लेखक किस बात का दुर्घटना के रूप में वर्णन करता है और अन्त में उसके साथ क्या होता है?
Answer: The author describes the incident at the YMCA pool as a misadventure. An eighteen-year-old bully threw him into the deep end, causing him to almost drown. He ended up lying on his stomach beside the pool, sick and unconscious. This event deeply impacted his relationship with water.
लेखक वाइ एम सी ए ताल में डूबने से बाल-बाल बचने की घटना को दुर्घटना बताता है। उसे दूसरे लोगों द्वारा डूबने से बचाया गया। इस दुर्घटना ने लेखक के मन में पानी के प्रति घृणा एवं भय की स्थायी भावना पैदा कर दी।
In simple words: The author calls the time a big boy threw him into the pool, making him almost drown, a "misadventure." He ended up sick and unconscious next to the pool.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify key incidents and their consequences, as these often form the central conflict of a story.

Question 5. What did William Douglas plan while sinking to the bottom of the swimming pool?
तरणताल के तल की ओर डूबते समय विलियम डगलस ने क्या योजना बनाई?
Answer: As Douglas was drowning in the deep water, he planned to make a big spring upwards when his feet touched the bottom. He intended to lie flat on the water, then strike out with his arms and legs to reach the pool's edge. He hoped this would be his escape.
जब लेखक गहरे पानी में डूब रहा था तो उसने सोचा कि वह जोर से ऊपर की ओर छलाँग लगाएगा और पानी पर सपाट लेट जाएगा। उसने यह भी सोचा कि वह अपनी भुजाओं से बाहर आएगा तथा टाँगों को चलाएगा और इस तरह वह ताल के किनारे पहुँच जाएगा।
In simple words: When sinking, Douglas planned to jump hard from the bottom to reach the surface. He would then paddle to the edge of the pool.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understanding a character's internal thoughts and plans during a crisis provides insight into their struggle.

Question 6. How did terror seize the narrator when he was going down and down and a yellow glow of water surrounded him?
जब लेखक गहराई की ओर बढ़ता जा रहा था और पानी की एक पीली आभा ने उसे घेर रखा था, उस समय भय ने किस प्रकार उसे जकड़ लिया?
Answer: When his efforts to get out of the water failed, terror completely took over the narrator. He shrieked underwater but felt paralyzed, unable to move. Even the screams in his throat seemed frozen. His heart and head pounded very fast. The yellow glow of water intensified his fear.
जब उसके पानी से बाहर आने के सारे प्रयास विफल हो गए तो भय ने उसे जकड़ लिया। वह पानी के अन्दर चीख रहा था। उसने स्वयं को लकवाग्रस्त महसूस किया। उसके गले से चीख भी नहीं निकल रही थी। उसने अपने हृदय व सिर में तेज़ धड़कन महसूस की।
In simple words: When the author could not get out of the water, deep terror took hold of him. He felt frozen and could not even scream properly.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use descriptive language from the text to explain intense emotional and physical experiences.

Question 7. Where did the author find himself lying?
लेखक ने स्वयं को कहाँ पड़े हुए पाया?
Answer: After all his attempts to save himself from drowning failed, the author felt as if he was close to death. He was in a state of being partly conscious. The next moment, he found himself lying on his stomach right next to the pool. He was helped by others.
In simple words: After his struggle, the author found himself lying unconscious on his stomach beside the pool.

🎯 Exam Tip: Specific details about location and physical state after an event are important for a complete answer.

Question 8. लेखक को पानी से भय उसकी मछली पकड़ने की यात्राओं व अन्य खुशियों को किस प्रकार नष्ट कर देता था।
Answer: The author really liked fishing and all kinds of water sports. However, his deep fear of water ruined all his fun activities. Wherever he went, this fear followed him, stopping him from enjoying fishing trips, canoeing, boating, and swimming. It cast a shadow over all his potential water adventures.
लेखक को मछली पकड़ने व सब प्रकार के पानी के खेलों का शौक था। लेकिन पानी से उसका डर उसका सारा मजा खराब कर देता था। वह जहाँ भी जाता था, पानी का डर उसका पीछा करता। यह उसकी मछली पकड़ने की यात्राओं को खराब कर देता था; उसे डोंगी चलाने, नौकायन करने और तैरने के आनन्द से वंचित कर देता था।
In simple words: The author loved water sports like fishing, but his fear of water spoiled all these activities. It stopped him from enjoying anything related to water.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain how an internal conflict (like fear) can negatively affect a character's desires and activities.

Question 9. Why was William Douglas determined to conquer his fear of water?
विलियम डगलस ने पानी से अपने भय पर विजय प्राप्त करने का दृढ़ निश्चय क्यों किया?
Answer: William Douglas was fond of fishing and all types of water sports. But his fear of water spoiled all his enjoyment. The fear followed him everywhere. He was determined to conquer his fear so he could enjoy life fully without any hindrance. This resolve showed his strength of will.
लेखक को मछली पकड़ने का व सब प्रकार के पानी के खेलों का शौक था। लेकिन पानी से उसका डर उसका सारी मजा खराब कर देता था। वह जहाँ भी जाता था, यह डर उसका पीछा करता था। इसलिए जीवन का आनन्द उठाने के लिए उसने पानी से अपने भय पर विजय प्राप्त करने का दृढ़ निश्चय किया।
In simple words: Douglas loved water sports, but his fear stopped him from enjoying them. He decided to conquer his fear so he could fully enjoy his life.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the character's motivation for overcoming an obstacle, connecting it to their overall life goals.

