Parents often use SCERT Kerala Syllabus 9th Standard English Notes Pdf Unit 4 Chapter 1 The Unstoppable Soul Surfer Textual Questions and Answers Activities Notes Pdf to assist their kids with homework.
Class 9 English The Unstoppable Soul Surfer Question Answer Notes Kerala Syllabus
Std 9 English The Unstoppable Soul Surfer Question Answer
9th Class English The Unstoppable Soul Surfer Question Answer
We are …
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
– (Alfred Lord Tennyson)
9th Standard English The Unstoppable Soul Surfer Notes – Let’s log in
Question 1:
What does this collage convey to you?
Answer:
It conveys to me that there are many people around who have no legs, hands or eyes. But they try to overcome their problems in different ways.
Question 2.
What are the factors that make people succeed in life? Discuss.
Answer:
It is determination, hard work, and a will to survive adverse circumstances that make people succeed in life.
People who survive adverse circumstances can thrive. Though born with tremendous potential, we may falter at certain points in life, till our innate survival instinct pulls us back on track. With it, we can conquer the world. Resilience is a key human attribute. Resilient individuals can bounce back from adversity and face challenges with determination. It is determination that helps us survive and thrive.
9th English The Unstoppable Soul Surfer Question Answer – Textual Questions And Answers
a. What turned Bethany’s thoughts upside down in a split second?
ഒരു നിമിഷാർദ്ധത്തിൽ ബഥനിയുടെ ചിന്തകൾ എന്താണ് മാറ്റി മറിച്ചത്?
Answer:
First she saw a flash of grey. Then she felt a lot of pressure and a couple of lightning-fast tugs as the tiger sharp bit off her left arm which was dangling in water.
ആദ്യം അവൾ ഒരു ചാരനിറത്തിലുള്ള ഫ്ളാഷ് കണ്ടു. പിന്നെ അവൾക്ക് വലിയ സമ്മർദ്ദവും അവ ളുടെ കയ്യിൽ ശക്തിയായ പുളളിംഗും അനുഭവപ്പെട്ടു. വെള്ളത്തിൽ വച്ചിരുന്ന അവളുടെ ഇടത് കൈ മുഴുവൻ ഒരു ടൈഗർ ഷാർക്ക് കടിച്ച് തിന്നിരുന്നു.
b. How did Bethany feel when the shark attacked her?
ഷാർക്ക്, അവളെ ആക്രമിച്ചപ്പോൾ ബഥനിക്ക് എന്താണ് അനുഭവപ്പെട്ടത്?
Answer:
She felt the pressure and a kind of jiggle-jiggle pull. She knew it was the teeth of the shark that were pulling her arm. The teeth had serrated edges like a steak knife and they sawed through the board and her bones as if they were tissue paper.
വലിയ സമ്മർദ്ദവും വലിവും അവൾക്ക് അനുഭവപ്പെട്ടു. ഷാർക്കിന്റെ പല്ലുകളാണ് അവളുടെ കൈ വലിക്കുന്നത് എന്ന് അവൾക്ക് മനസ്സിലായി. വറുത്തതോ, ഗ്രില്ല് ചെയ്തതോ ആയ ഇറച്ചിക്കഷണ ങ്ങൾ മുറിക്കാൻ ഉപയോഗിക്കുന്ന കത്തിപോലെ മൂർച്ചയുളളതായിരുന്നു ആ ഷാർക്കിന്റെ പല്ലു കൾ. സർഫ്ബോഡും അവളുടെ കൈയിലെ എല്ലുകളും ടിഷ്യൂപേപ്പർ കീറിയെടുക്കുന്ന ലാഘവ ത്തോടെയാണ് ആ ഷാർക്ക് മുറിച്ചെടുത്തത്.
c. How did Bethany’s companions respond immediately after she was attacked by the shark? What is your impression of them?
ഷാർക്കിന്റെ ആക്രമണത്തിനു ശേഷം ബഥനിയുടെ കൂടെയുണ്ടായിരുന്നവർ എങ്ങിനെയാണ് പ്രതികരിച്ചത്? അവരെപ്പറ്റി നിങ്ങളുടെ അഭിപ്രായം എന്താണ്?
Answer:
Alana’s brother Byron and her father Holt went to her in a flash. Holt’s face was white and his eyes were wide. But he took control of the situation. He pushed Bethany by the tail of her board and the board with her on it was taken by a wave over the reef. Holt, Byron and Alana did not show any panic. They kept their feelings inside and did not lose their head.
