This page offers Extract Based Questions from the Chapter Deep Water for Class 12 from the book Flamingo. We’ve put together a bunch extracts which ask assumption based, creativity based and critical thinking-based questions. These types of questions are introduced after 2024 in CBSE Board. The types of questions are quick MCQs, true/false and Subjective questions. So, practice to understand Deep Water Extracts to score great.
Table of Contents
Deep Water Extract Based MCQ questions Passage 1
It had happened when I was ten or eleven years old. I had decided to learn to swim. There was a pool at the Y.M.C.A. in Yakima that offered exactly the opportunity. The Yakima River was treacherous. Mother continually warned against it, and kept fresh in my mind the details of each drowning in the river. But the Y.M.C.A. pool was safe.
1. Question: Why did the narrator choose the Y.M.C.A. pool to learn swimming instead of the Yakima River? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer: The narrator chose the Y.M.C.A. pool because it was safe, unlike the treacherous Yakima River. His mother’s warnings about the river’s dangers and frequent drownings influenced his decision to learn to swim in a safer environment.
2. Question: State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “Mother continually warned against it, and kept fresh in my mind the details of each drowning in the river.”
(a) An exaggeration – a statement that makes something seem larger or more important than it really is
(b) A warning – an alert to possible danger
(c) A description – a detailed account of something
(d) A suggestion – an idea or plan put forward for consideration
Answer: False
Reason: The statement is a warning, so term (b) applies.
3. Question: The information in the extract suggests that the narrator’s mother was _____ about the Yakima River.
Answer: cautious/ wary/ concerned/ apprehensive/ fearful/ vigilant/ anxious/ careful or any other similar response.
4. Question: Why did the narrator’s mother keep reminding him about drownings?
Answer: To instil fear and ensure his safety near water.
Also Read:
- Swimming Instructor Mr. Ross Character Sketch
- Deep Water Summary Class 12 pdf
- MCQs of Deep Water
- Deep Water Long Answer Type Question
- Deep Water Short Answer Type Question
- Deep Water Value Points
Extract from Deep Water- 2
From the beginning, however, I had an aversion to the water when I was in it. This started when I was three or four years old and father took me to the beach in California. He and I stood together in the surf. I hung on to him, yet the waves knocked me down and swept over me. I was buried in water. My breath was gone. I was frightened.
1. Question: How might the narrator’s early experience at the beach have influenced his later feelings about water? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer: The early experience likely instilled a deep fear of water in the narrator. Feeling helpless and frightened at such a young age could have created a lasting aversion, affecting his confidence around water in later years.
2. Question: State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “I hung on to him, yet the waves knocked me down and swept over me.”
(a) A simile – a comparison using “like” or “as”
(b) A hyperbole – an exaggerated statement
(c) A literal description – a straightforward telling of events
(d) A metaphor – a comparison without using “like” or “as”
Answer: False.
Reason: The statement is both a literal description and a hyperbole.
3. Question: The information in the extract suggests that the narrator’s early experience with water was _____.
Answer: traumatic/ terrifying/ horrifying/ frightening/ distressing/ alarming/ shocking/ dreadful/ intimidating/ unsettling/ panic-inducing or any other similar response.
4. Question: How did the narrator’s early experience at the beach affect him later?
Answer: It created a deep fear of water.
Also Read:
- Deep Water Theme
- Hard Words : Deep Water Difficult Words in English
- Deep Water NCERT Solutions Class 12
- Deep Water Author Class 12
- Deep Water Character Sketch
Class 12 Deep Water Extract Based Questions- 3
My introduction to the Y.M.CA. swimming pool revived unpleasant memories and stirred childish fears. But in a little while I gathered confidence. I paddled with my new water wings, watching the other boys and trying to learn by aping them. I did this two or three times on different days and was just beginning to feel at ease in the water when the misadventure happened.
1. Question: How might the narrator’s initial fear at the Y.M.C.A. pool have affected his progress in learning to swim? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer: The initial fear could have made him more cautious and hesitant, slowing his progress. However, observing and imitating other boys helped him gradually build confidence and become more comfortable in the water.
2. Question: State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “My introduction to the Y.M.C.A. swimming pool revived unpleasant memories and stirred childish fears.”