Question 10. How did the author become a perfect swimmer?
लेखक एक पूर्णतः कुशल तैराक किस प्रकार बना?
Answer: The author hired a swimming instructor. First, the instructor taught him how to stay in the water. Then, he taught him to put his face underwater and exhale, and to lift his nose to inhale. After that, he taught him to kick with his legs. Gradually, through these steps, he became a skilled swimmer. He learned bit by bit.
लेखक ने एक प्रशिक्षक की सेवाएँ लीं। प्रशिक्षक ने पहले उसे पानी में रहना सिखाया। फिर उसने उसे पानी के अन्दर मुँह रखकर सांस छोड़ना और नाक ऊपर उठाकर सांस अन्दर खींचना सिखाया। फिर उसने उसे टाँगें चलाना सिखाया। इस प्रकार क्रमशः वह
In simple words: The author became a good swimmer by hiring an instructor. The instructor taught him step by step how to float, breathe, and kick in the water.

🎯 Exam Tip: Describe processes or transformations step-by-step, showing the gradual progress of the character.

Question 1. How does Douglas develop a sense of deep fear of water and what does he do to overcome it?
डगलस के मन में पानी के प्रति गहरा भय किस प्रकार विकसित होता है और इस डर पर विजय प्राप्त करने के लिए वह क्या करती है?
Answer: Douglas developed a deep fear of water from two incidents. First, at age three or four, ocean waves knocked him down, almost burying him. Later, at the YMCA pool, an eighteen-year-old bully threw him into the deep end, nearly causing him to drown. To overcome this fear, he hired an instructor. The instructor taught him swimming step by step: floating, exhaling underwater, inhaling above water, and kicking with his legs. After mastering these techniques, Douglas swam in various lakes alone to fully conquer his fear and regain confidence.
डगलस एक छोटा लड़का था। वह तरणताल पर तैरना सीखने जाता था। एक दिन लगभग अट्ठारह वर्ष के एक दबंग लड़के द्वारा उसे गहरे पानी में फेंक दिया गया। वह मृत्यु से बाल-बाल बचा। यह उसके लिए एक भयंकर अनुभव था। इस घटना के बाद, उसे पानी से डर लगने लगा। उसका झीलों और झरनों के प्रति भी आकर्षण था। अतः उसने पानी से अपने डर पर विजय प्राप्त करने का निश्चय किया। इस उद्देश्य से उसने एक प्रशिक्षक की सेवाएँ लीं। प्रशिक्षक ने पहले उसे पानी में रहना सिखाया। फिर उसने उसे पानी के अन्दर मुँह रखकर सांस छोड़ना और नाक ऊपर उठाकर सांस खींचना सिखाया। फिर उसने उसे टाँगें चलाना सिखाया। इस प्रकार क्रमशः वह एक कुशल तैराक बना। फिर वह पानी से अपने डर पर विजय प्राप्त करने के लिए कई झीलों पर अकेला जाकर तैरा। इस तरह अपने आत्मविश्वास और जोश (स्फूर्ति) को बनाये रख कर वह इस भय से मुक्त हो गया।
In simple words: Douglas became very scared of water because of being knocked down by ocean waves as a child and later almost drowning in a pool. To get rid of this fear, he got a swimming teacher who taught him how to swim step-by-step, and then he practiced alone in lakes until he was no longer afraid.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing the development and overcoming of a fear, outline the key events and the specific actions taken by the character.

Question 2. Who helps the author in becoming a perfect swimmer and how?
लेखक की एक कुशल तैराक बनने में कौन सहायता करता है और किस प्रकार?
Answer: An instructor helped the author become a perfect swimmer. The instructor put in extra effort and used a rope and pulley to train him. He held one end of the rope, making the author go back and forth across the pool many times. The instructor also taught him to put his face underwater, exhale, raise his nose, and inhale. He made the author kick water with his legs. Through these step-by-step lessons, the instructor built confidence in Douglas and made him a skilled swimmer.
डगलस एक छोटा लड़का था। वह तरणताल पर तैरना सीखने जाता था। एक दिन लगभग अट्ठारह वर्ष के एक दबंग लड़के द्वारा उसे गहरे पानी में फेंक दिया गया। वह मृत्यु से बाल-बाल बचा। यह उसके लिए एक भयंकर अनुभव था। इस घटना के बाद, उसे पानी से डर लगने लगा। उसका झीलों और झरनों के प्रति भी आकर्षण था। अतः उसने पानी से अपने डर पर विजय प्राप्त करने का निश्चय किया। इस उद्देश्य से उसने एक प्रशिक्षक की सेवाएँ लीं। प्रशिक्षक ने पहले उसे पानी में रहना सिखाया। फिर उसने उसे पानी के अन्दर मुँह रखकर सांस छोड़ना और नाक ऊपर उठाकर सांस खींचना सिखाया। फिर उसने उसे टाँगें चलाना सिखाया। इस प्रकार क्रमशः वह एक कुशल तैराक बना। फिर वह पानी से अपने डर पर विजय प्राप्त करने के लिए कई झीलों पर अकेला जाकर तैरा। इस तरह अपने आत्मविश्वास और जोश (स्फूर्ति) को बनाये रख कर वह इस भय से मुक्त हो गया।
In simple words: A special instructor helped the author learn to swim perfectly. The instructor used a rope and pulley system and taught him to breathe properly and kick his legs, making him confident in the water.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state who helped the character and describe the specific methods used for their transformation.

