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Question
Answer the following question in 120 – 150 words :
Fear is something that we must learn to overcome if we want to succeed in life. How did Douglas get over his fear of water?
Solution
At first, Douglas tried to overcome his fear of water on his own. But when this failed, he got an instructor for himself who worked on Douglas’ fear very methodically. With his help, Douglas began by learning to be at ease in water. After this, he practiced exhaling-inhaling in water to eliminate the fear of putting his head inside the water. Then, he moved on to master individual steps of swimming which were, finally, integrated into a complete experience of swimming, by his instructor. After about six months, Douglas could not only swim well but was, also, free of his fear to a great extent.
At this stage, Douglas’ journey of truly overcoming his fear to its tiniest vestiges began. He swam alone in the pool. He went to Lake Wentworth to dive. He tried every possible stroke he learnt. Finally, in his diving expedition, in the Warm Lake, he conquered his fear completely.
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RELATED QUESTIONS
Read the following and answer the question that follows:
The story "Deep Water" has made you realize that with determination and perseverance one can accomplish the impossible. Write a paragraph in about 100 words words on how a positive attitude and courage will aid you to achieve success in life
Answer the following question in 120 − 150 words:
Describe the efforts made by Douglas to overcome his fear of water.
Notice these words and expressions in the text. Infer their meaning from the context.
- treacherous
- subdued my pride
- flailed at the surface
- fishing for landlocked salmon
- misadventure
- bob to the surface like a cork
- curtain of life fell
- back and forth across the pool
What is the “misadventure” that William Douglas speaks about?
How did this experience affect him?
Why was Douglas determined to get over his fear of water?
How did the instructor “build a swimmer” out of Douglas?
How did Douglas make sure that he conquered the old terror?
How does Douglas make clear to the reader the sense of panic that gripped him as he almost drowned? Describe the details that have made the description vivid.
How did Douglas overcome his fear of water?
Why does Douglas as an adult recount a childhood experience of terror and his conquering of it? What larger meaning does he draw from his experience?
If someone else had narrated Douglas’ experience, how would it have differed from this account? Write out a sample paragraph or paragraphs from this text from the point of view of a third person or observer to find out which style of narration would you consider to be more effective? Why?
“All we have to fear is fear itself”. Have you ever had a fear that you have now overcome? Share your experience with your partner.
Find and narrate other stories about conquest of fear and what people have said about courage. For example, you can recall Nelson Mandela’s struggle for freedom, his perseverance to achieve his mission, to liberate the oppressed and the oppressor as depicted in his autobiography. The story We’re Not Afraid to Die, which you have read in Class XI, is an apt example of how courage and optimism helped a family survive under the direst stress.
Are there any water sports in India? Find out about the areas or places which are known for water sports.
Answer the following question in about 40-50 words.
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?
Answer the following question in about 40-50 words.
What were Douglas's initial thoughts when he was pushed into the pool?
