VISTAS

L- JOURNEY TO THE END OF THE EARTH

1)It‘s like walking into a giant ping-pong ball devoid of any human markers — no trees, billboards, buildings.
You lose all earthly sense of perspective and time here. The visual scale ranges from the microscopic to
the mighty: midges and mites to blue whales and icebergs as big as countries (the largest recorded was the
size of Belgium). Days go on and on and on in surreal 24-hour austral summer light, and a ubiquitous
silence, interrupted only by the occasional avalanche or calving ice sheet, consecrates the place.

i. The writer draws a similarity between Antarctica and a giant ping pong ball,based on the _______.
A. transparency of the surface
B. colour white
C. ability to reflect the sunlight
D. rotund physical features

ii. State, in one word, what the author might be feeling, based on the given sentence.
You lose all earthly sense of perspective and time here.
Ans. amazement/wonder/reverence (any other similar and relevant)

iii. Select the book title that speaks of time as mentioned in the extract.
A. The Time machine, by H.G. Wells
B. No Time Like Show Time, by Michael Hoeye
C. When Time Stood Still, by K.S. Adkins
D. The Golden Hour, by T. Greenwood

iv. The author describes the ‘visual scale’ by referring to it as ‘from the microscopic to the mighty‘. What is
the most likely purpose of the author in placing a size reference on one end of the description of the scale
and a strength reference on the other?
Ans. iv. To elicit a sense of awe in the readers/ (and/or) share that the huge aspects are also a force
to reckon with / (and/or) the continent amasses a range from the meaningful microscopic to the
impacting colossa

2)To visit Antarctica now is to be a part of that history; to get a grasp of where we’ve come from and where
we could possibly be heading. It’s to understand the significance of Cordilleran folds and pre-Cambrian
granite shields; ozone and carbon; evolution and extinction. When you think about all that can happen in a
million years, it can get pretty mind-boggling. Imagine: India pushing northwards, jamming against Asia to
buckle its crust and form the Himalayas; South American drifting off to join North America, opening up the
Drake Passage to create a cold circumpolar current, keeping Antarctica frigid, desolate, and at the bottom
of the world.

i) Complete the sentence appropriately, with reference to the extract.

A visit to Antarctica helps us to__________
Ans. A visit to Antarctica helps us to be a part of history, know where we have come from.

ii) What can be mind-boggling according to this passage?

a)To imagine India pushing northward and jamming against Asia.
b)To imagine south America joining North America
c)Both (a) and (b)
d)None of the above

iii) Which of the following corresponds to ‘drifting off’?

a)coming close very fast b)coming close slowly
c)moving away fast d)moving away slowly
iv) Why did India push northwards and jam against Asia?
a)Due to some geological changes
b)Due to heavy snowfall.
c)Due to population explosion
d)Both (b) and (c )

3)Students on Ice, the programme I was working with on the Shokalskiy, aims to do exactly this by taking
high school students to the ends of the world and providing them with inspiring educational opportunities
which will help them foster a new understanding and respect for our planet. It’s been in operation for six
years now, headed by Canadian Geoff Green, who got tired of carting celebrities and retired, rich, curiosity-
seekers who could only ‘give’ back in a limited way. With Students on Ice, he offers the future generation of
policymakers a life-changing experience at an age when they’re ready to absorb, learn, and most
importantly, act.

i. If you were to introduce the author of the above given lines to an audience, what would you say?
Ans. Tishani Doshi, from Madras, Russian research vessel — the Akademik Shokalskiy visited
Antarctica - intrepid / adventurous / enthusiastic / observant

ii. The potential long-term benefits of engaging young individuals in programs like this are ______
Ans. providing them with inspiring educational opportunities which will help them foster a new
understanding and respect for our planet/ High school students are at an age when they are eager
to learn and are more receptive to absorbing and acting on educational experiences, aligning with
the program's goals.

iii. Discuss what ‘limited way’ could mean.

