CBSE Class 9 Main Course: Ordeal in the Ocean NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 9 PDF

This is the NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 9 Main Course, Chapter 2(C), 'Ordeal in the Ocean'. We'll explore the key vocabulary from the chapter, like 'constellation', 'rumbling', 'gigantic', 'irresistible', 'swirling', and 'phosphorescent'. The solutions also cover essential survival skills at sea, answering questions about survival duration, navigation techniques, and the dangers encountered, such as hypothermia, massive waves, and marine life. Furthermore, we'll work through exercises that involve completing sentences based on the story and using maps to follow the journey of Slava Kurilov's ordeal. These resources aim to deepen your understanding of the text and aid in exam preparation.

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 9
SubjectMain Course
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
Chapter2.(C) Ordeal in the Ocean

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for 'Ordeal in the Ocean' (Class 9 Main Course, Unit 2(C)) cover key vocabulary from the text, explaining terms like 'gigantic' and 'phosphorescent'. It addresses critical survival questions: estimating time alive in water, navigation techniques using celestial bodies, and identifying dangers like hypothermia and marine life. The solutions also guide students in completing story-based sentences and interpreting a map of the events, reinforcing comprehension of Slava Kurilov's experience.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the meaning of challenging vocabulary words used in the context of a sea survival story.
  • Analyze the survival challenges and strategies faced by an individual in the ocean.
  • Identify and describe the potential dangers present in a marine environment.
  • Interpret narrative details to complete sentences and reconstruct events.
  • Relate textual events to a geographical map, understanding the sequence of actions.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Vocabulary: Constellation
  • Vocabulary: Rumbling
  • Vocabulary: Gigantic
  • Vocabulary: Irresistible
  • Vocabulary: Swirling
  • Vocabulary: Phosphorescent
  • Survival at Sea
  • Dangers in the Ocean
  • Navigation Techniques
  • Narrative Comprehension
  • Map Interpretation
  • Story Sequencing

Important topics

  • Understanding Key Vocabulary
  • Survival Strategies in Water
  • Identifying Ocean Dangers
  • Narrative Event Reconstruction
  • Map-Based Event Placement

PDF preview

Read page by page below. PDF is streamed from the official NCERT website — no download button on this page.

Loading document …
Page of
Loading page …

Questions and Solutions

Question 1

I saw individual stars, but I could not distinguish the constellation they belonged to. Then dawn came and put out all my stars. Therefore, what does 'constellation' mean in this context?
Solution:

In this context, 'constellation' refers to a group of stars that form a recognizable pattern or figure in the sky. The narrator could see individual stars but couldn't identify the larger patterns they formed, highlighting the difference between seeing single points of light and recognizing a collective arrangement.

Question 2

Indeed, there had been a rumbling distant for some time, although I had paid no attention to it. Now I started listening and I thought it sounded like the characteristic noise of jet airplanes constantly landing and taking off. Therefore, what does 'rumbling' mean here?
Solution:

Here, 'rumbling' means a deep, continuous, and resonant sound. The comparison to the noise of jet airplanes constantly landing and taking off emphasizes the low-frequency, powerful, and sustained nature of the sound the narrator heard.

Question 3

It was a gigantic wave with steep, very slowly falling crests. Never in my life had I seen such an enormous wave. It seemed to be touching the sky. Therefore, what does 'gigantic' mean?
Solution:

The word 'gigantic' means extremely large or huge in size and proportion. The description of the wave as 'enormous' and seeming to 'touch the sky' emphasizes its immense scale.

Question 4

The wave did not break over me as I assumed it would. An irresistible force dragged me up its steep slope, right to the very foot of the falling crest. Therefore, what does 'irresistible' mean?
Solution:

'Irresistible' means something that cannot be resisted or opposed; overwhelmingly powerful. In this case, the force was so strong that the narrator was unable to fight against it and was instead pulled along by it up the wave.

Question 5

For a moment I found myself in the air under the crest, as if in a cave. Then, my body was in the swirling current of water; the inner power of the wave turned me head over heels several times, twisting me in all directions before it tired. Therefore, what does 'swirling' mean?
Solution:

'Swirling' means moving around rapidly in a circular or spiral motion. The description of the water turning the narrator 'head over heels several times' and 'twisting me in all directions' clearly indicates a chaotic and forceful circular movement.

Question 6

Around me I could see random currents of water, splashes of foam and phosphorescent spray all swirling about.... I left a trail of luminous water and my body glittered like some princess's ball gown. Therefore, what does 'phosphorescent' mean?
Solution:

'Phosphorescent' refers to the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed energy, often appearing as a dim or faint glow. The context of 'luminous water' and the body 'glittering' suggests a soft, glowing light emanating from the water and the narrator.

