Deep Water Class 12 English Important Questions and Answers

If you're studying for your Class 12 English exam, you'll want to make sure you're prepared for the Flamingo Chapter 3 Deep Water chapter. This guide includes important questions and answers to help you understand the themes, characters, and plot of the story, and to help you succeed on your exam.

Subject	English Language & Literature
Class	12
Board	CBSE
Chapter Name	Deep Water
Type	Important Questions and Answers
Session	2023-24
Book Name	Flamingo Chapter 3
Literature	Prose

"If you can't fly, then run. If you can't run, then walk. If you can't walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward."

- Martin Luther King Jr.

Deep Water Class 12 Extra Questions & Answers

Q. No. 1) Read the extract and answer the questions given below:

My breath was gone. I was frightened. Father laughed, but there was terror in my heart at the overpowering force of the waves. 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.

i. Choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below.

• Statement 1: The author’s father laughed to mock his son’s inability to swim.
• Statement 2: The author wanted to swim just to prove to his father that he can swim.

a. Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false.

b. Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.

c. Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 cannot be inferred.

d. Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be inferred.

Ans. Option (c)

ii. “My introduction to the Y.M.CA. swimming pool revived unpleasant memories and stirred childish fears.” It can be inferred that this was a clear case of

a. suppression

b. oppression

c. depression

d. repression

Ans. Option (d)

[The narrator mentions that their introduction to the YMCA swimming pool revived unpleasant memories and stirred childish fears. This indicates that the narrator had previously repressed or suppressed those memories and fears, keeping them hidden or buried in their subconscious. The experience at the swimming pool brought them back to the surface, suggesting a resurfacing of suppressed emotions and anxieties.

Repression: Repression involves the unconscious blocking or pushing away of thoughts, memories, or emotions. It occurs when an individual involuntarily prevents certain thoughts or experiences from entering their conscious awareness.

Suppression: Suppression, on the other hand, is a conscious effort to deliberately push away thoughts, emotions, or impulses. Unlike repression, which occurs unconsciously, suppression is a voluntary act of deliberately avoiding or suppressing unwanted thoughts or feelings.]

iii. The misadventure that took place right after the author felt comfortable was that

a. the author slipped and fell into the swimming pool.

b. a bully tossed him into the pool for the sake of fun.

c. his coach forgot to teach him how to handle deep water.

d. his father couldn’t help him from drowning in the water.

Ans. Option (b)

iv. Choose the option that describes the equipment used by the author while learning to swim.

a. Option 1

b. Option 2

c. Option 3

d. Option 4

Ans. Option (d)

Q. No. 2) The chap that threw me in was saying, “But I was only fooling.” Choose the option mentioning the personality traits of this ‘chap’.

1. persuasive
2. irresponsible
3. domineering
4. manipulative
5. Callous

a. 1, 2, 4

b. 2, 4, 5

c. 2, 3, 5

d. 1, 3, 5

Ans. Option (c)

Q. No. 3) The most appropriate justification for the title of the chapter ‘Deep Water’ is that

a. it's about the dangerous depth of the swimming pool.

b. It reveals the author’s lack of surety about overcoming his fear of swimming.

c. it underlines the author’s fear of water and how he overcomes it.

d. it includes the methods of the author’s coach to overcome the fear of deep water.

Ans. Option (c)

Q. No. 4) Read the extract and answer the questions given below:

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... I crossed to oblivion, and the curtain of life fell.

i. Choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below.

• Statement 1: The author tried his best to jump out of the water.
• Statement 2: After a while, the author was not anxious in water.

a. If Statement 1 is the cause, Statement 2 is the effect.

b. If Statement 1 is the effect, Statement 2 is the cause.

c. Both statements are the effects of a common cause.

d. Both statements are the effects of independent causes.

Ans. Option (a)

ii. The ‘curtain (of life) fell’ corresponds to an aspect of

a. Geometry.

b. History.

c. Sports.

d. Drama.

Ans. Option (d)

iii. The purpose of using “…” in the above passage is to

a. show omission.

b. indicate pauses.

c. shorten a dialogue.

d. replace an idea.

Ans. Option (b)

iv. Which option indicates that the poet lost consciousness?

a. ‘It was quiet and peaceful.’

b. ‘I crossed to oblivion.’

c. ‘Tender arms like Mother’s.’

d. ‘It wiped out fear.’