അലനയുടെ സഹോദരനായ ബൈറണും അവളുടെ പിതാവായ ഹോൾട്ടും ഒരു നിമിഷത്തിനു ള്ളിൽ ബഥനിയുടെ അടുത്തെത്തി. ഹോൾട്ടിന്റെ മുഖം വിളറിയും കണ്ണുകൾ വികസിച്ചും ഇരു ന്നു. മനഃസാന്നിദ്ധ്യം കൈവിടാതെ അദ്ദേഹം ബഥനി ഇരുന്നിരുന്ന ബോഡ് തള്ളിയകറ്റി. ഒരു തിരമാല അത് ഒരു പാറയുടെ പുറത്ത് എത്തിച്ചു. ഹോൾട്ട്, ബെറൻ,അലൈന എന്നിവർ യാതൊരു പരിഭ്രമവും കാണിച്ചില്ല. അവർ അവരുടെ വികാരങ്ങളെ ഉള്ളിൽ ഒതുക്കി, വേണ്ടതൊക്കെ ചെയ്തു.
d. Why did Holt want Bethany to keep talking to him?
എന്തുകൊണ്ടാണ് തന്നോട് സംസാരിച്ചുകൊണ്ടിരിക്കാൻ ഹോൾട്ട് ബഥനിയോട് ആവശ്യപ്പെ ട്ടത്?
Answer:
Holt wanted Bethany to keep talking to him to make sure that she did not pass out in the middle of the ocean.
സമുദ്രത്തിന്റെ നടുക്കുവച്ച് അവളുടെ ബോധം നഷ്ടപ്പെടാതിരിക്കാനാണ് ഹോൾട്ട് അങ്ങിനെ പറഞ്ഞത്.
e. What was the shocking news Dr. Rovinsky revealed to Bethany and her family?
ബഥനിയോടും അവളുടെ കുടുംബത്തോടും എന്തുഷോക്കിംഗ് ന്യൂസാണ് ഡോക്ടർ റോവിൻസ്കി വെളിപ്പെടുത്തിയത്?
Answer:
The shocking news Dr. Rovinsky revealed to Bethany and her family was that Bethany had lost her arm.
ബഥനിക്ക് തന്റെ കൈ എന്നന്നേക്കുമായി നഷ്ടപ്പെട്ടു എന്ന വാർത്ത.
f. Why were the reporters waiting at the doorway?
എന്തുകൊണ്ടാണ് റിപ്പോർട്ടേഴ്സ് വാതിലിനടുത്ത് കാത്തുനിന്നത്?
Answer:
The reporters were waiting at the doorway so that they could break Bethany’s story to their TV viewers. They wanted the get the story of the accident right from Bethany herself.
ബഥനിയുടെ കഥ തങ്ങളുടെ ചാനൽ പ്രേക്ഷകർക്ക് ബ്രെയ്ക്കിംഗ് ന്യൂസായി കൊടുക്കാനുള്ള ഉത്സാഹത്തിലാണ് അവിടെ അവർ നിന്നത്. അപകടത്തെപ്പറ്റിയുള്ള വിവരങ്ങൾ നേരിട്ട് ബഥനി യിൽ നിന്നും മനസ്സിലാക്കാൻ അവർ ശ്രമിക്കുകയായിരുന്നു.
g. How did Bethany’s father react to her notion of becoming a surf photographer? What does this tell you about him?
സർഫ് ഫോട്ടോഗ്രാഫർ ആകാനുള്ള ബഥനിയുടെ ആശയത്തോട്, അവളുടെ പിതാവ് എങ്ങി നെയാണ് പ്രതികരിച്ചത്? അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ഈ പ്രതികരണം അദ്ദേഹത്തെപ്പറ്റി എന്തു സൂചന യാണ് നൽകുന്നത്?
Answer:
When Bethany said she wanted to be the best surf photographer she was trying to say that her surfing days were over. On hearing that, her father just nodded and smiled, although he was very sad. This tells me that he was a good father who wanted to encourage his daughter in all her endeavours.