Question 3. Describe how Douglas tried to save himself from drowning.
वर्णन कीजिए कि डगलस ने स्वयं को डूबने से बचाने के लिए किस प्रकार प्रयास किया।
Answer: When Douglas was thrown into deep water, he immediately made a plan to save himself. He planned to make a big jump from the bottom, come to the surface, lie flat, and paddle to the edge. However, his first jump did not bring him to the surface. As he went down again, he remembered his strategy: spring like a cork from the bottom. He tried again but failed to reach the surface. He looked for ropes, ladders, and water wings but found nothing. He tried to scream but could not. Despite his courageous efforts, he was unsuccessful.
एक बार एक अठारह वर्षीय दबंग लड़के ने डगलस को गहरे पानी में फेंक दिया। नीचे जाते समय वह बहुत डरा हुआ था। लेकिन उसने एक योजना बनाई कि जैसे ही उसके पैर तल से टकरायेंगे, वह जोर से उछलेगा, पानी की सतह पर आ जाएगा, उस पर सीधे लेट जाएगा, और पैर चलाकर तालाब के किनारे पर पहुँच जाएगा। लेकिन वह उछलकर सतह पर नहीं पहुँच पाया। कोई बड़ी ताकत उसे नीचे की ओर खींच रही थी। पुनः नीचे जाते समय उसे अपनी रणनीति याद थी। वह तालाब के तल से उछलेगा और एक कॉर्क की भाँति सतह पर आ जाएगा। अपने गहरे डर के बीच वह तल से टकराते ही पुनः उछला। लेकिन उछलने से कोई फर्क नहीं पड़ा। उसने रस्सी, सीढ़ी तथा जल पंखा खोजे। किन्तु वहाँ कुछ नहीं था। उसने चीखने का प्रयास किया लेकिन चीख नहीं पाया। इस प्रकार उसने बहुत साहसपूर्वक स्वयं के डूबने से बचाने का प्रयास किया। किन्तु वह सफल नहीं हुआ।
In simple words: Douglas tried to save himself by planning to push off the bottom of the pool with a big jump to reach the surface. He repeated this plan but it did not work, and he couldn't even scream for help.

🎯 Exam Tip: Detail the character's attempts and their outcomes, showing both their determination and the challenges faced.

Question 4. What things of joy did the author miss due to his fear of water?
लेखक पानी से अपने डर के कारण किन गतिविधियों का आनन्द नहीं उठा पाता था?
Answer: The author was very fond of fishing and all sorts of water sports, as water always attracted him. However, his fear of water prevented him from enjoying these activities. He missed out on joy from fishing trips, canoeing, boating, and swimming. The fear formed in his childhood continued to affect him, making him work very hard with his instructor to get rid of it.
लेखक को मछली पकड़ने की व सब प्रकार के पानी के खेलों का शौक था। पानी सदा उसे आकर्षित करता था। उसे डोंगी चलाना, नौकायन और तैरना बहुत पसन्द था। लेकिन उसका बचपन में एक तरणताल में डूबने की दुर्घटना को अनुभव सब जगह उसका पीछा करता था और उसे डराता रहता था। उसके मन में पानी से डर उत्पन्न हो गया था। जब भी वह किसी नदी में चलती था या स्नान करता था तो उसका डर वापस आ जाता था। यह पूरी तरह उस पर हावी हो जाता था। उसकी टाँगें लकवाग्रस्त सी हो जाती थीं। वह जब भी व जहाँ भी किसी पानी से सम्बन्धित गतिविधि को आनन्द लेने जाता था, पानी का डरावना डर उसके पीछे-पीछे आ जाता था। यह डर उसकी मछली पकड़ने की यात्राओं को खराब कर देता था, डोंगी चलाने के, नौकायन के तथा तैरने के आनन्द से उसे वंचित कर देता था। बचपन में पानी का जो भय उसमें में स्थापित हो चुका था, वह उसे नहीं छोड़ता था। इस भय से मुक्त होने के लिए उसे अपने प्रशिक्षक की मदद से बड़ी मेहनत करनी पड़ी।
In simple words: Because of his fear of water, the author could not enjoy fishing, canoeing, boating, or swimming. This fear spoiled all his fun activities related to water.

🎯 Exam Tip: Enumerate the specific joys or activities a character loses due to their conflict, illustrating the impact of that conflict.

