Here is Deep Water NCERT Solutions for Class 12 students. This is simple and comprehensive page-wise solution from Flamingo book. The content presented here is highly beneficial for your upcoming 2023-24 Board Exam and several other exams. Now read Chapter 3 Deep Water NCERT Solutions.

Deep Water NCERT Solutions

Think-as-you-read Questions – Page -27 Deep Water NCERT Solutions

1. What is the ‘misadventure’ that William Douglas speaks about?
Ans. The ‘misadventure’ is the incident in which the author at the age of ten or eleven was picked up and thrown into the swimming pool of Y.M.C.A. by a bruiser. The author didn’t know how to swim and was about to drown.

2. What were the series of emotions and fears that Douglas experienced when he was thrown into the pool? What plan did he make to come to the surface?
Ans. When Douglas was thrown into the water by a big bruiser, initially he was shocked and frightful. He went deep into the water in the same posture in which he was sitting. He was terrified and panic-stricken. But he kept his presence of mind and planned to make a big jump the moment his feet touched the surface and to spring to the surface like a cork. But unfortunately all his three attempts failed and at the end, he felt suffocated and paralysed. He was full of stark tenor and then became unconscious.

3. How did this experience affect him?
Ans. After the Y.M.C.A. misadventure, Douglas developed a fear of water. This experience became a cause of handicap for him. Whenever he tried to enter the water, the terror which seized him in the pool would come back. He could not enjoy any water sports such as canoeing, boating, rafting, and swimming. This experience left a haunting fear of water in his heart.

Think as You Read – Page 29 Deep Water NCERT Solutions

1. Why was Douglas determined to get over his fear of water?
 Ans. Douglas wanted to live his life to the fullest. This fear was a hindrance to his enjoying the pleasures of life. This fear ruined all his fishing trips. He could not enjoy any water sport like canoeing, fishing, swimming, etc. So he was determined to get over his fear of water.

2. How did the instructor build a swimmer out of William Douglas? 
Ans. The instructor built a swimmer out of William Douglas bit by bit. The instructor used to tie a belt around his waist and attach it to a pulley with a rope. Every day Douglas practised using this device by putting his head under water and kicking his legs by the side of the pool. Over a period of three months, by imparting strategically planned intense practice, the instructor was able to build a swimmer out of William Douglas.

3. How did Douglas make sure that he had conquered the old terror?
 Ans. Douglas felt that when he was alone in the pool, tiny vestiges of old fear would return. To make sure that he had got rid of his fear of water, he went to Lake Wentworth in New Hampshire, dived off a dock at Triggs Island, and swam two miles across the lake to Stamp Act Island. After this, he became confident that he had conquered his long-standing fear of water.

 Understanding the Text Deep Water NCERT Solutions Page- 29

1. How does Douglas make clear to the reader the sense of panic that gripped him as he almost drafted, Describe the details that have made the description vivid.
Ans. When Douglas was flung into the pool by a bruiser, he almost drowned. He was terrified but did not lose hope. While going down the water, he planned to save himself. He decided that when his feet hit the bottom, he would make a big jump and come to the surface and then lie down and paddle to the edge of the pool. But this plan didn’t work for him. As a result, he went down again. This time also Douglas tried but in vain. Now panic seized Douglas. He realised that he was going to drown. His limbs were paralysed, his lungs filled with water and ached. The mass of yellow water filled him with stark terror and he started painting.

2. How did Douglas overcome his fear of water?
Ans. Douglas was haunted by the fear of water for many years. In order to overcome his fear, he decided to hire an instructor and started practising swimming regularly. The instructor very innovatively devised a method to teach him swimming. Douglas used to wear a belt around his waist and a rope was attached to it which went through a pulley that ran on an overhead cable. So it pulled him out whenever he felt panicky while swimming. After three months of rigorous practice, he started to feel relaxed.
 Douglas also paddled his legs in water by the side of the pool. Initially, Douglas felt paralysed and his legs didn’t move but gradually he overcame his nervousness. The instructor told him that his job was done and Douglas had become a complete swimmer. But in order to be confident Douglas swam in different lakes. Finally, when he swam in Warm Lake, he realised that he had overcome his fear of water.

3. Why does Douglas, as an adult, recount a childhood experience of terror and his conquering of it? What larger meaning does he draw from this experience?
Ans. Douglas, as an adult, recounts his childhood experience of tenor. It was like an encounter with death for him. He could only feel the tenor that he was going through when he was about to drown in the pool. This fear haunted him for years and finally, his zest for overcoming this fear strengthened him. Rigorous practice, courage, willpower and determination conquered the inherent fear of his heart and he gained confidence. Through this experience, Douglas was able to understand the fact that clinging to the past fears only spoils our present. In life, fear is the greatest enemy of man, which holds him back from taking initiatives. Douglas understood that in spite of the fact that in life situations are risky, at times, one must have the courage to face them boldly to rise in life.

