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. Desire, determination and diligence lead to success. Explain the value of these qualities in the light of Douglas’ experience in Deep Water? Answer in around 120 to 150 words (Deep Water)

Or

 Courage and optimism are attributes that can make the impossible possible. Elucidate with reference to “Deep Water”?  Answer in around 120 to 150 words (Deep Water)

Ans. It is through courage, determination, and desire that people make the impossible possible. William Douglas is a perfect example of this. After nearly drowning at the beach and the Y.M.C.A., he developed a deep fear of water. Every time he entered the water, panic would paralyse him. This fear controlled his life for many years.

Finally, Douglas decided to face his fear. With relentless efforts and a positive attitude, he succeeded. He hired a swimming instructor who trained him with special techniques. After seven months of rigorous practice, he overcame his fear.

Douglas proved that courage, determination, diligence, and optimism can help anyone conquer their fears and achieve their goals.

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? Answer in around 120 to 150 words (Deep Water)

Answer : William’s fear of water is like the fear of public speaking. Both create anxiety and often come from bad experiences. William’s fear began when he nearly drowned as a child. Many fear public speaking due to embarrassing moments or low confidence.

To overcome his fear, William took small steps, practised regularly with an instructor, used breathing techniques, and tested his progress by swimming in real-life situations like Lake Wentworth. These steps also help with public speaking.

Start with small steps, like speaking to a small group. Use calming techniques, like deep breathing, and gradually speak to larger groups. With practice and courage, 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 in around 120 to 150 words (Deep Water)

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? Answer in around 120 to 150 words (Deep Water)

Answer: William Douglas’s story shows that fear can be more overwhelming than real danger. As a boy, he developed a deep fear of water after being overpowered by waves at the beach. This fear grew worse when a boy pushed him into deep water, nearly drowning him.

Despite these traumatic experiences, Douglas decided to face his fear. He took swimming lessons, slowly building confidence. Each session, though frightening, helped him feel more at ease. A turning point came during a swim in Lake Wentworth, where he realised his fear came from within, not the water.

Douglas’s journey teaches that the anticipation of fear can be more paralysing than actual danger. Facing fears with persistence can help overcome them.

5. How might William’s life be different if he never faced his fear of water? What personal growth and activities would he miss? Answer in around 120 to 150 words (Deep Water)

Answer : If William had never faced his fear of water, his life would have been very restricted. He would avoid activities like swimming, fishing, and boating, missing out on fun and relaxation. His fear would cause anxiety whenever near water and limit his experiences.

Not overcoming this fear would also mean less personal growth. Facing his fear taught him courage, perseverance, and determination, which are important for tackling other challenges. Without this, his confidence would remain low, and he might feel embarrassed about his fear. This could affect his social life, making him avoid situations involving water.

Overall, avoiding his fear would have limited his happiness and stopped him from growing as a person.

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? Answer in around 120 to 150 words (Deep Water)

Answer : If William’s swimming instructor wrote a recommendation letter, it would highlight his courage and determination. The instructor would mention how William faced his deep fear of water bravely. He practised daily with perseverance, even during tough moments.

The letter would describe his efforts to learn skills like proper breathing and kicking. It would explain how he slowly gained confidence by swimming back and forth in the pool, despite his fear.

The instructor would also praise William’s resilience, noting how he never gave up, even when fear challenged him. His success in testing his skills in real-life situations, like swimming in Lake Wentworth and Warm Lake, would be highlighted. The letter would reflect William’s determination, hard work, and remarkable progress in overcoming his fear.

7. How did William’s fear of water affect his relationships with family and friends? How did avoiding water activities impact his social life? Answer in around 120 to 150 words (Deep Water)

Answer : William’s fear of water had a big impact on his relationships with family and friends. He avoided activities like swimming, boating, or fishing, which are popular ways to bond with loved ones. Missing these moments often made him feel left out and isolated when others enjoyed them without him.

His fear also caused stress in social situations involving water. He might have felt embarrassed or anxious, affecting his confidence and making him hesitant to join such gatherings. This could make him seem distant or uninterested, even though he was struggling internally.

Overall, his fear created a barrier that limited his social interactions and stopped him from fully enjoying time with family and friends.