തനിക്ക് ബെസ്റ്റ് സർഫ് ഫോട്ടോഗ്രാഫർ ആകണമെന്ന് ബഥനി പറഞ്ഞതിന്റെ അർത്ഥം അവൾക്കിനി സർഫ് ചെയ്യാൻ പറ്റുകയില്ല എന്ന അവളുടെ നിരാശയിൽ നിന്നും ഉണ്ടായതാണ്. അതുകേട്ട പ്പോൾ ബഥനിയുടെ പിതാവ് ദുഃഖത്തോടെ തലയാട്ടി ചെറുതായി പുഞ്ചിരിച്ചു. ഇതു കാണിക്കു ന്നത് അദ്ദേഹം ഒരു നല്ല പിതാവാണെന്നും തന്റെ മകളുടെ ആശകൾ നിറവേറ്റാൻ ഏറ്റവും സഹാ യിക്കുന്ന വ്യക്തിയും ആണെന്നാണ്.
h. In what way did Bethany’s brothers help to keep her spirits up?
അവളുടെ സന്തോഷം നിലനിർത്താൻ എങ്ങിനെയാണ് ബഥനിയുടെ സഹോദരന്മാർ സഹാ യിച്ചത്?
Answer:
Bethany’s brothers helped to keep her spirits up in different ways. Timothy was always joking and Noah was her biggest protector. They were strong and they helped her to be strong.
വിവിധ രീതികൾ ഉപയോഗിച്ചാണ് ബഥനിയുടെ സഹോദരങ്ങൾ അവളെ സഹായിച്ചത്. തിമോത്തി എപ്പോഴും തമാശകൾ പറഞ്ഞു. നോഹ അവളുടെ ഏറ്റവും വലിയ രക്ഷകൻ ആയിരുന്നു. അവർ ശക്തരായിരുന്നു. അവളേയും ശക്തയാക്കാൻ അവർ ആവതു ശ്രമിച്ചു.
i) Why was Bethany provided security cover?
എന്തുകൊണ്ടാണ് ബഥനിക്ക് സുരക്ഷ ഒരുക്കേണ്ടി വന്നത്?
Answer:
Bethany was provided security cover because there was a mob of TV people eagerly waiting to shove microphones on her face. They would ask her many question^ and she was expected to answer them.
ബഥനിയോട് ചോദ്യങ്ങൾ ചോദിക്കാനും, മറ്റു വിവരങ്ങൾ ആരായാനും, ഒരു പറ്റം T.V. റിപ്പോർട്ടർമാർ ആശുപത്രിയുടെ പ്രധാന കവാടത്തിൽ തടിച്ചുകൂടിയിരുന്നു. അവർ ബഥനിയുടെ മുഖത്തേക്ക് അവരുടെ മൈക്രോഫോൺ തള്ളിക്കൊടുക്കും. അവരിൽ നിന്നും രക്ഷിക്കാനാണ് ബഥനിക്ക് സുരക്ഷ ഏർപ്പെടുത്തിയത്.
j. Why did she agree to give interviews? What was the impact of this decision?
എന്തുകൊണ്ടാണ് ബഥനി അഭിമുഖത്തിനു സമ്മതിച്ചത്? ഈ തീരുമാനത്തിന്റെ ഫലം എന്താ യിരുന്നു?
Answer:
She agreed to give interviews for the benefit of others. The impact of this decision was so many strangers approached her on the beach, in airports, in shops and restaurants asking for autographs. They said she was an inspiration to them. She was interrupted at dinner by people who wanted to be photographed with her.
മറ്റുള്ളവരുടെ ഗുണത്തിനു വേണ്ടിയാണ് അവർ അഭിമുഖം കൊടുക്കാൻ തയ്യാറായത്. അതിന്റെ ഫലമായി ബീച്ചുകളിലും, എയർപോർട്ടുകളിലും, കടകളിലും, ഭക്ഷണശാലകളിലും ഒക്കെ ആയി രിക്കുമ്പോൾ പോലും അപരിചിതർ അവരുടെ ഓട്ടോഗ്രാഫിന് വേണ്ടി അവരെ സമീപിക്കുമായി രുന്നു. അവർ ഒരു പ്രചോദനമാണെന്നാണ് കാണാൻ വന്നവർ പറഞ്ഞത്. ഭക്ഷണം കഴിക്കുമ്പോൾ പോലും കൂടെ നിന്ന് ഫോട്ടോയെടുക്കാൻ ആൾക്കാർ വന്ന് അവരെ ശല്യപ്പെടുത്തിയിരുന്നു.
k. What did her friends mean when they said Bethany had become something more than a surfer?
എന്ത് അർത്ഥത്തിലാണ് ബഥനിയുടെ കൂട്ടുകാർ പറഞ്ഞത് ബഥനി സർഫർ എന്നതിനുപരി മറ്റ് എന്തോ ആയി മാറിയെന്ന്?