Talking about the text Page 30 NCERT Flamingo

1.“All we have to fear is fear itself”. Have you ever had a fear that you have now overcome? Share your experience with your partner.

Answer- I had a fear of heights. I had always been terrified of being in tall buildings or even climbing ladders. This fear had held me back from enjoying activities such as hiking, rock climbing, or simply enjoying a scenic view from a rooftop.
But one day, I decided to confront my fear. I started small by looking at pictures of tall buildings and imagining myself being at the top. Gradually, I worked my way up to visiting a skyscraper observation deck with a friend who offered support.
At first, I felt anxious, and my heart raced as I stepped onto the observation deck. However, I reminded myself that I was in a safe environment and that fear was just an emotion. I took slow, deep breaths and focused on the beautiful view around me.
With each visit to a higher vantage point, I became more comfortable and confident. I challenged myself to conquer my fear by trying activities like indoor rock climbing or participating in a guided hike with experienced climbers. Over time, my fear of heights diminished, and I realized that I could overcome any fear that came my way.
Remember, facing fears takes courage and patience. By gradually exposing myself to the things that made me fearful and adopting coping mechanisms, I could conquer even the most daunting fears.

2.Find and narrate other stories about conquest of fear and what people have said about courage. For example, you can recall Nelson Mandela’s struggle for freedom, his perseverance to achieve his mission, to liberate the oppressed and the oppressor as depicted in his autobiography. The story We’re Not Afraid To Die, which you have read in Class XI, is an apt example of how courage and optimism helped a family survive under the direst stress.
Ans : Nelson Mandela’s Struggle for Freedom:

Nelson Mandela, the iconic South African leader, fought against apartheid and dedicated his life to achieving freedom and equality for all. Despite facing years of imprisonment and adversity, Mandela remained unwavering in his commitment to his mission. His autobiography, “Long Walk to Freedom,” chronicles his journey, emphasizing the importance of courage, perseverance, and forgiveness. Mandela’s story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how one person’s determination can bring about significant change and overcome fear.

“We’re Not Afraid to Die”:

“We’re Not Afraid to Die” is a gripping story by Gordon Cook and Alan East that recounts the real-life adventure of a family’s sailing expedition around the world. The family encounters a severe storm in the Southern Ocean, facing treacherous waves, damaged equipment, and the threat of sinking. Despite the dire circumstances, the family displays immense courage, resourcefulness, and optimism. Their unwavering determination to survive, adapt, and support one another is a powerful example of conquering fear and adversity.

Regarding quotes about courage, here are a few noteworthy ones:

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” – Nelson Mandela
“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.” – Mark Twain
“Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don’t have the strength.” – Theodore Roosevelt
“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” – Winston Churchill
These stories and quotes demonstrate the indomitable spirit of individuals who faced their fears, overcame challenges, and emerged stronger.

Thinking about language Page 30 NCERT Book Flamingo Deep Water

If someone else had narrated Douglas’s experience, how would it have differed from this account? Write out a sample paragraph or paragraphs from this text from the point of view of a third person or observer, to find out which style of narration would you consider to be more effective? Why?

Answer: If someone else were to narrate Douglas’s experience, it would have been different from his own account. Let’s imagine a third-person perspective describing the events.
“Douglas’s time at the swimming pool was a big deal for him. He had always been scared of water, especially after a scary incident at the beach with his dad when he was younger. But Douglas wanted to overcome his fear, so he joined swimming lessons at the Y.M.C.A. pool. With water wings on, he watched the other boys and tried to do what they did. Slowly, he started feeling more confident. Unfortunately, his progress was interrupted when a much bigger boy, who seemed strong and confident, suddenly threw Douglas into the deep end of the pool. Douglas was terrified as he sank to the bottom, struggling to breathe. But he quickly made a plan to push off the pool floor, reach the surface, and swim to safety.
Now, let’s discuss which style of narration is more effective. The first-person perspective, like Douglas’s own account, allows us to feel more connected to his thoughts and emotions. We get to experience the events through his eyes, which can make the story more relatable and engaging. On the other hand, the third-person perspective gives a broader view of what happened, focusing on the actions and observations from an outside standpoint.
In this case, since Douglas’s personal growth and emotional journey are important, the first-person narration would be more effective. It helps us understand his fears and the steps he took to overcome them. It allows us to feel closer to his experiences and better appreciate his progress throughout the chapter.

