Journey to the end of the Earth: Complete Guide

Antarctica—windswept, white, and seemingly at the end of the world—has long captured the imagination of explorers and students alike. In “Journey to the End of the Earth,” acclaimed writer Tishani Doshi transforms this remote, icy landscape into a living classroom, where climate change and the interconnectedness of life unfold before our eyes. This complete guide provides you with a detailed chapter summary, essential vocabulary definitions, literary analysis, extract-based MCQs, and key exam questions—all designed to strengthen your understanding and help you excel in your Unit Tests and Board Exams. As you delve into this remarkable journey, you’ll discover not just answers, but deeper connections between literature, our planet, and your own future.

About the Author: Tishani Doshi

Tishani Doshi is an acclaimed Indian writer, poet, and journalist. She is known for her vivid storytelling, poetic sensibility, and focus on environmental and cultural themes. In “Journey to the End of the Earth,” Doshi blends personal experience with scientific insights, making a distant continent feel immediate and relevant.

About the Chapter

“Journey to the End of the Earth” is a first-person account of an expedition to Antarctica. Through sharp observation and reflective commentary, Doshi explores the continent’s extreme environment and explains why it is crucial to understanding climate change, evolution, and the interconnectedness of all living things. The chapter is based on her participation in the ‘Students on Ice’ program, which aims to ignite young minds by exposing them to the wonders and warnings of the natural world.

Summary of Journey to the End of the Earth

In Journey to the End of the Earth, Tishani Doshi recounts her voyage to Antarctica, highlighting the continent’s desolation and importance to the Earth’s environmental history. She emphasises how the Antarctic landscape reveals ancient geological formations and evolutionary history. The chapter underscores the impact of human activities on the environment, warning of climate change and urging the younger generation to be conscious stewards of the planet. Through her observations, Doshi illustrates the ecological vulnerability of Antarctica and stresses its role in understanding Earth’s past and future climate.

Explanation of chapter Journey to the End of the Earth

Introduction to the Journey

In Journey to the End of the Earth, Tishani Doshi takes readers through her profound experience of travelling to Antarctica aboard the research vessel Akademik Shokalskiy. Starting her journey in Madras, she crosses continents and time zones before reaching this desolate and icy landscape. Upon arrival, Doshi is struck by the vast emptiness of Antarctica, a place devoid of human markers like trees or buildings. The sight of this pristine wilderness, with its endless white landscape and surreal 24-hour daylight, evokes a sense of awe and reverence in her.

Historical Context

The chapter delves into the history of Antarctica, which was once part of a supercontinent called Gondwana around 650 million years ago. Doshi explains that, over millions of years, Gondwana broke apart, forming present-day continents. This ancient geological transformation underlines how Earth’s climate, ecosystems, and continents have evolved, and it highlights how much can change over time. By observing Antarctica, we can see the remnants of this ancient history, offering a unique window into the Earth’s past.

Environmental Threats

Doshi also discusses the environmental threats facing our planet, particularly the impact of climate change. Antarctica’s ice cores, holding carbon records dating back millions of years, are critical for scientists studying the effects of human activity on global warming. The continent’s isolation and unique ecosystem make it an ideal location to witness how minor changes in the environment, like the depletion of the ozone layer, can lead to significant consequences. Doshi uses the example of phytoplankton – tiny plants at the base of the marine food chain – to illustrate how interconnected life on Earth is and how even small disruptions can affect the entire planet.

Students on Ice Programme

A key part of her journey is the Students on Ice programme, led by Geoff Green, which brings young students to Antarctica to experience its beauty and vulnerability firsthand. Green believes that witnessing the reality of climate change in such an extreme environment will inspire these young people to become advocates for environmental conservation. Doshi reflects on how the Antarctic expedition teaches the importance of taking care of our planet, emphasising that by addressing small environmental issues, we can help protect larger ecosystems.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Journey to the End of the Earth is a powerful reminder of humanity’s responsibility to preserve nature. Doshi’s reflections on the landscape, its history, and the urgent need for environmental awareness leave readers with a deepened understanding of Antarctica’s critical role in studying and safeguarding Earth’s future.