Answer:
When they said Bethany had become something more than a surfer, they meant she had become a bearer of hope for those who have been handed a bad deal in the card game of life.
അതിനർത്ഥം സർഫർ എന്നതിനുപരി അവർ ജീവിതത്തിൽ ദുരിതം സംഭവിച്ചവർക്ക് ഒരു ആശാകിര ണമായി മാറി എന്നാണ്.
l. What difficulties did she face while trying to surf with a single hand?
ഒറ്റക്കൈകൊണ്ട് സർഫ് ചെയ്യാൻ ശ്രമിച്ചപ്പോൾ എന്തെല്ലാം പ്രയാസങ്ങളാണ് അവൾ നേരിട്ടത്
Answer:
She had to learn to paddle evenly with one arm. When she felt the wave pick her up, she had to put her hand flat on the centre of the deck to get to her feet. When she had both the hands she could grab the surfboard rail and quickly get to her feet.
ഒറ്റക്കെകൊണ്ട് ശരിയായി തുഴയാൻ അവൾക്ക് പഠിക്കേണ്ടി വന്നു. ഒരു തിരമാല വന്ന് അവളുടെ സർഫ് ബോഡ് മുന്നോട്ട് എടുക്കുമ്പോൾ അവളുടെ ഏകകരം ബോഡിൽ പരത്തിവച്ചുകൊണ്ട് ശക്തിസംഭരിച്ച് കാലുകളിൽ നിൽക്കാനായി കുതിച്ചുയരണമായിരുന്നു. അവൾക്ക് രണ്ട് കൈ ഉണ്ടാ യിരുന്നപ്പോൾ സർഫ് ബോഡിന്റെ റെയിലിൽ പിടിച്ചുകൊണ്ട് പെട്ടെന്ന് തന്നെ എഴുന്നേറ്റ് നിൽക്കാൻ അവൾക്ക് സാധിക്കുമായിരുന്നു.
m. Why was Bethany discouraged after the first trial?
ആദ്യത്തെ പരിശ്രമത്തിനു ശേഷം എന്തുകൊണ്ടാണ് ബഥനിക്ക് നിരാശയുണ്ടായത്?
Answer:
Bethany was discouraged after the first trial because her first couple of attempts to get to her feet using one hand did not prove successful.
ഒറ്റക്ക് കുത്തി കുതിച്ചുയർന്ന് കാലിൽ നിൽക്കാൻ രണ്ട് പ്രാവശ്യം അവൾ ശ്രമിച്ചെങ്കിലും അവൾക്കതിന് സാധിച്ചില്ല. ആ പരാജയമാണ് അവളിൽ നിരാശയുണ്ടാക്കിയത്.
n. How did her father encourage her?
എങ്ങിനെയാണ് അവളുടെ പിതാവ് അവളെ പ്രോത്സാഹിപ്പിച്ചത്?
Answer:
Her father encouraged her by asking her to try it one more time. He said she would succeed in the next attempt.
രണ്ടു പ്രാവശ്യം പരാജയപ്പെട്ട അവളോട് ഒരു പ്രാവശ്യം കൂടി പരിശ്രമിക്കാൻ അദ്ദേഹം പറഞ്ഞു. അതിൽ അവൾ വിജയിക്കുമെന്നും അദ്ദേഹം കൂട്ടിച്ചേർത്തു.
o. “Then it happened.” What happened then?
“ദെൻ ഇറ്റ് ഹാപ്പന്റ് ” എന്താണപ്പോൾ സംഭവിച്ചത്?
Answer:
She succeeded in getting on to her feet using her only hand. She put her hand on the deck to push up and she was standing. She then learned the technique and she was able to push her up and stand easily using her only hand.
ഒറ്റക്കെ ഉപയോഗിച്ച് ഉയർന്ന് അവൾക്ക് സർഫ്ബോഡിൽ നിൽക്കാൻ സാധിച്ചു. അങ്ങനെ അവൾ ഒരു കൈ ഉപയോഗിച്ച് കുതിക്കുന്ന ടെക്നിക്ക് പഠിച്ചു.
9th Std English The Unstoppable Soul Surfer Notes – Let’s Rewind
Revisit the passage and respond to the following questions (പാഠഭാഗം വീണ്ടും വായിച്ചിട്ട് താഴെ പറയുന്ന ചോദ്യങ്ങൾക്ക് ഉത്തരം എഴുതുക.)
Question 1.
The shark attack shattered the surfer in Bethany. How did Bethany feel after the attack? Pick out instances from the excerpt to support your answer.