Ans. Not giving back in terms of policy change/undoing the harm/trying ways to mitigate the ill
effects of man’s misdeeds / only taking the opportunity to visit the place nothing more – not taking
the lessons forward and learning from them.

iv. Choose the option that marks the ODD ONE OUT based on your reading of the above extract.
A. Sumit donates 10% of his monthly income to the environment-friendly NGOs.
B. Manmeet and her twin plant a new plant on their birthday every year.
C. Vivek invests in eco-friendly cosmetics that are packaged in plastic containers.
D. Afsana plans to devise a machine that recycles biodegradable wastes from home.
OR
i. Complete the sentence appropriately, with reference to the extract.
The writer refers to the educational opportunities as ‘inspiring’ because .
Ans. These educational opportunities would motivate them to work towards the good of the planet /
allow them to observe first-hand that the planet needs to be respected /nurtured rather than abused

ii. Which of the following would NOT be ‘a life changing experience’?

A. Being given the lead role in a play. B. Going on an adventure trip.
C. Playing a video game. D. Meeting a great leader, you admire.

iii. Select the most suitable title for the given extract.
A. Adventure with a Mission
B. Adventure – The Spice of Life
C. The Wanderlust
D. Students of the Future
iv. Why does the writer refer to ‘act’ as more important than ‘absorb’ or ‘learn’?
Ans. Because having the right knowledge or inclination/understanding is just half the job done. It
fails to have an impact till it is applied/ practised/ put to use in our actions

4) Climate change is one of the most hotly contested environmental debates of our time. Will the West
Antarctic ice sheet melt entirely? Will the Gulf Stream ocean current be disrupted? Will it be the end of the
world as we know it? Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, Antarctica is a crucial element in this debate — not
just because it’s the only place in the world, which has never sustained a human population and therefore
remains relatively ‘pristine’ in this respect; but more importantly, because it holds in its ice-cores half-
million-year-old carbon records trapped in its layers of ice.

i How does the absence of a human population in Antarctica make it significant in the climate change
debate?
Ans. This makes it an important reference point for understanding the effects of human activities
on the environment and the potential impacts of climate change.[The absence of a human
population in Antarctica means that the region is relatively pristine and has not been subject to the
same levels of human impact as other areas of the world.]

ii Why is "climate change" described as a "hotly contested" issue in the extract provided?
A. is universal agreement on the causes and implications of climate change
B. is a planned path ahead about how to address climate change
C. are differing views on the causes and implications of climate change
D. are minimal reports of fresh threats to climate change

iii The analogy of a time machine is an appropriate analogy for the role of carbon records in the study of
climate change because ________________________.
Ans. ... just like a time machine would allow us to observe past events, carbon records allow us to
observe past climate conditions.
[ Carbon records allow us to study past climates by analysing the air bubbles trapped in ice cores.
They provide a glimpse into the Earth's atmospheric conditions at the time the ice was formed and
can help scientists understand how the climate has changed over time.]

iv Give one reason why the writing style of the extract can be called factual and informative.
Ans. Any one)
▪ ...because the writer presents information in a straightforward and
objective manner
▪ ...because the writer applies a third-person point of view and avoids the use of personal opinion or
emotional language
▪ ...because the writer uses a logical structure to present their argument
(starting with the importance of Antarctica as a relatively pristine location, and then moving on to
explain the significance of the ice cores and carbon records found there)

5) The reason the programme has been so successful is because it is impossible to go anywhere near the
South Pole and not be affected by it. It’s easy to be blase about polar ice caps melting while sitting in the
comfort zone of our respective latitude and longitude, but when you can visibly see glaciers retreating and
ice shelves collapsing, you begin to realise that the threat of global warming is real. Antarctica, because of
her simple eco-system and lack of biodiversity, is the perfect place to study how little changes in the
environment can have big repercussions.

(i) As per the given extract, the reason for the success of the programme is
(A) the participation of young students. (B) the journey to Antarctica.
(C) the exposure to reality. (D) it was impossible to go near south pole.
(ii) Complete the following sentence.
The warning that can be inferred from the above extract is __________.
Ans. that global warming is real / that little changes in environment can have big repercussions

(iii) State whether the statement given is TRUE or FALSE with reference to the extract.
Global warming is a threat to human survival.
Ans. True

(iv) Explain one inference that can be drawn from the line “It’s easy to be blase about polar ice caps
melting while sitting in the comfort zone”.
Ans. in comfort zone we are indifferent to the seriousness of the situation

6) Human civilizations have been around for a paltry 12,000 years-barely a few seconds on the geological
clock. In that short amount of time, we’ve managed to create quite a ruckus, etching our dominance over
nature with our villages, towns, cities, mega cities. The rapid increase of human populations has left us
battling with other species for limited resources, and the unmitigated burning of fossil fuels has now created
a blanket of carbon dioxide around the world, which is slowly but surely increasing the average global
temperature.