Key Themes & Messages in “Journey to the End of the Earth”

1. Interconnectedness of Life

• The chapter highlights how everything on Earth—plants, animals, humans, climate, and geography—is deeply connected.
• Changes in Antarctica, such as melting ice or shifting weather, are shown to affect ecosystems and life everywhere, emphasizing the global impact of local actions.

2. Fragility of the Environment

• Doshi describes Antarctica as a pristine, ancient continent where even small damages are starkly visible.
• The continent functions as a “barometer” for global health, reminding readers how easily Earth’s delicate ecological balance can be disturbed.

3. Human Impact & Responsibility

• The text warns about the consequences of unchecked human activities like deforestation, industrialization, and pollution.
• Readers are encouraged to reflect on their actions and develop a sense of responsibility toward environmental conservation, both individually and as a society.

4. Climate Change & Its Consequences

• The rapid changes in Antarctica due to global warming are a central concern.
• The story raises awareness of rising temperatures, melting ice sheets, and the long-term risks these changes pose to life worldwide.

5. Power of First-Hand Experience

• Doshi illustrates how real-world exposure, such as the ‘Students on Ice’ program, can transform abstract environmental messages into urgent, personal lessons.
• The importance of education outside the classroom is emphasized, inspiring readers to become active learners and advocates.

6. Perspective and Humility

• Encountering the vast emptiness of Antarctica instills a sense of humility, showing humans as a small part of a much larger, ancient natural world.
• This theme invites readers to recognize both the insignificance and the responsibility of humanity in the planet’s story.

7. Hope for Future Generations

• The journey with young students is a symbol of hope, showing that educating youth can lead to genuine change and a more sustainable future.

Word Meaning of Journey to the End of the Earth

Extract-Based MCQs from Journey to the End of the Earth

Extract 1
“By the time I actually set foot on the Antarctic continent… mainly at how there could ever have been a time when India and Antarctica were part of the same landmass.”

1. Where is the narrator when she begins to feel wonder?
   • a) In the mountains
   • b) In Antarctica
   • c) In India
   • d) On a plane
2. What historical fact astonishes the narrator?
   • a) That Antarctica is so cold
   • b) That India and Antarctica were once connected
   • c) That animals used to live in Antarctica
   • d) That humans lived on all continents
3. What is the main theme of the narrator’s wonder?
   • a) Weather
   • b) Time zones
   • c) Continental drift
   • d) Survival

Answer Key:

1. (b)
2. (b)
3. (c)

Extract 2
“Six hundred and fifty million years ago, a giant amalgamated southern supercontinent — Gondwana — did indeed exist, centred roughly around the present-day Antarctica.”

1. What was Gondwana?
   • a) A modern country
   • b) A supercontinent
   • c) A type of animal
   • d) An Antarctic research station
2. Where was Gondwana mainly centred?
   • a) North America
   • b) Asia
   • c) Antarctica
   • d) Africa
3. When did Gondwana begin to break apart?
   • a) 50 million years ago
   • b) 500 million years ago
   • c) 650 million years ago
   • d) 1 million years ago

Answer Key:

1. (b)
2. (c)
3. (b)

Extract 3
“It’s like walking into a giant ping-pong ball devoid of any human markers — no trees, billboards, buildings. You lose all earthly sense of perspective and time here.”

1. What does Antarctica lack according to the narrator?
   • a) Human life
   • b) Water bodies
   • c) Animals
   • d) Birds
2. What is the effect of being in Antarctica on one’s sense of time?
   • a) It becomes sharper
   • b) It is slower
   • c) It is distorted
   • d) It is predictable
3. What does the author compare Antarctica to?
   • a) A desert
   • b) A ping-pong ball
   • c) A jungle
   • d) A city

Answer Key:

1. (a)
2. (c)
3. (b)

Extract 4
“Take care of the small things and the big things will take care of themselves.”