ഷാർക്കിന്റെ ആക്രമണം ബഥനിയുടെ ഉള്ളിലുള്ള സർഫറെ തകർത്തുകളഞ്ഞു. ഷാർക്കിന്റെ ആക്രമണത്തിന് ശേഷം ബഥനിക്ക് എന്താണ് തോന്നിയത്? നിങ്ങളുടെ ഉത്തരം ന്യായീകരി ക്കാൻ പാഠഭാഗത്തു നിന്നും വേണ്ടത് ഉദ്ധരിക്കുക.
Answer:
Bethany felt that she would find something else to do and have fun. This is what she thought, “Hey, I’m okay with this. I mean, surfing isn’t everything, right? You’ll find something else to do to have fun.” But soon she changed her mind. This1 is what she says: “But before I got out of the hospital – in fact, by the second day of my one-week stay – I was talking differently about the possibility of surfing again. My whole family stood behind me and tried to encourage me as much as possible.”
Question 2.
Even in a whirlpool of despair, one can survive with the support of others. Is this true of Bethany? Discuss.
നിരാശയുടെ കയത്തിലും മറ്റുള്ളവരുടെ സഹായം ഉണ്ടെങ്കിൽ നമുക്ക് രക്ഷപ്പെടാം, വിജയി ക്കാം. ബഥനിയുടെ കാര്യത്തിൽ ഇത് ശരിയാണോ? വിശദമാക്കുക.
Answer:
It is very true of Bethany. When she started talking about the possibility of – surfing again, her whole family stood behind her and tried to encourage her as much as possible. Her father told her, “Bethany, I am sure you can do whatever you put your mind to.” Her mother, her brothers Timothy and, Noah, kept her in good spirits. The encouraging words from the visitors also helped her.
Question 3.
How does Bethany console herself while recovering in the hospital?
ഹോസ്പിറ്റലിൽ ബഥനി സുഖമായിക്കൊണ്ടിരിക്കുമ്പോൾ എങ്ങിനെയാണ് അവൾ തന്നെത്തന്നെ സമാശ്വസിപ്പിച്ചത്?
Answer:
Bethany consoled herself while recovering in the hospital by telling herself, “Hey, I’m okay with this. I mean, surfing isn’t everything, right? You’ll find ‘ something else to do to have fun.”
Question 4.
Bethany’s return to the surfboard was a surprise to everyone. She became an inspiration to all. What message does her life give us?
സർഫ് ബോഡിലേക്കുള്ള ബഥനിയുടെ തിരിച്ചു വരവ് എല്ലാവർക്കും ഒരു അത്ഭുതമായിരുന്നു. മറ്റുള്ളവർക്ക് അവൾ പ്രചോദനമായി മാറി. എന്തു സന്ദേശമാണ് അവളുടെ ജീവിതം നൽകുന്നത്?
Answer:
The message her life gives us is that “Where there is a will there is a way.” If you have determination you can do anything you want to do. Surfing without a hand is really difficult. But with a firm will, she managed to do it and she became a world famous person, inspiring thousands of persons with physical problems.
Question 5.
The tiny bit of doubt within, “You’ll never surf again, was gone in one wave. What does Bethany mean by this?
“ഇനിയൊരിക്കലും സർഫ് ചെയ്യാൻ പറ്റില്ല” എന്ന എന്റെ മനസ്സിലുണ്ടായിരുന്ന സംശയം ഒരു തിരമാലയിൽ അപ്രത്യക്ഷമായി. ബഥനി ഈ പറയുന്നതിന്റെ അർത്ഥമെന്താണ്?
Answer:
Bethany had to learn surfing again as she had to paddle with one hand. She had to use her legs to grab the surfboard properly. Initially she had failed. She was a bit discouraged. Then her dad, who was in the water with her, encouraged her to try harder. Then she learned to surf with one hand. Once she whs on her feet everything was easy. She says it is hard for her to describe the joy she felt after she stood and rode a wave in for the first time after the shark attack.
The Unstoppable Soul Surfer Activities – Let’s recall and recreate
Activity 1:
Bethany Hamilton’s life is a mix of ups and downs. Pick out from the passage the statements related to the words in column A and write them in the column B.