Ans. Option (b)

Q. No. 5) Which of these incidents is similar to what the narrator of 'Deep Water' experienced with swimming?

a. While on a hike with her brother, Rekha fell and scraped her knee. She considered this to be a bad sign and decided never to go hiking again.

b. Ali ate at a restaurant that caused him to have food poisoning. He decided to lodge an FIR against the restaurant and eventually tried to shut it down.

c. Sarah forgot to submit her homework and was scolded by the teacher for it. She never attended that teacher's class again and eventually failed the subject.

d. Kavitha got stuck in an elevator at a mall and refused to ride an elevator for years after the incident. Last week, she managed to get in an elevator with her friend's help for the first time in five years.

Ans. Option (d)

Q. No. 6) Select the option that lists the qualities of Douglas’ trainer.

1. adventurous
2. generous
3. patient
4. methodical
5. encouraging
6. courageous

a. (1) and (6)

b. (3), (4), and (5)

c. (2) and (5)

d. (1), (4), and (6)

Ans. Option (b)

Q. No. 7) Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow:

Thus, piece by piece, he built a swimmer. And when he had perfected each piece, he put them together into an integrated whole. In April he said, "Now you can swim. Dive off and swim the length of the pool, crawl stroke."

I did. The instructor was finished.

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.

i. What led the narrator to believe that he was 'not finished'?

a. his childhood experience of swimming

b. his instructor's attitude towards his swimming

c. his insecurity over his ability to overcome fear

d. his motivation to overcome his newly-developed fear

Ans. Option (c)

ii. Which of these BEST describes the narrator's relationship with his fear?

a. hostile

b. evasive

c. indifferent

d. repressive

Ans. Option (a)

iii. Which of these BEST describes the contrast in the focus of the swimming instructor and the narrator when it came to swimming?

a. While the former focused on the mechanics, the latter focused on the creativity involved.

b. While the former focused on the physical, the latter was more focused on the psychological.

c. While the former focused on the practical, the latter was more focused on the theoretical aspects.

d. While the former focused on casual learning, the latter focused on learning how to do it competitively.

Ans. Option (b)

iv. The narrator mentions his conversations with fear in this story to emphasize the __________.

a. gaps in his skills as a swimmer

b. grip that fear of water still has on his life

c. improvement in his assurance as a swimmer

d. ease with which he forgot about his fear of swimming

Ans. Option (c)

v. The swimming instructor helped the narrator to regain his __________.

a. strength

b. prosperity

c. innocence

d. Confidence

Ans. Option (d)

Q. No. 8) Read the given extract to attempt the questions that follow:

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. This went on until July. But I was still not satisfied. I was not sure that all the terror had left. So, I 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. I swam the crawl, breaststroke, sidestroke, and backstroke. 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. Why did Douglas go swimming at Lake Wentworth?

a. To showcase his skills to all who had doubted him.

b. To honor the efforts of his swimming instructor.

c. To build on his ability to swim in a natural water body.

d. To know for sure that he had overcome his fear of drowning in water.

Ans. Option (d)

ii. Select the option that lists the correct inference based on the information in the extract.

a. Triggs Island and Stamp Act Island are both located in Lake Wentworth.

b. Lake Wentworth is a part of Triggs Island.

c. Stamp Act Island is two miles away from New Hampshire.

d. Lake Wentworth is connected via docks to New Hampshire.

Ans. Option (a)

iii. What was the reason for the ‘return’ of terror?

a. Superstitions about the dock at Triggs Islands

b. Recent reports about drowning incidents

c. Prior drowning experiences

d. Warnings by experienced swimmers

Ans. Option (c)

iv. Douglas mentions that the old sensation returned in miniature. He means that he felt the familiar feeling of fear …………………………….

a. at irregular intervals.

b. on a small scale.

c. repeatedly.

d. without notice.

Ans. Option (b)

v. How did Douglas handle the ‘old sensation’?

a. Addressed it.

b. Avoided it.

c. Submitted to it.

d. Stayed indifferent to it.

Ans. Option (a)

Q. No. 9) Given below are four characteristics of autobiographical stories. Which of these aspects CANNOT be applied to the text 'Deep Water'?

a. Events are centered on a lesson learned by the writer.

b. Events are focused more on facts than on emotions.

c. Events are written from a first-person perspective.

d. Events are arranged from childhood to adulthood.

