Prasanna

This grammar section explains English Grammar in a clear and simple way. There are example sentences to show how the language is used. Students can also read NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English to get good marks in CBSE Board Exams. https://ncertmcq.com/business-letter-class-11/

Business Letter Class 11 Format, Topics, Samples

Business Letter Class 11

1. Business Letters: Inquiries and Replies:

Question 1.
Your are Raj/Rani, living at 3, K.B. Road Delhi. You read an advertisement about an online Course in Accountancy. Through Computers, being run by Accounts Experts Institute, Patel Road, Delhi. Write a letter to the advertiser seeking all the relevent information about the course, [NCT 2018]

Answer:
3, K.B. Road
Delhi 1100XX
The Director
Accounts Experts Institute,
Patel Road,
Delhi 1100XX
Dear Sir
Subject: Course in Accountancy

This is with reference to your advertisement on line about the short term course in Accountancy offered by your institute.

Kindly let me know if your institute is recognised by any university. Further, what is the duration and the fee of this course? Please let me know if hard copies of the study material will be available along with the on line subject matter. Also, if there is a contract programme and if so, of what duration.

I shall be extremely thankful for an early response by email or by post.

With best wishes

Yours faithfully
Raj

Business Letter Format Class 11 Question 2.
Your younger brother is an extremely good looking and smart kid. Your parents are considering modelling offers for him. You come across the following advertisement and find it attractive enough to make enquiries.

Cute children required earliest for TV and magazine ad. of children’s products, soft drinks. Serial openings offered. Contact Townspeople, M-54, Greater Kailash, New Delhi

Write a letter as the father seeking details about assignments, stating your terms and conditions and giving information about the child. Enclose photographs. Sign as Ramesh Sharma. You are living at 14, S-Block, Sector 12, Noida.
Answer:

14 S-Block
Sector 12
Noida 201XXX

11 November 20XX

The Manager
Towns people
M-54, Greater Kailash
New Delhi 1100XX

Dear Sir

Subject: Enquiry about the modelling assignment

This is in reference to your advertisement in the Times of India dated Nov. 9,20XX inviting attractive children to act as models.

My son is eight years old and is extremely good looking. He is very intelligent and cqn easily follow instructions. He is a student of class III and has taken part in many school functions. I am enclosing four photographs of my son taken from different angles. I would like him to be a model for your company.

In case you find the photographs suitable, please let me have the details of your offer.

With best wishes
Yours faithfully
Ramesh Sharma
Ends: 4 Photographs

Formal Letter Class 11 Question 3.
Write a reply to the above enquiry.
Answer:
Townspeople
M-54 Greater Kailash
New Delhi

Nov. 17, 20XX

Mr Ramesh Sharma
14 S-Block
Sector 12
Noida 201301

Dear Mr Sharma

Subject: Child Model

I thank you for your letter dated Nov. 11, 20XX and the interest you have shown in our firm. I am pleased to inform you that our panel of advertising executives thought highly of your son’s photographs. He is a very photogenic child and may serve our purpose.

To answer your query, I would like to tell you about our firm. We are a reputable ad agency and are currently handling the advertising campaign of Food and Drinks Ltd., a well-known multinational company. I suggest that you bring the child to our office next Sunday so that we may speak to him and know more about him. We shall put him through some easy exercises. In case he performs to our satisfaction, we shall make you our offer.

Please let me know if you would like to meet us on some other day. Hoping to hear from you soon.

Yours sincerely
Aakash Saxena
(Creative Manager)

Business Letters Class 11 Question 4.
You wish to buy an inverter to cope with frequent powercuts. Write a letter to Plaza Batteries, 55, Pataiiputra Road, Patna, asking them if they supply branded inverters or those manufactured in their own factory. Ask about voltage, number of batteries, expected life, guarantee, price and other relevant details.
You are Krishna Kant/Kamini living at 42, Model Town, Gaya, Bihar.
Answer:

42 Model Town
Gaya
Bihar
4 March 20XX

The Manager
Plaza Batteries
55, Pataliputra Road
Patna

Dear Sir

Subject: Enquiry about inverters

I came across your advertisement in the Patna Times of 1st March 20XX announcing the availability of inverters at your showroom. I am interested in buying one for my house.

Please let me know what voltage I will need to run four tubelights, four fans and one television. Will I need two batteries for the purpose or will one be sufficient? Let me also know if there is a guarantee or a warranty on your inverters.

The most important enquiry is regarding the brand of the inverters. Do you sell branded ones or those manufactured locally? I would also like to know the various prices and the discounts offered by you.

Kindly reply at the earliest, so that I may take a decision regarding the purchase.

Yours faithfully
Krishna Kant

Letter Writing Class 11 Question 5.
Your family has to shift from Delhi to Chennai. You need the services of a professional packing and moving company. You see the following advertisement in a newspaper.

Decent Packers-worldwide packing, shifting, transport-road, air, sea, Insurance household/ car, door to door service. Contact Manager: 1469, D Block, Connaught Place, New Delhi.

Write a letter to the Manager enquiring about special packing for expensive glassware, electronic goods, charges for moving your entire household goods by road and the time the goods would take to reach Chennai. Sign as Krishna Kant/Krishna Kumari. Your, address is 18 B, Self-Financing Flats, Alaknanda Colony, New Delhi.
Answer:

18B Self-Financing Flats
Alaknanda Colony
New Delhi

21 February 20XX

The Manager
Decent Packers
1469, D Block
Connaught Place
New Delhi 110001

Dear Sir

Subject: Packing and transporting household goods from Delhi to Chennai

This is with reference to your advertisement in the Times of India dated 18 th February 20XX. Kindly let me know if your company can handle my goods to my specifications.

I would like to know if you have any special packing arrangements for expensive crystalware, glassware, chandeliers and delicate porcelain items. Please let me know if you can pack electronic goods and safely transport them. Also, write what would be your charges for packing and transporting my household goods. In all, my possessions will be about one truck load. Indicate how long the goods will take to reach Chennai. On hearing from you, I shall be able to finalise my plans. Expecting an early response.

Yours faithfully
Krishna Kant

Format Of Business Letter Class 11 Question 6.
Write a reply to the above enquiry describing special packing, offering a discount if a car is also sent.

Answer:
Ref. PT/21 Feb/DC
Decent Packers
1469, D Block
Connaught Place
New Delhi 110001

1 March 20XX

Mr Krishna Kant
18-B, Self-Financing Flats
Alaknanda Colony
New Delhi 110019

Dear Sir

Subject: Transporting goods from Delhi to Chennai

I thank you for your letter dated 21st February 20XX expressing interest in the services offered by our company. I would like to assure you that we handle the job to our customer’s satisfaction. We have special thermocol packing for storing and moving glass and crystal and porcelain items. Your chandeliers will be dismantled and packed carefully and reassembled by our staff on reaching Chennai. We handle electronic items very frequently and take special care while transporting them. Our executive can visit you on a day and time convenient to you. He will give you our quotations on inspecting your household goods. We shall offer a discount of 5% if you transport your car through us.

I shall be happy to answer any further questions you may have. Please let us know when our executive may visit you to finalise the deal.

With best wishes,

Yours sincerely
Ramesh Nagpal
(Manager)

Format Of Official Letter Class 11 Question 7.
You have given a portion of your house on rent to a young man. Recently you have noticed some undesirable strangers visiting him. He is frequently out of town for days at a stretch. You are suspicious, but do not wish to go to the police. Write a letter to a private detective agency enquiring if they can undertake an investigation and their charges for the same. You should not reveal the entire situation in the letter but suggest that the investigation may have to be done outside your city also. The name of the agency is Discreet Services at 45, Ashok Nagar, Business Complex, Himalaya Plaza, Simla. Sign as Hamid Khan. Your address is R-15, Gandhi Nagar, Simla.
Answer:

R-15, Gandhi Nagar
Simla

2 May 20XX

Discreet Services
45, Ashok Nagar
Business Complex
Himalaya Plaza
Simla

Dear Sir

Subject: Enquiry about detection charges

I have come to know of your firm through some business associates who have used your services. I need your Kelp in the following matter.

Kindly let me know if you can obtain for me complete information about an individual whose activities appear suspicious to me. I must mention that the enquiry has to be absolutely confidential. You may have to go out of Simla for these inquiries. Please let me know your charges for the assignment.

Hoping for an early response.

Yours faithfully
Hamid Khan

Class 11 Official Letter Question 8.
Write a reply to the above enquiry promising secrecy in investigation and speedy result.
Answer:

Ref. Id.Per/21/XX
Discreet Services
45, Ashok Nagar
Business Complex
Himalaya Plaza

Simla

10 May 20XX

Mr. Hamid Khan
R-15, Gandhi Nagar
Simla

Sir

Subject: Your letter regarding your tenant

We thank you for your letter dated 2nd May 20XX and for the interest you have shown in our firm.

We would like to assure you that obtaining information about any individual is not difficult at all for us. We handle such cases frequently and successfully. Further, we can assure you that we will not take too long over such an assignment. However, you will have to give us some more information about the person, his photograph, if possible, and any known contacts. We shall need an advance deposit of ₹ 10,000. If no extraordinary expenses are involved, our total charges will be ₹ 25,000. We would like to assure you of our efficient services.

Awaiting instructions from you,

Yours sincerely
Avinash Kapur

Letter Class 11 Question 9.
As Avinash Aneja, Librarian of Swami Vivekanand Sr. Secondary School, Vikaspuri, Delhi, you have to buy dictionaries and encyclopaedia. Write a letter to M/s Universal Book Suppliers, 14, Gali Ram Nath, Chandni Chowk, Delhi, asking for a list of such books available with them, their publishers, special discounts for institutions, time taken for delivery and the mode of payment acceptable to them.
Answer:

Ref-U.B.S./En.Div./01/XX
Swami Vivekanand Sr. Secondary School
Vikaspuri
Delhi

10 February 20XX

M/s Universal Book Suppliers
14 Gali Ram Nath
Chandni Chowk
Delhi 110006

Dear Sir

Subject: Order for books

We are interested in ordering some dictionaries and encyclopaedia for our newly established library. We would appreciate if you could tell us about the encyclopaedia, preferably illustrated, for children of middle level. Kindly let me know if you have Websters Illustrated Junior Encyclopaedia (8 Vols.) and Oxford Dictionary (latest edition). Please send me a list of such books along with the publishers’ names and prices. We would like to know what discount you will offer to us as an institution and whether you will accept payment by cheque. Please write how much time you will take to make the delivery.

Looking forward to an early response.

Yours faithfully
Avinash Aneja
(Librarian)

Business Letter Writing Class 11 Question 10.
Write a reply to the above enquiiy giving the necessary information.
Answer:

Our Ref. s.V.s.s./d.e./01/XX
Your Ref. U.B.S./En.Div./01/XX
M/s Universal Book Suppliers
14, Gali Ram Nath
Chandni Chowk
Delhi 110006

1 March 20XX
The Librarian
Swami Vivekanand Sr. Secondary School
Vikaspuri
Delhi 1100XX

Dear Sir

Subject: Information regarding books

We thank you for your letter of 10th February 20XX and are happy to furnish the information you need.

We deal in educational books and therefore stock dictionaries and encyclopaedia brought out by Indian as well as foreign publishers. We have books for all age groups, suitable for primary, middle or senior classes. As desired by you, we are enclosing our catalogue which gives information about publishers and prices.

We shall offer you 10% discount, as given to institutions. Your books will be delivered in about two weeks’ time after we receive your order. We accept payment by demand draft only.

We hope our terms meet your approval and we receive your order soon.

Yours faithfully
R. Krishnan
(Manager)

Business Or Official Letters Class 11 Question 11.
You are Manish/Manisha Verma living at 59, Saraswati Enclave, Sector-9, Rohini. You wish to make a pilgrimage to Badrinath, Kedarnath and Haridwajr with your family of four. Write a letter to Ideal Pilgrims Tours and Travels, D 22, Connaught Place, New Delhi enquiring about the schedule of their conducted tours by deluxe buses to these places. Ask about the charges, staying and boarding arrangements and the total time needed for the tour.
Answer:

59, Saraswati Enclave
Sector 9
Rohini
Delhi 110085

5 March 20XX

The Manager
Ideal Pilgrims Tours and Travels
D 22, Connaught Place
New Delhi 110001

Dear Sir

Subject: Inquiry about the package tour

Please refer to your advertisement in the Times of India dated 3rd March 20XX where you have described the package tour to Badrinath, Kedarnath and Haridwar. I am interested in making this trip with my wife and two children. Please let me have some information regarding your package. Please let me know if you have a tour planned for middle, late October or early November. I would like-to know about the kind of boarding and lodging facilities provided by you. How much time will you provide at each of these places, and what will be the total duration of the trip? Am I entitled to student discount for my children or a group discount for the party? Please send me a brochure, if possible.

I shall book the tour with you if your terms and dates suit me.

Expecting an early response,

Yours faithfully
Manish Verma

Class 11 Official Letter Format Question 12.
Write a reply to this enquiry giving the necessary details.
Answer:

Our Ref. HBK/31/XX
Ideal Pilgrims Tours and Travels
D 22, Connaught Place
New Delhi 110001

15 March 20XX

Manish Verma
59, Saraswati Enclave
Sector 9
Rohini
Delhi 110085
Dear Sir

Subject: Information about the travel package

Thanks for the interest shown by you in our travel package. I thank you for your letter of 5th March 20XX.

The total duration of our tour to Haridwar, Badrinath and Kedarnath is of ten days-from Delhi back to Delhi. We spend two days at Haridwar, two at Badrinath and three at Kedarnath. The remaining time is taken in travelling. Our stay at each place is in the guest houses of Garhwal Vikas Nigam. The accommodation is comfortable. Two or more beds will be provided to a family according to its requirement. Food will be vegetarian. We shall provide you morning tea, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Total charges per adult will be ₹ 7,000 and for children below twelve years ₹ 5,500.

Our trips in October are beginning on 15th, 20th, 25th and 30th and in November on 4th and 9th and after every five days. I am enclosing a brochure as desired by you. We shall be happy to book your seats on any tour, provided you inform us well in advance.

Hoping to hear soon from you,

Yours faithfully
H.R. Narain
(Manager)
Enel. Brochure

Formal Letter Format Class 11 Question 13.
You are Ashok/Ashima Mathur, of 56 H Block, Ashok Vihar, Delhi-110052. You are the owner of a restaurant and wish to expand it. For this purpose you need a loan from the HDFC Bank, Pitampura, Delhi. Write to the manager enquiring about the terms and interest rates on a loan of 5 lakhs, documents to be provided and formalities to be completed.
Answer:

Our Ref. HDFC/Loan/01/XX
56 H Block
Ashok Vihar
Delhi-110052

5 March 20XX

The Manager
HDFC Bank
Pitampura
Delhi 110034

Dear Sir

Subject: Request for loan

(introductory) I am an account holder in your bank for several years, a/c no. SB 2978.

Fixed deposits of ₹ 80,000
(Main para) I intend to expand my business- I own a restaurant ‘Evening’ at Madhuban Chowk, Pitampura-turnover of t 1 lakh per month-wish to expand-construct new building-instal air conditioners-upgrade the facilities – I request you to sanction a loan of five lakhs. (Concluding)-What documents should be provided-let me know about the formalities to be completed.

(Develop these hints into full sentences.)

Yours faithfully
Ashok Mathur

2. Business Letters: Placing Orders

1. Your school, Vandana Public School, Dayanand Vihar, Chandigarh, requires some musical instruments. Write a letter to Saraswati Musical Pvt. Ltd. Shahadara placing an order for the same, on the behalf of the school principal. (120-150 words) [NCT 2018]
Answer:

Vandana Public School
Dayanand Vihar
Chandigarh 1600XX

4 April 20XX

Sarswati Musical Pvt. Ltd.
Shahdara
Delhi 1100XX

Dear Sir

Subject: Order for musical instruments

I am pleased to inform you that our meeting with your representative proved to be most satisfactory.

In consultation with our Music Department, am placing an order for the purchase of the following musical instruments.

1. Harmonium 2. Tabla 3. Sitar 4. Dholak

2 piece 2 pairs 1 piece 2 piece

Kindly arrange to have these delivered at the earliest in undamaged condition. As per our conversation. I am enclosing a cheque of ₹5000/- as advance payment. The balance will be paid on receipt of the instruments.

With best wishes

Yours faithfully
Namita Sinha
(Namita Sinha)
Enel. Cheque No. A 23456789 for ₹5000/-

Business Letter Class 11 Format Question 2.
You are Riyazzuddin/ Riya, the Secretary of your school sports club. On behalf of the school Principal, write a letter to the Sales Manager of Delhi Sports Store, Murad Nagar, placing an order for sports equipment – cricket bats, balls, volleyballs, rackets, etc. [NCT 2015]
Answer:

Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 5
Murad Nagar XXXXXX

15 January 20XX

The Sales Manager
Delhi Sports Store
Murad Nagar XXXXXX
Dear Sir

Subject: Order for Sports Equipment

I am writing to you on behalf of Mr. S. Khare, Principal, KV No.5 Murad Nagar.
We visited your store on 10 February 20XX and examined the sports equipment available with you. We would like to order the following items from your store.
1. 6 Cricket bats – full size of ‘Trail Blager’ company
2. 12 Cricket balls made by ‘Trail Blager’
3. 6 Tennis raquets, medium weight and grip made by ‘Champions’
4. 2 Volleyball nets
5. 12 Badminton raquets by ‘Champions’

As agreed upon, we would like you to deliver the equipment within a week from today.

Please find enclosed a cheque for ₹ 5000/ as advance payment. The balance will be paid on receipt of the equipment.

We hope for a satisfactory deal and that you will deliver good quality equipment within the time frame agreed upon mutually.

Thanking you

Yours faithfully
Riya
Secretary, Sports Club
Enel: Cheque no. 4560123789 for ₹ 5000/.

Question 3.
You are the manager of the restaurant ‘The Chef. Write a letter to the manager of ‘The Cottage India Emporium’ placing your order for furnishings and upholstery items for your restaurant.
Answer:

The Chef
4/3 Model Town
New Delhi 1100XX

2 March 20XX

The Manager
The Cottage India Emporium
Central Market
New Delhi 110OXX

Dear Sir

Subject: Placing order for furnishings and upholstery items

Thank you for your quotation of February 25 and the generous supply of sample along with the :
latest price list, both are well up to our expectations.