Answer:
| Column A | Column B |
| Dream | I hope the surf picks up soon. |
| Mishap | I saw that my left arm had been bitten off almost to the shoulder. |
| Disappointment | “You’ve lost your arm Bethany,” he said. |
| Determination | Before I got out of the hospital I was talking about the possibility of surfing again. |
| Daring to dream again | I had to learn how to paddle evenly with one arm. |
| Support | Bethany, try it one more time .This one will be it.” |
| Success | Then it happened. A wave rolled through, I caught it, put deck to push up and I was standing. |
| Inspiration | People ask for autographs; they come up and tell me I’m ‘an inspiration’. |
Activity 2:
“The ever growing number of reporters who heard what had happened to me were eager to break my story.** Very soon, the news of the shark attack was flashed worldwide. A few news reports are given on p. 127. But as the clippings are from old newspapers, the matter appears faded. Prepare a news report based on your reading of the excerpt. You may follow the steps given
As these clippings are from old newspapers, the matter appears faded. Prepare a news report based on your reading of the excerpt. You may follow the steps given.
Step 1 : Collect relevant information.
Step 2 : Analyse and arrange data in the inverted pyramid order. Your teacher will help you.
Step 3 : Give a suitable title.
Now, let’s write.
Answer:
Headline : 13-Year Old Shark Attack Victim Wants to Surf Again
Byline : Staff reporter, Hanalei
Dateline : 1 Nov. 2003
13-year old Bethany was surfing with her friend Alana in the deep ocean waters in Kuai, Hawaii. The waves were small and inconsistent. Bethany was relaxing on her board with her right hand on the nose of the board and her left arm dangling in the cool water.
Suddenly there was a flash of grey. She felt a lot of pressure and a couple of lightning-fast tugs. With its serrated teeth, a tiger shark sawed through the board and her bones as if they were tissue paper. She noticed the water around her turning bright red with her blood. Her arm had been bitten off almost to the shoulder.
Byron, Alana’s brother and Holt, A1 ana’s father, went to her in a flash. Holt pushed the board and a wave washed it with Bethany on it over the reef. Holt took off his long grey sleeve rash guard and tied it around the stub of her arm. He asked her to continue talking to him so that she does not pass out in the middle of the ocean. Holt, Byron and Alana suppressed their emotions. Nobody panicked and lost their head.
In the hospital Dr. Rovinsky carried out the surgery. He told Bethany that she had lost her arm and she should now focus on saving her life.
(Bethany’s dream, possibilities, support of parents, brothers and friends.)
Bethany’s dream was to become the best professional surfer. With this intention, she went surfing almost eveiy morning in the deep ocean waters of Kauai, Hawaii. She went with her friend Alana Blanchard or the other girls on the Hanalei girls surf team.
One day as she was sitting on the surf board with her left hand dangling in the water, a tiger shark bit her entire arm right up to the shoulder. She then thought she had to abandon surfing and thought of becoming the best surf photographer in the world. But soon she changed her mind and took a firm decision to continue surfing even without her left hand. She succeeded and she became an inspiration to millions.
Her parents, brothers and friends were highly supportive to her. It was Holt, the father of Alana who helped her to reach the reef. Then he used his long grey sleeve rash guard and tied it around the stub of her arm to reduce the loss of blood. Alana and her brother Byron also helped Bethany in various ways.
Bethany’s brothers were very supportive. Timothy kept her happy by telling jokes all the time. Noah was like her protector. Her mother stayed with her all the time. For 3 months her parents did not even go to work in spite of the financial problems they had. Bethany’s father was the most important supporter. He encouraged her to get back to surfing. He went with her to the surfing spot, helping her. It was his constant encouragement that gave Bethany the courage to do surfing even without her left arm. Finally Bethany became a celebrity – an inspiration to many. She taught the world that “Where there is a will there is a way.” Determination, hard work and a will to win are the ingredients of success.
Activity 3:
While at the hospital, Bethany tries to console herself and regain self-confidence. She tries to dream differently. She jots down her feelings and thoughts in her diary. Help her complete the diary entry.
Answer:
4 November 2003
Now what? Will I be able to realise my dream? I was thinking of becoming the best surfer in the world. With that intention in mind, I went almost every morning to surf in the deep ocean waters of Kauai, Hawaii with my Mend Alana Blanchard or the other girls on the Hanalei girls surf team. And then came the bolt from the blue – the shark attack. When Dr. Rovinsky told me I had lost my arm, I was in serious despair. But then I thought I would become the best surf photographer in the world. But my desire to be a surfer continued to take root in me.
