Deep Water Long Answer Type Question | Assumption, Creativity & Critical Thinking Based | Class 12  Flamingo

This page offers Deep Water long answer type question for Class 12  from the book Flamingo.  We’ve put together a bunch of long answer type question based on assumption, creativity, extrapolation and critical thinking. These types of questions are introduced after 2024 in CBSE Board. So, practice to understand Deep Water long answer type question

Deep Water Long Answer Type Question

1. Discuss the importance of courage and perseverance in William’s journey to overcome his fear. How did these qualities help him succeed?

Or

Reflect on the role of perseverance in achieving goals, as seen in William’s story “Deep Water”. How can this value help in academic and personal growth? (Deep Water)

Answer : Courage and perseverance were very important in William Douglas’s journey to overcome his fear of water. His fear was very strong because of a near-drowning experience. He showed courage by deciding to face it. Getting a swimming instructor was his first brave step.

William’s perseverance was clear in his regular practice. He practised breathing, kicking, and swimming every day. Each session helped reduce his fear, even though it was slow and hard. His courage helped him face the water each day, despite his past trauma. His perseverance made sure he didn’t give up, even when fear tried to stop him.

By practising and challenging himself, like swimming in Lake Wentworth, William built his confidence. These qualities—courage to face his fear and perseverance to keep trying—helped William overcome his fear of water. This shows that determination and bravery can beat even the deepest fears.

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2. Compare and contrast William’s fear of water with another common fear. How can the methods he used to overcome his fear be applied to other situations? (Deep Water)

Answer : William’s fear of water is similar to the common fear of public speaking. Both fears cause a lot of anxiety and often come from bad past experiences. William’s fear started when he nearly drowned as a child. Many people fear public speaking because they had an embarrassing moment or lack confidence.

To overcome his fear, William took several steps. He faced his fear slowly, starting with small steps. He practised regularly with the help of a supportive instructor. He learned techniques like breathing exercises to stay calm. He also tested his progress by swimming in real-life situations, like Lake Wentworth.

These steps can help with the fear of public speaking too. Start with small steps, like speaking to a small group. Learn ways to stay calm, like deep breathing. Test your progress by speaking in larger groups over time. With courage and practice, like William, anyone can overcome their fears.

3. Imagine you are William’s friend. Write a letter encouraging him during his struggle to learn swimming. What advice would you give him?

Answer : 

Dear William,

I hope you are doing well. I heard about your struggle with learning to swim, and I wanted to encourage you. Facing your fear of water is tough, but I believe you can do it.

Remember to take small steps each day and trust your swimming instructor. They are there to help and keep you safe. Every bit of progress is a victory.

When you feel scared, take deep breaths and stay calm. Remind yourself of how far you’ve come. It’s okay to be afraid, but don’t let it stop you. Keep pushing forward.

Think about how great it will feel when you can swim without fear. You’ll be able to enjoy many new activities and feel proud of yourself.

Stay strong and keep going, William. You can do this!

Your friend,

Your Name

4. How does the story of William Douglas demonstrate that fear itself can be more frightening than the actual danger? Use examples from the text to support your answer? (Deep Water)

Answer: William Douglas’s story shows how fear can be more frightening than actual danger. As a young boy, Douglas was terrified by an experience at the beach where waves overwhelmed him, embedding a deep fear of water. This fear increased after a boy threw him into the deep end, nearly causing him to drown.

Despite these traumas, Douglas tackled his fear by taking swimming lessons. Each session, though filled with panic, gradually helped him gain comfort in the water. His fear often seemed larger than any real threat. A pivotal moment came during a swim in Lake Wentworth, where he realised that his terror was internal, not from the water itself.

Douglas learned that the anticipation of fear could be more paralysing than the danger it represents. By persistently facing his fear, he not only overcame it but also demonstrated that internal fears are often more daunting than external realities.

5. How might William’s life be different if he never faced his fear of water? What personal growth and activities would he miss? (Deep Water)

Answer : If William never faced his fear of water, his life would be very different. His fear would continue to affect his daily activities and enjoyment. He would miss out on swimming, fishing, and boating, which are fun and relaxing activities. This fear would limit his experiences and make him feel anxious whenever he was near water. 