(a) A metaphor – a comparison without using “like” or “as”
(b) A description – a detailed account of something
(c) An understatement – making something seem less important than it is
(d) An allusion – an indirect reference to something
Answer: False .
Reason: The statement is a description of the narrator’s feelings and experiences, so term (b) applies.
3. Question: The information in the extract suggests that the narrator felt ____ when starting at the Y.M.C.A. pool.
Answer: anxious/ nervous/ uneasy/ apprehensive/ scared/ fearful/ hesitant/ reluctant/ timid/ uncomfortable or any other similar response.
4. Question: How did the narrator initially try to learn swimming at the Y.M.C.A. pool?
Answer: By imitating other boys and using water wings.
Deep Water Extract Based MCQ Questions- 4
With that he picked me up and tossed me into the deep end. I landed in a sitting position, swallowed water, and went at once to the bottom. I was frightened, but not yet frightened out of my wits. On the way down I planned: When my feet hit the bottom, I would make a big jump, come to the surface, lie flat on it, and paddle to the edge of the pool.
1. Question: How did the narrator’s ability to plan while sinking show his mindset? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer: The narrator’s ability to plan while sinking showed his calmness and determination. Despite being scared, he thought logically about how to reach the surface and save himself, reflecting his resilience and quick thinking.
2. Question: State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “With that he picked me up and tossed me into the deep end.”
(a) An exaggeration – making something seem bigger or more important than it is
(b) A literal description – telling events exactly as they happened
(c) A metaphor – comparing two things without using “like” or “as”
(d) An analogy – comparing two things to explain something
Answer: False.
Reason: The statement is a literal description of what happened, so terms (a), (c), and (d) do not apply.
3. Question: The narrator’s reaction to being tossed into the deep end suggests he was _____.
Answer: determined/ resolute/ persistent/ tenacious/ steadfast/ courageous/ undeterred/ focused/ unwavering/ committed or any other similar response.
4. Question: What does the narrator’s plan while sinking reveal about him?
Answer: It shows his quick thinking and calmness under pressure.
Deep Water Extract Based Questions MCQ with Answers- 5
It seemed a long way down. Those nine feet were more like ninety, and before I touched bottom my lungs were ready to burst. But when my feet hit bottom, I summoned all my strength and made what I thought was a great spring upwards. I imagined I would bob to the surface like a cork. Instead, I came up slowly.
1. Question: How did the narrator’s perception of the pool’s depth affect his actions? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer: The narrator’s perception of the pool being much deeper than it was caused him to panic slightly. This made him use all his strength to spring upwards, hoping to reach the surface quickly, showing his desperation and fear.
2. Question: State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “Those nine feet were more like ninety.”
(a) A metaphor – comparing two things without using “like” or “as”
(b) A literal description – telling events exactly as they happened
(c) A hyperbole – exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally
(d) An analogy – comparing two things to explain something
Answer: False.
Reason: The statement is a hyperbole, so term (c) applies.
3. Question: The narrator’s struggle to reach the surface suggests he felt _____.
Answer: desperate/ frantic/ panicked/ helpless/ distressed/ anxious/ fearful/ terrified/ hopeless/ alarmed or any other similar response.
4. Question: What does the narrator’s imagined spring upward indicate about his expectations?
Answer: He expected to reach the surface quickly and easily.
Deep Water Extracts- 6
I failed at the surface of the water, swallowed and choked. I tried to bring my legs up, but they hung as dead weights, paralysed and rigid. A great force was pulling me under. I screamed, but only the water heard me. I had started on the long journey back to the bottom of the pool.
1. Question: How did the narrator’s physical struggle in the water reflect his mental state? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer: The narrator’s flailing and choking showed his panic and fear. His legs feeling like dead weights and his screaming indicated his desperation and helplessness, reflecting a state of intense fear and loss of control.
2. Question: State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “I failed at the surface of the water, swallowed and choked.”
(a) A simile – a comparison using “like” or “as”
(b) A literal description – telling events exactly as they happened
(c) An exaggeration – making something seem bigger or more important than it is
(d) A metaphor – comparing two things without using “like” or “as”
Answer: False.