As I began to recover I started thinking again. There are many people without hands and legs. There are many who can’t see anything. There are dumb people and deaf people. But many of them have climbed great heights with determination and hard work. I think of Helen Keller. She was blind, deaf and dumb. But she became a celebrity. I lost only one arm. I can still surf if I practise hard. My parents, brothers and friends are very supportive. Yes, I won’t give up my hope of becoming a surfer again. I am sure I will succeed. Nothing can deprive me of my dream. I won’t surrender. I will fight on and show the world that determination, hard work and a will to win will make a person a victor.
Activity 4:
Bethany faced the shark attack when she was thirteen’. She achieved her dream of returning to the surfboard because of her strong will. What aspects of her personality helped Bethany realise her dream? Pick out instances from the excerpt and complete the table.
Now, use the table to prepare a character sketch of Bethany Hamilton.
Answer:
| Character traits | Evidence |
| Ambitious | It was her great ambition to become a professional surfer |
| Will power | Before I got out of hospital, I was talking differently about the possibility of surfing again. |
| Confidence | I had to learn how to paddle evenly with one arm. |
| Optimism | Surfing isn’t everything, right? You’ll find something else to do to have fun. I want to be the best surf photographer in the world. |
| Determination | A wave rolled through, I caught it, put my hand on the deck to push me and I was standing. |
| Resilience | I guess I started getting the technique wired after that. |
| Gratefulness | I was incredibly thankful and happy inside |
| Inspiration for others | They come up and tell me I’m “an inspiration”. |
Now prepare a character sketch of Bethany Hamilton
Bethany Hamilton was bom in 1990 in Hawaii, an island state of America. She is a woman whose life is a testament to resilience and tenacity. When she was 13, her left arm was bitten off by a shark while she was surfing. But within a month she returned to professional surfing. “Soul Surfer: A Tme Story of Faith, Family and Fighting to Get Back to the Board” is her autobiography published in 2004. In this book she wrote about her experiences. It was made into a film -Soul Surfer – in 2011. She became an inspiration to many.
She had ambition, will power and confidence. She wanted to become a professional surfer. In spite of losing one arm, she had the will power to pursue her dream. She had confidence in her abilities and this confidence was boosted by her parents, brothers and friends.
She was highly optimistic. She exhibited tenacity and resilience. She became a celebrity because of her sterling qualities. She believe,d in God and she prayed*, earnestly for success. She was grateful to all those who had helped her in her need. No wonder she became an inspiration to millions around the world. No wonder she was given many Awards and Honours.
Activity 5:
Bethany’s strong determination and hard work brought her back to the surfboard. Her success is an inspiration to everyone. You are assigned to interview Bethany for your school magazine.
What are the pre-interview activities you should bear in mind?
- Collect the biographical details of the interviewee.
- Know their sources of inspiration.
- Collect information about their achievements.
- ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
A few sample questions are given below. Go through them.
“The unexpected incident changed the course of your life. Can you explain what happened
on that frightful day?”
“You once stated that you never enjoyed being in the spotlight. Later on, your interviews turned out to be an inspiration for thousands around the globe. What made you decide to give interviews?”
What do these interview questions focus on?
- Seeking information
- Asking opinions
- Sharing views on different stages of life
- Critical observations on social issues
- ……………………………………………………………………………………………….………………..
How do we frame interview questions?
- Quoting the interviewee’s own words
- Referring to some incidents in their life
- Pointing out their achievements
- Referring to related social issues
- ……………………………………………………………………………..…………………………
Now, let’s prepare the questionnaire.
Go through the checklist given below and tick off each item in the list.
Answer:
Pre-interview activities:
- How they overcome their problems.
The focus of interview questions:
- The advice/suggestions they would give to the future aspirants,
Framing interview questions:
- Asking specific questions on the Awards and Honours they have received.
Let’s prepare the questionnaire:
Questions regardings:
- Personal life: Tell us something about your birth, parents and early education.
- Proffessional life: Where and how long did you have your professional training?
- Hardships/Challenges: Did you face any hardships or challenges in your profession? How did you overcome them?
- Inspiration/Motivation: What/Who inspired or motivated you?
- Achievements: What are your outstanding achievements?
- Awards and Honours: Have you received any prestigious Awards and Honours?
- Message : What message would you give to the future aspirants?
- Social Responsibility : How do you fulfil your social responsibilities?
- Family : We know you are married and have children. Please talk about them.
- Entertainment : Apart from your profession, what other things interest you?
Activity 6:
Some images of crucial moments in Bethany Hamilton’s life are given below. Write a cutline for each picture.
Now, prepare a narration on Bethany’s life based on the cutlines.