RBSE Class 12 English Rainbow Chapter 10 Additional Questions

A. Answer the Following Questions in About 30-40 Words Each:

निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक प्रश्न का उत्तर लगभग 30-40 शब्दों में दीजिए:

Question 1. What is the misadventure that William Douglas speaks about?
विलियम डगलस किस दुर्घटना की बात करते हैं?
Answer: The misadventure William Douglas speaks about is when he went to the YMCA swimming pool. While he was alone, an eighteen-year-old bully came and threw him into the deep end of the pool. He narrowly escaped death from drowning during this incident. This event deeply impacted his life and intensified his fear.
डगलस उस समय तरणताल पर पहुँचते हैं जब वहाँ कोई नहीं है। लगभग अट्ठारह वर्ष का एक दबंग लड़का वहाँ आता है और उन्हें गहरे पानी में फेंक देता है। यही वह दुर्घटना है जिसकी डगलस चर्चा करते हैं और जिसमें वे मृत्यु से बाल-बाल बचते हैं।
In simple words: Douglas talks about a "misadventure" where a big boy threw him into the deep end of the YMCA pool, and he almost drowned.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define key terms from the text, like "misadventure," by explaining the specific event they refer to.

Question 2. How did the experience at the YMCA pool affect Douglas?
वाई. एम. सी. ए. के ताल के अनुभव ने डगलस को किस तरह प्रभावित किया?
Answer: The experience at the YMCA pool had a lasting effect on Douglas. It made fear constantly haunt his heart. Even the slightest hint of water would make him feel terrified. This incident deeply rooted his aversion to water, impacting his fishing trips and enjoyment of water sports.
डगलस को एक भयानक अनुभव हुआ था जिसने उसके अन्दर पानी के प्रति भय उत्पन्न कर दिया था। उसने अपने पानी के भय पर विजय पाने का निश्चय किया क्योंकि यह भय उसकी मछली पकड़ने की यात्राओं को बर्बाद कर देता था तथा तैराकी के आनन्द से वंचित कर देता था।
In simple words: The YMCA pool experience made Douglas very afraid of water. This fear stayed with him and made him avoid all water activities.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain the long-term psychological impact of significant events on a character.

Question 3. Why was Douglas determined to get over his fear of water?
डगलस ने पानी के अपने भय पर विजय पाने का निश्चय क्यों किया?
Answer: Douglas had a terrible experience that caused a deep fear of water in him. He was determined to overcome this fear because it ruined his fishing trips. It also prevented him from enjoying boating and swimming, depriving him of many simple pleasures. He wanted to reclaim his life.
डगलस को एक भयानक अनुभव हुआ था जिसने उसके अन्दर पानी के प्रति भय उत्पन्न कर दिया था। उसने अपने पानी के भय पर विजय पाने का निश्चय किया क्योंकि यह भय उसकी मछली पकड़ने की यात्राओं को बर्बाद कर देता था तथा तैराकी के आनन्द से वंचित कर देता था।
In simple words: Douglas wanted to overcome his fear of water because it stopped him from enjoying fishing, boating, and swimming, which were things he loved.

🎯 Exam Tip: Link a character's determination to their desire to regain lost joys or activities.

Question 4. Why was the Y.M.C.A. pool safe?
Y.M.C.A. ताल सुरक्षित क्या था?
Answer: The Y.M.C.A. pool was considered safe because it was only two or three feet deep at the shallow end. Even at the other end, it was nine feet deep, but the depth increased slowly. This gradual slope made it easy for anyone to learn swimming there safely.
वाई. एम. सी. ए. का ताल सुरक्षित था चूँकि उंथले किनारे पर यह केवल दो या तीन फीट गहरा था और दूसरी तरफ नौ फीट गहरा था। परन्तु इसका ढलान बहुत धीमी था। वाई. एम. सी. ए. के इस ताल में आसानी से तैरना सीखा जा सकता था।
In simple words: The YMCA pool was safe because it was shallow at one end (two-three feet) and gradually deepened to nine feet, making it easy and safe for learners.

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide specific details that justify a claim, such as why a place is described as "safe."

Question 5. How did the narrator have an aversion to water?
वर्णनकर्ता को पानी से अरुचि किस प्रकार हुई?
Answer: The narrator developed an aversion to water as a young child. When he was three or four years old, his father took him to a beach where waves knocked him down and swept over him, making him feel buried. This terrifying childhood experience created a lasting dislike and fear of water in him.
The narrator was three or four years old when his father took him to the beach. There the waves knocked him down and swept over him. He got frightened and had an aversion to water. This fear of his childhood created an aversion to water in his boyhood.
In simple words: The narrator started disliking water when he was very young. He was knocked down by waves at a beach, and this scary experience made him afraid of water.

🎯 Exam Tip: Trace the origins of a character's core traits, like fear or aversion, to significant childhood experiences.

Question 6. How did the author start learning swimming?
लेखक ने तैरना सीखना किस तरह शुरू किया?
Answer: The author began learning swimming by using water wings and watching other boys. He tried to imitate their swimming techniques. He repeated this practice two or three times on different days. This gradual process of observation and practice helped him start to learn the art of swimming.
लेखक अपने जल पंख चलाता रहता था। वह दूसरे लडकों को देखता रहता था और उनकी नकल करके तैरना सीखता रहता था। ऐसा उसने अलग-अलग दिनों में दो-तीन बार किया। इस प्रकार उसने तैरने की कला सीखनी शुरू की।
In simple words: The author started learning to swim by using water wings and copying other boys. He practiced like this a few times to get started.

🎯 Exam Tip: Describe initial learning methods or attempts, showing how a character begins to acquire a new skill.