Writing

1.Doing well in any activity, for example a sport, music, dance or painting, riding a motorcycle or a car, involves a great deal of struggle. Most of us are very nervous to begin with until gradually we overcome our fears and perform well.
Write an essay of about five paragraphs recounting such an experience. Try to recollect minute details of what caused the fear, your feelings, the encouragement you got from others or the criticism.
You could begin with the last sentence of the essay you have just read — “At last I felt released — free to walk the trails and climb the peaks and to brush aside fear.”

Ans: Doing well in any activity requires perseverance and conquering fear. One such experience that transformed my life was learning to play the guitar. I was initially filled with nervousness, but through determination and support, I was able to overcome my fears and excel.
My fear stemmed from my lack of musical background and the belief that I had no natural talent. Whenever I picked up the guitar, my fingers stumbled over the strings, producing discordant sounds. Doubt and self-criticism consumed me. The fear of failure and embarrassment haunted every practice session.
Fortunately, I had supportive friends and family who became my pillars of encouragement. They believed in me, offering kind words and motivating me to persist. Their unwavering support helped me push past my insecurities. Their applause after each small victory filled me with a renewed sense of confidence.
I also sought guidance from experienced guitarists who generously shared their knowledge. Their constructive criticism, though initially daunting, became a catalyst for improvement. With their guidance, I honed my technique, corrected my mistakes, and gradually developed a more melodious and controlled sound.
As I practiced diligently, my fear slowly transformed into determination. Each new chord conquered, every complex riff mastered, became a testament to my growth. The more I played, the more I discovered the joy and freedom in expressing myself through music.
At last, the day arrived when I felt released from the shackles of fear. I performed in front of a small audience, strumming the guitar with confidence. The notes flowed effortlessly, and the music resonated with my soul. The applause that followed was not just for the melody but for the journey I had undertaken, conquering my fears along the way.
In conclusion, embarking on the journey to learn the guitar was initially daunting. However, with the support of loved ones, guidance from experienced musicians, and my own determination, I conquered my fears and excelled in playing. This experience taught me the invaluable lesson that overcoming fear is a gateway to personal growth and accomplishment. I now walk the trails of music, free from the chains of self-doubt, ready to face any challenge with confidence.

Write a short letter to someone you know about your having learnt to do something new.

Ans: Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I’m excited to share some wonderful news with you—I’ve recently learned how to paint! It has been an incredible journey of self-expression and growth. Initially, I was a bit apprehensive, but with perseverance and the guidance of a talented art instructor, I found my way.
Each brushstroke has allowed me to create beautiful landscapes and convey emotions. The support from fellow artists and friends has been invaluable, pushing me to experiment and evolve. Witnessing my progress as an artist brings immeasurable joy. I wanted to share this with you as you’ve always been a source of inspiration and support.
I hope we can meet soon, and I can show you some of my paintings. Thank you for being a wonderful friend.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]

Things to do – Page Number 30 Flamingo Chapter Deep Water

Are there any water sports in India? Find out about the areas or places which are known for water sports.

Ans: Yes, there are several water sports activities available in India, thanks to its vast coastline, rivers, lakes, and water bodies. Here are some areas and places in India that are known for water sports:

Goa: Goa is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches and a wide range of water sports. Activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides, kayaking, and windsurfing can be enjoyed here.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer an excellent opportunity for water sports enthusiasts. Scuba diving, snorkeling, sea walking, and jet skiing are some of the thrilling activities you can indulge in here.

Kerala: With its network of backwaters, Kerala offers unique water sports experiences. Houseboat cruises, kayaking, canoeing, and white-water rafting in the rivers like Periyar and Pamba are popular activities in this region.
Lakshadweep: The pristine islands of Lakshadweep provide a serene setting for water sports. Snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and sailing are some of the activities that allow visitors to explore the stunning coral reefs and marine life.

Rishikesh: Rishikesh, located on the banks of the holy river Ganges in Uttarakhand, is famous for river rafting. Adventure enthusiasts flock here to experience the thrill of rafting through the rapids of the Ganges.
Maharashtra: The coastal state of Maharashtra offers various water sports opportunities. The beaches of Alibaug, Murud, and Tarkarli are known for activities like jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.

Pondicherry: This coastal town in Tamil Nadu is gaining popularity for water sports. Visitors can enjoy activities like kayaking, jet skiing, and paddleboarding along the scenic coastline.
These are just a few examples, and there are many more places in India where you can indulge in water sports. It’s always advisable to check the local regulations, safety measures, and availability of trained instructors before participating in any water sports activity.