Since our requirement is urgent, kindly send the following items immediately.

We hope you will make arrangements for delivering the items latest by March 15, 20XX. The payment will be made in cash after adjusting 15% trade discount as specified by you. Further, it must be understood that we reserve the right to reject any item that does not correspond to the samples submitted.

Yours faithfully,
Hari Dutt
(Manager)
The Chef Restaurant

Advertisement Writing Class 11 Format, Examples

An advertisement for the classified columns in a newspaper should be brief as the price to be paid for the advertisement very much depends on the space taken.

This grammar section explains English Grammar in a clear and simple way. There are example sentences to show how the language is used. Students can also read NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English to get good marks in CBSE Board Exams. https://ncertmcq.com/advertisement-writing-class-11/

Newspapers, magazines, TV, radio, cinema, leaflets, pamphlets, etc. are extensively used for such purposes. The content is brief, words limited and sentences not necessarily grammatically correct. Information in digital, abbreviated, and short-form is acceptable. However, the brief description of the product or services advertised and the contact address must be there. There are two basic types of advertisements (ads) in the newspaper.

Advertisement Format Class 11 Question 1.
You are looking for a second-hand car. Draft an advertisement for the classified column of a newspaper, specifying your requirements in 50 words. You are Sumit/Sunita of A-40, Vinod Enclave Delhi. [NCT 2018]

Answer:

Wanted Wanted second-hand car in good condition should be no more than three years old. A medium sedan with mileage less than zone lakh kms, preferably owner-driven without accidents. Honda, Hyundai, Tata, Ford, Toyota preferred. Documents should be in order. Please contact Sumta, A40, Vinod Enclave Delhi.

Advertisement Class 11 Question 2.
Abha/Abhay has a very good knowledge of all the tourist attractions in Delhi. (S)He wants to work
as a Tourist Guide. Draft a suitable advertisement for publication in the classified columns of a local daily. [NCT 2017]

Answer:

Available History graduate fluent in English, French, and Spanish seeks employment with good private tour operators. Excellent communication skills and ability to handle groups upto 50 people. Familiar with Delhi monument buts. Contact Abhay Verma 9848XXXXXX. email: abhay@mail.com.

Advertisement Writing Class 11 Question 3.
You are the General Manager of a leading company. You need a Chartered Accountant for your office. Draft an advertisement in not more than 50 words to be published in the Times of India, New Delhi, under the classified columns. [NCT 2016]

Answer:

Wanted Wanted a chartered accountant for a leading manufacturing company. The applicant should “have certification for practising as a chartered accountant. Experience in a similar company is desirable but not essential. The applicant should send their application with their CV and photograph to the Manager, HRD, Eicher Manufacturers, F 16, Connaught Place, latest by 20 August 20XX.

Advertisement For Class 11 Question 4.
You are Suyashi/Utkarsh, living at M-48, Wajirpur, Delhi. You want to sell off your mobile phone. Draft an advertisement for the classified columns of a national daily giving its details and the price expected. [NCT 2015]

Answer:

For Sale Samsung mobile of Galaxy Series dual sim, dual camera, Android in good condition. Owner wishes to sell earliest as is where is basis. Minimum acceptable price ? 8000. Only cash will be j i accepted. Interested buyers. Contact: Suyashi, M-48, Wazirpur Delhi, Fix prior appointment calling 8432XXXXXX

Advertisement Writing For Class 11 Question 5.
RKS International School is looking for a receptionist for the school. Write an advertisement on behalf of the Administrative Officer in the classified column of the local newspaper giving necessary details. Draft the advertisement in about 50 words.

Answer:

Situation Vacant I Wanted a receptionist for school office. The candidate must be a graduate, fluent in spoken English, Hindi and local language. Polite manners and pleasant personality are desirable. The candidate should be familiar with office procedures and the use of computers. Contact: Administrative officer, RKS International School, Delhi 1100XX.

Advertisement Writing Examples For Class 11 Question 6.
Areputablesoftdrinkcompanyislaunchingtwonewproductsthissummer.Prepareanadvertisementin about 50 words to be distributed as a publicity leaflet.

Answer:

Fruitrue-tickle your taste buds Enjoy fresh mango and orange drink to be launched on April 15! Taste the freshness and nutrition of fruitrue. New attractive packaging preserves the original fruity flavour. Extremely hygenic and attractive packaging!! Unbelievably low prices on launch __________ from April 15 to May 15. Available at your nearest store.

Advertisement Writing Format Class 11 Question 7.
Prepare a publicity leaflet in about 50 words advertising your Fun Centre offering, hobby classes during summer vacation.

Answer:

Fun Plus Learn Join hobby classes in: Music: Indian and Western Dance: Contemporary, Classical Art: Painting, Papier Mache, Craft Work Theatre: Acting Outstanding teachers for all disciplines. Limited seats on first come first-served basis. Reasonable fees. Inaugural 10% discount on first ten registrations. Contact: B -11 Saraswati Vihar, Pitampura, Delhi 1100XX.

Class 11 Advertisement Writing Question 8.
You are a travel agent and conduct tours in India and abroad. Write an advertisement in about 50 words offering attractive discounts during summer vacation.
Answer:

Holidays to Remember Bookyour holidays with Amar Travels for a memorable summer experience. Attractive discounts offered j for family and group bookings. Visit Kashmir, Nainital, Mussoorie and Darjeeling at lowest prices, Holidays in Goa, Kerala, Lakshadweep and Sri Lanka for seaside thrills. We make all arrangements for travel, hotels and sightseeing. Contact Amar Singh at 98XXXXXXXX.

Advertisement English Grammar Question 9.
You run a coaching class which prepares students for class X and XII board exams, engineering and medical entrance tests. Write an advertisement in about 50 words to be distributed as a publicity leaflet.

Answer:

SuperMind Classes Bright India Coaching offers admission to students appearing in CBSE/ISC classes 10 and 12, Engineering and Medical entrance tests. Classes conducted by expert teachers. High success rate. Seats on a first-come-first-served basis. Contact 63, G Block Mukherji Nagar, Delhi Phone: 9822XXXXXX email: brightindia@org.co.

In Online Education Chapter 5 Periodic Classification of Elements Class 10 Science Important Questions and Answers PDF will help you in scoring more marks. This consists of 1 mark Questions, 3 Mark Numericals Questions, 5 Marks Numerical Questions and previous year questions from Chemical Reactions and Equations Chapter.

Online Education for Periodic Classification of Elements Class 10 Important Questions and Answers Science Chapter 5

Very Short Answer Questions

Question 1.
Indicate the elements which belong to the same group from their atomic numbers as 9, 17, 24, 30, 35, 45.
Answer:
Elements with atomic numbers 9, 17 and 35 belong to the same group i.e. halogen family.

More Resources

• Previous Year Question Papers for CBSE Class 10 Science
• NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science
• NCERT Exemplar Solutions for Class 10 Science
• Value Based Questions in Science for Class 10
• HOTS Questions for Class 10 Science

Question 2.
Arrange the following in decreasing atomic size :
(i) Na, Mg, K
(ii) N, F, O
(iii) N, S, P
Answer:
(i) K, Na, Mg
(ii) N, O, F
(iii) P, S, N.

Question 3.
Give the name and electronic configuration of second alkali metal.
Answer:
The second alkali metal is sodium (Na). Its electronic configuration is 2, 8, 1.

Question 4.
What is the similarity in the electronic configuration of Mg, Ca and Sr ?
Answer:
All the elements belong to group 2 and have two electrons in their valence shell.

Question 5.
Name the members of alkaline earth family. Which out of them is radioactive in nature ?
Answer:
The members of alkaline earth family (group 2) are : Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra. The last element radium (Ra) is radioactive in nature.

Question 6.
The two isotopes of chlorine have atomic mass 35 u and 37 u. Should they be placed in separate slots in the periodic table ?
Answer:
No, they should be placed in the same slot (or position) because the periodic table is based on the atomic numbers of the elements. Both the isotopes of the element chlorine have the same atomic number (Z = 17).

Question 7.
An element “X” has mass number 35 and number of neutrons is 18.
Identify group number and period of the element “X”.
Answer:
Atomic number of X = Mass No. – No. of neutrons = 35 – 17 = 18.
Electronic configuration = 2, 8, 7;
Group No. = 17, Period No. = 3.

Question 8.
Flow does metallic character of the elements vary
(i) in a group
(ii) in a period ?
Answer:
(i) The metallic character of the elements increases downwards in a group.
(ii) The metallic character of the elements decreases from left to the right along a period.

Question 9.
Name three elements which behave as metalloids.
Answer:
The elements are : arsenic (As), antimony (Sb) and germanium (Ge).

Question 10.
Which property do all the elements possess which are present in the same period as the element boron ?
Answer:
In all the elements, the last electron is present in the same shell i.e., L-shell or second shell.

Question 11.
Which common property do all the elements present in the same group have as the element fluorine ?
Answer:
All the elements have the same number of electrons (seven) in their valence shells.

Question 12.
Write the electronic configuration of the element present in the third period and seventeenth group of the periodic table.
Answer:
The group 17 consists of halogens. The halogen present in third period is chlorine (Cl) with atomic number (Z) = 17.

Question 13.
What is the basic difference in the electronic configuration of the elements belonging to group 1 and group 2 ?
Answer:
All elements belonging to group 1 have one electron in the valence shell while all elements belonging to group 2 have two electrons in their valence shell.

Question 14.
Three elements X, Y and Z belong to 17th group but to 2nd, 3rd and 4th period respectively. Number of valence electrons in Y is 7. Find the number of valence electrons in X and Z.
Answer:
All the elements present in a group have same number of valence electrons whatever may the periods to which they belong. Since element Y has 7 valence electrons, the elements X and Z have also 7 valence electrons.

Question 15.
Element ‘Y’ with atomic number 3 combines with element A’ with atomic number 17. What would be the formula of the compound ?
Answer:
The electronic distribution in elements A’ and ‘Y’ are 2, 1 and 2, 8, 7 respectively. Both have valency equal to 1. The formula of the compound is AY.

Question 16.
Name two other elements which belong to the same family as.
(i) fluorine
(ii) calcium
(iii) carbon.
Answer:
(i) chlorine, bromine
(ii) magnesium, strontium
(iii) silicon, germanium.

Question 17.
On the basis of the periodic classification, identify each set belonging to either a group or a period :
(a) Na, Mg, Al
(b) Na, K, Rb
(c) B, C, N
(d) He, Ne, Ar.
Answer:
(a) period
(b) group
(c) period
(d) group.

Question 18.
The formula of magnesium oxide is MgO. Write the formula of magnesium chloride.
Answer:
Oxygen is divalent in nature. The valency of magnesium in magnesium oxide is +2. The formula of magnesium chloride is MgCl₂ since chlorine has valency equal to one.

Question 19.
The electronic configuration of an element is 2, 8, 7. What is its expected valency ?
Answer:
The expected valency of the element is 1. It may be calculated as 8 – 7 = 1

Question 20.
Two elements A and B belong to the same period. What is common in them ?
Answer:
They have the same number of shells.

Question 21.
The electronic configuration of an element is 2, 8, 6. Identify the element and name of the family to which it belongs.
Answer:
The element with configuration 2, 8, 6 (Z= 16) is sulphur. It belongs to oxygen family (group 16).

Question 22.
How would tendency to gain electrons change as you go down a group ?
Answer:
It is expected to decrease since atomic size increases down the group and the tendency of the element to gain electrons decreases.

Question 23.
Why do elements present in a group show similar characteristics after definite gaps of atomic numbers 8, 8, 18, 18, 18, 32 ?
Answer:
This is because of the reason that the same valence shell configuration of the atoms gets repeated after definite gaps of atomic numbers.

Short Answer Questions

Question 24.
Identify the non-metals from the elements given below.
(a) 2, 8, 1
(b) 2, 8, 7
(c) 2, 8, 3
(d) 2, 8, 5.
Answer:
The element chlorine (Cl) corresponding to configuration (b) and the element phosphorus (P) corresponding to configuration (d) are both non-metals.

Question 25.
Identify the elements X and Y from the following information.
(a) X has 17 protons and 18 neutrons
(b) Y has 17 protons and 20 neutrons.
Answer:
Both the elements X and Y are the isotopes of the same element chlorine because they have the same number oi protons (17).
Remember : Two different elements cannot have the same number of protons. Therefore, X and Y are the isotopes of the same element.

Question 26.
Identify the elements from the following characteristics and arrange them in increasing order of metallic character.
(a) An element which imparts golden yellow colour to the flame.
(b) An element whose oxide is used as a white wash.
(c) An element which is constituent of chlorophyll i.e. green colouring matter in plants.
Answer:
(a) Sodium
(b) Calcium
(c) Magnesium.
Sodium (Na) belongs to group 1. Both calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) are present in group 2. The element Ca is placed below Mg in the group. Since the metallic character of the elements decreases along a period and increases down the group, in the light of these observations, the increasing order of metallic character is : Mg < Na < Ca.

Question 27.
(a) Atomic numbers of Mg and Al are 12 and 13 respectively. “Write their electronic configuration.
(b) Mention the period of the Modern Periodic Table to which the above two elements belong. Give reason for your answer.
Answer:
(a) The electronic configuration of the elements are
Mg(Z = 12) 2, 8, 2 ;
Al (Z = 13) 2, 8, 3.
(b) Both these elements belong to third period since their atoms have three shells.

Question 28.
From the part of a periodic table, answer the following questions

1 Hydrogen	2	13	14 Carbon	15	16 Oxygen	17 Fluorine
X			P			Q
Y						R
Z						T

(a) Atomic number of oxygen is 8. What would be the atomic number of, Fluorine ?
(b) Out of ‘X’ and ‘Q’ which element has larger atomic size ? Give reason for your answer.
(c) Out of ‘Y’ and ‘Z’ which element has smaller atomic size ? Give reason for your answer.
Answer:
(a) Atomic number of Fluorine is (8 + 1) = 9.
(b) Since the atomic size of the elements decreases along a period the element ‘Q’ has a smaller size than element ‘X’.
(c) Since the atomic size of the elements increases down the group, the element ‘Y’ has a smaller size than element ‘Z’.

Question 29.
Calcium is an element with atomic number 20.
(i) Is it a metal or non-metal ?
(ii) Will its size be more or smaller than that of potassium?
(iii) Write the formula of its chloride.
Answer:
The electronic configuration of calcium (Z = 20) is 2, 8, 8, 2.
(i) Since it has only two valence electrons, it is present in group 2. It is a metal.
(ii) Both potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) are present in fourth period. Since atomic size decreases along a period, calcium is smaller in size.
(iii) The valency of calcium is 2. The formula of its chloride is CaCl₂.

Question 30.
An element ‘X’ has mass number 35 and number of neutrons 18. Write atomic number and electronic configuration of ‘X’. Also write group number, period number and valency of ‘X’.
Answer:
Atomic number of the element ‘X’ = 35 – 18 = 17
Electronic configuration of the element ‘X’ = 2, 8, 7
Group number = 17;
Period number = 3.
Valency of the element ‘X’ = 8 – 7 = 1.

Question 31.
Given below are some of the elements of first group Li, Na, K
(Their atomic numbers are 3, 11, 19 respectively and they belong to 2nd, 3rd and 4th period respectively). Arrange these in the decreasing order of metallic character exhibited by them.
Answer:
All the three elements belong to the group (1) of alkali metals. Since the metallic character of the elements increases down a group, the decreasing order of metallic character is K > Na > Li.

Question 32.
Two elements X and Y have atomic numbers 12 and 16 respectively. Write the electronic configuration for these elements. To which period of the modern periodic table do these two elements belong ? What type of bond will be formed between them and why ?
Answer:
Electronic configuration : X (Z = 12); 2, 8, 2 Electronic configuration : Y (Z = 16); 2, 8, 6
Both these elements are present in third period since they have three electron shells.
These are likely to form an ionic bond as a result of transference of two electrons from element X to the element Y. The compound will form compound XY.

Question 33.
An element has electronic configuration 2, 8, 3. What is the atomic number of the element ? To which
(i) group and
(ii) period does this element belong ?
Answer:
(i) Atomic number of the element (Z) = 2 + 8 + 3= 13
(ii) Group to which the element belongs =13

Question 34.
(a) What is common in the elements belonging to the same period in the periodic table ?
(b) Why are chlorine and bromine kept in the same group in the periodic table ?
Answer:
(a) The elements belonging to the same period have same number of shells. For example, the elements placed in the second period have two shells (K, L). Similarly, the elements included in the third period have three shells (K, L, M). ‘
(b) Both the elements have same number of valence electrons (7) in their atoms.
Chlorine (Z = 17) 2, 8, 7;
Bromine (Z = 35) 2, 8, 18, 7
That is why these are placed in the same group in the periodic table.

Question 35.
An element belongs to third period and second group in the periodic table.
(a) State number of valence electrons in it.
(b) Is it a metal or non-metal ?
(c) Name the element
(d) Write the formula of its oxide
Answer:
The element belonging to third period and second group is calcium (Z = 20). Its electronic configuration is 2, 8, 8, 2
(a) It has two valence electrons
(b) The element is a metal
(c) The element is calcium (Ca)
(d) The formula of calcium oxide is CaO.

Question 36.
(a) The elements of the second period along with their atomic numbers in parentheses are given below ;
B (5), Be (4), O(8), N(7), Li (3), C (6), F (9)

1. Arrange them in the same order as they appear in the periodic table.
2. Which element has the largest and smallest atom ?

(b) Why does atomic radius change as we move from left to right in a period ?
Answer:
(a)

1. Li (3), Be (4), B (5), C (6), N (7), O(8), F (9)
2. The element Li has the largest atom. The element F has the smallest atom.

(b) Along a period, the nucleus charge increases and the electrons are attracted more towards the nucleus.
Therefore, the atomic size or atomic radius decreases as we move from left to the right along a period.

Question 37.
Account for the following :
(a) Elements C, N, O and F are placed in the second period of the periodic table. .
(b) Elements of group 17 are monovalent.
Answer:
(a) All these elements have two electron shells. Therefore, these are placed in the second period.
C (Z=6) 2, 4 ;
N (Z = 7) 2, 5 ;
O (Z = 8) 2, 6 ;
F (Z = 9) 2, 7
(b) All the elements included in the group 17 have 7 valence electrons in their atoms. These atoms need only one electron to acquire the electronic configuration of nearest noble gas atom. Therefore, these are monovalent.