(i) According to the view expressed by the author in the above extract, increase in global
temperature is due to
(A) mega cities (B) human people
(C) burning of fossil fuels (D) limited resources

(ii) Complete the following sentence with reference to the extract:

Humans are criticised by the author for ________________.
Ans. creating a ruckus / etching dominance over nature with villages, towns, cities / unmitigated
burning of fossil fuels / rapid increase in population / increasing average global temperature

(iii) According to the author, the relation between human population and resources is _________________.
Ans. inversely proportional / that increase in population leads to scarcity of resources

(iv) ‘In that short amount of time, we’ve managed to create a ruckus.’
By ‘ruckus’ the author refers to ___________________.
(A) movement (B) misunderstanding
(C) breach (D) commotion
Ans. (D) commotion

7) You lose all earthly sense of perspective and time here. The visual scale ranges from the microscopic to
the mighty: midges and mites to blue whales and icebergs as big as countries (the largest recorded was the
size of Belgium). Days go on and on and on in surreal 24-hour austral summer light, and a ubiquitous
silence, interrupted only by the occasional avalanche or
calving ice sheet, consecrates the place. It’s an immersion that will force you to place yourself in the
context of the earth’s geological history. And for humans, the prognosis isn’t good.

i) The ‘visual scale’ refers to

a) a measuring device b) range of things one can see
c) visionary’s belief d) the magnitude of preparation

ii) Four people give a reason for the author’s feeling while travelling.
Choose the option that correctly summarizes it based on your understanding of the extract.
Person 1 I think the author is being paranoid about leaving her hometown.
Person 2 According to me, she is bewildered by the travel duration.
Person 3 As far as I can judge, Tishani is being hypocritical because she is comparing the two places.
Person 4 In my opinion, she is amazed by the grandeur of the icy region.
a) Person 1 b) Person 2 c) Person 3 d) Person 4

iii) Select the option that correctly fits the category of ‘microscopic to the mighty’ out of the ones
given below.
1. trace of a skin cell: trace of a bird’s egg 2. a grain of rice: field of wheat
3. a scoop of ice cream: an ice-cream cone 4. a drop of water: Pacific Ocean

a) 1, 2 b) 3, 4 c) 1, 3 d) 2, 4

iv) Choose the option listing the elements that influence one to think of earth’s physicality.
1. breakage of an iceberg from a glacier 2. midges and mites
3. a regular seen avalanche 4. summer light in the Southern hemisphere
a) 1, 2 b) 3, 4 c) 1, 4 d) 2, 3

8) Students on Ice, the programme I was working with on the Shokalskiy, aims to do exactly this by taking
high school students to the ends of the world and providing them with inspiring educational opportunities
which will help them foster a new understanding and respect for our planet. It’s been in operation for six
years now, headed by Canadian Geoff Green, who got tired of carting celebrities and retired, rich, curiosity-
seekers who could only ‘give’ back in a limited way. With Students on Ice, he offers the future generation of
policy-makers a life-changing experience at an age when they’re ready to absorb, learn, and most
importantly, act.

i) Students on Ice is …………. headed by Geoff Green. Select the option to fill in the blank correctly.
a) a travelogue b) an expedition c) a globetrotting d) a tour

ii) Choose the option that marks the ODD ONE OUT based on your reading of the above extract.
a) Sumit donates 10% of his monthly income to the environment-friendly NGOs.
b) Manmeet and her twin plant a new plant on their birthday every year.
c) Vivek invests in eco-friendly cosmetics that are packaged in plastic containers.
d) Afsana plans to device a machine that recycles the biodegradable wastes from home.