1. What small element is highlighted as essential in the Antarctic ecosystem?
   • a) Penguins
   • b) Phytoplankton
   • c) Polar bears
   • d) Whales
2. What does the phrase suggest about environmental responsibility?
   • a) Small actions don’t matter
   • b) Minor efforts can lead to major impacts
   • c) Only big actions count
   • d) Ignore small details
3. What is the primary process performed by phytoplankton?
   • a) Photosynthesis
   • b) Migration
   • c) Hunting
   • d) Shelter-building

Answer Key:

1. (b)
2. (b)
3. (a)

Extract 5
“Human civilisations have been around for a paltry 12,000 years… the average global temperature.”

1. What does the author mean by “a paltry 12,000 years”?
   • a) A long time
   • b) A short time
   • c) The age of Antarctica
   • d) The age of human technology
2. What human activity has contributed to rising temperatures?
   • a) Migration
   • b) Industrialisation
   • c) Exploration
   • d) Settlement building
3. How has human activity affected the Earth?
   • a) Made it safer
   • b) Kept it pristine
   • c) Caused environmental issues
   • d) Balanced the climate

Answer Key:

1. (b)
2. (b)
3. (c)

Extra Questions from Journey to the End of the Earth

1. How does visiting Antarctica help us understand climate change?
   Visiting Antarctica exposes the effects of global warming firsthand, showing the fragility of ice caps and the importance of preserving natural ecosystems.
2. What role do ice cores play in climate research?
   Ice cores reveal past carbon levels, helping scientists study historical climates and understand current global warming trends.
3. Why is Antarctica considered a “pristine” environment?
   It has never sustained a human population and thus remains unpolluted, providing a clear view of natural processes.
4. What makes phytoplankton vital to the Antarctic ecosystem?
   Phytoplankton supports the marine food chain and regulates carbon, influencing the global carbon cycle.
5. What message does Tishani Doshi convey about environmental responsibility?
   Doshi emphasises that by protecting small components like phytoplankton, we can maintain the broader environmental balance.
6. Why was the Students on Ice expedition created?
   It was designed to educate youth about environmental issues and inspire future leaders to take meaningful action on climate change.
7. What is the significance of Gondwana in Earth’s history?
   Gondwana was an ancient supercontinent that split to form present-day continents, highlighting Earth’s dynamic geological history.
8. How does Tishani Doshi describe the Antarctic landscape?
   She portrays it as vast, desolate, and surreal, with 24-hour sunlight and vast icebergs, which creates a profound sense of wonder.

Read and Find Out (Q&A)

1. How do geological phenomena help us to know about the history of humankind?
Very Short Answer:
Geological phenomena reveal Earth’s past, showing changes in continents, climates, and species.

2. What are the indications for the future of humankind?
Short Answer:
Signs such as melting ice caps, rising temperatures, and ecosystem shifts hint at a potentially unstable future for humankind due to climate change. Antarctica’s pristine condition and ancient ice cores offer valuable records, highlighting our impact on the planet.

Reading with Insight (Q&A)

1. ‘The world’s geological history is trapped in Antarctica.’ How is the study of this region useful to us?
Long Answer:
Studying Antarctica helps scientists understand Earth’s history, as its ice cores contain records of climate conditions dating back millions of years. The continent holds clues about how ancient supercontinents like Gondwana broke apart, shaping present-day continents. Additionally, examining carbon levels in the ice reveals how the environment has evolved, aiding predictions about the impact of current human activities on global warming.

2. What are Geoff Green’s reasons for including high school students in the Students on Ice expedition?
Short Answer:
Geoff Green aims to inspire young minds to appreciate and respect the environment by exposing them to the fragile ecosystems of Antarctica. This immersive experience helps students develop an understanding of global issues like climate change, fostering a generation motivated to protect the planet.

3. ‘Take care of the small things and the big things will take care of themselves.’ What is the relevance of this statement in the context of the Antarctic environment?
Short Answer:
In Antarctica, the survival of small organisms like phytoplankton, which sustain the food chain, underscores how minor changes in an ecosystem can lead to significant consequences. The statement highlights the importance of conserving even the smallest components to maintain ecological balance.

