Questions and Answers “The Ailing Planet” NCERT Class 11 English
Understanding the Text
- Locate the lines in the text that support the title “The Ailing Planet”.
Answer: The lines that support the title “The Ailing Planet” are:
– “Are we to leave our successors a scorched planet of advancing deserts, impoverished landscapes and ailing environment?”
– “The earth’s vital signs reveal a patient in declining health.”
– “The environment has deteriorated so badly that it is becoming impossible to sustain life on the planet.”
- What does the notice “The world’s most dangerous animal” at a cage in the zoo at Lusaka, Zambia, signify?
Answer: The notice “The world’s most dangerous animal” signifies that humans are the most dangerous animals on earth. This is because humans have the power to destroy the environment and the planet through their actions and irresponsibility.
- How are the earth’s principal biological systems being depleted?
Answer: The earth’s principal biological systems—fisheries, forests, grasslands, and croplands—are being depleted due to overfishing, deforestation, overgrazing, and the conversion of these systems into farmland. This depletion is a result of increasing human demands and mismanagement.
- Why does the author say that the growth of world population is one of the strongest factors distorting the future of human society?
Answer: The author says that the growth of the world population is one of the strongest factors distorting the future of human society because it places immense pressure on the earth’s resources and ecosystems. As the population grows, so does the demand for food, water, and energy, leading to overexploitation and degradation of natural resources.
Talking about the Text
- Discuss the issues that the author raises in the chapter. What are your views on these issues?
Answer: The author raises several issues in the chapter:
– Environmental degradation and its impacts.
– Overpopulation and its strain on natural resources.
– The unsustainable exploitation of biological systems.
– The need for sustainable development and conservation efforts.
My views on these issues are that they are of utmost importance and need immediate attention. Environmental degradation poses a severe threat to the survival of life on earth. Sustainable practices and policies need to be adopted globally to ensure that natural resources are used responsibly and conserved for future generations.
- The writer says, “We have not inherited this earth from our forefathers; we have borrowed it from our children.” Discuss.
Answer: This statement emphasizes the concept of intergenerational responsibility. It means that we are not the owners of the earth but caretakers who must ensure its well-being for future generations. Our actions today will determine the quality of life for our children and grandchildren. Therefore, it is crucial to adopt sustainable practices to protect the environment and preserve the planet’s resources.
Thinking about Language
- The phrase “inter alia” means “among other things”. Can you find other such Latin phrases used in English?
Answer: Yes, other Latin phrases commonly used in English include:
– Et cetera (etc.): And other similar things.
– Status quo: The existing state of affairs.
– Ad hoc: For a specific purpose or situation.
– De facto: In fact, whether by right or not.
- Find out the meanings of the words ‘affluent’, ‘conspicuous’, ‘crippling’, and ‘catastrophic’.
Answer:
– Affluent: Having a great deal of money; wealthy.
– Conspicuous: Standing out so as to be clearly visible; attracting notice or attention.
– Crippling: Causing a severe and almost insurmountable problem or challenge.
– Catastrophic: Involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering; disastrous.
Working with Words
- Locate the following phrases in the text and study their connotation:
– Gripped the imagination of
– Dawned upon
– ushered in
– Shrank the globe into a village
– Unrivalled in world history
Answer:
– Gripped the imagination of: Captured the interest or attention of.
– Dawned upon: Became apparent or clear to someone.
– Ushered in: Brought about or introduced.
– Shrank the globe into a village: Made the world seem smaller and more interconnected.
– Unrivalled in world history: Without equal in history; unprecedented.
These questions and answers cover the key aspects of the chapter and help in understanding the main themes and messages conveyed by the author.