Ans. Option (b)

Q. No. 10) Choose the statement that is NOT TRUE with reference to Douglas.

a. Douglas’s fear kept him away from leisurely activities in the water.

b. The fall in the pool at YMCA taught Douglas a life lesson.

c. The fear of drowning was the source of Douglas’s anxiety and terror.

d. Douglas decided to practice relentlessly to overcome his fear.

Ans. Option (d)

Q. No. 11) Choose the quote that DOES NOT resonate with the central idea of the chapter.

a. Option 1

b. Option 2

c. Option 3

d. Option 4

Ans. Option (b)

Q. No. 12) Samuel has a phobia of heights but is scared and can’t overcome it. Choose the option that displays advice.

1. Go to the swimming pool and jump in it from the highest diving board that you see there.

2. If I were you, I’d begin small. Like spending 10 mins. looking down from my balcony, each day, for a week.

3. Unbelievable! What’s the problem? I’ve done bungee jumping! It’s a piece of cake.

4. Fear is a major issue if you let it control you. I think it will take a firm grip on you if you don’t address it soon.

a. Option 1

b. Option 2

c. Option 3

d. Option 4

Ans. Option (b)

Q. No. 13) How did the near-drowning experience at the pool affect Douglas?

Ans.

• Felt weak and trembling as he walked back home
• Shook and cried as he lay on the bed
• Couldn’t eat that night
• Haunting fear gripped him for days
• The slightest exertion tired him
• Knees felt wobbly
• Felt sick in the stomach
• suffered from hydrophobia for years.

Q. No. 14) Mention any two long-term consequences of the drowning incident on Douglas.

Ans.

• felt terrified near the water
• feared water,
• spoiled holidays,
• couldn’t go swimming, fishing, or canoeing

Q. No. 15) Describe both the physical and emotional impacts that the misadventure at the YMCA pool had on the narrator.

Ans. The misadventure at the YMCA pool had both physical and emotional impacts on the narrator. Physically, it left him exhausted and with aching muscles. Emotionally, it instilled a deep fear of water, leading to anxiety and avoidance of swimming.

Q. No. 16) Douglas uses sensory details to create a vivid image of the unfortunate experience in the pool. What might be the impact on the reader if the narration were more informative than sensory?

Ans. If more informative than sensory, the impact on the reader would likely be less emotional and engaging as:

• sensory details help readers connect with the experience being described on a deeper level.
• sensory details allow readers to visualize the scene in their minds and feel like they are a part of it.
• Even though informative details may provide more factual information but can sometimes feel detached and impersonal, leaving readers feeling less connected to the story.

Q. No. 17) Seemingly small every day wins are actually the greatest learnings of life. Comment on the statement with reference to the chapter “Deep Water”.

Ans. In the chapter "Deep Water," the narrator's small everyday wins, such as overcoming his fear and diving into the pool, prove to be significant milestones in his life. These victories symbolize his personal growth and serve as valuable lessons that empower him to face his fears and push his limits.

Q. No. 18) If you could give the chapter a new title, what would it be? Support your answer with reference to the chapter “Deep Water”.

Ans. A potential title for the chapter "Deep Water" could be "Conquering Fear: A Journey of Self-Discovery." This title reflects the central theme of the chapter, as the narrator's experiences in the water lead him to confront and overcome his fear, resulting in personal growth and a deeper understanding of himself.

Q. No. 19) Getting rid of fear is an extremely difficult task. Elucidate with reference to the chapter “Deep Water”.

Ans. In the chapter "Deep Water," the narrator's persistent fear of water highlights the immense difficulty of overcoming deep-seated fears. Despite his efforts to confront it, the fear lingers, affecting his daily life and causing anxiety. This illustrates the arduous nature of eliminating fear from one's life.

Q. No. 20) Discuss the significance of the references to the natural world in the chapter “Deep Water”.

Ans. The references to the natural world in the chapter "Deep Water" serve to highlight the beauty, tranquility, and vastness of nature. They provide a contrast to the narrator's internal struggle and evoke a sense of peace and harmony. Additionally, they symbolize the potential for personal growth and the healing power of nature.

Q. No. 21) Read the extract given below and briefly answer the questions that follow:

I laughed and said, "Well, Mr. Terror, what do you think you can do to me?" It fled and I swam on.

i. Who is 'I' here? Who is being addressed as Mr. Terror?

Ans. William Douglas, Water at the Lake

ii. Why has Mr. Terror been addressed so?

Ans. Because it was trying to frighten William Douglas.

iii. Why did the narrator laugh?