Not facing his fear would also mean less personal growth. By overcoming his fear, William learned courage, determination, and perseverance. These qualities are important for dealing with other challenges in life. If he had avoided water, he might not have developed these strengths.

His confidence would remain low, and he might feel embarrassed about his fear. This could affect his social interactions, making him shy away from situations involving water. Overall, not facing his fear would limit his enjoyment of life and hinder his personal growth.

6. If William’s swimming instructor wrote a recommendation letter for him, what qualities and experiences would he mention to show William’s determination and progress? (Deep Water)

Answer : If William’s swimming instructor wrote a recommendation letter for him, he would highlight his courage and determination. The instructor would mention how William bravely decided to face his deep fear of water.

He practised every day, showing great perseverance, even when it was tough. The instructor would describe William’s effort in learning new skills, like proper breathing and kicking. The instructor would explain how he gradually built his confidence by swimming back and forth in the pool, despite feeling scared at times. 

The instructor would also praise William’s resilience. He never gave up, even when his fear tried to stop him. He would highlight his success in testing his skills in real-life situations, like swimming in Lake Wentworth and Warm Lake. The letter would show William’s strong determination, hard work, and great progress in overcoming his fear of water.

7. How did William’s fear of water affect his relationships with family and friends? How did avoiding water activities impact his social life? (Deep Water)

Answer : William’s fear of water deeply affected his relationships with family and friends. He often skipped activities that involved water, like swimming, boating, or fishing, which are common ways people enjoy time together. Missing these activities meant he missed out on fun and bonding moments with his loved ones. This often left him feeling isolated or left out, especially when his family and friends enjoyed these activities without him.

His fear also made him uncomfortable and stressed in social situations involving water. He might have felt embarrassed or anxious about his fear, impacting his confidence and willingness to join in social gatherings.

This could have made him seem distant or uninterested, even though he was actually struggling with his fear. Overall, his fear of water created a barrier that limited his social life and affected his ability to fully enjoy and participate in moments with family and friends.

8. If William used a different method like hypnosis or therapy to overcome his fear, how might his journey and results be different? What are the pros and cons of these other methods? (Deep Water)

Answer : If William used hypnosis or therapy to overcome his fear of water, his journey and results might be different in several ways.

Hypnosis:

  1. Pros:
  1. Cons:

Therapy:

  1. Pros:
  1. Cons:

Both methods could reduce his fear mentally but lack the hands-on practice gained through actual swimming lessons. Combining these methods with swimming practice might be most effective.

9. How did William’s self-talk and inner thoughts change during his journey? How did these changes help him overcome his fear? (Deep Water)

Answer : William’s self-talk and inner thoughts changed a lot during his journey to overcome his fear of water. At first, his mind was filled with fear and panic. He constantly thought about drowning and felt helpless. When he started working with the swimming instructor, his thoughts began to shift.

He focused on instructions and techniques, which helped distract him from fear. Gradually, he told himself that he could do it and that he was safe. Each small success in the pool built his confidence. While swimming in places like Lake Wentworth, he faced moments of fear but used positive self-talk to calm himself.

He reminded himself of his progress, saying things like, “I can do this” and “I am in control.” These changes in self-talk helped him build confidence and reduce anxiety. By replacing negative thoughts with positive 

10. How does having a supportive mentor or guide, like William’s swimming instructor, help in overcoming challenges? How can seeking help from others benefit us in our personal goals?

Answer : Having a supportive mentor, like William’s swimming instructor, is key to overcoming challenges. His instructor gave him safety, guidance, and encouragement, which helped William face his fear of water. 

Getting help from others can greatly help us reach our personal goals. A mentor can offer useful advice, share their experiences, and encourage us. They help us see what we’re good at and what we need to work on, guiding us when times are tough. For example, a teacher can help a student understand hard subjects, while a coach can help an athlete get better at their sport.

Having someone to guide us makes challenges seem smaller and keeps us going, even when it’s hard. William’s story shows that with the right support, we can beat our fears and meet our goals. Asking for help is a smart way to grow and succeed.

11. How does William’s experience illustrate the impact of early childhood experiences on later life? Explain why it is important to address and overcome past traumas? (Deep Water)

Answer : William’s experience shows how early childhood experiences can have a big impact on later life. When he was young, a frightening incident at the beach made him afraid of water. This fear stayed with him for many years and affected his ability to enjoy activities like swimming and boating.