Question 38.
Chlorine (atomic number 17) is more electronegative than sulphur (atomic number 16). Explain.
Answer:
Chlorine (Z = 17) is placed after sulphur (Z = 16) in the same period i.e. third period. The size of chlorine is smaller than that of sulphur and its atom needs only one electron to have noble gas electronic configuration while sulphur atom needs two electrons. Therefore, chlorine has greater attraction for electrons than sulphur. It is more electronegative than sulphur.

Question 39.
The atomic numbers of three elements X, Y and Z are 9, 11 and 17 respectively. Which of these two elements will show similar characteristics and why ?
Answer:
The elements X and Z will show similar characteristics because they differ in their atomic numbers by 8 (9, 17). Both these are halogens and belong to group 17 (halogen family). These are fluorine (Z= 9) and chlorine (Z = 17) .

Question 40.
The atomic number of three elements are given below :

Element (symbol)	A	B	C
Atomic number	5	7	10

Write the symbol of the element which belongs to
(i) group 13,
(ii) group 15, of the periodic table. State the period of the periodic table to which these elements belong. Give reason for your answer.
Answer:
Electronic configuration of the elements A, B and C are as given :

Element (Symbol)	A	B	C
Atomic number	5 (2, 3)	7 (2, 5)	10(2, 8)

Element (Symbol) A B C
Atomic number 5 (2, 3) 7 (2, 5) 10(2, 8)
(i) Element A belongs to group 13 (Group No. = 10 + 3 = 13). It is boron (B)
(ii) Element B belongs to group 15 (Group No. = 10 + 5 = 15). It is nitrogen (N)
Both these elements belong to second period since they have two shells.

Question 41.
Write two reasons responsible for the late discovery of noble gases.
Answer:
(i) Noble gas elements were not present in earth crust as minerals like other elements and were present in air to a very small extent.
(ii) Their atoms have stable electronic configuration of their outermost shells also called valence shells. (2 in case of He and 8 for other elements). They do not combine with atoms of other elements.
That is why noble gas elements were discovered at a later stage.

Long Answer Questions

Question 42.
Three elements A, B and C have atomic numbers 7, 8 and 9 respectively.
(a) What would be their positions in the modern periodic table ? (Mention group and period both)
(b) Arrange A, B and C in decreasing order of their size.
(c) Which one of the three elements is most reactive and why ?
Answer:
The electronic configuration of these elements are :
(a) A ( Z = 7) 2, 5;
B (Z = 8) 2, 6;
C (Z = 9) 2, 7
Position of element A = 15th group and 2nd period
Position of element B = 16th group and 2nd period ‘
Position of element C = 17th group and 2nd period.
(b) In general, atomic size decreases along a period. Therefore, decreasing order of size is A > B > C
(c) The element C (Z = 9) is fluorine. It is the most reactive element since it needs only one electron to acquire a noble gas configuration.

Question 43.
The elements with atomic number 3 to 10 belong to the second period. Taking into account the trends in the general periodic properties, predict.
(a) The most electronegative element
(b) The most electropositive element
(c) The element belonging to noble gas family
(d) The element which constitutes large number of organic compounds.
Answer:
(a) The most electronegative element has atomic number (Z) = 9. It is fluorine (F).
(b) The most electropositive element has atomic number (Z) = 3. It is lithium (Li)
(c) The element belonging to noble gas family has atomic number (Z) = 10. It is neon (Ne)
(d) The element which constitutes large number of organic compounds has atomic number (Z) = 6. It is carbon (C).

Question 44.
“Elements in Periodic Table show periodicity of properties”. List any four properties.
Answer:
Periodicity i.e., repetition of similar properties is shown by the elements present in a group and separated by definite gaps of atomic number. For example,

1. Elements in a group have same number of valence electrons and same valency.
2. Elements present in a group show similar chemical properties.
3. The atomic sizes of the elements in a group increase regularly.
4. The m.p. and b.p. of the elements in a group increase regularly.

Question 45.
The electronic configuration of three elements X, Y and Z are given below ;
X = 2 ; Y = 2, 6 ; Z = 2, 8, 2.

1. Which element belongs to the second period ?
2. Which element belongs to the eighteenth group ?
3. Which element belongs to the second group ?
4. What is the valency of Y ?
5. Are Y and Z metals or non-metals ?

Answer:

1. The element ‘Y’ belongs to second period.
2. The element ‘X’ belongs to eighteenth group also called zero group.
3. The element ‘Z’ belongs to second group.
4. Element ‘Y’ has valency equal to 2(8 -6 = 2).
5. The element ‘Y’ is a non-metal while element ‘Z’ is a metal.

Question 46.
The atomic numbers of elements A, B, C, D and E are given below :

Element	A	B	C	D	E
Atomic no.	7	10	12	4	19

From the above table, answer the following questions
(a) Which two elements are chemically similar ?
(b) Which is an inert gas ?
(c) Which element belongs to 3rd period of periodic table ?
(d) Which element among these is a non-metal ?
Answer:
The electronic configuration of the elements are as follows :

Element	A	B	C	D	E
Atomic no.	7(2, 5)	10 (2, 8)	12 (2, 8, 2)	4 (2, 2)	19 (2, 8, 8, 1)

(a) Elements C and D are chemically similar since they have same number of valence electrons.
(b) Element B is an inert gas element since it has complete octet.
(c) Element C belongs to third period since it has three shells.
(d) Element A is a non-metal since it has five valence electrons.

Question 47.
Using the part of the periodic table given below, answer the questions that follow.

Group ⇒ Period⇓	I	II	III	IV	V	VI	VII	Zero
1	H							He
2	Li	Be	B	c	N	o	F	Ne
3	Na	Mg	Al	Si	P	s	Cl	Ar
4	K	Ca

(i) Na has physical properties similar to which elements and why ?
(ii) Write the electronic configuration of N and P.
(iii) State one property common to fluorine and chlorine.
Answer:
(i) Na has physical properties similar to Li and K. All the three elements have one electron each in the valence shell of their atoms. These are known as alkali metals. However, the element hydrogen has different physical properties.
(ii) Electronic configuration of N (Z = 7) = 2, 5
Electronic configuration of P (Z = 15) = 2, 8, 5
(iii) Both the elements have seven electrons in the valence shells as their atoms and have valency equal to one.
Fluorine (Z = 19) 2, 7 ;
Chlorine (Z = 17) 2, 8, 7.

Question 48.
Atomic radii of the elements present in second period are given :

1. Arrange them in decreasing order of their atomic radii.
2. Are these elements arranged in the pattern of a period in the periodic table ?
3. Which elements have the largest and the smallest atoms ?
4. How does the atomic radius change as you move from left to right in a period ?

Answer:

1. The decreasing order of atomic radii is :
   Li(152) > Be (111) > B (88) > C(77) > N(74) > O(66)
2. No, the arrangement of the elements is not systematic. The correct arrangement is as given above.
3. The element Li has the largest atoms while the element O has the smallest atoms.
4. The atomic radii of the elements decrease in moving from left to the right.

Question 49.
“The atomic number of Cl is 17. On the basis of this information, answer the questions that follow :
(a) Write the electronic configuration of Cl.
(b) Find its valency.
(c) To which group does it belong ?
(d) Identify the type of ion it will form.
(e) Write down the formula of the compound it forms with other elements.
Answer:
(a) Electronic configuration of Cl (Z = 17) = 2, 8, 7.
(b) Valency of Cl = 8 – 7 = 1
(c) Group to which Cl belongs =17 id) Type of ion formed bly Cl = Anion (Cl^–).
(e) Formula of compound with other elements (M) = MCI_x.
∴ Here x is the valency of the element.

Question 50.
The list of the elements present in the same period but in different groups is given :
1           2            13            14               15             16           17             18
(a) Do these groups represent modern periodic table ?
(b) Which element will belong to oxygen family ?
(c) Which element will not take part in chemical combination ?
(d) The elements belonging to which groups will form ionic bonds most readily ?
Answer:
(a) Yes, these groups of elements represent modern periodic table.
(b) The element present in group 16 belongs to oxygen family.
(c) The element included in group 18 (noble gas elements) will not take part in chemical combination.
(d) The elements belonging to group 1 and group 17 will form ionic bonds most readily.

Question 51.
An element E has following electronic configuration :

(a) To which group of the periodic table does element E belong ?
(b) To which period of the periodic table does element E belong ?
(c) State the number of valence electrons present in element E.
(d) State the valency of the element E.
Answer:
The element with atomic no. (Z) = 16 is sulphur (S).
(a) It belongs to group 16 of the periodic table,
(b) It belongs to third period since it has three shells.
(c) The element has six valence electrons.
(d) The valency of the element is 2 (8 – 6 = 2).

Question 52.
From the part of the periodic table given, answer the following questions.

1 Lithium	2	13	14 Carbon	15	16 Oxygen	17 L	18 Neon
X			S		P	Q
Y						R
Z						T

(a) Which is the most reactive metal ?
(b) Name the family of L, Q, R, T.
(c) Name one element of group 2 and 15,
(d) Name one member of group 18 other than neon.
(e) Give the name of the element S placed below carbon in group 14.
Answer:
(a) The element Z is the most reactive metal.
(b) The elements are present in group 17. The family is that of halogens.
(c) One element belonging to group 2 is calcium (Ca) while one present in to group 15 is nitrogen (N).
(d) The element argon (Ar) is also present in group 18.
(e) The element is silicon (Si)

 

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Factual passages convey information in a straightforward and direct manner about a particular subject. Usually, the language and style are simple and clear. Factual passages may give instructions or descriptions or report of an event or a new finding.

This grammar section explains English Grammar in a clear and simple way. There are example sentences to show how the language is used. Read all classes unseen passage with questions and answers in English

Students can also read NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English to get good marks in CBSE Board Exams. https://ncertmcq.com/unseen-passage-for-class-11-factual/

Unseen Passage For Class 11 Factual CBSE With Answers

(a) Instructions Instructions are a series of steps needed to be performed in order to complete a task. Instructions may be given casually or formally. They can be for any activity, simple or complex, regarding ordinary job or specialised task. Passages which give instructions are carefully structured to effectively communicate the complete process of performing an activity.

Unseen Passage For Class 11

1. Read the passage given below.

1. Roshni Bairwa remembers running all the way from her home in Tonk’s Mahmoodnagar Dhani village to the room where the ‘bal samooh’ (children’s group) met. “My grandparents are getting me married, you have to do something,” the then 12-year-old told the 20 or so children sitting there.

2. The children, all aged between eight and 16, trooped up to Roshni’s house and urged her grandparents to stop the impending wedding. Others, including village elders and teachers, joined in. The wedding was stopped. She had discovered a way out of the quagmire with the help of a local NGO and the village children.

3. When she was in class XII, the pressure to get married returned. This time her uncle found a match for her. When she resisted, she was taunted and beaten. People would point to her as the girl who brought shame to her family and asked their children not to speak to her. “I was 16 years old and alone in the world. I walked to school with my eyes fixed to the ground. I would think sometimes, what have I done that is so terrible for everyone to hate me so much?

I would cry myself to sleep,” recalls Roshni, who lost her father when she was two and had been abandoned by her mother shortly after. But even in those dark moments, Roshni didn’t give up, moving out of the village to Peeplu tehsil in Rajasthan where she rented a room and attended college.

4. With education and independence came a sense of confidence. “I kept in touch with the children in the village. Every time there was child marriage, they would call me and I would go to stop it. I realised I had already been thrown out of the village, the worst had already happened, what else could the villagers do? So I went and fought with everyone who was getting their child married,” she says with a laugh. So far she has stopped over a dozen marriages.

5. Even without the support of the law, young girls have been crusading against the practice. Earlier this month, 19-year-old Sushila Bishnoi from Barmer succeeded in getting her marriage annulled, submitting photographs, and congratulatory messages from her husband’s Facebook account to the court. The court accepted these as evidence that the union took place when both the bride and groom were 12 years old and declared the marriage invalid.

6. Seema Bairwal (name changed) was 15 when she was married to a man a few years older. Later when she started attending ‘bal samooh’ meetings with NGO Shiv Shiksha Samiti and Save the Children, it dawned on her that she had a choice. “I learnt that my life is mine. I have the power to say no to marriage.

1.1 On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the best of the given choices.

Unseen Passage Class 11

Question (a)
The brides mentioned in the passage are rebels against
(i) the dowry system
(ii) child marriage
(iii) purdah system
(iv) arranged manages

Answer:
(ii) child marriage

Unseen Passage For Class 11 With Answers Pdf 2021

Question (b)
When Roshni was twelve years old, she succeeded in her mission with the help of …………
(i) 20 children aged between eight and sixteen
(ii) her grandparents
(iii) 20 children, her grandparents, village elders and teachers
(iv) children and an NGO

Answer:
(iii) 20 children, her grandparents, village elders and teachers

Unseen Passage For Class 11 With Mcqs

Question (c)
When she Wps sixteen the people of the village …………………..
(i) taunted her and beat her up
(ii) boycotted her
(iii) were angry with her
(iv) were sympathetic and understanding

Answer:
(i) taunted her and beat her up

Unseen Passage For Class 11 With Answers Pdf

Question (d)
Roshni moved out of the village in order to
(i) seek a job
(ii) escape the villagers
(iii) attend college
(iv) marry a boy of her choice

Answer:
(iii) attend college

Unseen Passage For Class 11 In English With Answers

Question (e)
‘Give up’ in para 3 means
(i) stop attending classes
(ii) stop doing something
(iii) very eager
(iv) voluntary help

Answer:
(ii) stop doing something

Class 11 English Unseen Passage Mcq

Question (f)
‘Annulled’ in para 5 means
(i) To state officially that something is not legally valid
(ii) Help somebody
(iii) impending doom
(iv) social works

Answer:
(i) To state officially that something is not legally valid

Unseen Passage Class 11 Mcq

1.2 Answer the following.

(a) The children, all aged between eight and 16, trapped to …………….. and urged her grandparents to stop the impending wedding.
(b) Roshni lost her father when she was only ……………. years old.
(c) Education and independence made Roshni confident. [True/False]
(d) ‘Bal Samooh’ meetings with NGO Shiv Shiksha Samiti and ‘Save the Children’ encouraged
child marriage. [True/False]

Answer:
(a) Roshini’s house
(b) two
(c) True
(d) False

Class 11 Unseen Passage Mcq

1.3 Find words/expressions from the passage that have a meaning similar to the following.

(a) about to happen soon (paragraph 2)
(b) realised (paragraph 6)

Answer:
(a) impending
(b) dawned upon her

Unseen Passage For Class 11th

2. Read the passage given below.

1. White House security entrance at 2:15 PM on Tuesday, October 17: There are six Indians in immaculate sherwanis that the secret service is trying to clear through by matching their passports or drivers’ licences to the information they have on their computers. Four clear and two have problems. One of them is me. The problem is my passport has no last name. Even though I have met with candidate Trump, President-Elect Trump, and then President Trump, at least a dozen times, it’s never been at the White House.

2. Diwali at the White House was scheduled to begin at 3:15 pm. For 30 minutes four different White House officials tried to get me cleared, but these secret service guys refused to break the protocol no matter who the visitor. It is 3:00 PM now. Finally, seeing no solution in sight the Secret Service offer a way out – I could go in as long as I am escorted by an official all the time. Three members of our group of six had already gone in, and finally the rest of us dash to the Roosevelt room, right next to the Oval Office. Just in time at 3:30 pm.

3. There were a total of 26 guests, most of them currently working for the Trump administration such as Nikki Haley, Seema Verma, Ajit Pai, Raj Shah, Vanilla Singh, along with six members of the Republican Hindu Coalition (RHC) that had played a major role in the election of President Trump. I am the RHC India Ambassador.

4. After a 10-minute wait in the Roosevelt room, all 26 of us line up in the Oval Office. President Trump walks in, and comes over to us, the Kumar family which includes my dad Shalabh “Shalli” Kumar, his son Vikram Aditya Kumar and of course me.

5. The President then proceeded to read his statement and light the diya with Nikki Haley and Seema Verma to his right and Shalabh Kumar and me to his left. (The writer is the RHC India Ambassador and winner of the Times of India Femina Miss India contest in 2010.)

Unseen Passage For Class 11 Factual Cbse With Answers

2.1 On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the best of the given choices.

Question (a)
The crisis the author describes in the opening paragraph in that the author and five other Indians
(i) do not have valid passports.
(ii) are not suitably dressed.
(iii) the information on their documents does not match with the information US security officials have.
(iv) they are late for the function.

Answer:
(iii) the information on their documents does not match with the information US security officials have.

Question (b)
Finally, the white House security officials allowed the author to enter the White House if

(i) she could prove that she had met President Trump several times earlier.
(ii) she went in without a camera or a microphone.
(iii) a security officer remained with her all the time.
(iv) her father Shalabh Kumar took guarantee of her behaviour.
Answer:
(iii) a security officer remained with her all the time.

Question (c)
The author was part of the 26 member team that celebrated Diwali with President trump
because she

(i) belonged to the Kumar family.
(ii) was the Ambassador of RHC.
(iii) Neither of these
(iv) both of these
Answer:
(iv) both of these

Question (d)
The Diwali celebrations were held
(i) on the lawns of the White House,
(ii) in the Roosevelt Room.
(iii) in the Oval Office.
(iv) in President Trump’s drawing-room.
Answer:
(iii) in the Oval Office.

Question (e)
‘Scheduled’ in para 2 means ……………………….
(i) arranged
(ii) decided
(iii) looked after
(iv) stationary
Answer:
(i) arranged

Question (f)
‘Dash’ in para 2 means ………………………
(i) reach on time
(ii) rush
(iii) wait
(iv) play colour
Answer:
True

Unseen Passage For Class 11 With Answers

2.2 Answer the following.

(a) The author’s problem was that her ……………… had no last name.
(b) After a 10-minute wait in the ………………. Room, all 26 of the guests lined up in the Oval
Office.
(c) Diwali at the White House was scheduled to start at 3:15 pm. [True/False]
(d) Six members of the Republican Hindu Coalition played a major role in the election of President Trump. [True/False]

Answer:
(a) passport
(b) Roosevelt
(c) False
(d) True

2.3 Find words that have meanings similar to these:

(a) extremely clean and tidy (paragraph 1)
(b) accompanied (paragraph 2)

Answer:
(a) immaculate
(b) escorted

3. Read the passage given below.

1. Delhi tried very hard but it wasn’t enough. In the run-up to D-Day, the sound of firecrackers had not been heard. The Supreme Court ban on sales had made procuring them difficult, but many people, including school children, had resolved to buck tradition for clean air. And till 7 pm on Diwali, most neighbourhoods were quiet. Around that time the first sound of firecrackers going off was heard, and gradually it rose to a crescendo. But it was nowhere near the blitzkrieg of the past, not even half of that. And well before midnight, it was all over.