Question 7. What accident took place with the author at the Y.M.C.A. Pool?
वाई एम सी ए के तरणताल पर लेखक के साथ क्या दुर्घटना हुई?
Answer: One day, a large, aggressive boy threw the author into the deep end of the Y.M.C.A. pool. This led to a narrow escape from drowning, where he almost died. This terrible accident deeply frightened him and significantly worsened his fear of water.
एक दिन एक बड़े दबंग लड़के ने लेखक को उछालकर तरणताल के गहरे छोर में फेंक दिया। वह डूबकर मरने से बाल-बाल बचा। इस भयावह दुर्घटना से वह अत्यधिक डर गया और उसके मन में पानी से डर बैठ गया।
In simple words: A big boy threw the author into the deep end of the YMCA pool, and he almost drowned. This scary accident made his fear of water much worse.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly identify the central accident or incident and its immediate emotional impact on the character.

Question 8. What happened when the author was tossed into deep water?
जब लेखक को गहरे पानी में फेंक दिया गया तो क्या हुआ?
Answer: When the author was thrown into the deep water, he landed in a sitting position. He swallowed water and immediately sank to the bottom. He felt very frightened. Even so, he planned to make a big jump from the bottom to reach the surface when his feet hit it.
जब लेखक को गहरे पानी में फेंक दिया गया, वह बैठी हुई स्थिति में गिरा। वह पानी पी गया और तुरन्त नीचे पहुँच गया। वह डरा हुआ था। फिर भी उसने योजना बनाई कि जैसे ही उसके पैर तल से टकराएंगे वह जोर से उछलकर सतह पर आ जाएगा।
जब लेखक को तरणताल में फेंका गया, तो उसने खुद को बचाने के लिए एक योजना बनाई। उसने सोचा कि जब उसके पैर जमीन को छुएंगे तो वह एक जोरदार छलाँग लगाएगा, ऊपर तल पर पहुँचेगा और पैर चलाकर तरणताल के किनारे पहुँच जाएगा।
In simple words: When thrown into deep water, the author sank to the bottom, swallowing water. He was scared but planned to push off the bottom with a big jump to get back to the surface.

🎯 Exam Tip: Describe the immediate physical reactions and mental planning of a character during a life-threatening situation.

Question 10. How does the author feel just before he becomes unconscious?
अचेत होने से ठीक पहले लेखक कैसा महसूस करता है?
Answer: Just before losing consciousness, the author feels strangely relaxed. His fear completely disappears, and he feels no panic. He feels as if he is gently drifting off to sleep, experiencing total calm. Darkness then covers his mind, and he stops all efforts to save himself. This shows a final sense of acceptance.
अचेत होने से ठीक पहले लेखक आराम महसूस करता है। उसका डर समाप्त हो जाता है और वह कोई घबराहट महसूस नहीं करता है। वह महसूस करता है जैसे वह सोने जा रहा हो। वह पूर्ण शान्ति का अनुभव करता है। उसके मस्तिष्क पर एक अंधकार छा जाता है और वह सभी प्रयास बन्द कर देता है।
In simple words: Before losing consciousness, the author feels calm and relaxed, as if falling asleep. His fear vanishes, and he stops struggling.

🎯 Exam Tip: Discuss the character's psychological state during extreme moments, highlighting unexpected feelings like calm before unconsciousness.

Question 11. What was the after effects of the unpleasant incident that the author had gone through?
लेखक के साथ हुई उस दुःखद घटना के बाद में होने वाले प्रभाव क्या थे?
Answer: After the terrible incident, the author felt extremely weak and shaken. He would tremble and cry when lying on his bed. He could not eat anything that night. The slightest effort made him upset, and he felt wobbly in his knees with a sick feeling in his stomach. This trauma greatly affected his daily life.
उस घटना के बाद, लेखक ने बहुत कमजोरी महसूस की। जब वह बिस्तर पर लेटा तो काँप उठा और रोने लगा। उस रात वह कुछ भी नहीं खा सका। थोड़े से श्रम से ही उसे घबराहट होने लगती थी। उसे पैरों में लड़खड़ाहट तथा पेट में उल्टी महसूस होती थी।
In simple words: After the incident, the author felt very weak and shaky. He cried, couldn't eat, and felt sick and wobbly from even small efforts.

🎯 Exam Tip: Detail both the physical and emotional after-effects of a traumatic event on a character.

Question 12. Why did Douglas decide to take help from an instructor?
डगलस ने किसी प्रशिक्षक की मदद लेने का निश्चय क्यों किया?
Answer: Douglas had a deep-seated fear of water since childhood due to terrifying incidents. This fear spoiled his joy in fishing, boating, and swimming. To fully enjoy life and overcome this persistent aversion, he decided he needed professional help. Thus, he chose to hire an instructor to systematically learn swimming and conquer his fear once and for all.
आकर्षित करते रहते थे। यही कारण था कि उसने तैरना सीखने के लिए प्रशिक्षक की मदद लेने का निश्चय किया।
In simple words: Douglas decided to get help from an instructor to finally conquer his deep fear of water, which was stopping him from enjoying all water activities.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the long-term impact of fear and the character's proactive steps to address it.

