Free NCERT Hornbill Book PDF, Chapter Summaries & Solutions for Class 11
FAQs on Class 11 English Hornbill NCERT Book: Complete Guide & Resources
1. What is the summary of Chapter 1 ‘The Portrait of a Lady’ from NCERT Class 11 English Hornbill?
Chapter 1, ‘The Portrait of a Lady’, narrates the deep and loving relationship between the author and his grandmother, highlighting her simplicity, devotion, and transformation across different phases of his life.
- Khushwant Singh describes his grandmother’s life in the village and in the city
- The chapter illustrates her spirituality, daily routine, and caring nature
- Their bond evolves from close companionship in childhood to silent understanding in youth
- The story ends with the grandmother’s peaceful demise, symbolizing dignity and grace
It reflects themes of family, tradition, and generational change as per the CBSE syllabus.
2. What are the important question and answers from Chapter 1 NCERT Class 11 English Hornbill?
Chapter 1 ‘The Portrait of a Lady’ commonly features questions about the author’s relationship with his grandmother, her habits, and the changes in their bond over time.
Key points include:
- The significance of the grandmother’s daily routine and religious devotion
- Differences between village and city life
- How modernization impacted their relationship
- The symbolic representation of her death
Accurate, syllabus-aligned answers combine summary points, character analysis, and examples from the text.
3. Give a summary of Chapter 2 ‘We’re Not Afraid to Die... if We Can All Be Together’ from NCERT Class 11 English Hornbill.
Chapter 2, 'We’re Not Afraid to Die... if We Can All Be Together', recounts the real-life adventure of a family facing a deadly storm while sailing around the world.
- Gordon Cook and his family set out on a sea voyage
- They battle fierce storms and near disaster
- Family members show courage, teamwork, and resilience
- The story celebrates hope, unity, and the human spirit
This chapter develops core CBSE values of perseverance, teamwork, and survival.
4. What are the main question and answers for Chapter 2 NCERT Class 11 English Hornbill?
Important questions from Chapter 2 focus on the family’s crisis management, emotional responses, and lessons learned at sea.
- Causes and effects of the storm accident
- Role played by each family member
- The meaning of the title
- Examples illustrating courage and leadership
Effective answers provide detailed incidents and character reactions as per the syllabus structure.
5. What is the summary of Chapter 3 ‘Discovering Tut: the Saga Continues’ in Hornbill for Class 11?
‘Discovering Tut: the Saga Continues’ explores the modern scientific investigation into the life and mysterious death of Pharaoh Tutankhamun.
- Details archaeological findings in Tutankhamun’s tomb
- Discusses advanced technologies like CT scans used to resolve historical mysteries
- Raises questions about the customs, health, and demise of ancient rulers
- Merges history, science, and curiosity, following the CBSE curriculum focus on interdisciplinary learning
6. What kinds of questions are commonly asked from Chapter 3 of Class 11 Hornbill?
Examination questions from Chapter 3 usually probe historical facts, scientific advancements, and the significance of Tutankhamun’s discovery.
- The cause and controversy of Tut’s death
- The importance of modern science in archaeology
- Symbolic meaning of ancient funerary practices
- How new research reshaped understanding of Egyptian history
Answers should be factual, use key vocabulary, and relate ancient and modern perspectives.
7. What is the theme of the poem ‘A Photograph’ from Class 11 English Hornbill?
The poem ‘A Photograph’ highlights the transient nature of life, memory, and loss through the poet’s reminiscence of her mother as a child.
- Contrasts childhood joy with present absence
- Expresses grief, nostalgia, and passage of time
- Uses a photograph as a symbol of frozen moments
It is syllabus-relevant for analyzing poetic devices and emotional depth.
8. Where can I find the detailed answers to NCERT Class 11 English Hornbill chapters?
Detailed, student-friendly answers to NCERT Class 11 English Hornbill chapters are available in NCERT textbooks, published guides, and credible CBSE study platforms.
- NCERT official answer key and solutions
- CBSE-approved supplementary books
- School teacher notes
Answers are presented in a chapter-wise and exam-oriented format for best results.
9. What are the supporting themes commonly discussed in the Hornbill Class 11 English Book?
Common themes in Hornbill Class 11 English include the value of familial bonds, perseverance, historical exploration, personal growth, and the complexities of tradition versus modernity.
- Relationships and generational gaps
- Courage in adversity
- The interplay of science and culture
- Emotional maturity and coming of age
These prepare students for both board exams and broader life understanding.
10. How should students prepare answers for NCERT Class 11 English Hornbill for board exams?
To prepare high-quality CBSE exam answers from NCERT Class 11 Hornbill:
- Read chapters thoroughly for comprehension
- Make concise, point-wise notes on each chapter and poem
- Practice CBSE previous year questions and mock tests
- Use examples and quotes from the text
- Focus on clarity, accuracy, and adherence to syllabus terminology
This systematic method strengthens confidence for board exams and beyond.






















