NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Woven Words Essay Chapter 6

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Woven Words Essay Chapter 6
Last Updated At: 9 Apr 2026
6 min read

NCERT solutions for Class 12 English Chapter "The Story" – complete answers & explanations

In this chapter, "The Story" by E.M. Forster, students explore the essence of storytelling in literature. The chapter discusses different aspects of a novel, focusing on how the story is constructed and its essential role in engaging the reader. The author provides a thoughtful analysis of the relationship between a story and its readers, tracing the human interest in narratives from primitive times to modern novels. This chapter is important as it helps students understand the foundational elements of storytelling, a key concept for literature studies. Download the worksheet and practice alongside solutions for better clarity. Book a free trial now to get expert guidance.

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Woven Words Essay Chapter 6 The Story.png

What this NCERT chapter covers?

1. The basic structure and significance of storytelling in novels.
2. Different perspectives on the role of a story in literature.
3. The connection between storytelling and the primitive human interest in suspense.
4. How the concept of time plays a crucial role in the narration of stories.
5. The role of novels in presenting life both in time and by values.
6. A deeper understanding of how time, suspense, and narrative flow influence the reader's engagement.

How to use these NCERT solutions?

1. Attempt all the questions in the worksheet first to assess your understanding.
2. Use the answers in this blog to verify your responses and gain insights into any mistakes.
3. Parents and teachers can use these solutions to guide students and encourage correct learning approaches.
4. The solutions follow the exact order of questions in the worksheet, making it easier to follow.

Important tips & tricks for students

1. Ensure to understand the key concept of storytelling as discussed in the chapter.
2. Avoid vague answers; be specific when describing the role of the story in a novel.
3. Pay attention to the author's use of time and suspense to build interest in the narrative.
4. Always try to connect the novel's events to the broader themes of life and values.
5. For open-ended questions, make sure your answers are well-thought-out and relevant.
6. Review each solution carefully and use them as a reference to improve your own writing style.

NCERT solutions – complete answer key

UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT

1. What do you understand of the three voices in response to the question ‘What does a novel do’?
  Answer: The three voices represent different attitudes towards storytelling. One person is indifferent, another is focused on the need for a good story, and the third is more reflective and acknowledges the importance of the story while wishing it could be something else.

2. What would you say are ‘the finer growths’ that the story supports in a novel?
  Answer: The finer growths refer to the deeper layers in a novel, such as its themes, character development, and philosophical insights, which extend beyond the basic plot of the story.

3. How does Forster trace the human interest in the story to primitive times?
  Answer: Forster suggests that the human interest in stories goes back to Neolithic times when primitive people gathered around the campfire to listen to stories that provided suspense and a sense of anticipation.

4. Discuss the importance of time in the narration of a story.
  Answer: Time is crucial in storytelling because it helps to sequence events, build suspense, and structure the narrative. Without time, a story would lack direction and flow, making it difficult to engage the reader.

TALKING ABOUT THE TEXT

1. What does a novel do?
  Answer: A novel narrates a sequence of events that engage the reader’s curiosity, compelling them to want to know what happens next.

2. ‘Our daily life reflects a double allegiance to ‘the life in time’ and ‘the life by values’.’
  Answer: This statement highlights the two ways in which we experience life—through the passage of time and through the values that shape our decisions and experiences, both of which are important in understanding literature.

3. The description of novels as organisms.
  Answer: Novels are described as living organisms because they are dynamic and can evolve, with each event and character contributing to the growth and direction of the narrative.

APPRECIATION

1. How does Forster use the analogy of Scheherazade to establish his point?
  Answer: Forster uses the story of Scheherazade to illustrate the power of suspense in storytelling. Just as she survives by keeping the king curious, novels rely on the story to maintain the reader’s interest.

2. Taking off from Forster’s references to Emily Bronte, Sterne and Proust, discuss the treatment of time in some of the novels you have read.
  Answer: This discussion can explore how different authors manipulate time in their novels, such as through flashbacks, non-linear storytelling, or by altering the narrative pace to emphasize particular events.

LANGUAGE WORK

1. ‘Qua story’: what does the word mean? Find other expressions using the word qua.
  Answer: The word ‘qua’ means “in the capacity of” or “as.” Other expressions could include "qua scientist" (as a scientist) or "qua philosopher" (in the role of a philosopher).

2. Study the Note to Aspects of the Novel given at the end. Discuss the features that mark the piece as a talk as distinguished from a critical essay.
  Answer: The note has a conversational tone with informal language and direct address, indicating it is a talk rather than a formal essay.

3. Try rewriting the lecture as a formal essay and examine Forster’s statement: ‘…since the novel is itself often colloquial, it may possibly withhold some of its secrets from the graver and grander streams of criticism’.
  Answer: Rewriting this as a formal essay would involve removing conversational phrases and making the argument more academic while reflecting on how informal language in novels may escape traditional literary analysis.

Why NCERT solutions help students?

NCERT solutions provide students with clear and reliable answers that align with the chapter’s concepts. They help in building exam readiness by ensuring that the answers follow the NCERT guidelines. With detailed explanations, students can gain a deeper understanding of the subject, increasing their confidence in answering questions. By practicing these solutions, students are better prepared for exams, ensuring a solid foundation in literature.

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