III. Life Skills

You're quite a seaman really .... says the Chief Officer about Vishal. Would you call

Vishal a seaman? Give reasons.

Answers

Although the Chief Officer's comment about Vishal being a seaman was likely meant as a compliment, it may not be entirely accurate to refer to him as such based on his actions during the storm. While Vishal did demonstrate bravery and resourcefulness in suggesting a solution to save the ship, being a seaman requires much more than just a single act of heroism. It involves comprehensive training, experience, and skills related to navigating and operating a ship.

Vishal's actions did showcase important qualities such as quick thinking and adaptability, which are vital in challenging situations. However, being a seaman encompasses a broader set of knowledge, including navigation, maritime laws, and ship operations.

To sum up, while Vishal displayed commendable qualities during the crisis, it may be an exaggeration to label him a seaman. Nevertheless, his actions highlight valuable life skills such as problem-solving and resilience that are applicable in various situations.Top of Form

IV. Values

Imagine that the ship you are travelling in gets caught in bad weather. How would you react? Would you be frightened, anxious or excited? How could you be of help to others in such a situation?

Answer

In the face of bad weather, while travelling on a ship, it's natural to feel a mix of fear, anxiety, and excitement. The uncertainty of the situation can be unsettling, but there are ways to manage these emotions and contribute positively to the overall well-being of everyone on board.

1. Stay Calm: Maintaining composure is crucial. Panicking can escalate the situation, so I would focus on staying calm to think rationally and assist others effectively.

2. Follow Instructions: Listen carefully to the crew's instructions and adhere to safety protocols. Following the guidance of the ship's staff is essential for everyone's safety.

3. Help with Precautionary Measures: If instructed, assist in securing loose items, lashing cargo, or any other precautionary measures. Contributing to the overall safety efforts helps create a sense of teamwork.

4. Supporting Others: Be empathetic towards fellow travellers who may be more anxious or seasick. Offering reassurance and helping those in need can foster a sense of community during challenging times.

5. Stay Informed: If the ship has communication channels or updates, stay informed about the weather conditions and the crew's actions. Knowledge can alleviate anxiety and help individuals understand the situation better.

6. Emergency Training: If there's pre-travel emergency training, such as lifeboat drills, pay attention and actively participate. Knowing what to do in emergencies is empowering and can make a significant difference.

7. Occupying Time: During rough weather, distracting oneself with activities like reading, listening to music, or engaging in conversations can help take the focus away from the turbulence.

8. Offer Assistance: If any crew members or fellow passengers need help, offering assistance within your capabilities can strengthen the sense of solidarity.

Remember, each person's reaction to such situations is unique. Being prepared, staying level-headed, and assisting others where possible can contribute to a more positive and collectively resilient experience during challenging weather conditions at sea.

V. Writing Skills

Imagine yourself to be Vishal. Write an article for the school magazine describing your adventurous journey.

Answer

A Stormy Adventure: Sailing Through Turbulent Waters

                                        by Vishal Ghosh

I am thrilled to share with you the riveting tale of our recent family adventure aboard the M.V. Trishna, sailing towards the Philippines. Little did I know that this summer escapade would turn into an unforgettable chapter of resilience and courage in the face of a raging typhoon.

The journey began with excitement and anticipation. Accompanying our father, Captain Kumar, on a mission to deliver essential food supplies to the islands struck by a devastating typhoon, my sister Rohini and I were ready for a unique experience. The initial days were filled with joy, as we enjoyed video movies and books on board, relishing the vast expanse of the sea.

However, as the Trishna ventured into the South China Sea, the atmosphere changed dramatically. The sea, once calm and inviting, transformed into a tempest, and the ship was soon caught in the clutches of Typhoon Elsie. The once-smooth sailing turned into a turbulent dance with nature, as powerful winds and towering waves tested the strength of our vessel.

Amidst the chaos, Rohini succumbed to seasickness, and the ship's barometer fell sharply, forewarning us of the impending storm. Captain Kumar's worried expressions revealed the gravity of the situation. The crew, however, displayed unwavering determination, with the Chief Officer playfully noting my "seaman-like" qualities.

The turning point of our adventure came when the ship faced a critical situation – a breach in the ship's side, allowing water to gush into the Engine Room. It was then that my seemingly risky suggestion, inspired by a past boating incident, became the beacon of hope. Listing the ship, a daring move, exposed the damaged area, allowing the crew to plug the leak and avert a potential disaster.