Question 13. How did the author test his confidence?
लेखक ने अपने आत्मविश्वास की परीक्षा किस प्रकार ली?
Answer: The author did not want to take any chances with his confidence. He went to Warm Lake, a different location, to test himself. He dived and swam across the lake, returning to the other shore. This was how he challenged himself to ensure his fear was truly gone. He wanted to be sure he could swim without any help.
लेखक कोई खतरा मोल नहीं लेना चाहता था। अतः उसने अपने आत्मविश्वास की परीक्षा लेने का निश्चय किया। वह वार्म झील पर गया। उसने छलांग लगाई और झील को पार किया। वह दूसरे किनारे से वापस भी आया। इस प्रकार उसने अपने आत्मविश्वास की परीक्षा ली।
In simple words: The author tested his confidence by swimming alone across Warm Lake. He wanted to prove to himself that he was no longer afraid of water.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight how characters confront their fears through practical tests, demonstrating their resolve and progress.

Question 14. Why did the author go to Lake Wentworth?
लेखक वेण्टवर्थ झील पर क्यों गया?
Answer: The author went to Lake Wentworth because he was still unsure if his fear of water had completely vanished. He wanted to verify this by swimming alone in a natural body of water. He dived off a dock at Triggs Island and swam two miles across the lake to Stamp Act Island. He felt a bit frightened at times but overcame it, showing his progress.
लेखक आश्वस्त नहीं था कि पानी के प्रति उसका भय समाप्त हुआ है अथवा नहीं। इसलिए वह वेण्टवर्थ झील पर गया। वह ट्रिग्स द्वीप के एक नौका घाट से झील में कूदा और झील को पार कर स्टाम्प एक्ट द्वीप तक गया। वह थोड़ा सा डरा परन्तु वह हँसा और तैरता रहा।
In simple words: The author went to Lake Wentworth to check if his fear of water was truly gone. He swam across the lake to confirm his new confidence.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain the specific purpose behind a character's actions, especially when testing their personal growth.

Question 15. Why did Douglas have a fear of water? How did he overcome it?
डगलस को पानी से भय क्यों लगता था? उसने इस भय पर किस प्रकार विजय प्राप्त की?
Answer: Douglas had an aversion to water since childhood. His father took him to California Beach when he was three or four, where waves knocked him down, creating a fear. This misadventure was worsened when, at eleven, a bully threw him into the YMCA pool, nearly drowning him. To overcome this fear, Douglas decided to learn swimming at the YMCA pool. He practiced with water wings and imitated other boys. Later, he hired an instructor who taught him to float, exhale, inhale, and kick. He then swam in various lakes, alone, to fully conquer his fear. He faced his fear head-on to defeat it.
डगलस को शुरू से ही पानी में होने पर उससे अरुचि होती थी। ऐसा तब शुरू हुआ जब वह तीन-चार वर्ष का था। उसके पिताजी उसे कैलिफोर्निया में समुद्र किनारे ले गये। उसके पिताजी और वह एक साथ लहरों के फेन में खड़े थे। वह अपने पिताजी की टाँगों से चिपका हुआ था। फिर भी लहरों ने उसे गिरा दिया और उसके ऊपर से बह निकलीं। वह पानी के नीचे था। उसकी सांस रुक गयी थी। वह डर गया था। उसके पिताजी इस घटना पर हँस पड़े। लेकिन उसके मन में लहरों की महान शक्ति से भय उत्पन्न हो गया था। इस घटना के बाद से उसे पानी से अरुचि हो गई। बाद में, एक बार उसे एक दबंग लड़के द्वारा गहरे पानी में फेंक दिया गया और वह डूबने से बाल-बाल बचा। इस घटना से उसके मन में पानी से अत्यधिक भय उत्पन्न हो गया। इस तरह उसके बाल्यकाल की इन घटनाओं ने उसके मन में पानी से भय उत्पन्न कर दिया।
अपने भय को पराजित किया।
In simple words: Douglas feared water because of two incidents: being knocked down by ocean waves as a child and almost drowning in a pool. He overcame it by hiring an instructor to learn swimming step-by-step and then testing himself by swimming alone in various lakes.

🎯 Exam Tip: For "why" and "how" questions, provide both the root cause and the specific steps taken to resolve the issue.

Question 16. Which new idea do you gather from the lesson 'Deep Water'?
'गहरा पानी' पाठ से आपको कौन सा नया विचार मिलता है?
Answer: The lesson 'Deep Water' vividly describes an incident where the narrator nearly drowned. A new idea we learn from this lesson is that death itself is not as scary as the fear of death. The story teaches us that courage can conquer even the deepest fears.
'गहरा पानी' पाठ एक ऐसी घटना का विशद् वर्णन है जिसमें लेखक मृत्यु से बाल-बाल बच जाता है। अन्ततः उसने पाया कि मृत्यु स्वयं इतनी भयावह नहीं है जितनी कि मृत्यु का डर हुआ करता है। यही वह नया विचार है जो हमें इस पाठ से मिलता है।
In simple words: The story 'Deep Water' teaches that the fear of death is more terrifying than death itself. It shows us that fears can be overcome.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the central theme or moral of a story, summarizing its main message concisely.

