Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English - Snapshot. This page offers chapter-wise solutions designed to help students grasp key concepts easily. With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.
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Chapter 1 The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse
This story 'The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse' by William Saroyan follows two Armenian-American boys, Aram and Mourad, who share a deep love for horses. Despite their family’s reputation for honesty, the boys "borrow" a beautiful white horse to enjoy a thrilling ride. Through humor and innocence, the story explores themes of family values, innocence, and the quest for adventure. Mourad's character embodies a blend of wild freedom and moral understanding, leaving Aram to confront questions of right and wrong, a hallmark of growing up.
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Chapter 2 The Address
In this touching narrative 'The Address' by Marga Minco, the protagonist returns to her homeland after World War II to retrieve her mother’s belongings. She visits “the address” her mother had given her before her death, where a woman now lives surrounded by her family’s precious objects. This emotional journey uncovers themes of memory, loss, and the painful aftermath of war. As the protagonist recognizes the futility of clinging to possessions, she learns that true heritage lies in memories and love, not in material objects.
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Chapter 3 Ranga's Marriage
R.K. Narayan tells the tale of Ranga, a young man who returns to his village after studying in the city. The villagers are curious about his marital plans, especially the narrator, who decides to intervene. Through wit and humor, the narrator orchestrates Ranga’s marriage with Ratna, a suitable local girl. The story humorously showcases cultural expectations around marriage in rural India, as well as the charm of traditional village life and customs.
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Chapter 4 Albert Einstein at School
This chapter 'Albert Einstein at School' by Patrick Pringle provides a glimpse into Albert Einstein's troubled school days. Misunderstood and restricted by the rote-learning approach of his school, Einstein feels stifled and yearns for intellectual freedom. The story highlights Einstein's disdain for conventional education, which he saw as stifling creativity. This chapter emphasizes the value of curiosity-driven learning and foreshadows Einstein’s eventual contributions to science, driven by his relentless quest for knowledge.
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Chapter 5 Mother's Day
J.B. Priestley's play, Mother's Day, is a lighthearted satire that focuses on Mrs. Pearson, a dedicated housewife who feels unappreciated by her family. With the help of her friend Mrs. Fitzgerald, who possesses mysterious powers, Mrs. Pearson swaps personalities with her friend to teach her family a lesson. The story humorously reveals how roles and expectations often suppress individuals, advocating for respect and acknowledgment within family dynamics.
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Chapter 6 The Ghat of the Only World
In this moving tribute 'The Ghat of the Only World', author Amitav Ghosh reflects on his friendship with fellow writer Agha Shahid Ali, who battled cancer. Set against the backdrop of Kashmir’s cultural richness, Ghosh recounts Shahid’s love for poetry, art, and life. The narrative celebrates Shahid’s resilience, his wit, and his connection to his heritage, conveying the universal themes of friendship, memory, and the transient nature of life.
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Chapter 7 Birth
In this excerpt 'Birth' from A.J. Cronin’s novel The Citadel, a young doctor, Andrew Manson, faces a critical situation during a childbirth. He must save both a mother and her newborn, who appear to be in danger. Through intense moments of self-doubt and ultimate success, the chapter highlights Andrew’s perseverance and dedication to his duty as a doctor. It underlines the challenges and emotional intensity of the medical profession and the miracle of birth.
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Chapter 8 The Tale of Melon City
In this humorous poem 'The Tale of Melon City' by Vikram Seth, the people of Melon City demand justice after their king is accidentally hanged while overseeing an archway construction. Through a series of amusing events, the citizens choose a melon as their next ruler, symbolizing a king who “interferes the least.” This satirical piece critiques the absurdity of bureaucracy and the arbitrary nature of authority, highlighting how sometimes, passive governance serves the people best.