2. The bad news broke at dawn. It was a visibly smoggy morning. Air pollution levels had peaked to “severe” on Diwali night and remained dangerously high till Friday afternoon as reflected in the real-time monitoring data of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).

3. The CPCB, however, pointed out a silver lining. It said the air quality index (AQI) this year was better than the ones on Diwali in the past two years in spite of hostile meteorological conditions. On Diwali last year (October 30, 2016), the average AQI for the city was in the “severe” category at 426 while the year before that (November 11, 2015), it had been in the “very poor” category at 327. This time, it was marginally lower at 326.

4. There are so many factors impacting air quality – from the speed and direction of the wind to burning of crop stubble in neighbouring states – that it is difficult to definitively identify the main culprit. What, however, has to be acknowledged is that at least a majority of people have the will to stick to what may appear to be unpalatable decisions for better quality of life.

5 The data, however, is making informed observers worry-particularly the massive peaks in PM (Particulate Matter) 2.5 (fine, respirable pollution particles) and PM 10 (coarse pollution particles) levels on Thursday night after 10 pm. Delhi peaked to 656 micrograms per cubic metres around midnight.

6 However, the data also shows that in spite of unfavourable meteorological conditions, the air quality on Diwali this year was better than last year. It had not been so good in the two days preceding Diwali due to intrusion of humid air from the south-east coupled with prevailing calm wind conditions. The average mixing height (the height to which smoke or air will rise, mix and disperse) recorded on October 18 and 19 were 547 metres and 481 metres, respectively, according to CPCB. It should be at least 1000 metres for proper dispersal.

3.1 On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the best of the given choices.

Question (a)
In the run-up to D-Day, the sound of firecrackers had not been heard because the
(i) Supreme Court banned the sales of firecrackers.
(ii) children resolved to back tradition for clean air.
(iii) neighbourhoods did not like the sound of firecrackers.
(iv) children were afraid of the sound of firecrackers.
Answer:
(i) the Supreme Court banned the sales of firecrackers

Question (b)
The ‘bad news’ that broke at dawn was that
(i) there was smog in the sky.
(ii) the air pollution levels were dangerously high.
(iii) CPCB released real time figures that were alarming.
(iv) All of the above.
Answer:
(iv) All the above

Question (c)
The AQI levels after Diwali this year were
(i) the same as in other years.
(ii) higher than other years.
(iii) lower than other years.
(iv) could not be ascertained.
Answer:
(iii) lower than other years

Question (d)
There will be no air pollution if
(i) school children do not burst crackers on Diwali.
(ii) there is a strong wind on Diwali night.
(iii) if the motor vehicles do not run on Diwali.
(iv) None of the above.
Answer:
(iv) None of the above.

Question (e)
‘Crescendo’ in para 1 means
(i) to happen successfully
(ii) an increase in intensity
(iii) better quality of life
(iv) metrological conditions
Answer:
(ii) an increase in intensity

Question (f)
unpalatable in para 4 means
(i) 6,000 metres for proper dispersal
(ii) feeling happy
(iii) dispersal
(iv) not pleasant
Answer:
(iv) not pleasant

3.2 Answer the following.

(a) The massive peaks in PM (Particulate Matter) 2.5 and PM 10 (coarse pollution particles) on
the Diwali day made the observers worried. [True/False]
(b) Despite the Supreme Court ban on the sale of firecrackers, many people including school
children were adamant to burst firecrackers on the Diwali Day. [True/False]
(c) In the run-up to D-Day in Delhi the sound of firecrackers gradually rose to a ………………….
(d) Delhi peaked to 656 …………………. per cubic metres around midnight.

Answer:
(a) True
(b) False
(c) crescendo
(d) micrograms

3.3 Find words from the passage which have a meaning similar to the following.

(a) unfavourable (paragraph 3)
(b) influencing (paragraph 4)

Answer:
(a) hostile
(b) impacting

(b) Descriptions Factual description may be of events, places, traditions, people, activities, animals, happenings, inventions and discoveries, etc. Through description, sometimes, underlying values are explored and sometimes an aspect of life is highlighted. These passages are easy to understand.

4. Read the passage given below.

1. In six months, road users in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, have learned to cringe at using the car horn unnecessarily. “I feel embarrassed now when I occasionally blow the horn,” said Rajaram Dangal, a hotel manager. “I feel like people are staring at me from all around.” Clearly, the traffic police’s slogan of “Let’s be civilised, let’s not use the horn” is working.

2. Making Dangal give up his instinctive action at the wheel has not been easy. Like in most old South Asian cities, horns seem a matter of life and death in Kathmandu, with its narrow, congested, pot holed roads. Pedestrians-and animals-cross the roads at will. There are no traffic lights and road dividers. And yet today, you only hear a few stray beeps on the street. Even these sound tentative and have none of the aggressive, let-me-through tone that you find in, say, Delhi.

3 The induction of a no-nonsense officer to head the traffic police, a ban on horns, strict vigilance, a fine of ? 500 (? 315 in Indian currency) and threat of public ignominy have brought a degree of silence on the noisy streets. Noise pollution had reached unhealthy highs in the Nepalese capital.

4. After clamping down on honking, 15,500 people have been hauled up. Sarbendra Khanal, traffic police chief, said this was achieved despite the cops having no mechanical device to pinpoint the horn sound.

5. And yet, the quietude of sorts is holding out.” “It’s early days still, but I feel mindsets are changing,” Khanal was optimistic. The government’s intent to change the street ambience was enunciated in no less than Khanal’s selection to head the traffic police soon after the announcement of the ban. What did DIG Khanal bring to the table? He has little traffic experience. Rather, the officer has a reputation as an “encounter specialist”, having crushed 109 criminal outfits in the Terai.

6. It isn’t difficult to extrapolate Khanal’s renown as a tough cop to the willingness of the people to fall in line. Roads are dense with motorcycles since car prices are prohibitive there.

7. Reining in these weaving, wailing two wheelers was the biggest challenge for Khanal and his team. However, it isn’t all baton and threats. There is a continuing awareness drive, which to date has included 9,400 roadside gatherings, 1,230 sessions with bus and truck drivers and 1,680 visits to schools and colleges. The results are there to see or rather hear.

8 The success has proved that tough measures can be implemented.

4.1 On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the best of the given choices.

Question (a)
The traffic police in Kathmandu
(i) has linked not blowing car horns to being civilized.
(ii) made strict rules against blowing horns.
(iii) has used multi-pronged strategy for controlling horn blowing by car drivers.
(iv) All of the above
Answer:
(iv) All of the above

Question (b)
Not blowing horns on the streets of Kathmandu is a matter of life and death because
(i) it could lead to accidents.
(ii) the roads are narrow.
(iii) there are no road dividers.
(iv) None of these.
Answer:
(i) it could lead to accidents

Question (c)
That the people of Kathmandu are not blowing car horns shows that
(i) they are law abiding.
(ii) the strategy of strictness combined with educating the public has been successful.
(iii) the police chef’s reputation as an encounter specialist is justified;
(iv) All of the above.
Answer:
(ii) the strategy of strictness combined with educating the public has been successful.

Question (d)
Sarbendra Khanal was chosen to be the chief of traffic police in Kathmandu because
(i) he had experience in controlling traffic.
(ii) he was an encounter specialist.
(iii) he was popular among people.
(iv) he was a no-nonsense officer
Answer:
(iv) he was a no-nonsense officer

Question (e)
‘Extrapolate’ in para 6 means
(i) estimate
(ii) make known
(iii) cringe at the car horn
(iv) alert the pedestrians
Answer:
(i) estimate

Question (f)
‘Reining’ in para 7 means
(i) a lot of traffic
(ii) controlling
(iii) tough measures
(iv) intent to change
Answer:
(ii) controlling

4.2 Answer the following.

(a) Noise pollution had reached highs in the Nepalese capital.
(b) Roads are dense with motorcycles because car prices are there.
(c) The traffic police’s slogan was, “Let’s be civilised, let’s not use the horn.” [True/False]
(d) Khanal was a pessimistic, non-nonsense officer to head the traffic police in Kathmandu. [True/False]
Answer:
(a) unhealthy
(b) prohibitive
(c) True
(d) False

4.3 Find words from the passage which have a meaning similar to these:

(a) controlling (paragraph 6)
(b) short stick used by policemen, sportspersons (paragraph 7)
Answer:
(a) reining in
(b) baton

5. Read the following passage carefully.

1. Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the eleventh president of India, was a great scientist, teacher and writer. He had written many books like ‘Ignited Minds,’ ‘India 2020,’ ‘Mission India’ and ‘Wings of Fire’. He was a source of inspiration for the young and old alike. Here is an extract from ‘Wings of Fire’ which depicts his early life in his own words.

2. My parents, Jainulabdeen and Ashiamma were widely regarded as an ideal couple. My mother’s lineage was the more distinguished, one of her forebears having been bestowed the title of ‘BAHUDUR’ by the British. I normally ate with my mother, sitting on the floor of the kitchen. She would place a banana leaf before me, on which she had ladled rice and aromatic sambhar, a variety of sharp home-made pickles and a dollop of fresh coconut chutney.

3. The famous Shiva temple, which made Rameshwaram so sacred to pilgrims was about a ten- minute walk from our house. Our locality was predominantly Muslim, but there were quite a few Hindu families too, living amicably with their Muslim neighbours. There was a very old mosque in our locality where my father would take me for evening prayers. I had not the faintest idea of the meaning of the Arabic prayers chanted, but I was totally convinced that they reached God. When my father came out of the mosque after the prayers, people of different religions would be sitting outside, waiting for him. Many of them offered bowls of water to my father who would dip his fingers in them and say a prayer. This water was then carried home for invalids. I also remember people visiting our home to offer thanks after being cured. My father always smiled and asked them to thank Allah, the benevolent and merciful.

4. The high priest of Rameswaram Temple, Pakshi Lakshmana, was a very ‘close friend of my father. One of the most vivid memories of my childhood is of the two men, each in his traditional attire, discussing spiritual matters.

5. When I was old enough to ask questions I asked my father about the relevance of prayer. “When you pray” he said “you transcend your body and become a part of the cosmos which knows no division of wealth, age, caste or creed”.

5.1 Answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option from the given ones:

Question (a)
In early childhood, Abdul Kalam sang Arabic prayers because he
(i) had no idea about their message
(ii) his father would take him to old mosque
(iii) was sure that prayers reached God
(iv) was keen to learn them by heart
Answer:
(ii) his father would take him to old mosque

Question (b)
Abdul Kalam lived in an area where
(i) Muslims were in minority
(ii) Hindus were in a majority
(iii) Muslims and Hindus has hostility for one another
(iv) Muslims and Hindus lived in a friendly manner
Answer:
(iv) Muslims and Hindus lived in a friendly manner

Question (c)
………………… in traditional dress discussed spiritual matters with Pakshi Lakshmana.
(i) The high priest of Rameswaram Temple
(ii) Abdul Kalam’s father
(iii) Abdul Kalam
(iv) A very close friend of Kalam’s father
Answer:
(ii) Abdul Kalam’s father

Question (d)
Why, according to Jainulabdeen, were prayers important?
(i) Made one free from division of wealth.
(ii) Made one aware about one’s body and its limitation.
(iii) Made one wise enough to discuss spiritual matters.
(iv) They are recited in an old mosque.
Answer:
(i) Made one free from division of wealth.

Question (e)
‘Convinced’ in para 3 means …………………
(i) undoubtedly
(ii) completely sure
(iii) sacred
(iv) amicably
Answer:
(ii) completely sure

Question (f)
‘Attire’ in para 4 means …………………
(i) cosmos
(ii) clothes
(iii) creed
(iv) caste
Answer:
(ii) completely sure

5.2 Answer the following.

(a) Abdul Kalam’s father was a close friend of ……………….
(b) Abdul Kalam was the ………………. President of India.
(c) The Muslims offered their prayers in the Rameshwaram Temple. [True/False]
(d) Abdul Kalam wrote ‘Wings of Fire’ that depicts his early life in his own words. [True/False]
Answer:
(a) Pakshi Lakshmana
(b) eleventh
(c) False
(d) True

5.3 Find the words/phrases from the passage which mean the same as:

(a) member of family in the past (para 2)
(b) To rise above or go beyond the normal limits (para 5)
Answer:
(a) forbear
(b) transcend Read the passage given below.

6. Read the Passage given below.

1. Computers are capable of doing extremely complicated work in all branches of learning. They can solve the most complex mathematical problems or put thousand unrelated data in order. These machines can be put to varied uses. For instance, they can provide information on the best way to prevent traffic accidents. They work accurately and at high speed.

2. They save research workers’ years of hard work. This whole process by which machines can be used to work for us has been called ‘automation’. In future automation may enable human beings to enjoy more leisure than they do today. The coming of automation is bound to have important social consequences.

3. Some years ago, an expert on automation, Sir Leon Bagrit pointed out that it was a mistake to believe that these machines could think. There is no possibility that human beings will be controlled by machines. Though computers are capable of learning from their mistakes and improving on their performances, they need detailed instructions from human beings to be able to operate. They can never lead independent lives or rule the world by taking decisions of their own.

4. Sir Leon said that in future, computers would be developed which would be small enough to be carried in one’s pocket. Ordinary people would then be able to use them to obtain valuable information. Computers could be plugged into a wireless network and can be used like radios. For instance, people, going on holiday, could be informed about weather conditions. Car drivers can be given an alternative route, when there is a traffic jam. It will also be possible to make tiny translating machines. This will enable people, who do not share a common language, to talk to each other without any difficulty or to read foreign publications.

5. It is impossible to assess the importance of a machine of this sort, for many international misunderstandings are caused simply due to our failure to understand each other. Computers will also be used in ordinary public hospitals. By providing a machine with a patient’s systems, a doctor will be able to diagnose the nature of his illness. Similarly, machines could be used to keep a check on a patient’s health record and bring it up to date. Doctors will, therefore, have immediate access to great many facts which will help them in their work. Bookkeepers and accountants too could be relieved of dull clerical work. For the tedious task of compiling and checking lists of figures could be done entirely by machines. Computers are the most efficient servant man has ever had and there is no limit to the way they can be used to improve our lives.

6.1 Answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate options:

Question (a)
Write out the correct option:
(i) There is no possibility that human beings can be on their own with no need of machines.
(ii) Human beings are likely to be controlled by machines one day.
(iii) There is no possibility that human beings will ever be controlled by machines.
(iv) Machines can replace humans.
Answer:
(iii) There is no possibility that human beings will ever be controlled by machines.

Question (b)
Write out the correct option:
(i) Computers can solve only certain mathematical problems.
(ii) Computers can’t solve any mathematical problems.
(iii) Computers can solve the most complex mathematical problems.
(iv) Computers can solve only simple mathematical problems.
Answer:
(iii) Computers can solve the most complex mathematical problems.

Question (c)
Computers can be used to
(i) to find treatment for the pateint’s illness.
(ii) to prescribe a medicine for the patient.
(iii) to diagnose the nature of patient’s illness.
(iv) to keep the patient in good mood.
Answer:
(iii) to diagnose the nature of patient’s illness.

Question (d)
Many international misunderstandings are caused due to our failure to understand
(i) ourselves.
(ii) other nations.
(iii) our friends.
(iv) each other.
Answer:
(iv) each other.

Question (e)
The antonym of the word ‘complicated’ is
(i) difficult
(ii) simple
(iii) easy
(iv) strange
Answer:
(ii) simple

Question (f)
The verb form of the word ‘alternative’ is
(i) alternate
(ii) alter
(iii) late
(iv) elate
Answer:
(i) alternate

6.2 Answer the following.

(a) In future, ………………… may enable human beings to enjoy more leisure than they do today.
(b) Sir Leon Bagrit said that in future, ………………. would be developed which would be small enough to be carried in one’s pocket.
(c) Computers are capable of doing extremely complicated work in all branches of learning. [True/False]
(d) Computers are the most inefficient servant that man has ever had. [True/False]
Answer:
(a) automation
(b) computers
(c) True
(d) False

6.3 Find the synonyms of the following words from the passage.

(a) results (para 2)
(b) monotonous (para 5)
Answer:
(a) consequences
(b) dull

7. Read the passage given below:

1. Delhi has grown into a city that shuns children. It is now an urban sprawl, its development model skewed in favour of motorised traffic and commercial capitalization. This has snatched play fields from kids. With vehicles both stationary and on the move occupying every inch of space available, the roads and even lanes and bylanes are out of bounds for the little ones unlike in American and European cities, there are few public spaces where one can hang out. No wonder, our children spend a lot of time indoors, glued to the TV, PC or mobile screens. ‘It’s time,’ urban planning experts say, ‘to reconsider Delhi’s growth with the welfare of its children in mind.’

2. Supreme Court Judge Kurian Joseph expressed his anguish at the shrinking playing space for children in Delhi. The condition of the parks in the city, he said in the letter, was a “serious violation of human rights of children” as it was “their right in their tender times to have a decent environment to play and frolic around.”

3. Kuldeep Singh, an architect and urban planner, who worked with DDA during 1956-57 to bring out Delhi’s first master plan, explained how initially children’s needs were the town planner’s priority. “Space standards were set very rationally, and in every neighbourhood, a huge open space was reserved for children which we called ‘tot-lots’. “This was the place where we thought children would get a space to play and mingle with each other and we kept it away from roads,” recalled Singh. However, due to administrative reasons, the idea of ‘tot-lots’ had to be dropped and regrettably, was never entertained again.

4. “Over the years, circumstances have changed and people are reluctant to let their children go out without some kind of security, as a result of which the children are now suffering.” says Mr. Singh. Before it’s too late, Mr. Singh hopes the few open spaces for kids are restored and protected from vehicles looking for parking lots. Another urban planning expert says the first rectification Delhi’s development model needs to carry out is to ensure mobility of children.

