NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Hornbill Reading Skills Chapter 2

NCERT solutions for Class 11 English Chapter 2 We’re Not Afraid to Die – complete answers & explanations

Class 11 English students study important reading and language skills through the chapter We’re Not Afraid to Die. This chapter focuses on understanding events, emotions, courage, teamwork, and survival during difficult situations. It helps students practise comprehension, vocabulary, and discussion skills through structured questions and activities. This blog provides complete NCERT solutions for Class 11 English Reading Skills Chapter 2 We’re Not Afraid to Die, strictly based on the worksheet provided. Download the worksheet and practice alongside solutions for better clarity. Book a free trial now to get expert guidance. All answers follow the exact order and content of the worksheet so that students can easily check their work and improve their understanding.

What this NCERT chapter covers?

1. Understanding the sequence of events and key incidents in the story.
2. Analysing how courage, teamwork, and hope help people survive difficult situations.
3. Discussing emotions and reactions of different characters in dangerous circumstances.
4. Learning how texts are organised into sections and subtitles.
5. Exploring language concepts such as similar words across languages and vocabulary related to ships.
6. Developing discussion skills through talking and opinion-based questions.
7. Building vocabulary through compound words and words with multiple meanings.
8. Practising research and reference skills through map work and information gathering activities.

How to use these NCERT solutions?

1. First read the chapter carefully and try answering the worksheet questions on your own.
2. Use these NCERT solutions to check whether your answers match the worksheet answers.
3. Compare the structure and points of your answers with the given responses.
4. Revise important events, vocabulary, and discussion points from the chapter.
5. Parents and teachers can guide students by encouraging discussion and explanation of answers.
6. Follow the same order of questions given in the worksheet for accurate practice and revision.

Important tips & tricks for students

1. Read the passage carefully to understand the sequence of events before answering comprehension questions.
2. Focus on key actions taken by the characters during the crisis.
3. Pay attention to vocabulary related to ships and sea travel.
4. Use short and clear points when answering descriptive questions.
5. For activity-based questions, focus on the purpose of the activity and what it teaches.
6. Revise the meaning of words that have different meanings in different contexts.
7. Practise map reading and research skills for reference-based tasks.

NCERT solutions – complete answer key

UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT
1
(i)

• Dropped the storm jib to slow the boat. 
• Lashed a heavy mooring rope across the stern. 
• Double-lashed all equipment on deck. 
• Practised the life-raft drill. 
• Attached lifelines. 
• Wore oilskins and life jackets.

(ii)

• Repaired the damaged starboard side using canvas, hammer and screws. 
• Secured waterproof hatch covers over broken sections. 
• Pumped out water continuously using hand pumps. 
• Repaired and used the electric pump under the chartroom floor. 
• Cleared debris blocking the pumps. 
• Controlled the water level by constant pumping.

2

4 January:

• The voyagers felt slightly hopeful after controlling the water level. 
• They tried to sail toward the nearby islands for safety. 
• They were exhausted but encouraged after eating their first meal in two days.

5 January:

• Their situation again became desperate because of worsening weather. 
• The children showed courage and calmness. 
• The captain felt emotional but determined to continue fighting the storm.

3

Section 1 (Beginning to the wave strike) 
Subtitle: The Voyage and the Giant Wave

Section 2 (After the wave to the search for the island) 
Subtitle: Struggle for Survival

Section 3 (Finding the island to the end) 
Subtitle: Rescue and Safe Landing

TALKING ABOUT THE TEXT

1
Adults:

• Felt worried, tense and responsible for saving everyone. 
• Focused on repairing the boat and navigating safely.

Children:

• Showed courage and emotional strength. 
• Remained calm and supportive. 
• Were not afraid of death if the family stayed together.

2

• The voyagers remained hopeful despite severe danger. 
• The captain kept repairing the boat and navigating toward the island. 
• The crew worked continuously without losing courage. 
• The children’s positive attitude inspired the adults. 
• Optimism helped them survive extreme hardship.

3

• Such experiences teach courage and determination. 
• They show the importance of teamwork and cooperation. 
• They highlight the value of hope during crises. 
• They help people understand the importance of family and unity.

THINKING ABOUT LANGUAGE

Example words for “storm” in Indian languages:
1
• Aandhi 
• Toofan 
• Chakravat 
• Andhi-toofan

2

Examples of similar vessel terms in Indian languages:

• Nauka 
• Donga 
• Hodi 
• Kappal

3

Tamil

4

Boatmen’s songs usually express:

• Hard work and rhythm of rowing 
• Love for rivers and the sea 
• Hope and courage 
• Joy and unity among boatmen

4

• People seek adventure and exploration. 
• They want to test their courage and abilities. 
• Some wish to achieve personal dreams or historical goals. 
• Adventure brings excitement and new experiences despite risks.

WORKING WITH WORDS
1
knot

• Ship term: a unit for measuring speed of a ship. 
• Other meaning: a tied loop in rope or thread.

stern

• Ship term: the rear part of a ship. 
• Other meaning: strict or serious expression.

boom

• Ship term: a pole that holds the sail. 
• Other meaning: sudden growth or loud deep sound.

hatch

• Ship term: an opening or door in the deck. 
• Other meaning: to emerge from an egg.

anchor

• Ship term: heavy object used to hold the ship in place. 
• Other meaning: something that provides stability or support.


2
airship

• A large aircraft filled with gas that can float and travel through the air.

flagship

• The most important ship in a fleet or the leading product of a company.

lightship

• A ship equipped with lights used as a lighthouse in the sea.

3

Meaning used in the third paragraph:

to employ or engage someone

THINGS TO DO
1
Explanation:

Students should read the information about Ile Amsterdam and observe images online to understand its location, size, population and political status.

2

Explanation:

Students should locate Ile Amsterdam on a world map in the southern Indian Ocean between Australia and South Africa.

3

Parts of the yacht:

• Bow 
• Cabin 
• Rudder 
• Cockpit 
• Stern 
• Boom 
• Mainsail 
• Mast

NOTES

Understanding the text 
This part focuses on factual and overall comprehension of the story. Students practise identifying key events, understanding the sequence of incidents, and noticing how the text is organised.

Talking about the text 
This section encourages discussion with classmates or partners. Students share personal opinions, understand human emotions during dangerous situations, and develop empathy for the experiences described in the story.

Thinking about language 
This part focuses on language learning. Students explore: 
• Different words used for the same concept in various languages. 
• English words that originated from Indian languages. 
• The connection between language and music, such as traditional boatmen’s songs.

Working with words 
This section develops vocabulary skills. Students learn: 
• Words related to ships that have multiple meanings (homonyms). 
• Compound words ending with “-ship” and their meanings. 
• The use and meaning of phrasal verbs.

Things to do 
This section develops reference and research skills. Students practise: 
• Finding information using the internet or encyclopedias. 
• Locating places on maps. 
• Understanding how factual information can be organised and presented.

Why NCERT solutions help students?

NCERT solutions help Class 11 English students understand the structure of answers expected in exams. They provide clarity on important events, vocabulary, and discussion points from NCERT Chapter We’re Not Afraid to Die. Using worksheet-aligned answers helps students revise quickly, improve comprehension skills, and gain confidence while preparing for school assessments and exams.

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