iii) Pick the option that characterizes the celebrities based on your understanding of the extract.
1. overachiever 2. Zealous 3. Miserly 4. impassive
a) 1, 2 b) 3, 4 c) 1, 3 d) 2, 4

iv) Choose the option that lists the reasons for Green’s programme.
1. making youngsters realize the gory reality of the planet.
2. provoking the youth to think about the future earnestly.
3. giving a chance of exploring the north pole to the young generation
4. providing travel opportunities to students that were unfortunate.
a) 1, 2 b) 3, 4 c) 1, 3 d) 2, 4

Stand Alone MCQs

i) “Antarctica is a crucial element in this debate — not just because it’s the only place in the world,
which has never sustained a human population and therefore remains relatively ‘pristine’ in this
respect...”
With respect to the given statement from the text, choose the option to replace the underlined set of words.
a) stays as it is throughout the year. b) becomes a perfect place to travel.
c) is left to be an uncorrupted area. d) abides by the strict laws of nature.

ii) The central idea of the text is given below as told by four students. Choose the correct option of
the ones given below.
Student 1 The author wants to invigorate a spirit in the readers to travel and explore.
Student 2 The author is trying to delineate the beauty of Antarctica as compared to the rest of the world.
Student 3 The author is keen on drawing a comparison between South India and Antarctica in terms of
their weather.
Student 4 The author throws light on the crucial issues of our planet through this narrative.
a) Student 1 b) Student 2 c) Student 3 d) Student 4

iii) ‘Take care of the small things and the big things will take care of themselves.’
Choose the option stating the significance of this statement depending on the textual context.
a) We should try to focus on smaller regions like Antarctica to improve the rest of the world.
b) We should tend to smaller grasses which eventually become a part of the food chain in order to
expect bigger things like animal and human lives to change.
c) We should give more opportunities to the younger generation than the older generation if we want to see
a change in the world.
d) We should save a little every now and then in order to explore bigger opportunities in terms of travel and
tourism.

iv) Choose the option that correctly represents the Venn diagram based on the statement given
below.
‘Antarctica is the cosmic view of whatever is happening to our planet.’
a) option 1 b) option 2 c) option 3 d) option 4

v) Choose the correct option with respect to the statements given below.
Statement 1: Antarctica is a lesson in itself for the readers of the text.
Statement 2: Antarctica gives an insight to the damage being done to Earth by humanity.
a) Statement 1 can be inferred but Statement 2 cannot be inferred from the text.
b) Statement 1 cannot be inferred but Statement 2 can be inferred from the text.
c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be inferred from the text.
d) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 cannot be inferred from the text.

vi) Which of these questions is answered by the text 'The Journey to the End of the Earth'?
A.How did humans contribute to the rapid changes in the ecosystem?
B.When did climate change start becoming an immediate concern?
C.Why is Antarctica in the southern most part of Earth?
D.What is the origin of the word Antarctica?

vii)Why does the speaker call the teenagers 'idealistic' towards the end of the chapter?
A.They had a clear course of action after the expedition.
B.They held the kind of hope that comes with being young.
C.Their access to policy makers made them more confident.
D.Their practical education enabled them to believe in change.

QUESTION - ANSWER
1)Describe the author’s emotions when she set her foot on Antarctica.
Ans. Far flung white landscape and blue horizon of Antarctica was a relief to the author. The author with
her team had travelled 100 hours. She wondered at the sight of the large continent, its isolation and
serenity. She could not believe the fact that once India and Antarctica were part of the same land mass.
(Any other relevant points
2) How is Antarctica a crucial element in the debate on climate change?
Ans. Antarctica is a crucial element in the debate on climate change because it is the only place in the
world which has never sustained a human population and thus remains relatively pristine. Moreover, it
holds in its ice-caves half-million-year-old carbon records trapped in its layers of ice. The world’s climate is
changing fast and is at present one of the most hotly debated
issues. Antarctica is the ideal place to study the effect of these environmental changes as it has a very
simple ecosystem and lacks biodiversity. If global warming makes Antarctica warmer, it will have disastrous
consequences elsewhere. Increasing global temperature, burning of fossil fuels, rise in the pollution around
the world, increasing carbon dioxide are quite harmful for Antarctica. (Any other relevant points)