Question 7

How long do you think you can stay alive in the water?
Solution:

A person's survival time in water depends on several factors, including water temperature, their physical condition, and the presence of dangers. If one can avoid hypothermia and stay conscious, they might survive for a day or two. However, extreme conditions like enormous waves or strong currents could significantly shorten this time. Staying awake and alert is crucial to combat fatigue and maintain hope.

Question 8

How will you know which way to swim?
Solution:

To determine direction while swimming, one would need to use natural navigation cues. During the day, the position of the sun can indicate direction. At night, the pole star (Polaris) is a reliable indicator of north. Remembering the intended direction of travel relative to these celestial bodies would allow one to swim towards their destination.

Question 9

What dangers will you face?
Solution:

In the open ocean, a person faces numerous dangers. These include the risk of drowning from huge waves, succumbing to hypothermia due to cold water, and attacks from marine creatures like sharks. Navigating and surviving such a situation is extremely difficult, and survival often depends on luck as well as resilience.

Question 10

Below are some incomplete sentences about the story. Complete each sentence appropriately, according to the story.
  1. Slava Kurilov was in the water because he...

Evidence for this is...

His biggest mistake was when he...

He decided to die because...

  1. He was carried towards the lagoon when he decided to...
Solution:
  1. Slava Kurilov was in the water because he likely slipped or fell off the liner he was traveling in. While the exact cause isn't detailed, the narrative implies he found himself in the water unexpectedly.

Evidence for this is not explicitly stated in the provided text, but it can be inferred that he was on a liner, as the story mentions the liner vanishing over the horizon, suggesting he was separated from it.

His biggest mistake was when he decided to change his course and head towards the south-west before the second night, which may have led him further from safety or into more difficult conditions.

He decided to die because the third night had begun, and he felt he had lost all 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, allowing the natural movement of the water to guide him.

Question 11

Below is a map of the area in which Slava Kurilov faced his ordeal. You will also see the major events in the story, in mixed order, each accompanied by a symbol. After you have read 'Ordeal in the Ocean', draw the appropriate symbol against each x mark. (One is already drawn for you.) Draw the symbols or number the symbols, and transfer them to the map.

from Russia

Island Siargac island

route of the liner

decides to die Slava leaves the ship hears

"thunder of waves"

Solution:

This question requires interpreting the map and placing symbols corresponding to major events in the story at their correct locations. Based on the narrative: - 'Slava leaves the ship' would likely be near the start of his ordeal, possibly indicated by a symbol related to falling overboard or leaving the vessel. - Hearing the 'thunder of waves' suggests the onset of severe weather or large wave activity. - 'Decides to die' represents a point of extreme despair, likely occurring after a prolonged period in the water. - The 'route of the liner' shows the general path of the ship, and Slava's position relative to it would be crucial. - The map would need specific symbols provided alongside the question to accurately place events like hearing the waves, deciding to die, and potentially the moment he left the ship, relative to landmarks like Siargac Island and the liner's route.

Common mistakes

  • Misinterpreting the meaning of descriptive vocabulary words.
  • Underestimating the physical and psychological challenges of survival at sea.
  • Failing to connect narrative events with navigational or survival strategies.
  • Difficulty in accurately placing story events on a map based on textual clues.

Revision tips

  • Focus on understanding the meaning of all vocabulary words presented in the solutions.
  • Review the survival strategies and dangers discussed to prepare for potential questions.
  • Practice completing the story-based sentences to improve narrative comprehension.
  • Use the map exercise to visualize the sequence of events and the character's journey.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What does the word 'constellation' mean in the context of the story?

Q2. The 'rumbling' sound is compared to:

Q3. What does 'gigantic' describe in the story?

Q4. The 'irresistible force' mentioned in the story:

Q5. What does 'swirling' mean based on the description of the water's current?

Q6. The term 'phosphorescent' is used to describe:

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of 'Ordeal in the Ocean'?

The main theme is survival at sea, focusing on the challenges, dangers, and psychological aspects faced by an individual lost in the ocean.

What kind of vocabulary is covered in these NCERT Solutions?

The solutions cover descriptive vocabulary words used in the story, such as 'constellation', 'rumbling', 'gigantic', 'irresistible', 'swirling', and 'phosphorescent', explaining their meaning in context.

How do these solutions help in understanding survival at sea?

They address practical questions about staying alive, navigating, and the specific dangers like hypothermia, large waves, and marine creatures, providing insights into the ordeal.

Are there exercises to test comprehension of the story?

Yes, the solutions include exercises to complete sentences based on the story's events and a map-based activity to sequence the major occurrences of Slava Kurilov's ordeal.

What is the purpose of the map exercise in this chapter?

The map exercise helps students visualize the geographical context of the ordeal and understand the sequence of events by associating symbols with specific actions or occurrences described in the story.

Content reviewed by the NCERT Help team. Editorial Team and update policy

NCERT Solutions PDF PDF on NCERT Help. URL unchanged for search indexing.