Question 3 - Chapter 5 - Silk Road - Hornbill - Chapters (Literature) - English Class 11

Read the extract and answer the following questions.

Extract:

A swathe of the white stuff lay across the track in front of us, stretching for maybe fifteen metres before it petered out and the dirt trail reappeared. The snow continued on either side of us, smoothing the abrupt bank on the upslope side. The bank was too steep for our vehicle to scale, so there was no way round the snow patch. I joined Daniel as Tsetan stepped on to the encrusted snow and began to slither and slide forward, stamping his foot from time to time to ascertain how sturdy it was. I looked at my wristwatch. We were at 5,210 metres above sea level.

(Silk Road)

Question (i)

What is the name of the vehicle that the narrator and his companions are travelling in?

Answer:

Answer as written by the student:

The name of the vehicle that the narrator and his companions are travelling in is a jeep.

 Step-by-step explanation of the answer: 🚙

•    To answer this question, we need to use our knowledge of the story and the context of the extract.
•    The story tells us that the narrator is a writer who is on a journey to Mount Kailash, a sacred mountain in Tibet. He is accompanied by Daniel, a photographer, Tsetan, a Tibetan driver and guide, and Norbu, a Buddhist monk. They are travelling by jeep, which is a four-wheel drive vehicle that can handle rough terrain and weather conditions.
•    The context of the extract tells us that they are on a dirt trail that is covered with snow in some parts. They are at a high altitude where the air is thin and cold. They have to cross a snow patch that is blocking their way. They are not sure if the snow is sturdy enough to support their vehicle or if they will get stuck or slide off the trail.
•    Therefore, we can infer that the name of the vehicle that the narrator and his companions are travelling in is a jeep, which is the most suitable vehicle for their journey.

Question (ii)

What does the word "swathe" mean in the context of the extract?

Answer:

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Answer as written by the student:

 The word "swathe" means a wide or broad area or section in the context of the extract.

 Step-by-step explanation of the answer: 📏

•    To answer this question, we need to use our knowledge of vocabulary and synonyms.
•     Vocabulary tells us that the word "swathe" has more than one meaning depending on how it is used. It can mean a narrow or thin strip or piece, a wide or broad area or section, a rough or uneven surface or texture, or a smooth or flat layer or coating.
•    Synonyms are words that have similar meanings to other words. For example, big and large are synonyms. We can use synonyms to replace words in a sentence without changing its meaning.
•    The context of the extract tells us that a swathe of the white stuff lay across the track in front of them. This means that a large or extensive amount of snow covered the trail that they were following. The snow stretched for maybe fifteen metres before it petered out and the dirt trail reappeared. Therefore, he used the word "swathe" to mean a wide or broad area or section in this sentence.
•    We can check if this meaning is correct by replacing "swathe" with a synonym such as "expanse" or "stretch". The sentence would still make sense and convey the same idea.

Question (iii)

 How does the extract show that the narrator and his companions are facing a challenge or obstacle on their way?

Answer:

Answer as written by the student:

The extract shows that the narrator and his companions are facing a challenge or obstacle on their way by using details such as snow patch, ice, slither, slide, stamping, bank, and no way round.

 Step-by-step explanation of the answer: 🚧

•    To answer this question, we need to understand how details can create a sense of conflict in a story.
•    Details are specific pieces of information that describe something or someone. They can be used to create a sense of conflict in a story, which is a problem or difficulty that prevents or hinders someone from achieving their goal. They can also be used to create a sense of tension or suspense in a story, which is a feeling of uncertainty or anxiety about what will happen next.
•    The extract shows that the narrator and his companions are facing a challenge or obstacle on their way by using details such as snow patch, ice, slither, slide, stamping, bank, and no way round. For example:
•       Snow patch: The extract says that a swathe of snow lay across the track in front of them. This detail implies that they have to cross an area where there is snow on the ground. This suggests that they are facing a challenge or obstacle on their way because snow can make driving difficult or dangerous. It can also block their view or direction.
•       Ice: The extract says that Tsetan stepped on to the encrusted snow and began to slither and slide forward. This detail implies that there is ice on top of the snow. This suggests that they are facing a challenge or obstacle on their way because ice can make walking slippery or unstable. It can also make crossing the snow patch risky or uncertain.
•      Slither, slide, and stamping: The extract says that Tsetan began to slither and slide forward, stamping his foot from time to time to ascertain how sturdy it was. These details imply that Tsetan was moving slowly and cautiously on the snow and ice. They also imply that he was testing the strength or solidity of the snow and ice. This suggests that they are facing a challenge or obstacle on their way because slithering, sliding, and stamping can indicate difficulty or insecurity. They can also indicate doubt or fear of falling or sinking.
•      Bank and no way round: The extract says that the bank was too steep for their vehicle to scale, so there was no way round the snow patch. These details imply that there was a slope or edge on the side of the trail that was too high or steep for their jeep to climb or go over. They also imply that there was no alternative or option to avoid or bypass the snow patch. This suggests that they are facing a challenge or obstacle on their way because a bank and no way round can indicate limitation or restriction. They can also indicate frustration or desperation of finding a solution or a way out.

Question (iv)

 How does the author create a sense of danger and suspense in the extract?

Answer:

Answer as written by the student:

The author creates a sense of danger and suspense in the extract by using words such as "clogged", "slither", "slide", "stamping", and "ascertain".

 Step-by-step explanation of the answer: 😱

•    To answer this question, we need to analyse how the author uses language and word choice to create a sense of danger and suspense in the extract.
•    Danger is a literary device that shows how something is harmful or threatening to someone or something. It can be used to create a sense of fear or anxiety in the story. Suspense is a literary device that shows how something is uncertain or unknown. It can be used to create a sense of curiosity or anticipation in the story.
•    The author creates a sense of danger and suspense in the extract by using words such as "clogged", "slither", "slide", "stamping", and "ascertain". For example:
•     Clogged: The author uses this word to describe the snow that was blocking the trail. This word implies that the snow was dense or compacted. It creates a sense of danger by making readers wonder if the snow will support their weight or vehicle or if it will collapse or give way. It also creates a sense of suspense by making readers wonder how they will cross the snow patch or if they will find another way round it.
•     Slither and slide: The author uses these words to describe how Tsetan was moving on the snow and ice. These words imply that Tsetan was slipping or sliding on the surface. They create a sense of danger by making readers worry that Tsetan will lose his balance or control or that he will fall or slide off the trail. They also create a sense of suspense by making readers watch his progress or movement closely or that they will follow his example or lead.
•       Stamping and ascertain: The author uses these words to describe how Tsetan was testing the sturdiness of the snow and ice. These words imply that Tsetan was hitting or pressing his foot on the surface and checking or verifying its strength or solidity. They create a sense of danger by making readers nervous that Tsetan will break or crack the surface or that he will discover that it is weak or unstable. They also create a sense of suspense by making readers wait for his result or verdict or that they will rely on his judgment or decision.

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