CBSE Class 9 MCB Chapter 6: Ordeal in the Ocean - NCERT Solutions

In this context, 'constellation' refers to a group of stars that form a recognizable pattern or figure in the night sky. The narrator could see individual stars but couldn't identify the specific patterns they made, implying that a constellation is more than just a single star; it's a collective arrangement.

Clue: The opposite of 'individual' suggests a group.

'Rumbling' means a deep, continuous, low-pitched sound. The comparison to the noise of jet planes taking off and landing effectively illustrates this type of sound, suggesting a powerful and sustained noise rather than a sharp or sudden one.

Clue: The sound is deep, thundering, and continuous, similar to the noise of jet planes.

'Gigantic' means extremely large or huge in size and proportion. The description of the wave as 'enormous' and 'touching the sky' emphasizes its immense scale, far beyond ordinary waves.

Clue: The wave is described as 'enormous' and reaching towards the sky, indicating its massive size.

'Irresistible' means something that cannot be resisted or opposed; it is impossible to avoid or withstand. In this context, the force of the water was so powerful that the narrator could not fight against it or escape its pull.

Clue: The force had a powerful effect that the narrator could not avoid or overcome.

'Swirling' means moving rapidly around and around in a circle or spiral. The description of being 'twisted in all directions' by the current clearly indicates a chaotic and forceful rotational movement of the water.

Clue: The water's movement caused the narrator to be twisted and turned rapidly.

'Phosphorescent' means emitting light without appreciable heat; glowing. The spray and water around the narrator gave off a luminous quality, making them glitter, which is characteristic of phosphorescence.

Clue: The description 'luminous water' and the body 'glittering' suggests a glowing effect.

Survival time in water depends on several factors, including water temperature and the individual's physical and mental state. If one avoids hypothermia and stays conscious, they might survive for a day or two. However, extreme conditions like enormous waves or exhaustion could significantly shorten this period. Maintaining alertness and fighting fatigue are crucial for extending survival time.

To determine direction while swimming, one can use celestial navigation. During the day, the position of the sun can indicate general directions. At night, the pole star (Polaris) is a reliable indicator of north. Remembering the intended direction of travel relative to these celestial markers would guide the swimming direction.

Several dangers exist when adrift in the sea. These include drowning from large waves, succumbing to hypothermia due to cold water, and attacks from marine creatures like sharks. The sheer vastness of the ocean and the unpredictable nature of the sea also pose significant risks, making survival challenging.

1. Slava Kurilov was in the water because he likely slipped off the liner he was travelling in. While the exact cause isn't detailed, the narrative implies he was unexpectedly in the water after being on a ship.

Evidence for this is not explicitly stated, but the text mentions the liner vanishing over the horizon, suggesting he was separated from it.

His biggest mistake was when he decided to change course and head south-west before the second night, possibly leading him further astray or into more dangerous waters.

He decided to die because by the third night, he had lost hope of surviving until dawn, indicating extreme despair and exhaustion.

1. He was carried towards the lagoon when he decided to keep his body horizontally on the crest of the waves, using the wave's movement to his advantage.

This question requires mapping specific events from the story 'Ordeal in the Ocean' onto a provided map using symbols. The events mentioned are: 'decides to die', 'Slava leaves the ship', and hearing the 'thunder of waves'. Students need to read the story carefully to understand the sequence and location of these events relative to the map features (like the route of the liner and Island Siargac) and then correctly place the corresponding symbols on the map at the 'x' marks indicated.