Q3.According to the author, mankind has etched its dominance over nature. Express your view.
Ans. Despite few seconds of existence in the geological clock, human civilizations have created a ruckus
exploiting the limited resources and burning of fossil fuels. They have created a blanket of carbon dioxide
and increased the average global temperature. (Any other relevant points)

Q4. How can you say ‘Students on Ice Programme’ was a step towards the future?
Ans. Suggested value points:-
- students today- policy makers of tomorrow
- provides first hand experience of the changing world environment
- helps foster a new understanding and respect for planet

Q5. ‘And for humans, the prognosis is not good;’

What is in store for humans, as per the above statement ?
Ans. Suggested value points:-
- rising average global temperature / global warming
- melting Antarctica ice sheets and glaciers
- disruption in gulf stream ocean current

Q6. The writer refers to Antarctica as ‘the End of the Earth’. Bring out the inherent literal and
figurative intent of this reference.
Ans.• Literal intent is purely geographical—The Polar regions are the top and bottom most areas of Earth
and hence considered its end. Antarctica is at the South Pole, therefore ‘the End of the Earth’.
• Figurative intent is a warning/ word of caution— Reference to the destruction / catastrophic end of the
Earth with Antarctica representing the fact that humans have maligned the natural domains

Q7. You are Jennifer Bentley, the coordinator for the ‘Know the Antarctic‘ programme. You disagree
with Geoff Greene‘s belief that visits to Antarctica are advantageous only for the youngsters. You
have the opportunity to express your thoughts before the Antarctica Tourism Board. Write this
address, supporting the ‘Students on Ice’ programme and also share the merit in promoting tourism
for the celebrities and the retired.
You may begin like this:
Greetings, dear members of the Board.
Thank you for allowing me an opportunity to …
Ans.
Greetings, dear members of the Board
Please acceptance my gratitude for allowing me an opportunity to express my opinion about ‘Students on
Ice’ helmed by Geoff Greene. He is doing a commendable job exposing young minds to the damages done
to the planet. Taking this to the grassroot level, will ensure that the objectives of the program will be
successfully achieved.Alternatively, planning Antarctic tours for celebrities and the retired too has its
benefits. Once they are well-informed of their obligations, I’m sure they would lead the next generation
towards a healthier living space.
(Can elaborate on…)
• Donating funds towards sponsorships for research and studies/ NGOs that support the cause
• Using their influence to spread awareness
• Spread the word among others their age, urging them to follow environ-friendly practices, thereby
assuring a greener planet for the following generation
Conclusion-- The planet needs young blood to address its needs but experience of the retired and assets
as well as fame of the celebrities can be highly useful too.
Thank you
(Any other relevant)

Q8. Antarctica is unlike any other place on Earth. Justify the statement. (Journey to the end of the
earth)
Ans. Antarctica is unlike any other place on Earth because it is untouched by human beings. It has a
simple ecosystem, existing in its purest and original form. Antarctica holds in its ice-cores half million-year-
old carbon records trapped in its layers of ice. It is the driest windiest, coldest place on earth.

Q9. What are the significant features of ‘Students on Ice Programme’ ?

Ans. Suggested value points:-
- providing students with inspiring educational opportunities
- help them foster a new understanding and respect for our planet
- offer future generations of policy makers a life changing experience at an age when they are ready to
absorb, learn and act

Q10. What makes the author say, "The world's geological history is trapped in Antarctica”?
Ans. Suggested value points:
- Antarctica is still in its pristine form, uninhabited by humans
- it holds in its ice-cores half million years old carbon records
- ideal place to study the past, present and future of the planet

Q11. What were the author's initial emotions on setting foot in Antarctica ?
Ans. Suggested value points
- relief
- wonder – immediate profound wonder / wonder at the immensity and isolation
of Antarctica

Q11. What did Geoff Green switch over to ? Why ?

Ans. - he switched to taking children on ‘Students on Ice’ programme
- he got tired of taking celebrity retired, rich, adults / They could give in a limited way / with students he was
sure of impacting the future generation of policy makers / as children are ready to absorb, learn and act

Q11. What prevented the Shokalskiy from going further ? What did the captain instruct the
passenger to do ?
Ans. - thick white stretch of ice
- climb down and walk on the ocean

Q12. Describe Gondwana.