4. Why is Antarctica the place to go to, to understand the earth’s present, past and future?
Long Answer:
Antarctica offers insights into Earth’s geological and climatic history due to its ancient ice cores and relatively undisturbed ecosystems. It provides a clear view of past environmental conditions and the effects of climate change. Studying this continent allows us to predict future changes and serves as a reminder of our planet’s fragile equilibrium.

Practice HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) Questions

Journey to the End of the Earth — CBSE Class 12

Analytical & Reflective Questions

1. How does Tishani Doshi use Antarctica as a metaphor to highlight environmental concerns?

Model Answer:
Doshi uses Antarctica to represent the fragility and purity of our planet. The continent is isolated and untouched, which makes it a perfect symbol for what we need to protect. By describing its emptiness and beauty, she shows how easily this delicate place could be damaged by human carelessness. So, Antarctica stands for the urgent need to care for the environment before it’s too late.

2. Discuss the significance of firsthand experience in environmental education, as depicted in the chapter.

Model Answer:
Firsthand experience is very powerful because it helps students see things with their own eyes, instead of just reading about them in books. In the chapter, the students travelling on the ice learn a lot by actually being there—they feel the cold, see the wildlife, and understand how fragile the environment is. This kind of learning stays with them longer and motivates them to care more about protecting nature.

3. Compare and contrast the reactions of youth and adults to environmental issues, using examples from the ‘Students on Ice’ program.

Model Answer:
In the chapter, the young students are full of hope and excitement—they want to learn and take action. Adults may sometimes feel hopeless or think the problems are too big to solve. The students’ energy and curiosity show that young people can be powerful forces for change if they are given the chance. The program helps turn their enthusiasm into real understanding and responsibility.

4. In what ways does the chapter connect the story of Antarctica’s geologic past to current global challenges?

Model Answer:
The chapter explains how Antarctica was once part of a giant supercontinent called Gondwana. This shows how all continents were connected long ago, which helps us understand how everything on Earth is linked. By telling this story, the author helps us see that the changes happening today, like climate change, will affect all parts of the world, just as those ancient movements shaped the Earth.

5. Evaluate the use of literary devices and imagery to convey the vastness and fragility of Antarctica.

Model Answer:
Doshi uses lots of strong images and metaphors to make Antarctica feel both huge and delicate. For example, she calls it a “giant ping-pong ball,” which helps us imagine how round and isolated it is. These images make the reader see the emptiness and beauty of the place, but also how small and fragile it is in the big world. This makes the warnings about damage feel real and serious.

6. “One small change in Antarctica can have repercussions across the globe.” Discuss this statement with reference to the chapter.

Model Answer:
The chapter shows that even tiny changes in Antarctica, like melting ice, can affect the whole planet. For example, melting ice can raise sea levels and change ocean currents, which can disrupt weather far away. Also, changes to tiny creatures like phytoplankton can affect the entire food chain. So, the chapter teaches us that nothing happens alone—everything is connected, and small actions can have big effects.

7. Debate: Is it ethical to send school students to fragile environments like Antarctica in the name of education?

Model Answer:
This is a tricky question. On one hand, sending students allows them to learn directly about nature and climate change, which can inspire them to protect the environment. On the other hand, people travelling there might harm the fragile ecosystem. I think it can be ethical if the trips are carefully planned and everyone respects the environment. The benefits for education must be balanced with protecting nature.

8. How does Doshi’s narrative style (first-person account, inclusion of scientific facts, and personal reflection) influence the impact of her message?

Model Answer:
Doshi’s first-person style makes the story feel personal and honest. We get to see what she thinks and feels, which helps us connect with her experience. Including scientific facts gives the story authority and helps explain why Antarctica matters. By mixing facts with her feelings, Doshi makes the message easy to understand and emotionally powerful, so readers are more likely to care.

Malik Mohd. Arshad

Malik Mohd. Arshad is a Senior English Teacher at STS High School, Aligarh Muslim University, with 21+ years of experience in English Language Teaching (ELT). An M.A. in English and Linguistics, he combines traditional academic values with modern digital learning methods. He is also a certified alumnus of the Texas Intensive English Program (USA).