Ans. Because he was confident of defeating terror.

iv. Why did Mr. Terror leave?

Ans. Because William was no more frightened of water.

Q. No. 22) The childhood experience of terror of Douglas made him stronger and more determined. Elucidate the above statement supporting it with evidence from the text.

Ans. Experience at California beach developed an aversion to water in Douglas

• Misadventure at the YMCA pool because of an eighteen-year-old, developed fear and terror of water in him.
• Swallowed water, legs paralyzed, head throbbed, felt terror that knew no understanding.
• Could not go need water for years.
• But, gathered courage again, as was deprived of canoeing, fishing, and swimming.
• Hired an instructor and learned to swim.
• Terror returned every time he put his head in water but did not give up.
• After learning from the instructor, tested himself alone in the pool, then went to fresh waters to do away with residual doubts.
• Fought with his terror all through with determination and strength.

Q. No. 23) In Deep Water, which qualities of the swimming instructor played a role in helping Douglas overcome his fear?

Ans.

• The instructor's ability to empathize with Douglas and understand his fear led him to put a belt around Douglas to teach him to swim. This gave Douglas confidence.
• The instructor's patience was key as day after day, he held on to the rope and walked the length of the pool to help Douglas swim.

Q. No. 24) The story Deep Water talks about Douglas’ attempts to overcome his fear of water. The story can also be viewed as a figurative manifestation of life’s many challenges. Elaborate with reference to the text.

Ans.

• Douglas' struggle in overcoming his fear of water reflects the determination and resilience required to face and conquer any fear or challenge in life.
• The story presents various examples that link Douglas' experience to life's challenges. For instance, his attempt to learn to swim and face the deep water can be seen as a metaphor for facing unknown territories and stepping out of one's comfort zone in life.
• The deep water symbolism extends beyond literal water to represent human fears, phobias, and anxieties that can hold individuals back from reaching their full potential.
• Douglas' journey of overcoming his fear demonstrates the significance of perseverance and pushing oneself beyond limits to overcome obstacles in life.
• The connection between Douglas' journey and life's challenges lies in the parallel themes of facing fears, embracing personal growth, and the transformative power of overcoming obstacles.
• The story emphasizes that just as Douglas must confront his fear of water to live a fuller life, individuals must confront their own fears and challenges to grow and succeed in life.

Q. No. 25) Imagine that the bully who threw Douglas into the pool reads this chapter and realizes his mistake.

As the bully, write a diary entry penning down your response to Douglas’ perseverance and your own feelings of guilt and regret.

Ans.

Dear Diary,

Today, something unexpected happened. I came across a chapter called "Deep Water" and as I started reading, I couldn't believe my eyes. It was about me, about what I did to Douglas all those years ago. The guilt washed over me like a tidal wave, and I felt an immediate pang of regret.

Reading about Douglas's perseverance in the face of fear was both inspiring and humbling. I see now how much strength he possessed, how he refused to let my actions define him. He faced his fear head-on, determined to overcome it, while I was blinded by ignorance and my own insecurities.

I remember that day at the pool vividly. I thought it was just a harmless prank, something that would make me feel powerful. But now, I realize the profound impact it had on Douglas. It wasn't just about being thrown into the water; it was about shattering his trust, instilling fear, and affecting him on a deeper level.

I am filled with remorse for my actions. I never took the time to understand the consequences or consider the pain I caused. It was a thoughtless act driven by immaturity and a desire to fit in. But now, reading about his journey, I see the strength of character he possesses.

If only I could go back in time and undo what I did. If only I could apologize and make amends. But time cannot be reversed, and I am left with this overwhelming guilt. I want to reach out to Douglas and tell him how sorry I am, and how much I regret my actions. Perhaps, if given the chance, I could learn from his perseverance and find the courage to change myself for the better.

Today, I have realized the importance of empathy, kindness, and understanding. I have learned that our actions can have lasting consequences on others, and it is our responsibility to be mindful of that. I hope one day I can make amends, not just with Douglas but with myself, by becoming a better person and ensuring that no one else feels the pain I caused.

With a heavy heart and a newfound understanding, I sign off.

Sincerely,
[The Bully]

Q. No. 26) Douglas’ mother writes to the YMCA authorities holding them accountable for the mishap as well as demanding that the authorities employ a team of guards near the pool for supervision of the children.

As the mother, write a letter to the authorities with reference to the case of your son.

