📖 Deep Water – Chapter Important Question-Answers| Class 12 English (Flamingo) | CBSE 2025

Deep Water

Important Questions & Answers 

CBSE Board Exam Preparation

Short Answer Questions (2-3 Marks Each)

Q1. Why was Douglas afraid of water even before the YMCA pool incident?
✅ Answer:
Douglas’s fear of water started when he was 3 or 4 years old. While at a beach in California, a strong wave knocked him down, covering him with water. He choked on water and felt suffocated, which left him terrified of water.

Q2. What was the misadventure that happened at the YMCA pool?
✅ Answer:
When Douglas was 10 or 11 years old, he decided to learn swimming at the YMCA pool. One day, a big boy threw him into the deep end. Douglas sank down and struggled to reach the surface, but failed. He panicked and almost lost consciousness, developing an intense fear of water.

Q3. How did Douglas try to save himself from drowning?
✅ Answer:
Douglas planned to jump up like a cork and reach the surface. He tried to push himself up, but his legs felt paralyzed. Every time he sank, he made desperate attempts to come up but failed. Eventually, he gave up hope and lost consciousness.

Q4. How did the drowning experience affect Douglas later in life?
✅ Answer:
The drowning experience left Douglas psychologically scarred. He avoided water and felt fear even while fishing, boating, or standing near water. His fear limited his experiences, making him feel helpless and weak.

Q5. Why did Douglas decide to learn swimming despite his fear?
✅ Answer:
Douglas realized that fear was stopping him from enjoying life. He did not want to remain a prisoner of his fear. So, he hired a swimming instructor and trained with persistence and patience to conquer his fear.

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Long Answer Questions (5-6 Marks Each)

Q6. How did Douglas finally overcome his fear of water?
✅ Answer:

• Douglas hired a swimming instructor, who taught him step by step.
• First, he learned breathing techniques and how to float.
• Then, he practiced kicking and strokes with the instructor.
• After months of training, he gained confidence but still had some fear left.
• To test himself, he swam alone in lakes and rivers like the Warm Lake.
• Through self-discipline, determination, and practice, he completely overcame his fear of water.

Q7. “All we have to fear is fear itself.” How does the story of William Douglas prove this statement?
✅ Answer:

• The chapter shows that fear is a psychological barrier that prevents us from enjoying life.
• Douglas was terrified of water due to past trauma. His fear controlled his actions, stopping him from swimming and enjoying water-related activities.
• However, once he decided to face his fear, he conquered it step by step.
• The story proves that fear can be overcome with courage, effort, and determination.

Q8. What role did the swimming instructor play in Douglas’s life?
✅ Answer:

• The instructor taught Douglas swimming scientifically by breaking it down into steps.
• He made Douglas practice breathing, kicking, and strokes separately.
• Instead of forcing him, he built Douglas’s confidence over time.
• The instructor helped Douglas transform from a fearful boy into a confident swimmer.

Q9. What lessons does ‘Deep Water’ teach us about life?
✅ Answer:

• Overcoming fear is possible with effort and determination.
• Fear is an illusion that limits our potential.
• Hard work and patience are key to success.
• Self-discipline and courage help us break free from our weaknesses.
• We should never let bad experiences define our future.