Question 17. Do you think it is very difficult to overcome fear developed in childhood?
क्या आपको लगता है बचपन में पैदा हुए भय को जीतना बहुत मुश्किल है?
Answer: Yes, it is very difficult to overcome fears developed in childhood because horrifying memories often stay with a person throughout their life. The grip of childhood fear is very strong, making it hard to escape. Early experiences create a strong and lasting impression on one's mind. However, with strong will, it is possible to overcome it.
हाँ, बचपन की भयावह स्मृतियाँ किसी के भी ऊपर जीवन भर मँडराती रहती हैं। बचपन के भय की पकड़ इतनी मजबूत होती है कि इसकी पकड़ से छूट पाना बहुत मुश्किल है। बचपन के अनुभवों का मनुष्य के मस्तिष्क पर अमिट प्रभाव रहता है।
In simple words: Yes, it is very hard to overcome childhood fears because those memories stay for a long time. They have a strong hold on our minds.

🎯 Exam Tip: When expressing an opinion, support it with reasons or observations from the text.

Question 18. What is the moral of this story?
इस कहानी से क्या शिक्षा मिलती है?
Answer: The story shows a near-death experience where the narrator never gives up hope or struggles. The moral of this story is that one should never lose hope, no matter how difficult the situation. Additionally, it proves that overcoming one's fears completely is indeed possible with determination.
The story depicts a near-death experience. From the very beginning to the end, the narrator does not give up hope and struggle. The moral of this story is that one should never give up hope. Besides, it is totally possible to overcome one's fear.
In simple words: The story teaches us to never give up hope, even when facing death. It also shows that it is possible to conquer our deepest fears.

🎯 Exam Tip: State the moral or message of a story clearly, connecting it to the events and characters.

Question 1. Describe the episode that turned the author averse to water.
उस घटना का वर्णन कीजिए जिसके बाद से लेखक को पानी से अरुचि हो गई।
Answer: The author developed a dislike for water early in his childhood, around age three or four. His father took him to a beach in California, where they stood together in the surf. Despite clinging to his father, waves knocked him down and swept over him, burying him in water. He lost his breath and was greatly frightened. His father laughed, but a terror formed in the author's heart due to the waves' immense power. This incident, along with a later near-drowning at the YMCA pool, made him intensely fearful of water throughout his boyhood.
लेखक को शुरू से ही पानी में होने पर उससे अरुचि होती थी। ऐसा तब शुरू हुआ जब वह तीन-चार वर्ष का था। उसके पिताजी उसे कैलिफोर्निया में समुद्र किनारे ले गये। उसके पिताजी और वह एक साथ लहरों के फेन में खड़े थे। वह अपने पिताजी की टाँगों से चिपका हुआ था। फिर भी लहरों ने उसे गिरा दिया और उसके ऊपर से बह निकलीं। वह पानी के नीचे था। उसकी सांस रुक गयी थी। वह डर गया था। उसके पिताजी इस घटना पर हँस पड़े। लेकिन उसके मन में लहरों की महान शक्ति से भय उत्पन्न हो गया था। इस घटना के बाद से उसे पानी से अरुचि हो गई। बाद में, एक बार उसे एक दबंग लड़के द्वारा गहरे पानी में फेंक दिया गया और वह डूबने से बाल-बाल बचा। इस घटना से उसके मन में पानी से अत्यधिक भय उत्पन्न हो गया। इस तरह उसके बाल्यकाल की इन घटनाओं ने उसके मन में पानी से भय उत्पन्न कर दिया।
In simple words: The author started to dislike water after two scary events. First, as a child, big waves at a beach knocked him down and almost drowned him. Later, a bully threw him into a pool, and he nearly died. These events made him very afraid of water.

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide specific details of traumatic events and their emotional consequences when describing the origin of a fear.

Question 2. What was the fear of the author and how did a misadventure strengthen it further?
लेखक का डर क्या था और कैसे एक दुर्घटना ने इसे और मजबूत कर दिया?
Answer: The author had a deep aversion to water since childhood, stemming from an incident at California Beach where waves knocked him down. In an attempt to conquer this childish fear, at age eleven, he decided to learn swimming at the YMCA pool. He initially tried paddling with water wings, imitating other boys. He started feeling comfortable after a couple of tries. However, a misadventure deepened his fear: an eighteen-year-old boy threw him into the deep end of the pool when he was alone, causing him to struggle intensely and almost drown. This incident made his fear much stronger.
In simple words: The author feared water from a young age due to a beach incident. This fear grew much stronger when a bully threw him into the YMCA pool, and he almost drowned while trying to learn to swim.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain how a pre-existing fear can be intensified by a subsequent traumatic event, providing specific examples.

Question 3. The author describes the incident vividly to make a clear picture in the reader's mind. Give some examples of the author's vivid description.
लेखक पाठक के मन में स्पष्ट चित्र अंकित करने के लिए घटना का बड़ा सटीक वर्णन करते हैं। लेखक कुछ उदाहरण दीजिए।
Answer: The author was thrown into deep water. He describes this event very clearly, so readers can feel the panic he felt. The details of his description are as follows:
(1) The boy who threw him into the deep water was described as 'a beautiful physical specimen, with legs and arms that showed rippling muscles.' This detailed description helps to start the feeling of panic.
(2) The author describes how he was thrown into deep water and how he landed in a sitting position. He was scared but did not lose his mind.
(3) The detailed description of how he tried to save himself can make the reader feel panicked too.
(4) The sentence, 'Even the screams in my throat was frozen' truly shows how effective and powerful this horrifying incident's description is. A good description helps the reader connect emotionally with the story.
In simple words: The author uses strong words to show exactly what happened, like describing the strong boy and how he felt paralyzed. This makes the reader feel like they are right there in the water with him.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to identify vivid descriptions, look for sensory details (what the character saw, heard, felt) and strong action verbs that bring the scene to life for the reader.