Ans. - giant, amalgamated southern supercontinent
- centered roughly around present day Antarctica
- warm climate
- home to variety of flora and fauna
- thrived for more than 500 years
Q13. What prevented the Shokalskiy from going further ? What did the captain instruct the
passenger to do ? (Journey to the End of The Earth)
Ans. - thick white stretch of ice
- climb down and walk on the ocean

Q14. What did Geoff Green switch over to? Why ?

Ans. - he switched to taking children on ‘Students on Ice’ programme
- he got tired of taking celebrity retired, rich, adults / They could give in a limited way / with students he was
sure of impacting the future generation of policy makers / as children are ready to absorb, learn and act

Q15. What makes the author say, "The world's geological history is trapped in Antarctica”?
Ans. Suggested value points:
- Antarctica is still in its pristine form, uninhabited by humans
- it holds in its ice-cores half million years old carbon records
- ideal place to study the past, present and future of the planet

Q16. Identify Tishani Doshi's writing style in Journey to the End of the Earth and state two aspects
that characterise it using examples from the text.
Ans. • Descriptive style
• She uses precise factual details in her writing / she pays close attention to detail such as the name of the
vessel, the number of hours that took her to reach Antarctica, the number of time zones / the number of
checkpoints / geological/historical facts to build her narrative / she divides her writing into three coherent
parts, each with its individual heading for clarity
• She uses her words to create vivid word-pictures/ she uses visual imagery to compare ice-clad Antarctica
to an endless stretch of 'stark whiteness', giving the reader a mental image of the place / she uses similes
to bring the experience to life, saying that going to Antarctica 'is like walking into a giant ping-pong ball'.

Q13. How would a student’s learning experience be enhanced in the 'Students on Ice' programme
as compared to studying only in a classroom? Analyse any one point.
(Journey to the End of the Earth)
Ans.
♦ Students would see and experience the actual implications of human activity on the environment rather
than just reading about it. It would make students more motivated to act responsibly.
♦ Students would have a life-changing experience at an unusual place like Antarctica which might make
information and learning more memorable.

Q14. “My Antarctic experience was full of such epiphanies,” says Tishani Doshi.
Which experience does she consider the best and why?
Ans. Suggested value points-
- climbing down the gangplank and walking on the frozen ocean
- walking on stark whiteness that spread out forever
- 180 meters of living, breathing salt water underneath them
- watching Crabeater seals stretching and sunning themselves on ice

Q15. What are Geoff Green’s reasons for including high school students in the ‘Students on Ice’
expedition? (Journey to the End of the Earth)
Ans. Suggested value points:
- to provide them with inspiring thought process which would help them foster a fresh/new understanding of
the planet
- develop a sense of respect towards the immediate environment
- young minds absorb, learn and act
- future generation of policy makers
Q. Why did Geoff Green include young students in his programme?
Ans.Suggested value points:-
- he was tired of carting celebrities and retired rich
- young students were the future generation of policy makers
- life changing experience at an age when they are ready to absorb, learn, and act

Q16. ‘With students of ice, he offers future generation of policy makers a life-changing
experience…’
(The Journey to End of the Earth)
What expectation of the narrator is reflected in the above line?
Ans. Suggested value points:-
- first hand experience will help students to learn , absorb and act
-will frame policies to preserve nature and Earth
- will develop better understanding of Earth

Q17. Tishani Doshi considered the programme ‘Students on Ice’ a success. Do you agree with her?
Why/Why not? (Journey to the End of the Earth)
Ans. Suggested value points:-
Yes, I agree
- taking students, future policy makers
- life changing experience
- to foster a new understanding and respect for the planet

Q.Describe one primary emotion felt by the speaker during her expedition to Antarctica in 'Journey
to the End of the Earth'.
Ans.Sample Answer: The speaker felt a
sense of awe during her expedition to
Antarctica as it provided extensive
historical context to understanding the
origin of the world.
Content
♦Describes one emotion felt by the speaker based on the text [1 mark]
(awe due to historical context/wonder at how far she had come/amazement at the connections among all liv
ing beings on Earth/excitement and fear at the expanse of white before her eyes/admiration for geological p
rocesses/realisation that climate change was an urgent threat)

