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I. Chapter Summary:

Weathering the Storm in Ersama is a real-life account written by Harsh Mander, depicting the devastating impact of the 1999 super cyclone that hit Ersama, a coastal town in Odisha. The story follows Prashant, a young man who shows extraordinary courage and leadership in the face of disaster. After surviving the cyclone, Prashant takes initiative to help rebuild the community, organizing relief, encouraging children, and supporting the grief-stricken. The story emphasizes the power of resilience, human solidarity, and youth-led community rebuilding during crises.

II. Key Concepts Covered:

Concept	Description
Natural Disasters	The cyclone serves as the backdrop for a powerful tale of survival and relief work.
Leadership and Responsibility	Prashant exemplifies how individuals can step up in difficult times.
Community Support	Collaboration and empathy play a crucial role in recovery.
Emotional Strength and Resilience	Overcoming trauma and grief through action.
Youth Empowerment	Young people can be instrumental in driving change and hope.

III. Important Questions:

(A) Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark):

1. Who is the author of Weathering the Storm in Ersama?
   a) Zan Gaudioso
   b) Harsh Mander ✅
   c) Ruskin Bond
   d) A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
2. Where is Ersama located?
   a) Andhra Pradesh
   b) Tamil Nadu
   c) Odisha ✅
   d) West Bengal
3. Why was Prashant in Ersama at the time of the storm?
   a) For college admission
   b) Visiting his friend’s family ✅
   c) On a relief mission
   d) Looking for work
4. What did Prashant do after the cyclone?
   a) Went back to his town
   b) Waited for help
   c) Took charge of the relief work ✅
   d) Cried helplessly

(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks):

1. How did the storm affect Prashant and the people of Ersama?
2. What immediate actions did Prashant take after the cyclone to help others?
3. How did Prashant help the widows and orphans in the village?
4. Why is the story titled Weathering the Storm in Ersama?
   – PYQ 2022

(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks):

1. Describe Prashant’s role as a leader in the aftermath of the cyclone. How did his actions impact the lives of others?
2. How does the story reflect human courage, compassion, and resilience in the face of natural calamities?
3. “Disasters don’t just destroy homes; they build heroes.” — Justify this statement with reference to Prashant’s character.
4. Discuss the challenges faced by the people of Ersama and how they were overcome through unity and effort.
   – PYQ 2021

(D) HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills):

1. If you were in Prashant’s place, what would be your approach to organizing relief in such a crisis?
2. How does Weathering the Storm in Ersama help us understand the importance of youth involvement in community service?

IV. Key Concepts/Definitions:

Term	Definition
Cyclone	A violent storm with strong winds and rain, often causing destruction.
Resilience	The ability to recover quickly from hardships.
Relief Work	Efforts to provide aid and support during or after a disaster.
Leadership	Taking initiative and guiding others in difficult situations.
Community Support	Collective action to help individuals and rebuild society.

V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025–2026):

 No portions have been deleted from this chapter as per the rationalized NCERT textbooks.

VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025–2026):

Unit/Chapter	Estimated Marks	Type of Questions Typically Asked
Chapter 6: Weathering the Storm in Ersama	5–6 marks	1 Long Answer or 2 Short Answers + 1 MCQ or HOTS

VII. Previous Year Questions (PYQs):

Year	Marks	Question
2021	5	Describe how Prashant showed leadership and helped his community after the cyclone.
2022	3	Why is the title Weathering the Storm in Ersama suitable for the story?

VIII. Real-World Application Examples to Connect with Topics:

Scenario	Connection
Disaster Management Training	Understanding local leadership in disaster zones.
Social Work Projects	Case study for relief and rehabilitation work.
Youth Movements	Role of student volunteers in community recovery.
Climate Change Education	Increased frequency of extreme weather and preparedness.

IX. Student Tips & Strategies for Success:

 Time Management:

• Break story revision into 3 parts: summary, character analysis, and value-based questions.
• Allocate 20 minutes to reading + 20 minutes to practice writing answers.

 Exam Preparation:

• Focus on theme-based questions (leadership, courage, unity).
• Highlight key incidents that show Prashant’s transformation.
• Practice PYQs and structure 5-mark answers with intro-body-conclusion.

 Stress Management:

• Relate the story to real disaster heroes for inspiration.
• Group discussions or mock interviews as Prashant can make revision fun and interactive.

X. Career Guidance & Exploration:

For Classes 9–10:

Stream	Career Paths
Science	Environmental Scientist, Disaster Risk Analyst
Commerce	NGO Management, Social Entrepreneur
Humanities	Humanitarian Worker, Journalist, Policy Analyst

• Foundation Exams/Competitions:
  • NTSE
  • CBSE Expression Series
  • Mock UN or Disaster Management Drills
  • Olympiads & Creative Writing Contests

XI. Important Notes:

•  Refer to the official CBSE sample papers and rationalized NCERT book.
•  Use this story as a motivational example for social awareness and leadership development.
•  Avoid memorization—focus on the message, character traits, and real-life relevance.
•  Use story roleplays or diary entries for innovative classroom revision.