NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Reading Skills Chapter 2 We’re Not Afraid to Die

This worksheet provides complete NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Chapter We’re Not Afraid to Die… if We Can All Be Together from the Reading Skills section. The chapter tells the story of a family voyage across the sea that turns into a dangerous struggle for survival when their yacht is struck by a powerful storm and a giant wave.

This worksheet helps students understand how the voyagers faced extreme danger with courage, determination, and unity. The story highlights the strength of teamwork, the importance of hope during difficult situations, and the emotional resilience shown by both adults and children during the crisis.

This worksheet provides clear and accurate NCERT Solutions that follow the structure and order of the questions in the textbook. Students can use these solutions to strengthen their understanding of the chapter, improve reading comprehension, and revise important concepts effectively.

Chapter summary: stories, poems & themes

This chapter presents a survival story about a family travelling by sea when their yacht is struck by a violent storm. A giant wave damages the boat and puts the lives of everyone on board in serious danger. The family must work together to repair the boat, remove water from it, and continue navigating through the storm.

The story focuses on the courage and determination of the voyagers as they struggle to survive. The adults work tirelessly to repair the damaged yacht and navigate safely, while the children remain calm and supportive despite the frightening situation.

The main theme of the chapter highlights bravery, teamwork, hope, and the importance of family unity during times of crisis. The story also demonstrates how a positive attitude and determination can help people overcome extremely difficult challenges.

What this NCERT chapter covers?

• Understanding a real-life survival situation during a sea voyage 
• Developing reading comprehension through factual and descriptive questions 
• Learning about courage, teamwork, and determination during dangerous situations 
• Observing how emotions and attitudes influence decision-making during crises 
• Understanding language through words related to ships and sea travel 
• Learning vocabulary such as homonyms and compound words related to ships 
• Developing research skills through map-based and information-based activities 

How to use these NCERT solutions?

Students should first read the chapter carefully and try to answer the questions on their own. After attempting the questions, they can use this worksheet to compare their responses with the correct NCERT Solutions.

Parents and teachers can use these solutions to guide students in understanding the story more clearly. The answers follow the same order and structure as the NCERT textbook questions, which makes revision easier and more effective.

Regular practice with these NCERT Solutions helps students improve their comprehension skills, understand the sequence of events in the story, and develop the ability to answer questions clearly and accurately.

Student tips & learning tricks

Students should focus on understanding the sequence of events in the story, especially how the storm affects the yacht and how the voyagers respond to each challenge.

While answering questions, students should list important actions taken by the characters, such as repairing the boat, pumping out water, and navigating toward safety. Clear and organised answers help in explaining the events accurately.

Students should also pay attention to the emotions and attitudes of the characters, particularly the courage shown by the children and the determination of the adults. Understanding these aspects helps in writing thoughtful and complete answers.

Why NCERT solutions are important?

NCERT Solutions help students understand textbook questions and answers in a structured and reliable way. Since school assessments are often based directly on NCERT textbooks, practising these solutions helps students prepare more effectively.

These solutions show the correct way to answer questions according to NCERT expectations. They also help students strengthen reading comprehension, improve vocabulary, and develop the ability to explain ideas clearly.

By using accurate NCERT Solutions regularly, students can build strong conceptual understanding and gain confidence in answering questions during exams and classroom discussions.

Complete answer key – NCERT solutions

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

4 
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.

5 
• 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.

Talking about the text

1 
• 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

1 
Example words for “storm” in Indian languages: 
• 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

5 
• 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

Build stronger reading comprehension and confidence with accurate NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Chapter We’re Not Afraid to Die… if We Can All Be Together.

Book a free trial!