Reason: The statement is a literal description of what happened, so terms (a), (c), and (d) do not apply.
3. Question: The narrator’s struggle in the water suggests he felt _____.
Answer: helpless/ powerless/ vulnerable/ weak/ overwhelmed/ incapacitated/ trapped/ impotent/ incapable or any other similar response.
4. Question: What does the narrator’s scream in the water indicate about his situation?
Answer: It shows his desperation and sense of isolation.
Deep Water Extract- 7
I struck at the water as I went down, expending my strength as one in a nightmare fights an irresistible force. I had lost all my breath. My lungs ached, my head throbbed. I was getting dizzy. But I remembered the strategy — I would spring from the bottom of the pool and come like a cork to the surface. I would lie flat on the water, strike out with my arms, and thrash with my legs. Then I would get to the edge of the pool and be safe.
1. Question: How did the narrator’s strategy reflect his determination to survive? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer: The narrator’s strategy showed his determination to survive by planning each step carefully. Despite his fear and physical pain, he remembered to spring from the bottom and use his arms and legs to reach the pool’s edge safely.
2. Question: State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “I struck at the water as I went down.”
(a) A metaphor – a comparison without using “like” or “as”
(b) A literal description – telling events exactly as they happened
(c) A simile – a comparison using “like” or “as”
(d) An analogy – comparing two things to explain something
Answer: False.
Reason: The statement is a (b) A literal description .
3. Question: The narrator’s fight against the water suggests he felt _____.
Answer: desperate/ frantic/ panicked/ determined/ resolute/ fearful/ hopeless/ frenzied/ anxious/ terrified/
4. Question: How does the narrator’s plan reveal his mental state?
Answer: It shows his determination and hope despite fear.
Extract from Deep Water- 8
But the jump made no difference. The water was still around me. I looked for ropes, ladders, water wings. Nothing but water. A mass of yellow water held me. Stark terror took an even deeper hold on me, like a great charge of electricity. I shook and trembled with fright. My arms wouldn’t move. My legs wouldn’t move. I tried to call for help, to call for mother. Nothing happened.
1. Question: How did the narrator’s reaction to the water reflect his level of panic? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer: The narrator’s reaction showed extreme panic and helplessness. He felt trapped and unable to move, trembling with fear. His attempt to call for help but being unable to do so highlighted his intense terror and desperation.
2. Question: State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “Stark terror took an even deeper hold on me, like a great charge of electricity.”
(a) A simile – a comparison using “like” or “as”
(b) A metaphor – comparing two things without using “like” or “as”
(c) A hyperbole – exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally
(d) A literal description – telling events exactly as they happened
Answer: False.
Reason: The statement is a simile and a hyperbole also.
3. Question: The narrator’s experience in the water suggests he felt _____.
Answer: terrified/ horrified/ panicked/ frightened/ scared/ alarmed/ distressed/ petrified/ anxious/ fearful/ aghast or any other similar response.
4. Question: How did the narrator’s search for help reflect his desperation?
Answer: His frantic search for ropes and calling for his mother.
Class 12 Deep Water Extract Based Questions- 9
Then all effort ceased. I relaxed. Even my legs felt limp; and a blackness swept over my brain. It wiped out fear; it wiped out terror. There was no more panic. It was quiet and peaceful. Nothing to be afraid of. This is nice… to be drowsy… to go to sleep… no need to jump… too tired to jump… it’s nice to be carried gently… to float along in space… tender arms around me… tender arms like Mother’s… now I must go to sleep…
1. Question: How did the narrator’s perception change when he relaxed in the water? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer: When the narrator relaxed, his fear and panic disappeared. He felt peaceful and calm, imagining gentle arms holding him. This shift in perception made him feel drowsy and content, as if floating in a safe and comforting space.
2. Question: State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “Then all effort ceased. I relaxed. “
(a) A simile – a comparison using “like” or “as”
(b) A literal description – telling events exactly as they happened
(c) An analogy – comparing two things to explain something
(d) A hyperbole – exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally
Answer: False.
Reason: The statement is a literal description of what happened, so terms (a), (c), and (d) do not apply.