As we battled the elements, the Trishna emerged victorious. The crew's resilience and my heart pounding in rhythm with the waves are memories etched in my mind. Captain Kumar's acknowledgment of my idea, as we resumed our course towards the Philippines, brought a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Our arrival at the islands, now in calm seas, marked the end of our stormy adventure. The Philippines, with its resilient spirit mirroring our own journey, welcomed us. The turquoise waters and smiling faces of the locals told tales of survival and hope.

In conclusion, this adventurous journey taught me the importance of quick thinking, teamwork, and courage in the face of adversity. Our story, though filled with challenges, became a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the triumph of determination over turbulent waters.

Extra Questions

1. What was the destination of the M.V. Trishna?

2. Why did Vishal express deep disgust towards Rohini at the beginning of the story?

3. Why did Vishal check the calendar in the cabin?

4. What was the special cargo that the ship was carrying to the Philippines?

5. Why did Vishal and Rohini decide to accompany their father on this summer voyage?

6. How did the children pass their time on the ship initially?

7. What made Rohini feel seasick, and how did Vishal react to it?

8. What did the Chief Officer say about Vishal's demeanour as he climbed the ladder?

9. Why was Capt. Kumar worried when Vishal approached him on the bridge?

10. What was the information provided in the weather report from Manila?

11. What urgent actions did Capt. Kumar take upon receiving the weather report?

12. Describe the conditions on the ship as the storm intensified.

13. Why did Capt. Kumar instruct the children not to leave the cabin during the storm?

14. What danger did the ship face when a steel angle from the gangway pierced the shipside?

15. How did Vishal's past experience with a boating incident in Okhla influence his actions during the storm?

16. What risky suggestion did Vishal offer to his father to save the ship?

17. How did the crew manage to block the leak and save the Trishna?

18. What was Capt. Kumar's reaction to the success of Vishal's idea?

19. How did the weather conditions change after implementing Vishal's suggestion?

20. What was the state of the islands of the South China Sea as the Trishna approached them?

Answer to the extra questions:

1. What was the destination of the M.V. Trishna?

   • The destination of the M.V. Trishna was the Philippines.

2. Why did Vishal express deep disgust towards Rohini at the beginning of the story?

   • Vishal expressed deep disgust towards Rohini at the beginning of the story because she was seasick again, and he couldn't understand why she had come along if she couldn't handle the possibility of rough seas.

3. Why did Vishal check the calendar in the cabin?

   • Vishal checked the calendar in the cabin to see how many days were left before they would reach land.

4. What was the special cargo that the ship was carrying to the Philippines?

   • The ship was transporting a special cargo of food for the residents of the small islands in the South China Sea that had recently experienced a devastating typhoon.

   • Why did Vishal and Rohini decide to accompany their father on this summer voyage?

   • They decided to accompany their father on the summer voyage to the Philippines because their mother was staying behind due to Granny's illness, and they wanted to spend time with their father.

   • How did the children pass their time on the ship initially?

   • The children passed their time on the ship initially by enjoying sea passage with video movies and books on board.

   • What made Rohini feel seasick, and how did Vishal react to it?

   • The choppy sea made Rohini feel seasick. Vishal expressed deep disgust and disbelief at her seasickness, and he groaned at her condition.

   • What did the Chief Officer say about Vishal's demeanor as he climbed the ladder?

   • The Chief Officer said that Vishal was quite a seaman with a rolling gait as he climbed the ladder.

   • Why was Capt. Kumar worried when Vishal approached him on the bridge?

   • Capt. Kumar was worried because the barometer had fallen steeply, indicating rough weather. Typhoon Elsie was deepening in the Pacific Ocean, and there was concern about the ship's safety.

   • What was the information provided in the weather report from Manila?

   • The weather report from Manila indicated that Typhoon Elsie was deepening in the Pacific Ocean and moving slowly in a north-westerly direction. It was expected to pass 70 miles away from the ship within 24 hours.

   • What urgent actions did Capt. Kumar take upon receiving the weather report?

   • Capt. Kumar ordered securing everything on deck and lashing the cargo. The ship needed to reach Mindao by Monday with food stocks for the starving people affected by the typhoon.

   • Describe the conditions on the ship as the storm intensified.