5. “Two thousand pedestrians die on Delhi’s roads every year of which several are children. There may not be a dearth of green spaces in Delhi, the city has a unique advantage on that front but kids have no safe means to reach their places independently,” says Manjit Rastogi, founder of architecture firm Morphogenesis. “It is catastrophic to learn about child mortality on Delhi’s roads, but, on the other hand, you have the tragedy of kids being confined to their homes,” points out Mr. Rastogi. “From a city of cars, Delhi needs to become a city of pedes trians where children can enjoy and identify themselves with their surroundings,” he adds.

6. Developing public spaces with colourful street furniture, swings, art instalations, etc., could draw in kids and bring them out of their homes. DDA officials say their focus is on balanced development of the city, which takes into account children’s recreational needs. “DDA is working on new policies like Transit Oriented Development which have sufficient provisions for taking care of pedestrians and movement of children and women safely. Their policies will guide the future development of the city,” said Neemo Dhar, Spokesperson, DDA

7.1 Select the correct option from the ones given below.

(a) The verb form of ‘priority’ is
(i) prior
(ii) priosy
(iii) prioritize
(iv) None
Answer:
(iii) prioritize

Question (b)
The phrasal verb ‘draw in’ means
(i) put in
(ii) draw a picture
(iii) draw a match
(iv) to persuade to join or entice
Answer:
(iv) to persuade to join or entice

Question (c)
The passage suggests that
(i) Delhi kids enjoy sitting in front of TV
(ii) Delhi has taken care of recreational needs of the kids
(iii) seveval children die on roads in Delhi
(iv) motorists are not favoured by the city planners
Answer:
(iii) seveval children die on roads in Delhi

Question (d)
Which of the following does not support the statement ‘Delhi shuns children’?
(i) Delhi’s development model is skewed in favour of motorised traffic.
(ii) Delhi kids have been deprived of play fields.
(iii) The few public places where children can hang out are not safe to reach.
(iv) DDA is working on Transit Oriented Development.
Answer:
(iv) DDA is working on Transit Oriented Development.

Question (e)
Which of the following statements is true?
(i) In past, children’s needs were a priority for city planners.
(ii) Delhi has an acute shortage of green spaces.
(iii) It is surprising that children spend much of their time in front of TV.
(iv) American and European cities don’t have many public spaces where children can hang out.
Answer:
(i) In past, children’s needs were a priority for city planners.

Question (f)
To …………… is the human right of children.
(i) have a good environment to play and enjoy
(ii) sit in front of TV screen
(iii) use a mobile phone
(iv) remain indoors
Answer:
(i) have a good environment to play and enjoy

7.2 Answer the following.

(a) Delhi is now an urban sprawl, its development model skewed in favour of motorised traffic
and capitalization. [True/False]
(b) Delhi’s first master plan explained how initially women’s needs were the town planner’s
priority. [IFue/False]
(c) According to urban planners it is time to reconsider Delhi’s growth with the ………………. of its children in mind.
(d) The TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) has sufficient ………………… for taking care of pedestrians and movement of children and women safely.
Answer:
(a) True
(b) False
(c) welfare
(d) provisions

7.3 Find the words/phrases in the passage which mean the same as:

(a) mix
(b) correction or amendment
Answer:
(a) mingle
(b) rectification

8. Read the passage given below:

1. Life on our planet earth began with the sea; it is the birth place of life on the earth. The earth is the only planet of our solar system so far known which contains plenty of water and this water has made our earth colourful, pulsating with life of a vast variety.

2. At present sea occupies about 70 per cent of the earth’s surface. In the southern hemisphere it occupies more area than that in the northern. About 97% of the total water on the surface of the earth is found in the seas and the remaining three per cent, which is generally fresh, in lakes, rivers, ponds, etc.

3. Sea has given food and shelter to countless creatures. It is a potential source of protein. In 1900 the world was only 150 crore, now it is more than 560 crore and is increasing at a very fast rate. As a result, there is a terrible hunger in many parts of the world. In Africa, Asia and South America, millions of people do not get enough to eat. Many die of malnutrition. Sea, if used scientifically and judiciously, can meet most of our demands.

4. Plankton or algae mostly constitutes the plant life. Like plant plankton there are also animal plankton; the smallest living creature in the sea. These animal plankton feed on plant plankton and small fish. Thus, there is an unbroken chain of life in the sea.

5. Arctic and Antarctic seas abound in plankton and algae and so in fish also. Blue whales, the largest living creatures of the world, are also found here in great number.

6. Some countries have developed sea farming to a great extent. The Japanese and the Hawaiians relish eating sea plants but it is not so in other countries though some use them to feed their cattle or as manure in their fields. The fact is that sea plants contain rich nutrients not found in other vegetarian food. It is good that even in our country some scientists have developed some recipes for curries, jams, etc. to be made from algae.

7. But we must remember one thing that sea is not to be exploited immediately. For example, man in his greed has hunted whales and some other sea creatures so recklessly that some of their species have either become extinct or are on the verge of extinction. Now, nations of the world have realised their folly and have taken some joint decisions. For example, one such decision is that the size of the holes in fishing nets should be big enough to let baby fish escape through. Otherwise, killing of large quantities of very young fish would have an adverse effect on the fish population. In the same way another decision is for the protection of the blue whales.

8.1 Choose the most appropriate options:

Question (a)
Write out the correct option:
(i) Sky is the birth place of life on the earth.
(ii) Moon is the birth place of life on the earth.
(iii) Sea is the birth place of life on the earth.
(iv) Land is the birth place of life on the earth.
Answer:
(iii) Sea is the birth place of life on the earth.

Question (b)
Plankton or algae mostly constitutes:
(i) the wild life
(ii) the human life
(iii) the sea life
(iv) the plant life
Answer:
(iv) the plant life

Question (c)
The size of the holes in fishing nets should be big enough to let:
(i) big fish stay in
(ii) water flow out
(iii) baby fish escape through
(iv) more fish and water enter
Answer:
(iii) baby fish escape through

Question (d)
Sea plants contain rich nutrient not found in:
(i) other plants
(ii) other vegetarian food
(iii) non-vegetarian food
(iv) milk and milk products
Answer:
(ii) other vegetarian food

Question (e)
The antonym of ‘plenty’ is:
(i) little
(ii) inadequate
(iii) scarcity
(iv) minimal
Answer:
(iii) scarcity

Question (f)
The antonym of ‘active’ is
(i) plant plankton
(ii) vegetarian food
(iii) blue whales
(iv) extinct
Answer:
(iv) extinct

8.2 Answer the following.

(a) The earth is the only planet of our solar system that contains plenty of …………………
(b) …………………. is the largest living creature of the world.
(c) Arctic and Antarctic seas abound in plant and algae. [True/False]
(d) The animal plankton is the biggest living creature in the sea. [True/False]
Answer:
(a) water
(b) The blue whale
(c) True
(d) False

8.3 Find a word from the passage which means the same as the following:

(a) wisely (para 3)
(b) unfavourable (para 7)
Answer:
(a) judiciously
(b) adverse

Discursive writing expresses opinions. It can be argumentative, i.e. may give reasons, explanations, or explore cause and effect relationship. Passages of this kind are analytical. Sometimes the author presents his views with great depth of reasoning or force of argument with the intention of convincing the reader to his point of view. Such texts have great persuasive power.

This grammar section explains English Grammar in a clear and simple way. There are example sentences to show how the language is used. Students can also read NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English to get good marks in CBSE Board Exams. https://ncertmcq.com/unseen-passage-for-class-11-discursive/

Unseen Passage For Class 11 Discursive CBSE With Answers

(a) Argumentative

Unseen Passage For Class 11 With Mcqs

1. Read the passage given below.

1. Although pollution of land, sea, and air has been well documented, the latest and the least recognised version is the swelling tide of noise which is engulfing urban as well as rural areas. This has long-term implications on the ecology, health, and productivity of a fast developing country like India.

2. Unlike other pollutants, noise lacks visibility, seldom registering on the consciousness, except as a trifling irritant to be dismissed at will and therefore less likely to be perceived as a threat. Available data indicate that noise does pose a threat to health and is known to have caused a number of complications. Declining productivity among workers in certain industries has been directly correlated with noise levels, particularly those under constant exposure to the menace.

3. The first-ever survey of the impact of noise on health, conducted by All India Institute of Medical Sciences, has established that noise not only impairs the physical and psychological functioning of the human organism but also causes nausea, vomiting, pain, hypertension, and a lot of other complications, including cardio-vascular complaints.

4. A study by Post Graduate School of Basic Medical Sciences, in Chennai, confirms such conclusions. In 50 percent of industries, it was found that workmen exposed to higher intensities of noise in occupational capacities, were often irritated, short-tempered, and impatient and more likely to resort to agitation and disrupt production. This was true of units in heavy industrial pockets in and around the four metropolitan centres.

5. Recreational noise, another ugly facet, is becoming more widespread in cities and towns.
Loudspeakers are turned at full volume during marriages, festivals, jagrans, musical programmes, particularly at night, without the least consideration for others. Even at 50 dB, sound can awaken a person from a deep slumber. As experiments have shown, loudspeakers with output from 60 to 80 dB cause the pupils of a slumbering person to dilate, with increasing intake of oxygen, resulting in palpitation. The effect is more pronounced in narrow lanes. TV sets are played at full volume at prime time, invariably disturbing neighbours. Noise making seems to have become the latest status symbol, be it an election campaign or slogan shouting or advertising ownership of a TV set.

Unseen Passage Class 11

1.1 On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the best of the given choices.

Question (a)
What is the difference between noise and other pollutants?
(i) Noise is not resented.
(ii) Noise is regarded as a small irritant and dismissed.
(iii) People are not aware of noise as a pollutant.
(iv) Noise can be found in rural as well as urban areas.
Answer:
(ii) Noise is regarded as a small irritant and dismissed.

Question (b)
What are the diseases connected with the impact of noise?
(i) hypertension and cardio-vascular problems.
(ii) nausea, vomiting, pain.
(iii) impaired physical and psychological functioning.
(iv) all of the above.
Answer:
(iv) all of the above.

Question (c)
Recreational noise is created during
(i) public speeches.
(ii) revelries and excursions.
(iii) sports’ events.
(iv) weddings, festivals and jagrans at night.
Answer:
(iv) weddings, festivals and jagrans at night.

Question (d)
In what way can creating noise be considered a status symbol?
(i) by playing loud music.
(ii) by showing off one’s TV with a loud sound.
(iii) by making speeches.
(iv) by talking loudly.
Answer:
(ii) by showing off one’s TV with a loud sound.

Question (e)
Invariably in paragraph 5 means
(i) often.
(ii) sometimes.
(iii) almost always.
(iv) rarely.
Answer:
(iii) almost always.

Question (f)
Engulfing in paragraph 1 means
(i) completely drown.
(ii) surrounded.
(iii) covered.
(iv) divided by a gulf.
Answer:
(ii) surrounded.

Unseen Passage For Class 11

1.2 Answer the following.

(a) The swelling tide of noise pollution has long-term implications on the , health
and productivity of a fast developing country like India.
(b) Noise not only impairs the physical and functioning of the human organism, but also causes nausea and hypertension and other complications.
(c) Loudspeakers with output from 60 to 80 dB causes the pupils to dilate, with increasing intake of oxygen, resulting in palpitation. [True/False]
(d) TV sets played at full volume at prime time, invariably entertain neighbours. [True/False]
Answer:
(a) ecology
(b) psychological
(c) True
(d) False

1.3 (a) Find a word which means the same as ‘recorded’ (para 1).
(b) Find a word which means the same as ‘high blood pressure’ (para 3).
Answer:
(a) documented
(b) hypertension

2. Read the passage given below.

1. The Hangul deer or the Kashmiri stag is a species of red deer. The Hangul is one of the most famous animals of Jammu and Kashmir. It inhabits the dense forests of the state. Striking in appearance, the Hangul derives its name from ‘han’ which is the local name for the horse chestnut tree, the fruit of which the deer feed on.

2. Scientifically known as Cervuselaphus hanglu, Hangul is the only surviving race of the red deer family of Europe in the sub – continent. The Hangul deer’s coat is brown with slight speckles and each of its antlers consists of five points.

3. Much at home in the forest, the deer can be seen in the lower valleys of Dachigam National Park on the foothills of the Zabarwan range on the outskirts of Srinagar for most parts of the year, though a greater number of their species can be seen from October to March. Normally found in small groups of two to eighteen, Hanguls use the forests of the Dachigam Valley as an important feeding ground and move to the higher slopes to graze. Individual stags are more likely to be seen feeding on the hill slopes. They move about quite a lot from one area to another in their search for good forage. Hanguls eat various plants such as Fraximushockeri, Jasminum humile, Hemerocallisfulva and perennial herbs, depending on the season.

4. In March and April, the stags shed their antlers and begin moving up the mountains to the alpine meadows and pine forests of Upper Dachigam between 2500 to 3500 metres. They return to the lower valley in September, by when a new set of antlers begin to grow. The natural predators that attack Hanguls are leopards and Himalayan black bears.

5. In the past, Jammu and Kashmir had a large and vibrant population of Hangul deer. However, hunting and loss of habitat from deforestation and the building of dams has significantly curbed the wild population of Hangul deer. During the 1940s, their number was believed to be around 3,000 – 5,000. As per the latest census in 2008, only 160 are left. A captive breeding centre is planned to be commissioned at Shikargah, Tral in south Kashmir, for the captive breeding of Hangul, which will be eventually released in the wild.

6. In the last few years, the government has spent crores of rupees on different projects related to the conservation of Hangul in Jammu and Kashmir. A Habitat Research Study has been initiated in Kashmir in which satellite collaring of Hangul will be used in order to understand their movement patterns and habitat, both in and outside the Dachigam National Park. In addition, a massive improvement in conducting the census programme of Hangul has been undertaken whereby satellite telemetry and field cameras of high definition are being placed in the Park. Besides, an important research programme has been launched to study the relic population of Hangul outside Dachigam National Park in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India.

7. The strict enforcement of wildlife acts and the setting up of new initiatives are anticipated to replenish this highly endangered species.

2.1 Answer these questions briefly.

(i) What is the other name for the Hangul deer?
(ii) What makes the Hangul deer stand out from others of its species?
(iii) Why is the deer named so?
(iv) How is the deer’s habitat conducive to its existence?
(v) How does nature help prevent these stags from being preyed upon?
(vi) What are the factors which prevent the population of this species from growing?
Answer:
(i) Another name for the Hangul deer is the Kashmiri stag.

(ii) The Hangul deer stands out from others of its species in that it is the only surviving race of the red deer family of Europe in the Indian subcontinent.

(iii) The Hangul derives its name from the word ‘han’, which is the local name for the horse chestnut tree, the fruit of which the deer feed on.

(iv) The forests of the Dachigam valley are an important feeding ground for the Hangul, while the higher hill slopes provide grazing fields for them. Various plants such as the Fraximushockeri, Jasminum humile, Hemerocallisfulva and perennial herbs which the deer feed on grow in abundance in the forest, thus creating a suitable habitat for the Hangul.

(v) The natural migration pattern of the Hangul deer is such that they move up the mountains to the alpine meadows and pine forests of the Upper Dachigam around the same time as when they shed their antlers. They only return to the lower valley when a new set of antlers begin to grow. This prevents the Hangul deer from being preyed on by leopards and Himalayan black bears as it keeps them out of reach of these predators when they are defenseless without their antlers.

(vi) Hunting and loss of habitat from deforestation prevent the population of the Hangul deer from growing.

2.2 Choose the correct option.
(i) …………………………. is the scientific name of the Hangul deer.
a. Jasminum humile
b. Hemerocallisfulva
c. Cervuselaphus hanglu
d. Fraximushockeri
Answer:
c

(ii) The word …………………………., in paragraph 5, means the opposite of ‘free’.
a. captive
b. vibrant
c. curbed
d. deforestation
Answer:
a

(iii) The word “collaboration”, in paragraph 6, means ………………………….
a. calibration
b. partnership
c. initiated
d. none of the above
Answer:
b

(iv) Each of the Hangul deer’s antlers consists of …………………………. points.
a. three
b. four
c. five
d. two
Answer:
c

(v) The antonym for “dense” is:
a. heavily populated
b. sparse
c. abundant
d. inhibit
Answer:
b

(vi) The antonym for “conservation” is:
a. destruction
b. rehabilitation
c. civilization
d. creation
Answer:
a

3. Read the passage given below.

1. In the recent past, there has been a thought given to the several problems that the system of school education is facing. Starting with focus on the Delhi region, one of the first discussion points has been to find ways to bring the lakhs of children who have so far been denied education into a workable school system. A further aspect of the same problem is to ensure minimum dropout rate in school children (particularly girls). In Delhi, this has reached alarming proportions. Finding solutions for Delhi will help other areas as well.

2. A tool called ‘learning style inventory’ was used; it addressed to know how information of skills are learnt, which factor makes an individual comfortable with learning skills or acquiring declarative knowledge. Different answers emerged. In dealing with factual knowledge some people liked to experience first, others to observe, yet others to experiment and still some who preferred to plunge into learning, leaving analysis for later.

3. It then became easy to discover which of the attributes made for better learning for an individual. The learning situation will benefit by understanding these differences. Two major processes cover most people’s learning styles. These are as follows: Information gathering process and process of transforming information. The continuance of information gathering is bound by people who gather information through experiences at one end and by those who gather information through reading/listening, on the other. The continuance of transformation of information is bound by people who internalise through watching/observing, on the one hand, and by those who learn while applying knowledge and doing something with it, on the other. Others fall somewhere in between. All this has a bearing at school because children too have similar learning styles on these two axes.

4. There are four types of learners. Firstly, there are children who will absorb facts through experiences. They will readily share their thoughts with others. The second type of learners will take unrelated facts and tiy to seek order in them in using independent judgement. They will prefer to be exact in their knowledge and correctly apply as per their understanding. The next type of learner is the pragmatist. They use their abilities to problem solving. Such person – is a useful type to function in a group. The fourth type of learner belongs to the world of action. Everything is brought down to the level of concrete observation and doing.