His story illustrates that past traumas can shape our fears and behaviours. If not addressed, these fears can limit our experiences and happiness. William’s fear of water made him avoid many enjoyable activities and feel anxious around water. Addressing and overcoming past traumas is important because it helps us move forward and live fully.

By facing his fear and working with a swimming instructor, William was able to conquer his fear of water. This allowed him to enjoy swimming and feel confident. Overcoming past traumas can lead to personal growth, better mental health, and a more fulfilling life.

12. William’s story shows how positive self-talk and mindset can help overcome fears. How can having a positive mindset help in facing other challenges in life? Give examples from your own experiences or what you have seen?

Answer: William’s story shows that positive thinking and self-encouragement can significantly help overcome fears. He boosted his confidence and lessened his fear by reassuring himself that he could manage in the water. This positive mindset is beneficial across many aspects of life.

For instance, in academics, a student struggling with a subject can improve by shifting from thoughts of “I can’t do this” to “I’ll try my best and improve.” Similarly, athletes enhance their performance by using positive self-talk, such as “I can win this race” or “I’ve trained hard for this.”

Positive thinking also aids in managing daily stress. If someone feels anxious about a job interview, focusing on their skills and preparation can reduce anxiety and improve performance. By fostering a habit of positive self-talk and maintaining a constructive mindset, we stay driven, build confidence, and effectively tackle challenges, fostering success and growth in various life areas.

13. How would William’s life be different if he never had the near-drowning incident at the beach? How did this event shape his character and actions? (Deep Water)

Answer : If William never had the near-drowning incident at the beach, his life would be different. He might have enjoyed water activities like swimming and boating from a young age. He wouldn’t have felt anxious near water and could have joined in more family and social activities that involved water.

This incident significantly shaped William’s character and actions. The fear it caused made him avoid water for many years. However, it also taught him about the power of fear and its control over life.

Overcoming this fear showed his bravery and determination. This experience made him stronger and taught him the value of persistence and bravery. These qualities probably helped him in other areas of his life, making him more confident and ready to face challenges. Although it was a scary experience, it led to William’s personal growth and strength.

14. Imagine you are in William’s place when the older boy threw him into the deep end of the pool. How would you react, and what steps would you take to manage your fear and stay safe? (Deep Water)

Answer : If I were in William’s place when thrown into the deep end of the pool, I would feel very scared and start to panic. To manage my fear and stay safe, staying calm would be important. Panicking can make it hard to think clearly and swim properly. My first step would be to take a deep breath as soon as I hit the water, helping me calm down.

Then, I would float on my back to keep my face above water and breathe easier. Next, I would look for the edge of the pool and start moving towards it, using a simple stroke like the dog paddle if I weren’t good at swimming.

If I needed help, I would shout to let others know I was in trouble. By staying calm, focusing on breathing, and using basic swimming techniques, I could manage my fear and stay safe.

15. Think about a time when you faced a big fear or challenge. How did you try to overcome it? Compare your approach to William’s journey and find any similarities or differences? (Deep Water)

Answer : I remember a time when I had to give a speech in front of a large audience. It was a big fear of mine. To overcome it, I started by practising my speech in front of a mirror. Then, I practised in front of family and friends. Each time, I tried to stay calm and focused.

Comparing this to William’s journey, there are some similarities and differences. Like William, I faced my fear step by step. He practised swimming daily with an instructor, while I practised my speech with small, supportive audiences. Both of us built confidence gradually.

The main difference is the nature of our fears: mine was public speaking, and William’s was water. However, both of us used gradual exposure, support, and regular practice to overcome our fears. This shows that determination and consistent effort are key to overcoming any fear or challenge.

16. Desire, determination and diligence lead to success. Explain the value of these qualities in the light of Douglas’ experience in Deep Water? (Deep Water)

Or

 Courage and optimism are attributes that can make the impossible possible. Elucidate with reference to “Deep Water”?  (Deep Water)

Ans. It is only through courage, desire and determination that man has succeeded in making the impossible possible. The most appropriate example is William Douglas’ pursuit to overcome his fear of water. After the terrible experience of almost drowning at the beach and Y.M.C.A. Douglas developed a fear of water.

