NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Hornbill Reading Skills Chapter 4

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Hornbill Reading Skills Chapter 4
Last Updated At: 1 Apr 2026
6 min read

NCERT solutions for Class 11 English Chapter The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement’s Role – complete answers & explanations

Class 11 English Chapter The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement’s Role is an important lesson that helps students understand the serious environmental challenges our planet is facing today. This chapter highlights how human activities are affecting nature and why it is necessary to take responsibility for protecting the earth. It builds awareness about sustainable development and the need for balance between human needs and environmental conservation. These NCERT solutions help students clearly understand the concepts and prepare accurate answers in exams. The answers are presented in a simple and easy-to-follow manner so students can learn effectively. Download the worksheet and practice alongside solutions for better clarity. Book a free trial now to get expert guidance.

What this NCERT chapter covers?

1. The chapter explains the concept of environmental degradation and how human actions impact the earth.
2. It introduces the idea of sustainable development and why it is important for future generations.
3. Students learn about key environmental terms and their meanings used in the chapter.
4. It highlights the depletion of natural resources such as forests, fisheries, and grasslands.
5. The chapter discusses population growth and its effect on the environment.
6. It builds awareness about ecological balance and interconnected systems of life.
7. Students understand the importance of environmental laws and their implementation.
8. It focuses on the role of individuals in protecting nature.
9. The chapter develops reading comprehension and analytical thinking skills.
10. It also strengthens vocabulary and language usage through word meanings and phrases.

How to use these NCERT solutions?

1. Start by reading the chapter carefully to understand the main ideas and concepts.
2. Attempt all questions from the worksheet on your own before checking the answers.
3. Use these solutions to verify your responses and understand the correct approach.
4. Focus on how answers are structured to improve your writing in exams.
5. Parents and teachers can guide students by discussing the answers and concepts.
6. Go through each section step-by-step as arranged in the worksheet.
7. Practice difficult questions again to build confidence.
8. Use word meanings and language sections to improve vocabulary skills.

Important tips & tricks for students

1. Read questions carefully before answering to avoid missing key points.
2. Write clear and precise answers as expected in NCERT exams.
3. Focus on understanding concepts instead of memorizing blindly.
4. Revise important terms and word meanings regularly.
5. Practice writing answers in your own words where required.
6. Pay attention to environmental themes and their real-life relevance.
7. Attempt all activities sincerely to improve learning.
8. Avoid skipping any question or section during practice.

NCERT solutions – complete answer key

PAGE-35- WORD MEANINGS

a holistic and ecological view – seeing the Earth as a complete system where humans, animals, plants, and the environment are all interconnected.

languish – to remain unnoticed, neglected, or without progress.

ignominious darkness – a state of shameful neglect or obscurity where something remains unknown or unrecognized.

sustainable development – development that meets present needs without harming the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

inter alia – among other things.

transcending concern – a concern that goes beyond ordinary limits and focuses on a much larger issue.

decimated – greatly reduced in number or destroyed.

catastrophic depletion – a disastrous or extremely serious reduction of resources.

Understanding the Text

1

The notice signifies that the most dangerous animal on earth is the human being. The mirror in the cage reflects the visitor’s own image, suggesting that humans are responsible for environmental destruction and the planet’s declining health.

2

“The earth’s vital signs reveal a patient in declining health.”

The earth’s principal biological systems — fisheries, forests, grasslands, and croplands — are being depleted because human demands have reached unsustainable levels. Overfishing leads to the collapse of fisheries, forests are cut down for firewood and other uses, grasslands become barren due to overuse, and croplands deteriorate because of excessive exploitation and loss of soil fertility.

3

The author says that the growth of world population is one of the strongest factors distorting the future of human society because rapid population growth increases pressure on the earth’s limited resources. It leads to poverty, unemployment, environmental degradation, and makes sustainable development difficult.

Talking about the text

1

2

This statement raises concern about the future of the planet. If environmental destruction continues, future generations may inherit a damaged earth with deserts, degraded land, and poor environmental conditions.

3

In India, many environmental laws exist, but they are often not properly implemented. Illegal cutting of forests, pollution, and misuse of natural resources continue despite regulations. Lack of enforcement and public awareness contributes to the problem.

4

This statement emphasizes that the earth does not belong permanently to any generation. Humans are only temporary caretakers and must protect and preserve the environment for future generations.

Overpopulation leads to problems such as shortage of resources, unemployment, poverty, pressure on housing and food supply, pollution, and environmental degradation. These issues affect daily life and living conditions.

Thinking about Language

Working with Words

1

gripped the imagination of – strongly captured the interest or attention of people

prima facie – at first sight; based on first impression

in camera – in private; not open to the public

ad infinitum – endlessly; without limit

ad hoc – for a particular purpose; temporary arrangement

caveat – a warning or caution

mutatis mutandis – with necessary changes made

tabula rasa – a blank slate; an empty mind before learning

2

dawned upon – became clear or realized gradually

ushered in – introduced or brought about the beginning of something new

passed into current coin – became commonly used or widely accepted

passport of the future – something that ensures survival or success in the future

3

Grip  
Literal: He tightened his grip on the rope while climbing.  
Figurative: The story gripped the audience from beginning to end.

Dawn  
Literal: The sun rose at dawn.  
Figurative: The truth slowly dawned on him.

4

Usher  
Literal: The usher guided the guests to their seats.  
Figurative: The invention of the internet ushered in a new technological era.

5

Coin  
Literal: The coin fell from his pocket.  
Figurative: The scientist coined a new term for the discovery.

Passport  
Literal: She showed her passport at the airport.  
Figurative: Education is the passport to a better future.

Things to Do

1. Explanation:
Students create posters showing messages about protecting nature, saving forests, reducing pollution, and supporting the Green Movement.

2. Explanation:
Students observe their local surroundings and record environmental damage such as cutting of trees or destruction of parks. They can write letters or reports to newspapers raising awareness about these issues.

Why NCERT solutions help students?

NCERT solutions help students build strong concepts, improve answer writing skills, and prepare effectively for exams. They provide clarity on how to structure answers correctly and ensure students stay aligned with expected formats. Regular practice with these solutions also boosts confidence and improves overall performance.

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