5. With some awareness of how children react in different ways, teachers may find effective
methods of teaching.

3.1 On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the best of the given choices.

Question (a)
Mention two major problems that the system of school education is facing.
(i) Enrolling children in school, promoting girls’ education.
(ii) Preventing dropping out, providing text books.
(iii) Enrolling children, preventing dropping out.
(iv) Providing school buildings, giving textbooks.
Answer:
(iii) Enrolling children, preventing dropping out.

Question (b)
What are the two main uses of learning style inventory?
(i) to know how information of skills are learnt and which factors lead to learning comfortably.
(ii) factual knowledge and experience.
(iii) analysis and observation.
(iv) experiment and hands-on learning.
Answer:
(iv) experiment and hands-on learning.

Question (c)
Information can be gathered
(i) through experience, reading and listening.
(ii) through applying knowledge.
(iii) through observing.
(iv) through doing something with knowledge.
Answer:
(i) through experience, reading and listening.

Question (d)
Which type of a learner tries to be exact in his knowledge and apply it correctly?
(i) First
(ii) Second
(iii) Third
(iv) Fourth
Answer:
(ii) Second

Question (e)
Addressed to in paragraph 2 means
(i) directed towards
(ii) send to
(iii) delivered a speech
(iv) ready to
Answer:
(i) directed towards

Question (f)
Factual in paragraph 2 is the opposite of
(i) based on experience.
(ii) told by knowledgeable people.
(iii) fanciful.
(iv) found in books.
Answer:
(iii) fanciful.

3.2 Answer the following.

(a) ‘Learning style inventory’ is addressed to know how information of skills is learnt. [True/False]
(b) The pragmatist type of learners are not capable of problem-solving. [True/False]
(c) The continuance of information gathering is bound by people who gather information through at one end and by those who gather information through reading/
listening, on the other.
(d) The transformation of information is achieved by through observation
and applying knowledge.
Answer:
(a) True
(b) False
(c) experiences
(d) internalising

3.3 (a) Find a word which means the same as ‘qualities or features, especially one that is considered good’ (para 3).
(b) Find a word which means the same as ‘producing a successful result’ (para 5).
Answer:
(a) attributes
(b) effective

4. Read the passage given below.

1. In the days gone by, heroes emerged when wars broke out and messiahs appeared when decadence overtook societies. Through the centuries, adversities have inspired people to rise to the occasion and display special skills which have earned them the label of a leader.

2. The driving force behind a leader’s actions and behaviour is his instinct. It guides silently, telling him what to do, which way to go and how to develop skills that can enable him to overcome any challenge that life proposes. Abraham Lincoln failed in almost all his endeavours through his life. And yet his instinct urged him to keep trying, finally culminating in earning him the highest seat of political leadership in America.

3. So what is instinct? Is it genetic, or is it cultivated? Instinct is what drives a newborn into sensing that he is hungry or cold, making him cry for help.

4. It can be best described as a compass of objective observation, although born with it, we tend to lose touch with our instinct as we grow older.

5. If everybody is born with this sense, why is it that some people become leaders and others don’t? Firstly, external circumstances greatly dictate our evolution. All people who are deprived of opportunities to develop their latent abilities, fail to grow into leaders.

6. The second reason relates to internal attitude. There are many people who, despite being blessed with all the right opportunities, still fail. This is because they are insensitive to their own instincts, ignoring all the signals that can enable them to act appropriately. Listening is a critical skill that needs to be evolved over time. While our earlier experiences enable us to list and put evaluated choices, it is eventually our instinct that helps us in determining which one to go for. At such times, people who are tuned in to their instincts, are more likely to make the right decisions than those who are not. Instinct is like a psychometer. When a leader gives his team an emotionally charged speech in the attempt to motivate them into action, he can invariably tell even before he has completed it, whether or not he has succeeded. In fact, right through the process of speaking, he is constantly modulating his behaviour.

7. Leadership is a quest for doing the right things, a quest that is initiated not for fulfilling one’s own selfish needs but for the greater good of all concerned.

4.1 On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the best of the given choices.

Question (a)
Leaders are born when ……………………….
(i) adversities strike people.
(ii) wars break out.
(iii) decadence invades societies.
(iv) all of these.
Answer:
(iv) all of these.

Question (b)
Instinct guides a person by ……………………..
(i) telling him what to do.
(ii) telling him what to say.
(iii) telling him whom to meet.
(iv) none of these.
Answer:
(i) telling him what to do.

Question (c)
Instinct can be best described as a compass of objective observation. This statement means that instinct ……………………..
(i) gives us the right direction.
(ii) tells us not to be subjective.
(iii) teaches us how to observe.
(iv) guides us in our observations of people.
Answer:
(iv) guides us in our observations of people.

Question (d)
Abraham Lincoln was greatly helped in achieving his goals by his ……………………….
(i) skills
(ii) instinct
(iii) vision
(iv) determination
Answer:
(ii) instinct

Question (e)
Modulating in paragraph 6 means ……………………………
(i) moving with words.
(ii) speaking in a model way.
(iii) copying a good speaker.
(iv) adjusting and changing.
Answer:
(iv) adjusting and changing.

Question (f)
The word having the meaning opposite to terminated in paragraph 7 is ……………………..
(i) enable
(ii) charged
(iii) initiated
(iv) evaluated
Answer:
(iii) initiated

4.2 Answer the following.

(a) The ………………….. force behind a leader’s actions and behaviour is his instinct.
(b) Listening is a …………………. skill that needs to be evolved over time.
(c) It was Abraham Lincoln’s instinct that helped him earn the highest seat of political leadership in America. [True/False]
(d) Leadership is a quest for fulfilling one’s selfish needs. [True/False]
Answer:
(a) driving
(b) critical
(c) True
(d) False

4.3 (a) Find a word which means the same as ‘fall to a lower level in morals, ethics, etc.’ (para 1).
(b) Find a word which means the same as ‘attempts’ (para 2).
Answer:
(a) decadence
(b) endeavours

5. Read the passage given below.

1. In the democratic countries, intelligence is still free to ask whatever question it chooses. This freedom, it is almost certain, will not survive another war. Educationists should, therefore, do all they can, while there is yet time, to build up in the minds of their charges, a habit of resistance to suggestion. If such resistance is not built, the men and women of the next generation will be at the mercy of that skilful propagandist who contrives to seize the instruments of information and persuasion. Resistance to suggestion can be built up in two ways. First, children can be taught to rely on their own internal resources and not to depend on incessant stimulation from without. This is doubly important.

Reliance on external stimulation is bad for the character. Moreover, such stimulation is the stuff with which propagandists bait their hooks, the jam in which dictators conceal their ideological pills. For a majority of people in the West, purposeless reading, purposeless listening-in, purposeless listening to radios, purposeless looking at films, have become addictions, psychological equivalents of alcoholism and morphinism. Things have come to such a pitch that there are many millions of men and women who suffer real distress if they are cut off for a few days or even few hours from newspapers, radio, music or moving pictures.

2. How can children be taught to rely upon their own spiritual resources and resist the temptation to become reading addicts, hearing addicts, seeing addicts? First of all, they can be taught how to entertain themselves by making things, by playing musical instruments, by purposeful study, by scientific observation, by the practice of some art, and so on. But such education of the hand and the intellect is not enough. The other method heightening the resistance to suggestion is purely intellectual and consists in training young people subject the diverse devices . of the propagandists to critical analysis. The first thing that educators must do is to analyse the words currently used in newspapers, on platforms by preachers and broadcasters. Their critical analysis and constructive criticism should reach out to the children and the youth, with such clarity that they learn to react to forceful suggestions the right way at the right time.

5.1 On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the best of the given choices.

Question (a)
What does the author want educationists to do?
(i) Teach the students to use their freedom judiciously.
(ii) Build in the students’ minds a resistance to suggestion.
(iii) Seize the instruments of information and persuasion.
(iv) Teach students how to survive another war.
Answer:
(ii) Build in the students’ minds a resistance to suggestion.

Question (b)
Mention the two ways in which resistance to suggestion can be built up.
(i) Reliance on external stimulation to be promoted and teaching of art.
(ii) Reading and looking at films to be encouraged.
(iii) Rely on one’s own internal resources and intellectual analysis of the devices of propogandists.
(iv) Read newspaper, enjoy music or moving pictures.
Answer:
(iii) Rely on one’s own internal resources and intellectual analysis of the devices of propogandists.

Question (c)
If resistance to suggestion is not built
(i) people will lose their spirituality.
(ii) propagandists will acquire control of people’s minds.
(iii) individual creativity will be lost.
(iv) there will be no critical analysis.
Answer:

Question (d)
The spiritual resources of children consist of
(i) self-study
(ii) making things, playing musical instruments
(iii) listening to spiritual discourses
(iv) analysing everything critically
Answer:
(ii) making things, playing musical instruments

Question (e)
Contrives in paragraph 1 means ……………………..
(i) manages
(ii) controls
(iii) presents
(iv) dictates
Answer:
(i) manages

Question (f)
Distress in paragraph 1 means ………………………
(i) loss
(ii) anger
(iii) disappointment
(iv) suffering
Answer:
(iv) suffering

5.2 Answer the following.

(a) For a majority of people in the West, purposeless reading, listening to radio and looking at
films, have become addictions. [ True / False]
(b) The educator should teach the children and the youth how to get addicted to their minds. [ True / False]
(c) Reliance on external ……………….. is bad for the character.
(d) The first thing that the educators must do is to critically ……………….. the words currently used in newspapers.
Answer:
(a) True
(b) False
(c) stimulation
(d) analyse

5.3 (a) Find the word which means the same as ‘continuing without interruption’ (para 1).
(b) Find the word which means the same as ‘having a useful purpose’ (para 2).
Answer:
(a) incessant
(b) constructive

6. Read the following passage carefully.

1. In my most frustrated moments of navigating chaotic Delhi traffic, I close my eyes in the back seat and imagine what it would be like if some day just a thought would transport me from one place to another.

2. At times, sitting relaxed on my terrace, I look at the green tree tops that I see every day and wonder if some day, just with the power of my thoughts I would be able to create the image of the most vivid blue ocean and a sandy beach in front of me? Then having had enough of that, could my thoughts switch the scene to that of snowy mountain peaks?

3. Just thinking of these seemingly impossible things gives me a sense of well-being, because I do believe that if you can think it, you can will it and achieve it. If it occurs as a thought, it is possible to fructify as reality. After all, everything big started with a thought. Looking at birds flying fre,ely in the sky, humans must have thought of the possibility of flying centuries before the invention of aeroplanes. The tallest skyscraper, the longest bridge across the ocean, the fastest train, the internet, cellphones-all are the end result of one thought.

4. As technology advances and we become more confident in our abilities to transform thoughts to reality, the gap between the ideas and implementation keeps shrinking. Today one of the biggest thrills of living is watching impossible-seeming thoughts turn to reality within one’s lifetime!

5. If with the power of his ‘big thought’ Donald Trump becomes the President of the USA, what then is impossible? As he says in his book, ‘Think Like a Billionaire’, “I like thinking big. To me it is very simple. If you’re going to be thinking anyway, you might as well think big.”

6. True. None of the big achievements or discoveries in life happened by thinking small. To achieve big stuff, you have to think big. Most people avoid thinking big because of laziness, fear of extra work and the instinct to stay unnoticed – and hence out of trouble. A large part of the workforce just wants to do their designated work and get done with it.

7. And then there are those who let their own small success become the enemy of possible bigger success, later. Sitting back to celebrate a small achievement, they underestimate their own potential. Whoever said that aspirations or possibilities have any limitations? The most pleasurable moments can be spent imagining what seems the impossible – Come on, let your imagination run wild! Believe in yourself and your thoughts. Some of the tips Donald Trumps shares to mould yourself to think big are, “Walk softly but carry a big attitude, conquer your doubts and ditch them; be proud of your big ego, and get into the habit of speaking your mind.”

8. The power of thought is a form of energy that is impervious to time, space or present reality. It is important to hone and direct your thoughts towards bigger and better, impossible-to-imagine things. What you believe about yourself and what you believe about possibilities is crucial to not just what you become, but also critical to the world as we all experience it – now and in the future.

9. Dreams and thoughts must rule free without any limitations. Thoughts have to reach beyond and encompass the impossible, the unthinkable, the weird, the unheard-of and the shocking. Think beyond the realms of possibility and then aim to get there. Once there, think much beyond that possibility too. And then get going once again.

6.1 Answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option from the given ones:

Question (a)
……………….. make(s) living more thrilling in modern times.
(i) Big thoughts
(ii) Watching impossible-seeming thoughts turn to reality within one’s life time
(iii) Thinking small
(iv) All of these
Answer:
(ii) Watching impossible-seeming thoughts turn to reality within one’s life time

Question (b)
The passage suggests that …………………..
(i) one should stop after making a seemingly-impossible, possible
(ii) dreams and thoughts should have limitations
(iii) dne should continue to think big for ever
(iv) time, space and present reality affect the power of thought
Answer:
(iii) dne should continue to think big for ever

Question (c)
……………………. stop(s) people from achieving big.
(i) Avoiding thinking big
(ii) Sitting back to celebrate small success
(iii) Underestimating their potential
(iv) All of these
Answer:
(ii) Sitting back to celebrate small success

Question (d)
The author’s wish list does not include …………………..
(i) just a thought transporting her from one place to another
(ii) creating the image of blue ocean in front of her
(iii) switching the blue ocean image into that of snowy mountain peaks
(iv) feeling frustrated while navigating chaotic Delhi traffic
Answer:
(iv) feeling frustrated while navigating chaotic Delhi traffic

Question (e)
‘Potential’ in para 7 means ……………………..
(i) ideas
(ii) qualities that can be developed
(iii) winning a game
(iv) important thoughts
Answer:
(ii) qualities that can be developed

Question (f)
‘Impervious’ in para 8 means …………………….
(i) not affected by something
(ii) affected by time
(iii) static
(iv) that can be changed
Answer:
(i) not affected by something

6.2 Answer the following.

(a) None of the big achievements or discoveries in life happened by thinking ……………….
(b) As ……………….. advances, we become more confident in our abilities to transform thoughts
to reality.
(c) Most people avoid thinking big because of laziness, fear of extra work and the instinct to stay unnoticed. [True/False]
(d) You should think beyond the realms of impossibility and then aim to get there. [True/False]
Answer:
(a) small
(b) technology
(c) True
(d) False

6.3 Find the word/phrases in the passage which mean the same as.

(a) qualities and abilities (Para 7)
(b) include, cover (Para 9)
Answer:
(a) potential
(b) encompass

7. Read the passage given below.

1. Each day is a chance to invest in life; a chance to renew yourself, to shed yesterday’s skin, to unburden yourself to get rid of yesterday’s hurt. Be glad of life each day as it gives you a chance to work, love and play, and to look at the sun. And then when the sun sets, don’t cry-the tears will make you miss the beauty of the stars.

2. Life moves, on and if you don’t stop and look at the wonders already present in your life, you will miss life altogether.

3. Think of big thoughts but relish the small joys life offers you each day. Maybe it’s as simple as smiling at someone. For, that could be the last day of life-for you or for the other person.

4. A small genuine act from you will cost you nothing but it could mean everything to somebody that day. Life is a succession of moments. Live each moment. Life has no romance without risk. All actions carry some amount of risk, may be less or more, but the element of risk is always present.

5. If there is no wind, row. Make things happen rather than let things happen. One can give nothing whatsoever without giving oneself, risking oneself. The most important thing in life is not what you get but what you give.

6. Once a preacher called at the home of a very poor family. When he came out, he found one son admiring his new car, so the preacher explained that he had received it as a gift from his brother.

7 Most lads would say, “I wish I had a brother like that,” But this one said, “Mister, I wish I
could be a brother like that.”

8 If you are not enjoying this journey, for sure you won’t enjoy the destination. It will become a moment to dread, not a moment you can actually look forward to. It’s not what happens that determines our future, but what you do about what happens that counts.

9. Conquer the mind and you conquer the world. Looking back strains your neck muscles. Similarly, living in the past strains your life. Don’t dwell on the past. Have faith in yourself and you will have faith in others. Fulfil your destiny. Remember, no one can make you unhappy without your consent.

10. The way you cope with life, is what makes the difference. Even peace of mind is not the absence of conflict but the ability to cope with it. You have to reach out to other people. That will teach you to forgive people and also forgive yourself.

11. Forgiveness means letting go of the past. Compassion is about stepping outside yourself. A kind compassionate act is often its own reward. Live your life without complaining, just like the tree.

7.1 On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the best of the given choices.

Question (a)
Why should we be glad of each day?
(i) Because we are more mature each new day.
(ii) Because we have more energy.
(iii) Because we are free of yesterday.
(iv) Because we can live life, work and enjoy each new day.
Answer:
(iv) Because we can live life, work and enjoy each new day.

Question (b)
What is meant by make things happen?
(i) Take initiative, take risks, start things.
(ii) If you are in a boat, you must row.
(iii) Give whatever you wish to give.
(iv) Do not try to get things.
Answer:
(iv) Do not try to get things.

Question (c)
A small genuine act (para 5) could mean
(i) an act of kindness and love
(ii) a heroic act
(iii) a good piece of acting
(iv) a short scene in a play
Answer:
(i) an act of kindness and love

Question (d)
We should not dwell on the past because
(i) we should learn from our mistakes in the past
(ii) the past does not allow us to progress
(iii) our mistakes and failures in the past can depress us
(iv) the past will never come back
Answer:
(ii) our mistakes and failures in the past can depress us

Question (e)
Succession in para 5 means
(i) achievement
(ii) inheritance
(iii) happiness
(iv) series
Answer:
(iv) series

Question (f)
Romance in para 5 means
(i) a love affair
(ii) charm
(iii) an imaginative temperament
(iv) danger
Answer:
(ii) charm

7.2 Answer the following.

(a) When the sun sets, do not shed tears because you will miss the of the stars.
(b) Even the peace of mind is not the absence of but the ability to cope with it.
(c) Life has no romance without risk. [True/False]
(d) You should live your life always complaining, just like the tree. [True/False]
Answer:
(a) beauty
(b) conflict
(c) True
(d) False

7.3 (a) Find a word which means the same as fate (para 9).
(b) Find a word which means the same as to push a boat using oars (para 5).
Answer:
(a) destiny
(b) row

(b) Persuasive/Arguments

8. Read the following passage carefully.

1. Unfortunately, of late, we have not been able to recognise the concept of respecting, caring and helping older generations in a systematic way as some of the countries in the West have done. This is not to suggest that our culture and history do not recognize this phase of life. There have been many practices of caring and helping old people in our system. But, with the dismantling of the joint family system, the problem has assumed newer and complicated proportions. Although we have started recognising the needs of the young but when it comes to the old, we have blissfully chosen to ignore them and have left them to fend for themselves.