The moment he entered the water, pangs of panic paralysed his lumps. He spent many years of his life, under this fear. But finally, he decided to overcome this fear and succeeded in his attempts due to his relentless efforts and positive approach.

He hired a swimming instructor, who after rigorous training and special technique, built a swimmer out of him. It took Douglas almost seven months to overcome this fear. But, finally, Douglas proved that it was courage, determination, desire, diligence and optimism that made him get rid of fear.

17. Do you think that “Deep Water” is an appropriate title? Give reasons in support of your answer?

Answer: The title “Deep Water” is exceptionally fitting for the chapter. The term “deep water” often implies being in serious trouble, which directly relates to the author’s experiences with hydrophobia and his intense fear of deep water. This fear was increased when a big boy unexpectedly threw him into the deep end of the YMCA pool, leading to a terrifying struggle underwater.

Despite planning to rise to the surface, he initially failed, highlighting his dire situation until he was rescued. Determined to conquer his fear, the author took swimming lessons, where his determination and continuous practice gradually made him an expert swimmer.

The title not only reflects the literal deep water that challenged him but also symbolises the profound emotional and psychological depths he navigated to overcome his fear. This journey from fear to mastery underlines why “Deep Water” is a meaningful title for Douglas’s story.

Note- Following are the old types questions with answers for the chapter “Deep Water” These were asked till 2023-24 session. They focus more on memory rather than assumption and extrapolation. They are still useful.

1. Describe William Douglas’s first experience with water at the beach. How did it affect him later in life?

Answer : William Douglas’s first experience with water was at a beach in California. He was very young and with his father. The waves knocked him down and covered him in water. He felt very scared and overpowered. His father laughed, but he was terrified. This made him fear water.

Later in life, this fear stayed with him. It affected his ability to enjoy water activities. When he tried to learn how to swim at the pool, he felt very nervous. The memory of the beach incident made him scared. Even after many years, his fear would come back whenever he was near water.

This childhood experience had a lasting impact, making it hard for him to feel safe and confident around water. This fear followed him for a long time, showing how strong and lasting early experiences can be. It took him a lot of time, effort, and courage to finally face his fear and learn to swim.

2. Explain the incident at the YMCA pool that intensified William’s fear of water. How did he feel during and after the incident?

Answer : At the YMCA pool, William Douglas’s fear of water became much worse. One day, while he was alone at the pool, a big boy, about eighteen years old, came in. The boy picked up William and threw him into the deep end of the pool. William sank to the bottom and felt terrified.

During the incident, William tried to jump to the surface but failed. He sank again and again, feeling more and more scared. He almost drowned and blacked out. When he woke up, he was lying beside the pool, very weak and trembling.

After the incident, William was extremely scared of water. He avoided the pool and any water activities. The fear stayed with him for many years, making him feel weak and frightened whenever he was near water. This incident made his fear of water much stronger and harder to overcome.

3. How did the swimming instructor help William Douglas overcome his fear of water? What techniques were used?

Or 

Describe the process William went through to conquer his fear of water. What steps did he take and how did he feel at each stage?

Answer : The swimming instructor helped William Douglas overcome his fear of water using several techniques. First, the instructor put a belt around William with a rope attached to it. The instructor held the end of the rope and guided William back and forth across the pool, helping him feel safe.

Next, the instructor taught William how to breathe properly in the water. William practised exhaling with his face in the water and inhaling when he raised his nose. He repeated this exercise many times until he felt comfortable.

Then, the instructor had William practice kicking his legs while holding onto the side of the pool. At first, his legs were stiff, but gradually, they relaxed, and he could control them better.

Step by step, the instructor built William’s confidence and swimming skills. Eventually, William was able to swim on his own, and his fear began to lessen. 

4. How did swimming in Lake Wentworth help William Douglas test his confidence? What did he learn from this experience?

Answer: Swimming in Lake Wentworth helped William Douglas test his confidence in a real-life situation. He decided to swim across the lake, which was a big challenge for him. While swimming, he felt scared when he saw the deep, bottomless water, reminding him of his old fear. But he managed to stay calm and kept swimming. William used different strokes like the crawl, breaststroke, side stroke, and backstroke. 

