This page offers Deep Water Short answer type question for Class 12  from the book Flamingo.   We’ve put together a bunch of Short 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 Short answer type question

Deep Water Short Answer Type Question

                                           By-William Douglas

1. How do you think William’s life would be different if he had learned to swim without any fear in the chapter “Deep Water”?

Answer: If William had learned to swim without any fear, his life would be more enjoyable and relaxed around water. He would have participated in swimming, boating, and fishing without anxiety. This confidence could have also made him more open to trying new activities and facing other challenges in life.

2. What message does William’s story convey about facing fears in the chapter “Deep Water”?

Answer: William’s story conveys the message that facing fears is essential for overcoming them. By confronting his fear of water step by step, William showed that courage and perseverance can help overcome even the deepest fears. His journey teaches us that facing our fears can lead to personal growth and freedom.

Also Read:

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3. What might have happened if William hadn’t decided to confront his fear of water?

Answer: If William hadn’t decided to confront his fear of water, he would have continued avoiding water activities. He would have missed out on swimming, boating, and fishing. His fear would have limited his experiences and enjoyment in life, making him feel anxious near water.

4. Why do you think the older boy threw William into the deep end of the pool?

Answer: The older boy probably threw William into the deep end of the pool because he thought it was a joke or wanted to show off. He likely didn’t realise how scared William would be or the serious impact it would have on William’s fear of water.

5. How might William’s fear of water have affected his confidence in other areas of his life?

Answer: William’s fear of water could have made him feel less confident in other areas of his life. Avoiding water activities might have caused him to doubt his abilities and feel more anxious about trying new things or facing challenges.

6. In the chapter “Deep Water”, What do you think motivated William to keep practising swimming despite his fear?

Answer: William was motivated to keep practising swimming because he wanted to overcome his fear and enjoy water activities. He also wanted to feel more confident and not be controlled by his fear. His determination to live a fuller life pushed him to keep practising.

7. Why do you think the instructor’s method of using a belt and pulley system was effective for William in the chapter “Deep Water”?

Answer: The instructor’s method of using a belt and pulley system was effective for William because it provided him with a sense of safety and support. This system allowed William to gradually build his confidence in the water without the fear of drowning, making him feel secure while learning to swim.

8. In the chapter “Deep Water”, How do you think William felt after he finally overcame his fear of water?

Answer: After William finally overcame his fear of water, he likely felt a great sense of relief and accomplishment. He probably felt proud of himself for facing and conquering his fear. Overcoming this fear would have made him feel more confident and free to enjoy water activities without anxiety.

9. In the chapter “Deep Water”, What do you think William’s story teaches us about the importance of persistence?

Answer: William’s story teaches us that persistence is very important for overcoming challenges. By practising swimming regularly and not giving up, William conquered his fear of water. His journey shows that with determination and continuous effort, we can reach our goals and overcome even the hardest obstacles.

10. Why is it important to face your fears instead of avoiding them, as demonstrated in the chapter “Deep Water”?

Answer: Facing your fears is important because it helps you grow and become stronger. Avoiding fears can limit your experiences and make you miss out on fun activities. Overcoming fears can boost your confidence and show you that you are capable of handling challenges.

11. In the chapter “Deep Water”, how can having a supportive person, like William’s instructor, make a difference in overcoming challenges?

Answer: Having a supportive person can provide guidance, encouragement, and a sense of safety. They can help you stay motivated and offer valuable advice. This support makes challenges feel less overwhelming and increases your chances of success.

12. What does William’s story teach us about the role of perseverance in achieving goals?

Answer: William’s story shows that perseverance is key to reaching goals. By practising regularly and not giving up, he overcame his fear of water. This teaches us that continuous effort and determination are essential for overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

13. Why is it important to replace negative thoughts with positive self-talk as demonstrated in the chapter “Deep Water”?

Answer: In “Deep Water,” replacing negative thoughts with positive self-talk is important for overcoming fear. This approach helps stay calm and focused, boosting confidence and reducing anxiety. It reinforces belief in one’s abilities and motivates continued effort, even in challenging situations. This technique was key for William in conquering his fear of water.

14. How can overcoming a fear or challenge, as demonstrated in the chapter “Deep Water,” impact other areas of your life?

Answer: In the chapter “Deep Water,” overcoming a fear or challenge can increase your confidence and make you more willing to face other difficult situations. It shows you that you are capable of handling tough experiences. This can positively affect your personal growth and overall outlook on life.

15. What do you think motivated William to finally confront his fear of water after so many years?

Answer: William was likely motivated by the desire to enjoy activities like swimming and fishing without fear. He wanted to live a fuller life and not be limited by his fear. This desire for freedom and enjoyment pushed him to confront and overcome his fear.

16. How do you think William’s life would have been different if he had given up on learning to swim?

Answer: If William had given up on learning to swim, he would have continued to avoid water-related activities. This would have limited his experiences and kept him from enjoying time with family and friends in the water. His confidence might have remained low, and he would have missed out on personal growth.

17. Why do you think positive self-talk was important in William’s journey to overcome his fear?

Answer: Positive self-talk was important because it helped William stay calm and focused. By telling himself he could do it, he built confidence and reduced his anxiety. This mental shift was importnat in helping him face his fear and succeed in learning to swim.

18. What lessons can we learn from William’s experience about the impact of early childhood events on our lives?

Answer: William’s experience teaches us that early childhood events can have a lasting impact on our fears and behaviours. It shows the importance of addressing and overcoming past traumas to move forward in life. Dealing with these fears can lead to personal growth and a more fulfilling life.