2. There are old age homes, residential units for lower income groups in particular districts where there is a.part-time medical officer to attend to the inmates. Then there are day-care centres and mobile medicare services besides other NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations).

3. Old age homes in the country are not only insufficient but are also ill-equipped to cater to old people. This should be the responsibility of the state since it needs close and regular monitoring. The social welfare departments in the Government have very little to boast when it comes to caring for older generation.

4. Society, too, has an important role to play. It must begin by respecting the aged and placing them before anyone else’s interest. In the West, if an old person is climbing down the stairs, he or she is helped. It is this kind of mindset, that is the need of the hour. Offering seats to the old, helping them cross the roads, assisting them carry their bags, fetching them water, etc. are some gestures which increase acceptability of old people.

5. In the family, senior citizens deserve a better deal. They have given everything to their families and have the right to be recognised as important members. Sending old parents to deposit electricity bills, asking them to fetch children from schools and to guard the house while the rest of the family is away, are some of the many tasks which are thrust upon them. These become nothing short of enslaving the weakest class of people.

6. Old people are not too demanding except in cases where there may be genuine reasons of health or constraints of family environments.

8.1 On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the best of the given choices.

Question (a)
What is the general attitude of the people of our country towards senior citizens?
(i) of indifference
(ii) of love and respect
(iii) of hostility
(iv) none of these
Answer:

Question (b)
What has added to the problems of older generations in Indian social background?
(i) retirement of old people from their jobs
(ii) growing population of the young
(iii) breaking up of the joint family system
(iv) increasing financial tensions
Answer:

Question (c)
The dismantling of the joint family system has brought about ………………..
(i) the rise of ego in the young people
(ii) nuclear families
(iii) conflict and discord
(iv) neglect of the elderly
Answer:
(iv) neglect of the elderly

Question (d)
The care of the old people should be the responsibility of the state because …………………..
(i) it is quite expensive
(ii) it needs regular and close monitoring
(iii) it needs manpower
(iv) it should be made a law
Answer:
(ii) it needs regular and close monitoring

Question (e)
Blissfully in paragraph 1 means ……………………
(i) blindly
(ii) foolishly
(iii) happily
(iv) selfishly
Answer:
(iii) happily

Question (f)
Inmates in paragraph 2 means …………………..
(i) residents
(ii) insiders
(iii) invaders
(iv) inner group
Answer:
(i) residents

8.2 Answer the following.

(a) Old age homes in the country are not only ……………… but are also ill-equipped to cater to old people.
(b) Society has an important role to …………………. the aged and place them before anyone
else’s interest.
(c) The social welfare departments in the Government have a great deal to boast when it comes
to care for older generation. [True/False]
(d) In the family, senior citizens deserve a better deal. [True/False]
Answer:
(a) insufficient
(b) respect
(c) False
(d) True

8.3 (a) Find the word which means the same as ‘limitations’ (para 6).
(b) Find the word which means the same as ‘breaking down’ (para 1).
Answer:
(a) constraints
(b) dismantling

9. Read the following passage carefully:

1. The therapeutic value and healing powers of plants were demonstrated to me when I was a boy of about ten. I had developed an acute persistent abdominal pain that did not respond readily to hospital medication. In total desperation she took me to Egya Mensa, a well-known herbalist in my hometown in the Western province of Ghana.

2. After a brief interview, he went out to the field. He returned with several leaves and the bark of a tree and one of his attendants immediately prepared a decoction. I was given a glass of this preparation, it tasted extremely bitter, but within an hour or so I began to feel relieved. Within about three days, the frequent abdominal pain stopped and I recall gaining a good appetite. I have appreciated the healing powers of medicinal plants ever since.

3. In fact, demographic studies by various national governments and inter-governmental organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicate that for 75 to 90 per cent of the rural populations of the world, the herbalist is the only person who handles their medical problems.

4. In African culture, traditional medical practitioners are always considered to be influential, spiritual leaders as well, using magic and religion along with medicines. Illness is handled with the individual’s hidden spiritual powers and with application of plants that have been found especially to contain healing powers.

5. Over the years I have come to distinguish three types of medicinal practitioners in African societies and to classify the extent to which each uses medicinal plants. The first is the herbalist, who generally enjoys the prestige and reputation of being the real traditional medical professional. The second group represents the divine healers. They are fetish priests whose practice depends upon their purported supernatural powers of diagnosis. Thirdly, the witch doctor, the practitioner who is credited with ability to intercept the evil deeds of a witch.

6. From the drugstores in New Delhi, I picked up some well-packaged bark and roots of Rauwolfia Serpentina, a plant that was very well known in ancient Asiatic medicine. The storekeeper said that it cures hypertension.

7. For health, social and economic reasons, it seems clear that developing countries should begin an extensive programme aimed at an examination and research into the properties of the most important medicinal plants. In most countries, the information on such plants is dispersed and unorganised. Much of it is in the heads of aging herbalists, who represent a dying breed.

(Adapted from Edward S. Ayensu-Worldwide Role of the Healing Power of Plants)

9.1 On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the best of the given choices.

Question (a)
What did Egya Mensa do to the author when his mother took him there?
(i) did not attend to them
(ii) gave him a concoction of leaves and bark
(iii) tested his appetite
(iv) advised the child not to take Western medicine
Answer:
(ii) gave him a concoction of leaves and bark

Question (b)
What do the WHO demographic studies indicate?
(i) the most of the rural populations depend on herbalists for health care
(ii) 75 to 90 per cent of rural populations were in poor health
(iii) urban population should also use herbal medicine
(iv) none of the above
Answer:
(i) the most of the rural populations depend on herbalists for health care

Question (c)
The author appreciates the healing powers of medicinal plants because ………………….
(i) he is an African
(ii) he did not believe in European medicines
(iii) he had been cured by herbal medicines
(iv) his friends had recommended herbal medicines to him
Answer:
(iii) he had been cured by herbal medicines

Question (d)
Traditional medical practitioners have influence on their communities because………………
(i) they successfully cure the sick
(ii) they control epidemics
(iii) they are inexpensive
(iv) they handle the patient’s sickness with his hidden spiritual powers
Answer:
(iv) they handle the patient’s sickness with his hidden spiritual powers

Question (e)
Divine healers in paragraph 5 means ……………….
(i) holy men
(ii) doctors
(iii) those who treat on the basis of faith
(iv) quacks
Answer:
(iii) those who treat on the basis of faith

Question (f)
Hypertension in paragraph 6 means
(i) high stress
(ii) high blood pressure
(iii) hyper activity
(iv) high fever
Answer:
(ii) high blood pressure

9.2 Answer the following.

(a) In African culture and tradition traditional medical practitioners are always considered to be …………………..
(b) Egya Mensa was a well-known ………………. in the Western province of Ghana.
(c) The author appreciated the healing powers of medicinal plants when his acute abdominal
pain was cured by it. [True/False]
(d) The bark and roots of Rauwolfia Serpentina cannot cure hypertension. [True/False]
Answer:
(a) influential
(b) herbalist
(c) True
(d) False

9.3 (a) Find a word which means the same as ‘pertaining to changes concerning people’ (para 3).
(b) Find a word which means the same as ‘finding and naming the problem’ (para 5).
Answer:
(a) demographic
(b) diagnosis

10. Read the following passage carefully:

1. Right from childhood, a human being starts enjoying the pleasure of reading. As a child, he learns the ways of life through reading and writing. He is thrilled by going through new little –
things and learning through them.

2. The pleasure one derives from reading, is indeed recreative as well as instructive. The mental effects of reading create a strange sense of pleasure. Reading provides an ecstasy and intellectual exertion. Reading of novels or interesting literature makes a person forget the worries and cares of life. The reading of a newspaper, periodical, journal, etc. which is light reading, gives the reader knowledge about human life around and solves his curiosity for knowledge about the world. Newspapers and journals give information about the events taking place in the world and happenings in the state and the locality a person lives in. The newspapers also publish important news and views in the fields of economics, politics and science. Reading of newspaper is indispensable for even a little educated citizen in modern society.

3 The reading of novels is the most popular pastime of a large number of people. The attraction of novel lies in its ability to create interest, to sustain it and take the reader to the heights of imagination and luxurious fiction. All fiction is somewhat connected with life and gives in words the pictures drawn from real life or from imagination.

4. Next, we come to the books of travel and adventure. The spirit of adventure is in the very blood of man. A man wants glamour and romantic life, full of adventure and the material spirit. Books of travel and adventure infuse a spirit of fearlessness which the travellers, who are heroes of the books, may inspire in us.

5. Whatever type of books one reads, reading is always a source of pleasure and enjoyment. The habit of reading is a sign of good culture. It is a source of knowledge and the best means of making use of one’s leisure. Books are, after all, a gold mine of knowledge, art, literature and science. Books are not only useful, instructive but also entertaining and recreative.

10.1 On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the best of the given choices.

Question (a)
How does a child leam the ways of his life?
(i) by imitating his elders
(ii) by observing
(iii) through reading and writing
(iv) through school education
Answer:
(ii) by observing

Question (b)
What are the two salient features of reading?
(i) recreative and instructive
(ii) pleasure and intellectual exertion
(iii) information and views
(iv) all of these
Answer:
(i) recreative and instructive

Question (c)
Which kind of reading can be called ‘recreativeV
(i) newspapers
(ii) journals
(iii) novels
(iv) periodicals
Answer:
(iii) novels

Question (d)
Reading of newspapers is absolutely essential for the common man because
(i) it gives local news
(ii) it gives news of economics and science
(iii) it gives political news
(iv) all of these
Answer:
(iv) all of these

Question (e)
Exertion in paragraph 2 means
(i) interest
(ii) exercise
(iii) stimulation
(iv) physical effort
Answer:
(iii) stimulation

Question (f)
Indispensable in paragraph 2 means
(i) important
(ii) primary
(iii) necessary
(iv) principal
Answer:
(ii) primary

10.2 Answer the following.

(a) A child is by going through new little things and learning through them.
(b) Newspapers and journals give about the events taking place in the world.
(c) Books are indeed a gold mine of knowledge, art, literature and science. [True/False]
(d) Books on travel and adventure also confuse travellers and misguide them. [True/False]
Answer:
(a) thrilled
(b) information
(c) True
(d) False

10.3 (a) Find the antonym of ‘rest’ in para 2.
(b) Find the antonym of ‘repulsion’ in para 3.
Answer:
(a) exertion
(b) attraction

This grammar section explains English Grammar in a clear and simple way. There are example sentences to show how the language is used. NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English will help you to write better answers in your Class 12 exams. Because the Solutions are solved by subject matter experts. https://ncertmcq.com/unseen-passage-for-class-12-descriptive/

Unseen Passage for Class 12 Descriptive With Answers pdf 2020

English Comprehension Passages with Questions and Answers for Grade 12

♦ Solved Passages:

I. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow. (12 marks)

1. Stress is not a novel phenomenon. In fact, the word stress was first used in the fifteenth century. Since the turn of the twentieth century, however, the social consciousness of life’s stress has risen dramatically. Stress and anxiety have become common terms.

2. Environment provides human beings with certain harsh incentives and demands, which as long as their intensity and frequency are within the limits of human tolerance, can stimulate their motivation and enhance their productivity. However, when these environmental demands become excessive it leads to stress.

3. Hans Selye, who first began piecing together the puzzle of human stress, holds that it is immaterial whether the agent or situation we face is pleasant or unpleasant; all that counts is the intensity of the demand for readjustment or adaptation. Stress is the body’s response to external changes that place demands upon us, both physically and mentally. Stress is neutral, in itself it has no connotation; it is neither positive nor negative. There really is no such thing as plain ‘stress’; stress is actually classified into one of two types of stress: eustress or distress.

4. Hans Selye, came up with this theory of distress versus eustress in 1975 when he published his theory. Eustress, the good stress, can sometimes be beneficial; sharpening our senses and providing the adrenaline rush needed to conquer deadlines and multi-tasking. Distress occurs when an individual cannot adapt to stress. It is the harmful stress that can, even in short bursts, depress your immune system, cause weight gain. Over a period of time it can lead to brain neurons dying from atrophy; it puts one at a greater risk for a range of medical conditions including blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.

5. Eu, a Greek prefix for “healthy’, is used in the same sense in the word ‘euphoria’. Role models who push us to exceed our limits, physical training that removes our spare tires, and risks that expand our sphere of comfortable action are all examples of eustress – stress that is healthful and the stimulus for growth. Eustress can be defined as pleasant or positive stress. In fact, eustress or controlled stress may sometimes be encouraged as it gives us our competitive edge during performance-related activities. Any performance-related activity, a sports-related game or even a job interview has an optimal amount of stress that can prove to be beneficial. Positive stress lends focus and provides the ability to think quickly, clearly and effectively express your thoughts. We should invite and cultivate as much eustress in our lives as we can tolerate. Eustress makes us grow, it makes us stronger, and it makes us better people. Whether it’s physical or mental, eustress is resistance training for our lives! Eustress is lifting weights at. the gym to build your muscles. Eustress is riding a roller coaster or watching an enjoyable horror flick. Eustress is a challenging work project that you enjoy using your creative abilities to solve.

6. Often the main problem with distress is that you don’t know when it’s going to end. To turn distressed into eustress we can try thinking of the stresses as temporary. One of the best ways to convert distress into eustress is to not try to do a million things at one time, take a big goal and cut it into small pieces, that way you can work more productively and efficiently.

7. Another way to convert your negative experiences into positive experiences is by reframing your stress sensation, for example, if you are anxious about a certain situation reframe it as if it was excitement.

8. Next time you’re feeling stressed because you’re sitting in traffic, or you’re running late, or your exams are round the corner – notice the feelings and thoughts that arise within yourself. Be aware of your breath, your heart rate, your emotions, your thoughts…and when you feel your heart start to pound, when you notice you are breathing rapidly and more shallow, when you feel your emotions are in a fight or flight state – realize that you are NOT in a life or death situation, you are NOT running for your life from a lion! Simple awareness can dissolve the association we make between distress and ourselves.

9. Create processes to filter out the distress from your life, while creating environments that foster helpful eustress. By saying YES to eustress and NO to distress, we allow the positive stressors into our lives that provide healthy resistance and facilitate our growth, while keeping out the harmful garbage that does nothing but damage us!

1.1 Choose the correct option.

(a) Eu is a ………………………….. prefix.
i. Greek
ii. Latin
iii. French

(b) Hans Selye, came up with his theory of distress versus eustress in …………………………. .
i. 1970
ii. 1975
iii. 1980

1.2 On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer these questions briefly.

(a) When was the word stress first used?
(b) Who was the first person to begin piecing together the puzzle of human stress?
(c) What are the two types of stress called?
(d) Name two harmful short term effects of stress.
(e) What are the harmful medical conditions that can develop from long – term exposure to stress?
(f) What is often the main problem with distress?

1.3 Pick out the words from the passage which mean the same as the following.
(a) inducements (para 2)
(b) sieve (para 9)

1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.

1. Stress is not a novel phenomenon. In fact, the word stress was first used in the fifteenth century. Since the turn of the twentieth century, however, social consciousness of life’s stress has risen dramatically. Stress and anxiety have become common terms.

2. Environment provides human beings with certain harsh incentives and demands, which as long as their intensity and frequency are within the limits of human tolerance, can stimulate their motivation and enhance their productivity. However, when these environmental demands become excessive it leads to stress.

3. Hans Selye, who first began piecing together the puzzle of human stress, holds that it is immaterial whether the agent or situation we face is pleasant or unpleasant; all that counts is the intensity of the demand for readjustment or adaptation. Stress is the body’s response to external changes that place demands upon us, both physically and mentally. Stress is neutral, in itself it has no connotation; it is neither positive nor negative. There really is no such thing as plain ‘stress’; stress is actually classified into one of two types of stress: eustress or distress.

4. Hans Selye, came up with this theory of distress versus eustress in 1975 when he published his theory. Eustress, the good stress, can sometimes be beneficial; sharpening our senses and providing the adrenaline rush needed to conquer deadlines and multi-tasking. Distress occurs when an individual cannot adapt to stress. It is the harmful stress that can, even in short bursts, depress your immune system, cause weight gain. Over a period of time it can lead to brain neurons dying from atrophy; it puts one at a greater risk for a range of medical conditions including blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.

5. Eu, a Greek prefix for “healthy’, is used in the same sense in the word ‘euphoria’. Role models who push us to exceed our limits, physical training that removes our spare tires, and risks that expand our sphere of comfortable action are all examples of eustress – stress that is healthful and the stimulus for growth. Eustress can be defined as pleasant or positive stress. In fact, eustress or controlled stress may sometimes be encouraged as it gives us our competitive edge during performance-related activities. Any performance-related activity, a sports-related game or even a job interview has an optimal amount of stress that can prove to be beneficial. Positive stress lends focus and provides the ability to think quickly, clearly and effectively express your thoughts. We should invite and cultivate as much eustress in our lives as we can tolerate. Eustress makes us grow, it makes us stronger, and it makes us better people. Whether it’s physical or mental, eustress is resistance training for our lives! Eustress is lifting weights at. the gym to build your muscles. Eustress is riding a roller coaster or watching an enjoyable horror flick. Eustress is a challenging work project that you enjoy using your creative abilities to solve.

6. Often the main problem with distress is that you don’t know when it’s going to end. To turn distressed into eustress we can try thinking of the stresses as temporary. One of the best ways to convert distress into eustress is to not try to do a million things at one time, take a big goal and cut it into small pieces, that way you can work more productively and efficiently.

7. Another way to convert your negative experiences into positive experiences is by reframing your stress sensation, for example, if you are anxious about a certain situation reframe it as if it was excitement.

8. Next time you’re feeling stressed because you’re sitting in traffic, or you’re running late, or your exams are round the corner – notice the feelings and thoughts that arise within yourself. Be aware of your breath, your heart rate, your emotions, your thoughts…and when you feel your heart start to pound, when you notice you are breathing rapidly and more shallow, when you feel your emotions are in a fight or flight state – realize that you are NOT in a life or death situation, you are NOT running for your life from a lion! Simple awareness can dissolve the association we make between distress and ourselves.

