Courses
Courses for Kids
Free study material
Offline Centres
More
Store Icon
Store

Class 11 English Hornbill NCERT Book: Complete Guide & Resources

ffImage
banner
widget title icon
Latest Updates

Free NCERT Hornbill Book PDF, Chapter Summaries & Solutions for Class 11

If you’re getting ready for NCERT Books Class 11 english 2025-26, having the right resources can make all the difference. Authentic NCERT textbooks build a strong, clear base for this subject.


With the latest Hornbill book, you get well-graded chapters, carefully mapped to the official NCERT syllabus. The exam-aligned structure makes your revision easier and more focused.


These trusted texts help you build language skills and confidence for your class assessments as well as competitive exams, all in a simple, student-friendly format.


S. No. NCERT Book
1 NCERT Books Class 11 english Free PDF Download – Hornbill (PDF)

Free NCERT Hornbill Book PDF, Chapter Summaries & Solutions for Class 11

The NCERT Books Class 11 english 2025-26 offers a rich exploration of literature, language skills, and thoughtful themes suitable for CBSE students. Each chapter is curated to improve reading, comprehension, and critical analysis, guiding you through poems, prose, and essays relevant to the syllabus.
NCERT chapters follow a clear, simple structure—making concepts easy to grasp and revise. By covering these chapters, students build confidence for CBSE exams and strengthen their base for higher studies.


NCERT Books Class 11 english Chapter-wise Overview

Every chapter in the Class 11 English Hornbill book introduces fresh ideas and literary styles, helping you step forward in your language learning journey. The content supports exam-focused study built directly from the official NCERT textbook.


Chapter 1: The Portrait of a Lady

This chapter tells a touching story about a grandmother through the eyes of her grandson, highlighting values and human emotions. Focus on understanding the relationship and key narrative techniques.


Chapter 2: We Are Not Afraid To Die

It describes an adventure at sea, where the author and his family show courage during a life-threatening storm. Note the sequence of events and survival themes while reading.


Chapter 3: Discovering Tut: the Saga Continues

Explore the scientific investigation around King Tutankhamun’s mummy and insights into ancient history. Pay close attention to the blend of history and forensic research discussed.


Chapter 4: The Ailing Planet: the Green Movement's Role

This lesson discusses environmental concerns and urges responsibility towards nature through the green movement. Focus on key arguments for environmental conservation.


Chapter 5: The Adventure

Follow the story of Professor Gaitonde and his unexpected journey into a parallel world. Take note of the science fiction elements and the concept of alternate history.


Chapter 6: Silk Road

The chapter presents a travel experience along the historical Silk Road, exploring landscapes and cultures. Observe descriptions and the journey’s purpose for deeper comprehension.


Chapter 1: A Photograph

A poem reflecting on memories and loss inspired by an old photograph. Look at the poetic devices used and the emotional undertone in each line.


Chapter 3: The Laburnum Top

This poem paints a vivid picture of a laburnum tree and a bird’s visit, symbolizing life and continuity. Focus on imagery and what the tree signifies in the poem.


Chapter 4: Childhood

A reflective poem on growing up and realizing the loss of innocence. Pay attention to the central idea—change in perception with age.


Chapter 6: Father To Son

This poem depicts the struggles in a father-son relationship and the desire to bridge their emotional gap. Focus on the theme and the poet’s approach to family dynamics.


Why Class 11 english NCERT Books by Vedantu Are Useful for CBSE Students

NCERT English books lay the foundation for strong language skills and conceptual understanding vital for CBSE exams. They simplify theory, highlight important topics, and support easy last-minute revision. Vedantu’s resources help every student grasp chapters quickly and prepare confidently.


  • Directly aligned with CBSE syllabus.
  • Clear explanations and authentic definitions.
  • Helpful for school exams and board preparation.
  • Strong base for revision and reference.

How Class 11 english NCERT Books Help in CBSE Exam Preparation

NCERT books remain the key resource for CBSE board exams and quick revision. Topics and concepts are structured as per the latest CBSE syllabus and practice materials, supporting conceptual clarity and scoring well in descriptive answers.


  • Concepts asked directly in CBSE exams.
  • Supports descriptive and application questions.
  • Ideal for last-minute revision.

Read each NCERT chapter closely and revise notes regularly. This strengthens confidence and helps you perform better in CBSE Class 11 English exams.


S. No. Study Material
1 NCERT Solutions for Class 11
2 CBSE Syllabus for Class 11
3 CBSE Sample Papers for Class 11
4 CBSE Class 11 Worksheets
5 CBSE Important Questions for Class 11
6 CBSE Revision Notes for Class 11
WhatsApp Banner

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.