8. How did William’s self-talk and inner thoughts change during his journey? Answer in around 120 to 150 words (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 

9. 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 in around 120 to 150 words (Deep Water)

Answer : Having a supportive mentor, like William’s swimming instructor, is important for overcoming challenges. His instructor provided safety, guidance, and encouragement, helping him face his fear of water.

Seeking help from others can greatly assist in achieving personal goals. A mentor offers advice, shares experiences, and motivates us. They identify our strengths and areas to improve, supporting us during tough times. For example, a teacher can help a student with difficult subjects, and a coach can help an athlete improve their skills.

Having guidance makes challenges seem easier and keeps us motivated. William’s story shows that with the right support, fears can be overcome, and goals can be achieved. Asking for help is a wise step towards growth and success.

10. 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? Answer in around 120 to 150 words (Deep Water)

Answer : William’s experience shows how early childhood events can greatly affect later life. A frightening beach incident in his childhood left him with a deep fear of water. This fear stayed with him for years, stopping him from enjoying activities like swimming and boating.

His story shows that past traumas can shape our fears and behaviours. If not dealt with, these fears can limit our happiness and experiences. William’s fear made him avoid enjoyable activities and feel anxious around water.

Facing and overcoming past traumas is important for moving forward and living fully. By working with a swimming instructor, William faced his fear and conquered it. This helped him enjoy swimming and gain confidence. Overcoming fears leads to growth, better mental health, and a fuller life.

11. 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? Answer in around 120 to 150 words (Deep Water)

Answer : If William had never experienced the near-drowning incident at the beach, his life would have been different. He might have enjoyed swimming and boating from a young age without any fear. He would likely have felt comfortable near water and participated in more family and social activities involving water.

However, the incident played a major role in shaping his character. His fear kept him away from water for many years but also taught him about the power of fear. Facing and overcoming this fear showed his bravery and determination.

This experience made him stronger and taught him persistence and courage. These qualities likely helped him face other challenges in life. Though it was frightening, it ultimately led to his personal growth and confidence.

12. 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? Answer in around 120 to 150 words (Deep Water)

Answer : If I were in William’s place when thrown into the deep end of the pool, I would feel scared and panic. To stay safe, staying calm would be very important. Panicking would make it harder to think clearly and swim properly.

First, I would take a deep breath as soon as I hit the water to calm myself. Then, I would try to float on my back to keep my face above water and breathe easily. Next, I would look for the pool’s edge and move towards it using a simple stroke like the dog paddle if I couldn’t swim well.

If I needed help, I would shout to alert others. Staying calm, breathing steadily, and using basic techniques would help me manage my fear and stay safe.

13. 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? Answer in around 120 to 150 words (Deep Water)

Answer : I remember when I had to give a speech to a large audience. It was one of my biggest fears. To overcome it, I started practising in front of a mirror. Then, I practised with family and friends. Each time, I focused on staying calm and confident.

William’s journey to overcome his fear of water is similar to mine. Like him, I faced my fear step by step. William 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 type of fear. Mine was public speaking, and his was water. However, both journeys show that determination, support, and consistent practice can help overcome any fear.

14. Do you think that “Deep Water” is an appropriate title? Give reasons in support of your answer? Answer in around 120 to 150 words (Deep Water)

Answer: The title “Deep Water” is very appropriate for the chapter. “Deep water” symbolises serious trouble, reflecting the author’s fear of water and his terrifying experience. This fear began when a big boy threw him into the deep end of the YMCA pool, leaving him struggling underwater.

Though he tried to rise to the surface, he failed, showing the danger he faced until he was rescued. Determined to overcome his fear, he took swimming lessons. Through consistent effort and practice, he conquered his fear and became a skilled swimmer.

The title represents both the literal deep water and the emotional struggle he endured. It highlights his journey from fear to triumph, making “Deep Water” a perfect title for his story.

15. Discuss the importance of courage and perseverance in William’s journey to overcome his fear. How did these qualities help him succeed? Answer in around 120 to 150 words (Deep Water)

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? Answer in around 120 to 150 words (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. His courage helped him face the water each day, despite his past trauma. 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.

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 in around 120 to 150 words (Deep Water)

Answer : William Douglas’s first experience with water was at a beach in California when he was very young. He was with his father when a wave knocked him down and covered him in water. He felt scared and helpless, while his father laughed. This experience left him terrified of water.