You may begin like this:

Sir

Subject: Negligence on Premises

This is with reference to the incident of near fatal drowning of my son, William on your premises. We were…

Ans.

Sir,

Subject: Negligence on Premises

This is with reference to the incident of the near-fatal drowning of my son, William, on your premises. We were deeply disturbed to learn about the unfortunate incident that occurred at your YMCA pool, where our son's life was put at risk due to a lack of proper supervision and safety measures.

As parents, we trust that the YMCA provides a safe environment for children to engage in recreational activities. However, the incident involving our son has shaken our confidence in the facility's commitment to ensuring the well-being of its visitors, especially young children.

It is alarming to note that there was an absence of a vigilant and capable team of guards near the pool to supervise the children during their activities. Had there been proper supervision in place, the mishap could have been prevented, and the trauma inflicted upon our son could have been avoided.

We hold the YMCA authorities accountable for this grave negligence, as it is your responsibility to ensure the safety and security of all individuals on your premises. The incident has not only affected our son physically but has also left a deep emotional impact on him, causing him to develop a fear of water that he is struggling to overcome.

In light of this incident, we demand that the YMCA takes immediate and appropriate action to rectify the situation. It is imperative that you employ a team of trained and qualified guards near the pool area, who are well-equipped to handle emergency situations and ensure the safety of all children and individuals using the facility.

Furthermore, we urge you to conduct a thorough review of your safety protocols and procedures, identifying any gaps or deficiencies that may exist. Implementing stringent safety measures, such as regular inspections, maintenance of safety equipment, and mandatory staff training, will help prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

We expect a prompt and comprehensive response from the YMCA authorities regarding the steps being taken to address our concerns and prevent similar mishaps from happening again. Our priority is the safety and well-being of all children who visit your establishment, and we trust that you will take this matter seriously and make the necessary improvements.

We await your immediate action and assurance that our concerns will be addressed appropriately.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

Q. No. 27) The prose selections, Deep Water and Indigo, bring out the importance of overcoming fear, in order to be able to lead our lives successfully.

Imagine yourself to be a motivational speaker who has to address high school students. Write this address in 120 – 150 words elaborating on occurrences from the two texts to inspire your audience and convince them about the importance of overcoming fear.

You may begin like this …

Good morning, students!

We all know what it’s like to be afraid. Fear is our body’s natural response to a perceived threat or danger. But when …

Ans.

Good morning, students!

We all know what it's like to be afraid. Fear is our body's natural response to a perceived threat or danger. But when we let fear immobilize us, it prevents us from progressing and living life to the fullest. Today, I want to share two powerful stories that illustrate the importance of overcoming fear.

In the story "Deep Water," we meet William Douglas, who had a deep fear of water. This fear held him back from experiencing simple joys like fishing or canoeing. But instead of letting fear control him, he made a decision to face it head-on. It took months of determination and persistence, but he worked through his fear and learned how to swim. By doing so, he reclaimed his life and freed himself from the shackles of fear.

Similarly, in the text "Indigo," we witness the plight of the peasants in Champaran, who were living in fear of the British rulers. They were unable to take a stand for their rights until they found strength in unity. When they gathered around the courthouse in Motihari, it was a powerful step towards overcoming their fear and fighting for justice. Their determination and collective efforts eventually led to their triumph.

These stories teach us that overcoming fear requires facing it, devising a plan, and working through it. It demands persistence and unwavering determination. Just as William Douglas took small steps each day to conquer his fear, and the peasants of Champaran fought for their rights despite the risks, we too must find the courage within ourselves.

Remember, there is strength in unity when facing a common fear. Together, we can overcome any obstacle that stands in our way. Once we conquer our fears, we are free to live our lives to the fullest and pursue our dreams.

So, my dear students, I urge you to embrace your fears and turn them into stepping stones for growth. Don't let fear hold you back from reaching your full potential. Take inspiration from the stories of William Douglas and the peasants of Champaran, and let their courage fuel your own.

Believe in yourselves, work through your fears, and never stop pushing forward. Success and fulfillment await those who dare to overcome their fears and embrace the possibilities that lie beyond.

Thank you, and may you find the strength to conquer your fears and live a life of purpose and achievement.

Also Read: Class 12 Important Questions and Answers

Hope you liked these questions and answers from Class 12 English Deep Water by William Douglas. Please share this with your friends and do comment if you have any doubts/suggestions to share.