Activity 2: Vocabulary

A. Use the following phrasal verbs in your own sentences:

• 1. knock-down (गिरी देना) - The waves knocked him down onto the shore.
• 2. Sweep over (छा जाना) - Whenever he was in the water, his fear swept him over completely.
• 3. wipe out (मिटा देना) - Fear wipes out the fun from activities.
• 4. dived off (गोता लगाया) - He dived off a dock into the lake.
• 5. hang on (कसकर पकड़ना) - Hang on to the rope and don't let it go.
• 6. paddled with (पानी में चलना) - While learning how to swim, the small boy paddled with his water wings.
• 7. toss into (फेंक देना) - A sturdy boy tossed the narrator into the water.
• 8. pick-up (बेहतर होना) - Trade usually picks up in the spring.
• 9. frighten out (भयभीत कर देना) - While drowning, he was frightened, but not frightened out of his wits.
• 15. get into (घुसना/प्रवेश करना) - As he got into the water, he got scared.
• 16. roll by (बीत जाना) - Years rolled by and the memory faded away.
• 17. deprive of (वंचित करना) - The writer's fear of water deprived him of the joy of fishing.
• 18. run on (जारी रहना) - Adjourn the meeting right now. I don't want it to run on.
• 19. hold on (एक में रखना) - Hold on the rope and don't let it go.

B. Following words occur as nouns in the lesson. Now use each of these as a verb in sentences of your own:

• 1. sound - She sounds very sweet.
• 2. leg - Douglas soon legged to kick water waves.
• 3. water - The gardener is watering the plants.
• 4. force - The boy was forced to do child-labour.
• 5. eye - Many people are eyeing this job.
• 6. head - Let's head back home.
• 7. toe - Have your own opinion. Don't toe the line.
• 8. rope - The shepherd roped the goat to a post.
• 9. cascades - Her hair beautifully cascades over her shoulder.
• 10. fear - Almost everybody fears death.
• 11. time - Your request was badly timed.
• 12. pool - Work individually, and then pool your ideas together.
• 13. panic - We should not panic at an accident.
• 14. face - Anil has faced very hard days in his life.
• 15. experience - She experienced deep pain during her illness.
• 16. echo - Her voice echoed in the atmosphere.

Activity 3: Speech Activity

Question A. Write a speech on Impossible, is it? 'word that Exists in the Dictionary of Fools'. Read it before the prayer assembly of your school.

आदरणीय प्रधानाचार्य, अध्यापकगण व मेरे भाई-बहनो! मैं इस विषय पर भाषण देने जा रहा हूँ कि असम्भव शब्द मूर्खा के शब्दकोष में होता है। मैं आपको बता दें, impossible शब्द स्वयं ही 'मैं सम्भव हूँ' यह अर्थ देता है। बुद्धिमान व परिश्रमी लोगों को कभी कोई चीज असम्भव नहीं लगती है। हाँ मैं मानता हूँ कि कठिनाइयाँ आ सकती हैं परन्तु केवल कमजोर व मूर्ख लोग ही हिम्मत हारते हैं। आशा करता हूँ आप सबने यह कहावत सुनी होगी कि कठिनाई आने पर ही कठिन काम हल होता है। जीवन की परीक्षाएँ हमारे साहस, परिश्रम और दृढ़ निश्चय की परीक्षा मात्र हैं। एक महान मस्तिष्क वाला व्यक्ति जीवन की कठिनाइयों की परवाह किए बिना आगे बढ़ता रहता है क्योंकि असम्भव शब्द उसके लिए अर्थहीन होता है।

Activity 4: Composition

Question 1. Write an article on 'Sweet is the Uses of Adversity'.

Shakespeare's famous quote 'Sweet are the uses of Adversity' is a whole measure of truth packed into a few words. At some point in life, almost all of us have to go through bad times. Challenges come to us in many forms. But these challenges make us only wiser and more courageous. The best way to deal with hard times is to hold onto one's patience and good sense. When one goes through difficulty with this attitude, one comes out as a polished individual. Problems leave us with a better understanding of life. Thus adversity brings the best form of us. We must not lose courage and patience in life. One must not surrender to hurdles of life.

Question 2. As the captain of the swimming team of your school, write a letter to the Organizing Secretary, District Swimming Team.

Swimming Team
Govt S. S. School, Jodhpur
The Organizing Secretary
The District Swimming Competition
Jodhpur.
Subject: Accepting an invitation to participate in the swimming tournament.
Sir
With reference to your invitation letter dated 15 March 20........., I am very pleased to inform you that my team has accepted the invitation. As the captain of my school swimming team, I assure you that my team will arrive at the fixed place in time. We really feel honoured to participate in this tournament.
Yours sincerely
XXX