As he grew older, this fear stayed with him. It stopped him from enjoying water activities and made him nervous when he tried to swim at a pool. The memory of the beach incident made him feel unsafe and anxious near water.

This childhood experience had a lasting impact, showing how powerful early fears can be. It took him a lot of time, effort, and courage to finally overcome 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 in around 120 to 150 words (Deep Water)

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

He tried to jump to the surface but failed repeatedly. Each time, he sank back, feeling more scared and helpless. He nearly drowned and eventually blacked out. When he woke up, he was lying beside the pool, weak and trembling.

After this incident, William became extremely afraid of water. He avoided the pool and all water activities. The fear stayed with him for years, making him feel anxious and powerless near water. This event made his fear much stronger and harder to overcome.

3. How did the swimming instructor help William Douglas overcome his fear of water? What techniques were used? Answer in around 120 to 150 words (Deep Water)

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 in around 120 to 150 words (Deep Water)

Answer- The swimming instructor helped William Douglas overcome his fear of water step by step. First, he tied a belt around William’s waist, with a rope attached to it. Holding the rope, the instructor guided him across the pool to ensure his safety.

Next, he taught William proper breathing techniques. William practised exhaling underwater and inhaling when raising his nose, repeating it until he felt at ease.

Then, the instructor made him practice kicking his legs while holding the pool’s side. Though stiff at first, his legs gradually relaxed, and he gained control.

Through these steps, the instructor built William’s confidence and swimming skills. Eventually, William could swim on his own, and his fear began to fade.

4. How did swimming in Lake Wentworth help William Douglas test his confidence? What did he learn from this experience? Answer in around 120 to 150 words (Deep Water)

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 significant challenge for him. While swimming, he felt scared when he saw the deep, bottomless water, reminding him of his old fear. However, he stayed calm and continued swimming.

He used different strokes like the crawl, breaststroke, side stroke, and backstroke. This experience proved he could swim well and that his fear no longer controlled him.

By swimming in the lake, William realised he could face his fears and stay calm in difficult situations. It boosted his confidence and showed he had conquered the terror that had haunted him for years. This was a major step in his journey to becoming fearless in the water.

5. ‘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 in around 120 to 150 words (Deep Water)

Answer: Douglas first became scared of water at the age of three or four after a frightening incident at a California beach. Waves knocked him down and nearly buried him underwater. This left him gasping for air and terrified, starting his fear of water.

Later, when he was ten or eleven, another incident made his fear worse. While sitting by a swimming pool, a larger boy threw him into the deep end. He struggled to save himself, feeling suffocated and frozen with fear. Though rescued, this experience felt like a near-death moment and caused him to develop hydrophobia—a deep fear of water.

This fear stopped him from enjoying activities like swimming, canoeing, or fishing. It stayed with him for years until he decided to face and overcome it.

6. 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 in around 120 to 150 words (Deep Water)

 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.

7. ‘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 in around 120 to 150 words (Deep Water)

Answer: The handicap referred to is Douglas’s fear of water, which he developed due to traumatic childhood incidents. This fear stopped him from enjoying swimming and water sports.

At three or four years old, Douglas was knocked down by waves at a California beach and almost buried in water. This incident created an aversion to water. Later, at ten or eleven, a big boy threw him into a swimming pool. This terrifying experience left him struggling to breathe, paralysed by fear, and barely escaping drowning.

These events made him fearful of water, depriving him of activities like canoeing, swimming, rafting, and fishing. This fear was a handicap as it kept him from enjoying the pleasures of water sports and related activities.

8. But I was not finished.’ Describe how Douglas gained confidence as a swimmer after the instructor had left him? Answer in around 120 to 150 words (Deep Water)

 Answer: After completing his instructor’s training, Douglas had learned to swim but still felt some fear. To overcome this, he challenged himself by swimming in different environments beyond pools.

He swam in open waters, including places like the Tieton, Conrad Meadows, Conrad Creek Trail, and even the Meade Glacier. His journey ended at Warm Lake, where he finally felt fully confident in his abilities.

Each new body of water tested his skills and pushed him past his remaining fears. By repeatedly facing these challenges, Douglas proved to himself that he could swim confidently in any setting. His persistent effort helped him completely conquer his fear of water.