3. Question: The narrator’s feeling of peace suggests he was _____.
Answer: resigned/ calm/ tranquil/ accepting/ serene/ placid/ acquiescent/ composed/ quiet/ subdued/ docile or any other similar response.
4. Question: How did the narrator’s thoughts change as he felt peaceful?
Answer: He felt drowsy and imagined being held gently.
Deep Water Extract Based MCQ Questions- 10
A few years later when I came to know the waters of the Cascades, I wanted to get into them. And whenever I did — whether I was wading the Tieton or Bumping River or bathing in Warm Lake of the Goat Rocks — the terror that had seized me in the pool would come back. It would take possession of me completely. My legs would become paralysed. Icy horror would grab my heart.
1. Question: How did the narrator’s past experience with water influence his reaction to new bodies of water? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer: The narrator’s bad experience in the pool made him very scared of water. Whenever he tried to swim in rivers or lakes, he felt the same fear again. This fear made his legs weak and his heart raced with terror.
2. Question: State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “The terror that had seized me in the pool would come back.”
(a) A metaphor – comparing two things without using “like” or “as”
(b) A literal description – telling events exactly as they happened
(c) An exaggeration – making something seem bigger or more important than it is
(d) An analogy – comparing two things to explain something
Answer: False.
Reason: The statement is a literal description of the narrator’s feelings, so term (b) does apply.
3. Question: The narrator’s recurring fear of water suggests he was _____.
Answer: traumatised/ scarred/ haunted/ afflicted/ tormented/ disturbed/ shaken/ paralyzed/ frightened/ terrified/ overwhelmed or any other similar response.
4. Question: How did the narrator’s fear affect him when entering new bodies of water?
Answer: His legs felt paralyzed, and he was gripped with terror.
Deep Water Extract Based Questions MCQ with Answers- 11
I used every way I knew to overcome this fear, but it held me firmly in its grip. Finally, one October, I decided to get an instructor and learn to swim. I went to a pool and practised five days a week, an hour each day. The instructor put a belt around me. A rope attached to the belt went through a pulley that ran on an overhead cable.
1. Question: Why did the narrator decide to get an instructor to learn swimming? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer: The narrator decided to get an instructor because his fear of water was strong and persistent. Despite trying different methods, he couldn’t overcome it alone. The structured lessons and professional guidance gave him a better chance to conquer his fear.
2. Question: State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “I used every way I knew to overcome this fear, but it held me firmly in its grip.”
(a) A metaphor – comparing two things without using “like” or “as”
(b) A literal description – telling events exactly as they happened
(c) An exaggeration – making something seem bigger or more important than it is
(d) An analogy – comparing two things to explain something
Answer: False.
Reason: The statement includes a metaphor, so term (a) applies and it also seems to be a literal description.
3. Question: The narrator’s decision to get an instructor shows he was _____.
Answer: determined/ resolute/ committed/ persistent/ motivated/ dedicated/ driven/ steadfast/ purposeful/ focused/ tenacious or any other similar response.
4. Question: How did the narrator try to overcome his fear initially?
Answer: He used every method he knew but failed.
Deep Water Extracts- 12
Each time the instructor relaxed his hold on the rope and I went under, some of the old terror returned and my legs froze. It was three months before the tension began to slack. Then he taught me to put my face under water and exhale, and to raise my nose and inhale. I repeated the exercise hundreds of times. Bit by bit I shed part of the panic that seized me when my head went under water.
1. Question: How did the instructor’s method help the narrator gradually overcome his fear? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer: The instructor’s method helped the narrator by slowly exposing him to water and teaching him breathing techniques. Repeated practice reduced the panic, allowing the narrator to become more comfortable and confident underwater over time.
2. Question: State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “Each time the instructor relaxed his hold on the rope and I went under.”
(a) A simile – a comparison using “like” or “as”
(b) A literal description – telling events exactly as they happened
(c) A metaphor – comparing two things without using “like” or “as”
(d) A hyperbole – an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally
Answer: False.
Reason: The statement is a literal description, so terms (a), (c), and (d) do not apply.
3. Question: The information in the extract suggests that the narrator felt _____.
Answer: terrified/ horrified/ panicked/ frightened/ scared/ alarmed/ distressed/ petrified/ anxious/ fearful/ aghast/ nervous/ uneasy/ tense or any other similar response.