   • The wind intensified to a speed of 65 knots per hour, dark, menacing clouds filled the sky, waves leaped with ferocity, and the sea swelled and heaved. The ship rolled and pitched alarmingly, causing chaos on the deck.

   • Why did Capt. Kumar instruct the children not to leave the cabin during the storm?

   • Capt. Kumar instructed the children not to leave the cabin during the storm to ensure their safety as the ship faced turbulent seas and the risk of overturning.

   • What danger did the ship face when a steel angle from the gangway pierced the shipside?

   • The ship faced the danger of water pouring into the engine room when a steel angle from the gangway pierced the shipside. This posed a serious threat to the ship's stability.

5. How did Vishal's past experience with a boating incident in Okhla influence his actions during the storm?

   • Vishal's past experience in Okhla, where he had encountered a boating incident with a leak, influenced him to suggest listing the ship to expose the hole in the side. This action was aimed at making it easier to plug the leak.

6. What risky suggestion did Vishal offer to his father to save the ship?

   • Vishal suggested listing the ship to expose the hole in her side, despite the risks, to make it easier to plug the leak and prevent water from entering the Engine Room.

7. How did the crew manage to block the leak and save the Trishna?

   • The crew made a wooden plug and, with the efforts of five people holding it in position with all their might, managed to block the leak. They secured it in place with cement, ultimately saving the Trishna.

8. What was Capt. Kumar's reaction to the success of Vishal's idea?

   • Capt. Kumar acknowledged that Vishal's idea worked and perhaps saved them. He recognized the importance of the suggestion in preventing further damage to the ship.

9. How did the weather conditions change after implementing Vishal's suggestion?

   • After implementing Vishal's suggestion, the weather conditions began to improve. Typhoon Elsie was moving away, the barometer was rising, and the wind was reducing.

10. What was the state of the islands of the South China Sea as the Trishna approached them?

    • As the Trishna approached the islands of the South China Sea, the turbulent spirit of the sea seemed to be soothed. The wind had died down, creating a more serene and manageable sailing environment.

Here are ten fill-in-the-blank sentences:

1. The mysterious cave was so dark that I could barely see my __________.

2. The magician waved his wand and turned the pumpkin into a __________.

3. The detective carefully examined the crime scene, searching for any __________ clues.

4. As the spaceship soared through the galaxy, the crew marvelled at the beauty of the __________.

5. The chef added a pinch of __________ to enhance the flavour of the soup.

6. The old, abandoned house had a creepy atmosphere, with creaking floors and __________ shadows.

7. In the enchanted forest, the trees whispered secrets to each other in a language only they could __________.

8. The treasure map led us through a dense jungle, across a roaring river, and finally to a hidden __________.

9. As the clock struck midnight, Cinderella left the royal ball, leaving behind a __________ glass slipper.

10. The scientist conducted experiments to unlock the mysteries of a peculiar glowing __________ found in the cave.

Here are the answers to the fill-in-the-blanks questions with bold letters for the blanks:

1. The mysterious cave was so dark that I could barely see my hand in front of my face.

2. The magician waved his wand and turned the pumpkin into a carriage.

3. The detective carefully examined the crime scene, searching for any clues.

4. As the spaceship soared through the galaxy, the crew marvelled at the beauty of the cosmic nebulae.

5. The chef added a pinch of spices to enhance the flavour of the soup.

6. The old, abandoned house had a creepy atmosphere, with creaking floors and dancing shadows.

7. In the enchanted forest, the trees whispered secrets to each other in a language only they could understand.

8. The treasure map led us through a dense jungle, across a roaring river, and finally to a hidden treasure chest.

9. As the clock struck midnight, Cinderella left the royal ball, leaving behind a sparkling glass slipper.

10. The scientist conducted experiments to unlock the mysteries of a peculiar glowing substance found in the cave.

Here are the answers to the multiple-choice questions:

1. B) Rohini

2. A) South China Sea

3. C) To escape seasickness

4. C) Food supplies

5. A) Choppy sea

6. C) Chief Officer

7. B) Approaching typhoon

8. B) Secure everything on deck

9. C) List the ship to expose the hole

10. C) Water entering the Engine Room

11. B) He remembered a similar boat incident

12. C) Plugging the leak

13. C) List the ship to expose the hole

14. B) Wooden plug secured with cement

15. B) Reached Mindao safely