Through this swim, he realised he could swim well and his fear no longer controlled him. This experience showed that he had truly conquered his fear of water. By swimming in the lake, William learned he could face his fears and stay calm in tough situations. It boosted his confidence and proved he had overcome the terror that had haunted him for so long. This was a big step in his journey to becoming confident and fearless in the water.

5. A big boy threw Douglas into the swimming pool. How did this experience affect Douglas? 

Answer: When William Douglas was trying to overcome his fear of water at the YMCA pool, a big boy threw him into the deep end. This terrifying experience deeply affected Douglas. Although he tried to stay calm and planned to push off the bottom to reach the surface, his efforts failed repeatedly. He struggled to breathe and nearly gave up before being rescued.

This frightening incident made Douglas’s fear of water turn into a severe phobia. He shook and trembled after being pulled out of the water, and his fear grew so intense that it stopped him from enjoying any water-related activities.

He couldn’t swim, fish, or even bathe in lakes. Despite trying hard to face his fear, it continued to have a strong psychological hold on him, robbing him of the joys of water activities he once hoped to enjoy.

6. How did Douglas develop an aversion to water?

Or

‘I crossed to oblivion, and the curtain of life fell.’ What was the incident which nearly killed Douglas and developed in him a strong aversion to water?                                                           

Answer: Douglas first became scared of water when he was three or four years old after a scary incident at a California beach where waves knocked him down and nearly buried him underwater. This experience left him terrified and gasping for air, starting his aversion to water.

Later, when he was ten or eleven, another incident intensified his fear. While sitting by a swimming pool, a larger boy threw him into the deep end. This felt like a brush with death, as he struggled terribly trying to save himself. He nearly drowned, feeling suffocated and his body frozen in fear.

Even though he was rescued, this event made him develop hydrophobia—a fear of water. He could not engage in any water-related activities like swimming, canoeing, or fishing without feeling intense panic. Douglas lived with this fear for many years before he finally decided to overcome it.

7. Douglas fully realised the truth of Roosevelt’s statement, “All we have to fear is fear itself.” How did this realisation help him brush aside his fear and become an expert swimmer?

 Answer: Fear is a paralysing emotion. It restricts all kinds of efforts, creativity and all kinds of ventures that one thinks of achieving. But with the help of determination and hard work, fear can be conquered. William Douglas proved this.

He chased away his fear of water by first psychoanalysing it and then treating it in a systematic manner. After his misadventure at YMCA pool, Douglas has developed hydrophobia. In spite of that, he hired a professional trainer and learnt swimming step by step. Due to his strong willpower and rigorous practice, Douglas was made a swimmer by the trainer.

But even now Douglas was not satisfied and set a higher benchmark for his perfection and devised various tests and situations to defeat the fear in all forms. Thus, ultimately, Douglas was able to overpower his fear of water completely and became an expert swimmer.

8. ‘This handicap stayed with me as the years rolled by.’ Which handicap is being referred to and what are the events that made Douglas handicapped?

Answer: The handicap being referred to is the fear of water Douglas had developed due to some unfortunate incidents in his childhood. As a result, he could not enjoy water sports and swimming. When he was three or four years old, his father took him to the beach in California.

Douglas was knocked down by the sea waves and was almost buried in water. He developed an aversion to water. Moreover, when he was ten or eleven years old, a big boy flung him into a swimming pool. At that time he had a terrible experience. He was almost in the water, which suffocated him and the fear immobilised his limbs. However, he somehow escaped drowning.

Since then he was scared of water and could not enjoy canoeing, swimming, rafting, fishing, etc. This make him a handicap, as he was deprived of the joy of water sports and swimming.

9. But I was not finished.’ Describe how Douglas gained confidence as a swimmer after the instructor had left him? 

Answer: After his instructor’s training, Douglas had learned to swim but still felt fear. To build his confidence, he continued to challenge himself by swimming in different environments. He didn’t stop at just practising in pools; he expanded his experience to open waters.

Douglas swam in various places like the Tieton, Conrad Meadows, up the Conrad Creek Trail, and even in the Meade Glacier. His journey culminated at Warm Lake, where he finally felt confident in his abilities. Each new body of water tested his skills and helped him push past his remaining fears.

By repeatedly facing and conquering his fear in these diverse settings, Douglas proved to himself that he was not only capable of swimming but could do so confidently in any environment. This persistent effort fully rid him of his fear of water.