4. Question: How did the narrator’s legs react each time he went underwater?
Answer: His legs froze due to returning fear.
Deep Water Extract- 13
But I was not finished. I still wondered if I would be terror-stricken when I was alone in the pool. I tried it. I swam the length up and down. Tiny vestiges of the old terror would return. But now I could frown and say to that terror, “Trying to scare me, eh? Well, here’s to you! Look!” And off I’d go for another length of the pool.
1. Question: How did the narrator’s approach to his remaining fear show his change in attitude? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer: The narrator’s approach showed his newfound confidence and determination. Instead of being overwhelmed by fear, he confronted it directly, challenging and mocking it, which demonstrated his control over the fear and his progress in overcoming it.
2. Question: State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “I still wondered if I would be terror-stricken when I was alone in the pool.”
(a) A hypothesis – an educated guess
(b) An assumption – something taken for granted
(c) A hyperbole – an exaggerated statement
(d) A literal description – telling events exactly as they happened
Answer: False.
Reason: The statement is an assumption, so term (b) applies.
3. Question: The information in the extract suggests that the narrator was _____.
Answer: persistent/ determined/ resolute/ tenacious/ steadfast/ committed/ unwavering/ dedicated/ focused/ driven/ relentless/ persevering or any other similar response.
4. Question: How did the narrator confront his fear while swimming alone?
Answer: He challenged and mocked his lingering fear.
Extract from Deep Water- 14
I swam the crawl, breast stroke, side stroke, and back stroke. Only once did the terror return. When I was in the middle of the lake, I put my face under and saw nothing but bottomless water. The old sensation returned in miniature. I laughed and said, “Well, Mr Terror, what do you think you can do to me?” It fled and I swam on.
1. Question: How did the narrator’s reaction to the returning fear in the lake show his progress? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer: The narrator’s reaction showed his progress by facing the fear with humour and confidence. Instead of panicking, he laughed at the fear, showing that he had gained control and did not let it scare him anymore.
2. Question: State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “I laughed and said, ‘Well, Mr Terror, what do you think you can do to me?'”
(a) A metaphor – comparing two things without using “like” or “as”
(b) A literal description – telling events exactly as they happened
(c) A personification – giving human characteristics to something non-human
(d) A simile – a comparison using “like” or “as”
Answer: False.
Reason: The statement is an example of personification, so term (c) applies.
3. Question: The narrator’s ability to laugh at his fear suggests he was _____.
Answer: resilient/ brave/ confident/ courageous/ strong/ composed/ fearless/ steadfast/ assured/ unafraid/ secure/ poised/ determined or any other similar response.
4. Question: How did the narrator react when he saw nothing but bottomless water?
Answer: He laughed and mocked his fear, showing confidence.
Class 12 Deep Water Extract Based Questions- 15
Yet I had residual doubts. At my first opportunity I hurried west, went up the Tieton to Conrad Meadows, up the Conrad Creek Trail to Meade Glacier, and camped in the high meadow by the side of Warm Lake. The next morning I stripped, dived into the lake, and swam across to the other shore and back — just as Doug Corpron used to do. I shouted with joy, and Gilbert Peak returned the echo. I had conquered my fear of water.
1. Question: Why did the narrator choose to swim in Warm Lake to test his fear? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer: The narrator chose Warm Lake to test his fear because it was a challenging and natural setting. By successfully swimming across and back, he wanted to prove to himself that he had truly conquered his fear of water.
2. Question: State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “I shouted with joy, and Gilbert Peak returned the echo.”
(a) A metaphor – a comparison without using “like” or “as”
(b) A literal description – telling events exactly as they happened
(c) A personification – giving human qualities to nonhuman things
(d) An exaggeration – making something seem bigger or more important than it is
Answer: False.
Reason: The statement is an example of personification and A literal description.
3. Question: The information in the extract suggests that the narrator felt _____.
Answer: triumphant/ victorious/ elated/ accomplished/ joyful/ proud/ exultant/ successful/ euphoric/ fulfilled/ satisfied/ jubilant or any other similar response.
4. Question: Why did the narrator shout with joy after swimming? Answer: He felt victorious over his long-standing fear of water.