Question

Read the following extract and answer the following questions:
My journey began 13:09 degrees north of the Equator in Madras,
and involved crossing nine time zones, six checkpoints, three bodies
of water, and at least as many ecospheres.
By the time I actually set foot on the Antarctic continent I had been
travelling over 100 hours in combination of a car, an aeroplane, and
a ship; so, my first emotion on facing Antarctica’s expansive white
landscape and uninterrupted blue horizon was relief, followed up
with an immediate and profound wonder.
(Journey to the end of the Earth)
(i) Complete the following suitably.
The passage suggests that the author’s journey to Antarctica was ___.
(ii) Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank :
The author highlights the numerous challenges and difficulties to emphasise the ___ (remoteness/proximity) of Antarctica.
(iii) How does the mention of crossing multiple time zones, checkpoints and bodies of water impact the writer?
(A) is excited by the adventure of travel
(B) feels indifferent towards the journey
(C) is surprised by the number of obstacles
(D) feels overwhelmed by the logistical challenges
(iv) How does the description of the journey reflect the author’s initial emotions upon arriving in Antarctica?

Hint:

When answering travel-based extracts, identify the tone and keywords related to effort, distance, and emotional reactions to contrast the journey with the destination.

Answer 1

(i) long, tiring and filled with logistical challenges
(ii) remoteness
(iii) (D) feels overwhelmed by the logistical challenges
(iv) The author’s sense of relief and profound wonder reflects the emotional release after an exhausting journey, highlighting the surreal beauty and isolation of Antarctica.