Chapter 2: “We’re Not Afraid to Die… if We Can All Be Together”
1. Summary
Gordon Cook, his wife Mary, their children Jonathan and Suzanne, and two sailors started a round-the-world voyage. While crossing the Southern Indian Ocean, their boat Wavewalker was hit by a huge wave. The boat was badly damaged and filled with water.
The captain and his crew repaired the boat, pumped out water, and kept sending Mayday calls, but no help came. The children remained brave and encouraged their parents. Finally, after many days of struggle, they reached Ile Amsterdam, where they were rescued. The story teaches us that courage, hope, teamwork, and family unity can overcome even the greatest dangers.
2. हिन्दी सारांश
गॉर्डन कुक अपने परिवार और दो साथियों के साथ दुनिया की समुद्री यात्रा पर निकले। यात्रा के दौरान उनकी नाव Wavewalker एक विशाल लहर से टकरा गई और बुरी तरह क्षतिग्रस्त हो गई।
नाव में पानी भर गया, लेकिन कप्तान और उसके साथियों ने हिम्मत नहीं हारी। उन्होंने नाव की मरम्मत की, लगातार पानी निकाला और मदद के लिए संदेश भेजे। बच्चों ने भी साहस और धैर्य दिखाया। कई दिनों के संघर्ष के बाद वे Ile Amsterdam द्वीप पहुँच गए और सुरक्षित बच गए।
संदेश: कठिन समय में साहस, आशा, एकता और आत्मविश्वास हमें सफलता दिलाते हैं.
3. Back Exercise Answers
Q1. List the steps taken by the captain.
(i) To protect the ship
- Dropped the storm jib.
- Tied a heavy rope to slow the boat.
- Secured everything.
- Wore life jackets.
- Prepared the life raft.
(ii) To check flooding
- Covered the holes with canvas.
- Pumped out water continuously.
- Started another electric pump.
- Repaired the damaged parts.
- Changed course towards Ile Amsterdam.
Q2. Describe the mental condition of the voyagers on 4 and 5 January.
They were tired and worried but did not lose hope. The children remained calm and brave, giving courage to everyone.
Q3. Describe the three sections of the story.
Section 1: Beginning of the voyage and storm.
Section 2: Struggle for survival.
Section 3: Safe arrival at Ile Amsterdam.
4. CBSE Previous Year Important Questions
Q1. Why is the story called “We’re Not Afraid to Die… if We Can All Be Together”?
Answer: Jonathan said these words, showing that the family was united and ready to face death together. This gave everyone courage.
Q2. How did Suzanne show maturity?
Answer: Although injured, she did not complain because she did not want to worry her parents.
Q3. What qualities of Gordon Cook made him a good captain?
Answer:
- Courage
- Leadership
- Quick decision-making
- Never giving up
- Love for his family
Q4. How did the children help their parents?
Answer: They stayed calm, encouraged their parents, and never panicked.
Q5. Why was Ile Amsterdam called “the most beautiful island in the world”?
Answer: It saved the family from death, so it became the most beautiful place for them.
Q6. What message does the story give?
Answer: Courage, teamwork, optimism, and family unity help us overcome even the greatest difficulties.
5. Important Exam Points
- Author: Gordon Cook and Alan East
- Boat: Wavewalker
- Ocean: Southern Indian Ocean
- Island: Ile Amsterdam
- Theme: Courage, survival, teamwork, hope, family love
- Message: Never lose hope in difficult situations.
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