Answer:
1. Tiger shark attacks Bethany while she is waiting for the wave.
2. Holt and Byron help Bethany after the shark attack.
3. Dr. Rovinsky telling Bethany that she has lost her left arm and now she should focus on saving her life.
4. Reporters interviewing Bethany so give breaking news in their channel.
5. Bethany’s father helping her by encouraging her to surf with one hand.
6. Bethany triumphantly surfs although she has no left arm.
Now prepare a narration on Bethany’s life based on the outlines.
Narration:
13-year old Bethany was surfing with her friend Alana in the deep ocean waters in Kuai, Hawaii. The waves were small and inconsistent. Bethany was relaxing on her board with her right hand on the nose of the board and her left arm dangling in the cool water. Suddenly there was a flash of grey. She felt a lot of pressure and a couple of lightning-fast tugs. With its serrated teeth, a tiger shark sawed through the board and her bones as if they were tissue paper. She noticed the water around her turning bright red with her blood. Her arm had been bitten off almost to the shoulder.
Byron and Holt went to her in a flash. Holt pushed the board and a wave washed it with Bethany on it over the reef. Holt took off his long grey sleeve rash guard and tied it arojund the stub of her arm. He asked her to continue talking to him so that she does not pass out in the middle of the ocean. Holt, Byron and Alana suppressed their emotions. Nobody panicked and lost their head.
In the hospital Dr. Rovinsky carried out the surgery. He told Bethany that she had lost her arm and she should now focus on saving her life.
On the day of her discharge from the hospital, TV Reporters thronged at the main entrance to interview Bethany so give breaking news in their channels. So Bethany had to be taken secretly through a back door under the protection of security guards of the hospital. Later she was taken to a house nearby with two policemen accompanying her to save her from the questions of the TV reporters.
When she recovered from her injury Bethany was determined to surf again. Bethany’s father helped her by encouraging her to surf with one hand. Finally, she learns to paddle and surf with one hand making herself a celebrity and an inspiration for many in the world. Her stoiy was made into a Hollywood movie titled “Soul Surfer” in 2011. Bethany has received many Awards and Honours.
Activity 7
After your interview with Bethany, a leading daily has asked you to submit an article based on your interview. How will you prepare an article? The following hints may be used.
Now, prepare the article.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Answer:
BETHANY HAMILTON – THE SOUL SURFER – Lilly Mundakkal
Bethany was trying to get on to her feet on the surfboard using her only hand but she failed q couple of times. She was almost giving up when her father, who was near her in the water said to her, “Bethany, try it one more time. This one will be it.” So she did. Then it happened. A wave rolled through, I caught it, put my hand on the deck to push up and I was standing. I stood up and rode a wave in for the first time after the tiger shark attack, in which I lost my left arm.
The story of Bethany Hamilton is an inspiring one as she was able to do almost the impossible feat of surfing with just one hand because of her determination, will be succeed, optimism and hard work.
The 13-year old Bethany was surfing with her friend Alana in the deep ocean waters in Kuai, Hawaii. The waves were small and inconsistent. Bethany was relaxing on her board with her right hand on the nose of the board and her left arm dangling in the cool water. Suddenly there was a flash of grey. She felt a lot of pressure and a couple of lightning-fast tugs. With its serrated teeth, a tiger shark sawed through the board and her bones as if they were tissue paper. She noticed the water around her turning bright red with her blood. Her arm had been bitten off almost to the shoulder.
Alana’s brother Byron and her father Holt rushed to Bethany in a flash. Holt pushed the board and a wave washed it with Bethany on it over the reef. Holt took off his long grey sleeve rash guard and tied it around the stub of her arm. He asked’ her to continue talking to him so that she does not pass out in the ” middle of the ocean. Holt, Byron and Alana suppressed their emotions. Nobody panicked and lost their head.
In the hospital Dr. Rovinsky carried out the surgery. He told Bethany that she had lost her arm and she should now focus on saving her life.
On the day of her discharge from the hospital, TV Reporters thronged at the main entrance to interview Bethany so give breaking news in their channels. So Bethany had to be taken secretly through a back door under the protection of security guards of the hospital. Later she was taken to a house nearby with two policemen accompanying her to save her from the questions of the TV reporters.
When she recovered from her injury Bethany was determined to surf agaim Bethany’s father helped her by encouraging her to surf with one hand. Finally she learns to paddle and surf with one hand making herself a celebrity and an inspiration for many in the world. Her stoiy was made into a Hollywood movie titled “Soul Surfer” in 2011. Bethany has received many Awards and Honours.