19. How can William’s journey to overcome his fear of water inspire you to face your own fears?

Answer: William’s journey shows that facing fears step by step, with determination and support, can lead to success. It inspires us to not let fear control our lives and to take action to overcome challenges. This example encourages us to believe in our ability to conquer our own fears.

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

1. Why did William Douglas decide to learn swimming at the YMCA pool?

Answer: William Douglas decided to learn swimming at the YMCA pool because he thought it was safer than the Yakima River. His mother had warned him about the dangers of the river, so he believed the pool, with its controlled environment, was a better and safer option for learning to swim.

2. In the chapter “Deep Water”, what happened to William at the beach in California as a child?

Answer: As a child at the beach in California, William was knocked down by strong waves. The waves covered him in water, making him feel overpowered and very scared. This frightening experience created a deep fear of water that stayed with him for many years.

3. How did William feel when the older boy threw him into the deep end of the pool?

Answer: William felt terrified and panicked when the older boy threw him into the deep end of the pool. He struggled to stay afloat, felt like he was drowning, and experienced intense fear as he sank to the bottom.

4. What techniques did William’s swimming instructor use to help him?

Answer: William’s swimming instructor used several techniques to help him. He used a belt and pulley system to provide support, taught William proper breathing techniques, and had him practise kicking while holding onto the side of the pool. These methods helped William gradually build confidence and reduce his fear of water.

5. How did William practise breathing in the water?

Answer: William practised breathing in the water by exhaling with his face in the water and then inhaling when he raised his nose above the surface. He repeated this exercise many times, which helped him feel more comfortable and confident while swimming.

6. What was William’s reaction when he swam in Lake Wentworth?

Answer: When William swam in Lake Wentworth, he initially felt a moment of fear when he saw the deep, bottomless water. However, he managed to stay calm, used positive self-talk to reassure himself, and continued swimming confidently. This experience helped him realise that he had truly overcome his fear of water.

7. How did William’s fear of water affect his daily life?

Answer: William’s fear of water affected his daily life by making him avoid all water-related activities. He couldn’t enjoy swimming, boating, or fishing. This fear made him anxious near water and kept him from joining family and friends in water activities.

8. What made William finally decide to confront his fear of water?

Answer: William finally decided to confront his fear of water because it was affecting his life too much. He wanted to enjoy activities like swimming and fishing without being scared. He realised that facing his fear was the only way to overcome it and live more fully.

9. How did William’s confidence change as he practised swimming?

Answer: As William practised swimming, his confidence gradually increased. Each small success in the pool made him feel more comfortable and less afraid. With regular practice and the support of his instructor, he became more sure of his abilities and less anxious about being in the water.

10. What did William learn about fear through his experience?

Answer: William learned that fear itself can be more frightening than the actual danger. He realised that by facing and gradually overcoming his fear, he could reduce its power over him. His experience taught him that courage and perseverance are key to overcoming even the deepest fears.

11. How did William’s journey to overcome his fear impact his personal growth?

Answer: William’s journey to overcome his fear greatly impacted his personal growth. It taught him courage and perseverance. He became more confident and resilient. By facing his fear, he learned to tackle challenges head-on, which made him stronger and more determined in other areas of his life.

12. What role did positive self-talk play in William’s journey in the chapter “Deep Water”?

Answer: Positive self-talk played an important role in William’s journey. It helped him stay calm and focused while swimming. By telling himself that he could do it and reminding himself of his progress, he built confidence and reduced his fear. This mental shift was key to overcoming his anxiety about water.

13. Why do you think William’s mother warned him about the Yakima River?

Answer: William’s mother warned him about the Yakima River because it was dangerous. The river likely had strong currents and other hazards that made it unsafe for swimming. She wanted to protect William from the risk of drowning and keep him safe by advising him to stay away from it.

14. What is the ‘misadventure’ that William Douglas speaks about?

Answer: The misadventure happened when Douglas went swimming in the Y.M.C.A pool. A big boy threw him into the deep end. He swallowed water, sank to the bottom, and tried to jump to the surface. His plan failed, and he nearly drowned.

15. What were the series of emotions and fears that Douglas experienced when he was thrown into the pool? What plans did he make to come to the surface?

Answer: When thrown into the pool, Douglas felt intense fear but stayed calm. He planned to jump up, lie flat, and paddle to the edge. He tried but rose slowly and saw nothing. Terror seized him, he screamed underwater, and was paralyzed with fear, knowing only that he was alive.

16. ‘I crossed to oblivion and the curtain of life fell’. Why did the author make this remark in the chapter “Deep Water”? 

Answer: The author had made three futile attempts to spring up to the surface but as his strength failed and energy got exhausted, he gave up and stopped all his efforts. He relaxed and passed into a state of unconsciousness and then there was no fear after that.

17. Why was Douglas determined to get over his fear of water in the chapter “Deep Water”?

Answer: Douglas’s fear of water kept him from enjoying activities like fishing, canoeing, and swimming. Determined to overcome this fear, he decided to get an instructor and learn to swim, practising five days a week, one hour each day.

18. In the chapter “Deep Water”, what did the author mean by ‘But I was not finished’ after his swimming lessons with the instructor were over?

Answer: The author’s remark meant that he was not sure whether his old terror had left him. He still felt scared and frightened while swimming the length of the pool up and down. To ensure he had truly overcome his fear, he decided to swim in various lakes and rivers.

19. What impression do you get of Douglas from the chapter “Deep Water”? 

Ans. Douglas was a brave and strong-willed person. Despite his horrifying experiences in water when he almost drowned, he didn’t give up. He resolved to overcome his fear by learning to swim. He hired an instructor and with complete focus and determination, he succeeded in learning to swim.