Long questions
Q1) How can a visit to Antarctica be an enlightening experience ?
Elaborate. (Journey to the end of the Earth)
Ans. Suggested value points:-
- develops new understanding and respect for the planet
- helps us understand how little changes in the environment can have major repercussions
- realize threat of global warming is real
- get a grasp of where we have come from and where we could possibly be heading
- it holds in its ice core half million year old carbon records
- understanding / enlightened about evolution and extinction
- develops an understanding of past, present and future

Q2) How has human civilization impacted our environment? Comment with reference to the lesson
“Journey to the End of the Earth”.
Ans. Suggested value points:
- managed to create ruckus
- etching our dominance over nature
- rapid increasing population
- battling with limited resources
- increasing global temperature, global warming
- polar ice-caps melting
- impacted small and bigger organisms
- increasing pollution
- climate change

Q3) Tishani Doshi, in Journey to the End of the Earth, shares that the Students on Ice programme
on the Shokalsky, aims to take high school students to the ends of the world and provide them with
inspiring educational opportunities which will help them foster a new understanding and respect for
our planet.
As one of the students of this programme, prepare a speech draft for a Press conference, on the
kinds of educational opportunities and how they are helping you contribute to fostering a new
understanding.
You may begin this way –
Greetings one and all.
I stand before you today not just as a student but as a proud participant of the ‘Students on Ice’
programme, an expedition that has been a transformative journey toward a profound understanding
and respect for our planet.
End the draft this way –
Thank you
Ans.
Educational opportunities –
-From witnessing the grandeur of glaciers to understanding the delicate balance of polar ecosystems
- These opportunities extend beyond the scientific realm - they delve into the interconnectedness of
environmental, social, and economic facets
- Not just about memorising facts – but about understanding the complex web that sustains life on our
planet
-Gained insights into the immediate impacts of climate change -- not abstract concepts but tangible signs
of a planet in flux.
Fostering an understanding ---
-hands-on experiences - the melting ice, the shifting landscapes — such experiences fuel commitment
to environmental stewardship
-not just learning - internalising a responsibility to act
- a sense of global citizenship --- because this venture is not being done as tourists – but as ambassadors
of a sustainable future
-aware that actions today shape the world we inherit tomorrow
- empowers to be advocates for positive change and passion to address the challenges the planet faces
- moulding the future generation into informed, responsible custodians of this planet

Q. How has human civilization impacted our environment ? Comment with reference to the lesson
“Journey to the End of the Earth” .
Ans. Suggested value points:
- managed to create ruckus
- etching our dominance over nature
- rapid increasing population
- battling with limited resources
- increasing global temperature, global warming
- polar ice-caps melting
- impacted small and bigger organisms
- increasing pollution
- climate change
Q. How is visiting Antarctica important to understand the Earth’s past, present and future ? Support
your answer with a rationale.
Ans.Suggested value points:-
- relatively pristine- never sustained human population
- holds in its ice-cores half-million-year-old carbon records
- provide insights into Cordilleran folds and pre-Cambrian granite shields, ozone and carbon, evolution and
extinction
- melting glaciers- a sign of threat/ global warming
- simple ecosystem- lack of biodiversity, shows big repercussions of smaller changes in environment

Q. On returning home, Tishani Doshi writes her thoughts reflecting on how her decision to enroll for
the Students on Ice programme has been the single most important decision of her life that has
completely transformed her.
Imagine yourself to be Tishani and express these thoughts.
You may begin like this:
I can’t thank my stars enough for having cashed in on the opportunity of...........
Ans.
-An experience completely different than any other - to visit a landscape that is not inhabited by humans
and so still relatively pristine.
-Provided an insight into the earth’s past, present and the future.
-Made her delve deep into the threat faced by the environment and the earth itself due to human activities.
-Realised how little changes can have a major impact on the environment and therefore the need to take
care of the small things.
-An eye opening experience – realised how everything on this earth is interlinked.
-The trip indeed had a life changing impact.