9. Create processes to filter out the distress from your life, while creating environments that foster helpful eustress. By saying YES to eustress and NO to distress, we allow the positive stressors into our lives that provide healthy resistance and facilitate our growth, while keeping out the harmful garbage that does nothing but damage us!

1.1 Choose the correct option.

(a) Eu is a ………………………….. prefix.
i. Greek
ii. Latin
iii. French

(b) Hans Selye, came up with his theory of distress versus eustress in …………………………. .
i. 1970
ii. 1975
iii. 1980

1.2 On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer these questions briefly.

(a) When was the word stress first used?
(b) Who was the first person to begin piecing together the puzzle of human stress?
(c) What are the two types of stress called?
(d) Name two harmful short term effects of stress.
(e) What are the harmful medical conditions that can develop from long – term exposure to stress?
(f) What is often the main problem with distress?

1.3 Pick out the words from the passage which mean the same as the following.
(a) inducements (para 2)
(b) sieve (para 9)

II. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. I recently had submitted an article ‘Reforming our Education System’ wherein the need for our educational system to shift its focus from insisting upon remembering to emphasising or understanding was stressed upon.

2. This article brought back the memory of an interesting conversation between my daughter and myself in the recent times, wherein I had learnt that Economics and Physics were a few of the most difficult subjects for her as she had to mug up the answers. Though I offered to help her out with the immediate problem on hand, 1 learnt subsequently that many a time it pays to mug up the answer properly, because the teachers find it easier to evaluate that way. It seems, the more deviation there is from the way the sentences are framed in the textbook, the more risk one runs of losing marks.

3. This reminded me of a training session I had attended at work, where we were required to carry out an exercise of joining the dots that were drawn in rows of three without lifting the pen and without crossing the trodden path more than once. Though the exercise seemed quite simple, almost 95 per cent of us failed to achieve the required result, no matter how hard we tried. The instructor then informed us cheerily that it happened all the time because the dots that appeared to fit into a box like formation do not allow us to think out of the box. That was when I realised that all of us carry these imaginary boxes in our minds. Thanks to our stereotyped upbringing that forces our thinking to conform to a set of pattern.

4. “What is the harm in conforming as long as it is towards setting up a good practice?”, someone might want to ask. Perhaps, no harm done to others but to the person being confined to “think by rote” may mean being deprived of rising to the heights he/she is capable of rising to, even without the person being aware of the same.

5. If we instil too much fear of failure in the children right from the young age, the urge to conform and play safe, starts stifling the creative urge which dares to explore, make a mistake and explore again. As we know, most of the great inventions were initially considered to be most outrageous and highly impractical. It is because the people inventing the same were not bothered about being ridiculed and brave enough to think of the unthinkable that these inventions came into being.

6. For many children, studies are the most boring aspect of their lives. Learning, instead of fun is being considered the most mundane and avoidable activity. Thanks to the propagators of an educational system which is more information- oriented than knowledge-oriented. Too much of syllabus, too many students per teacher, lack of enough hands-on exercises, teaching as a routine with the aim of completing the syllabus in time rather than with the goal of imparting knowledge, the curriculum more often than not designed keeping in view the most intelligent student rather than the average student are the important factors in this regard. Peer pressure, high expectations of the parents in an extremely competitive environment, the multitude of distractions in an era of technological revolution are adding further to the burden on the young minds.

7. For a change, can we have some English/Hindi poems ickle, tickle and pickle the young minds and send them on a wild goose chase for the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow? Can we have lessons in History that make the child feel proud of his heritage, instead of asking him to mug up the years of the events? Can physics and chemistry lessons be taught more in the laboratories than in the classrooms? Can a system be devised so as to make the educational excursions compulsory for schools, so that visits to historical/botanical places are ensured without fail? Can the educational institutes start off inter-school projects on the internet, the way the schools in abroad do, so as to encourage the child to explore on her own and sum up her/his findings in the form of a report?

8. Finally, can we make the wonder of the childhood lost and get carried forward into the adulthood, instead of forcing pre-mature adulthood on children? I, for one, have realised that it is worth doing so, hence, I have asked my child to go ahead by choosing to write the answers on her own, in her own language by giving vent to her most fanciful imagination! (Source: The Hindu)

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by
choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

Question (i)
What were the difficult subjects for the writer’s daughter?
(a) Biology and Chemistry
(b) Economics and Physics
(c) Political Science and English
(d) History and Maths
Answer:
(b) Economics and Physics

Question (ii)
Why does it pay to mug up answers?
(a) Because teachers find it easy to evaluate
(b) Because students find it easy to write
(c) Because teachers find it easy to teach
(d) Because students find it easy to remember
Answer:
(a) Because teachers find it easy to evaluate

Question (iii)
What stifles the creative urge in children?
(a) The urge to be always right
(b) The urge to do well in everything
(c) The urge to conform and play safe
(d) The urge to take risks
Answer:
(c) The urge to conform and play safe

Question (iv)
How is learning considered now?
(a) An interesting activity
(b) A mundane and avoidable activity
(c) A fun-filled activity
(d) An interesting but avoidable activity
Answer:
(b) A mundane and avoidable activity

Question (v)
What is adding further to the burden on the young minds?
(a) Knowledge-oriented educational system
(b) High expectations of the parents
(c) Lack of hands-on exercises
(d) Learning instead of fun
Answer:
(b) High expectations of the parents

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

Question (i)
What does the article “Reforming our Education System” emphasise upon?
Answer:
It emphasised the need for shifting education from remembering to understanding.

Question (ii)
What exercise was the writer given in her training session?
Answer:
They had to join dots that were drawn in rows of three without lifting the pen and without going through the same path.

Question (iii)
What are the “imaginary boxes” referred in the passage?
Answer:
These are the ways of thinking that we cannot change.

Question (iv)
What is the harm that may occur if a person is taught to always think by rote?
Answer:
There is the likelihood that such a person may never rise in his ability to think.

Question (v)
List the factors that have made learning a very boring process.
Answer:
Too much syllabus; too many students per teacher; no hands-on exercise; curriculum designed for the bright child only.

Question (vi)
Find a word from the passage (para-3) which means ‘to behave according to the usual standards of behaviour which is accepted by the society’.
Answer:
conform

Question (vii)
Find a word from the passage (para-6) which means ‘very ordinary and therefore not interesting’.
Answer:
mundane

III. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. Many of us believe that ‘small’ means ‘insignificant’. We believe that small actions and choices do not have much impact on our lives. We think that it is only the big things, the big actions and the big decisions that really count. But when you look at the lives of all great people, you will see that they built their character through small decisions, small choices and small actions that they performed every day.

They transformed their lives through a step-by-step or day-by-day approach. They nurtured and nourished their good habits and chipped away at their bad habits, one step at a time. It was their small day-to-day decisions that added up to make tremendous difference in the long run. Indeed, in matters of personal growth and character-building, there is no such thing as an overnight success.

2. Growth always occurs through a sequential series of stages. There is an organic process to growth. When we look at children growing up, we can see this process at work: the child first learns to crawl, then to stand and walk, and finally to run. The same is true in the natural world. The soil must first be tilled, and then the seed must be sowed. Next, it must be nurtured with enough water and sunlight, and only then it will grow, bear fruit and finally ripen, and be ready to eat.

3. Gandhi understood this organic process and used this universal law of nature to his benefit. Gandhi grew in small ways, in his day-to-day affairs. He did not wake up one day and find himself to be the “Mahatma”. In fact, there was nothing much in his early life that showed signs of greatness. But from his mid-twenties, he deliberately and consistently attempted to change himself, reform himself and grow in some small way every day. Day-by-day, hour-by-hour, he risked failure, experimented and learnt from the mistakes. In small and large situations alike, he took up rather than avoid responsibility.

4. People have always marvelled at the effortless way in which Gandhi could accomplish the most difficult tasks. He displayed great deal of self-mastery and discipline which was amazing. These things did not come easily to him. Years of practice and disciplined training went into making his success possible. Very few saw his struggles, fears, doubts and anxieties, or his inner efforts to overcome them. They saw the victory but not the struggle.

5. This is a common factor in the lives of all great people: they exercised their freedoms and choices in small ways that made great impact on their lives and their environment. Each of their small decisions and actions, added up to have a profound impact in the long run. By understanding this principle, we can move forward, with confidence, in the direction of our dreams. Often, when our “ideal goal” looks too far from us, we become easily discouraged, disheartened and pessimistic. However, when we choose to grow in small ways, taking small steps one at a time, it becomes easy to achieve the goal. [CBSE Sample Paper 2015]

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

Question (i)
What do many of us believe?
(a) Small choices and small actions are performed every day
(b) There is no such thing as an overnight success
(c) Small actions and choices do not have much impact on our lives
(d) ‘Small’ means ‘significant’
Answer:
(c) Small actions and choices do not have much impact on our lives

Question (ii)
What does the writer mean by saying ‘chipped away at their bad habits’?
(a) Steadily gave up bad habits
(b) Slowly produced bad habits
(c) Gradually criticised bad habits
(d) Did not like bad habits
Answer:
(a) Steadily gave up bad habits

Question (iii)
Which of the following statement is true in the context of the third paragraph?
(a) Gandhi became great overnight.
(b) Gandhi showed signs of greatness in childhood itself.
(c) Every day, Gandhi made efforts to change himself in some small way.
(d) Gandhi never made mistakes.
Answer:
(c) Every day, Gandhi made efforts to change himself in some small way.

Question (iv)
Why have people always marvelled Gandhi?
(a) For his effortless way to accomplish difficult tasks
(b) For his great deal of self-mastery and discipline
(c) For his fears, doubts and anxieties
(d) For his struggle
Answer:
(a) For his effortless way to accomplish difficult tasks

Question (v)
What do great people do to transform their lives?
(a) They approach life on a day-by-day basis.
(b) They build character in small ways.
(c) They believe in performing everyday.
(d) All of these
Answer:
(b) They build character in small ways.

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

Question (i)
What is “organic process of growth”?
Answer:
They have an impact gradually. Slowly good habits are nurtured and bad habits
are given up.

Question (ii)
What, according to the writer, is the ‘universal law of nature’?
Answer:
Growth of a child is an example of an organic process. The child first learns to crawl, then to stand and walk and finally to run.

Question (iii)
How did Gandhi accomplish the most difficult tasks effortlessly?
Answer:
According to the author, the ‘universal law of nature’ is that growth is gradual.

Question (iv)
Which part of Gandhi’s life is not seen by most people?
Answer:
Gandhiji accomplished the most difficult tasks effortlessly by practice, self-mastery, and discipline. He worked on small things and learnt from his mistakes.

Question (v)
How can we achieve our ‘ideal goals’?
Answer:
Gandhi’s struggles, fears, doubts and anxieties, or his inner efforts to overcome them were not seen by most people.

Question (vi)
Find a word from the passage (para-3) which means ‘intentionally’ or ‘purposely’.
Answer:
deliberately

Question (vii)
Find a word from the passage (para-5) which means ‘of deep significance’.
Answer:
profound

IV. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. One of the greatest sailing adventures of the past 25 years was the conquest of the Northwest Passage, powered by sail, human muscle, and determination. In 100 days, over three summers (1986-88), Jeff Maclnnis and Mike Beedell accomplished the first wind-powered crossing of the Northwest Passage.

2. In Jeff Maclnnis’s words…Our third season. We weave our way through the labyrinth of ice, and in the distance, we hear an unmistakable sound. A mighty bowhead whale is nearby, and its rhythmic breaths fill us with awe. Finally, we see it relaxed on the surface, its blowhole quivering like a volcanic cone, but it senses our presence and quickly sounds. We are very disappointed. We had only good intentions – to revel in its beautiful immensity and to feel its power. Mike thinks how foolish it would be for this mighty beast to put any faith in us. After all, we are .members of the species that had almost sent the bowhead into extinction with our greed for whale oil and bone. It is estimated that around 38,000 bowheads were killed off eastern Baffin Island in the 1800s; today, there are about 200 left.

3. The fascinating and sometimes the terrifying wildlife keeps us entertained during our explorations. Bearded harp and ring seals greet us daily. The profusion of birdlife is awesome; at times, we see and smell hundreds and thousands of thick¬billed murres clinging to their cliffside nests. Our charts show that we are on the edge of a huge shoal where the frigid ocean currents upswell and mix nutrients that provide a feast for the food chain. At times, these animals scare the living daylights out of us. They have a knack of sneaking up behind us and then shooting out of the water and belly, flopping for maximum noise and splash. A horrendous splash coming from behind has a heart-stopping effect in polar bear country.

4. We have many encounters with the “Lords of the Arctic”, but we are always cautious, observant, and ever so respectful that we are in their domain. In some regions, the land is totally devoid of life, while in others, the pulse of life takes our breath away. Such is the paradox of the Arctic. Its wastelands flow into oasis that are found nowhere else on the face of the earth. Many times we find ancient signs of Inuit people who lived here, superbly attuned to the land. We feel great respect for them as this landscape is a challenge at every moment.

5. We face a 35-mile open water passage across Prince Regent Inlet on Baffin Island that will take us to our ultimate goal – Pond Inlet on the Baffin Bay. The breakers look huge from the water’s edge. Leaning into the hulls, like bobsledders at the starting gate, we push as hard as we can down the gravel beach to the sea. We catch the water and keep pushing, until we have plunged waist-deep, then drag ourselves aboard. Immediately, we begin paddling with every ounce of effort. Sweat pours off our bodies. Ahead of us, looming gray-white through the fog, we see a massive iceberg riding the current like the ghost of a battleship. There is no wind to fill our sails and steady the boat, and the chaotic motion soon brings sea-sickness. Slowly, the wind begins to build. Prince Regent Inlet now looks ominous with wind and waves. The frigid ocean hits us in the face and chills us to the bone.

6. We were on the fine edge. Everything at the Arctic that had taught us over the last 90 days was now being tested. We funneled all that knowledge, skill, teamwork, and spirit into this momentous crossing… If we went over in these seas, we could not get the boat back up. Suddenly, the wind speed plummeted to zero as quickly as it had begun…. Now, we were being pushed by the convulsing waves toward sheer 2,000 -foot cliffs. Two paddles were our only power. Sailing past glacier-capped mountains, we approached the end of our journey. At 5:08 in the morning of our hundredth day, speeding into Baffin Bay, the spray from our twin hulls makes rainbows in the sun as we complete the first sail-powered voyage through the Northwest Passage.

7. We have journeyed through these waters on their terms, moved by the wind, waves, and current. The environment has always been in control of our destiny; we have only tried to respond in the best possible way. We’ve been awake for nearly 23 hours, but we cannot sleep. The joy and excitement are too great. Our Hobie Cat rests on the rocky beach, the wind whistling in her rigging, her bright yellow hulls radiant in the morning sunlight. She embodies the watchword for survival in the Arctic adaptability. [CBSE Sample Paper 2016]

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

Question (i)
What is the passage about?
(a) Author’s sailing adventure through the Northwest Passage
(b) Flora and fauna of the Arctic
(c) Survival skills needed while sailing
(d) Saving of the Arctic
Answer:
(d) Saving of the Arctic

Question (ii)
Why were bowhead whales killed for?
(a) Whale oil and bone
(b) Head and tail
(c) Flesh and bone
(d) None of these
Answer:
(a) Whale oil and bone

Question (iii)
What does “Lords of the Arctic” refer to?
(a) Windbreakers
(b) Icebergs
(c) Polar bears
(d) Inuits
Answer:
(c) Polar bears

Question (iv)
What is the name of the author’s sailing vessel?
(a) Prince Regent
(b) Hobie Cat
(c) Perception
(d) Arctic
Answer:
(b) Hobie Cat

Question (v)
What does ‘we were on the fine edge’ refer to?
(a) The Prince Regent Inlet
(b) The ominous sail
(c) The frigid ocean
(d) Their expedition
Answer:
(b) The ominous sail

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7marks)

Question (i)
Why does the author feel disappointed when the bowhead whale disappeared into the ocean?
Answer:
The author senses the presence of the author and his friend and quickly sounds, j They are disappointed because they only had good intentions. They are sad to know the whale doesn’t trust humans.

Question (ii)
How does his sailing partner rationalise it?
Answer:
Mike thinks how foolish it would be for this mighty beast to put any faith in them. After all, they are members of the species that had almost sent the bowhead into extinction with the greed for whale oil and bone.

Question (iii)
What reason does the author give for the thriving wildlife in the Arctic?
Answer:
According to the author, on the edge of a huge shoal, the frigid ocean currents upswell and mix nutrients that provide a feast for the food chain. This would lead to thriving wildlife in the Arctic.

Question (iv)
What is the paradox of the Arctic?
Answer:
In some regions, the land is totally devoid of life, while in others, the pulse of life takes our breath away. Its wastelands flow into an oasis that is found nowhere else on the face of the earth.

Question (v)
How did certain skills help the author and his partner survive the adventure?
Answer:
Knowledge, skill, teamwork, and spirit helped the author and his partner to survive the adventure.

Question (vi)
Find a word from the passage (para-4) which means ‘an area of territory owned or controlled’.
Answer:
domain

Question (vii)
Find a word from the passage (para-7) which means ‘the act of arranging dishonestly for the result of something’.
Answer:
rigging

V. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow. (12 marks)

1. With the recent increase in the price of petrol, any alternative source of fuel would be readily accepted by the people. It is also a fact that people are increasingly becoming conscious of the environmental hazards accompanying the use of non – renewable sources of energy such as petroleum. Several steps have been taken by different countries to promote affordable energy supplies, enhance public health, economic well–being, and environmental quality. One such step includes the development of alternative fuels which can be used in vehicles. Such vehicles that run on fuels other than the traditional petroleum or diesel are called alternate fuel vehicles.

2. Alternative fuels include biodiesel, compressed natural gas, ethanol, hydrogen, and liquefied petroleum gas. Some of these can be produced within the country which would eventually reduce our dependence on imported oil while some of the others are derived from renewable sources. But these cause less pollution than petrol or diesel.

3. Biodiesel can be produced domestically and it is a renewable fuel that can be manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant grease for use in diesel vehicles. Though biodiesel’s physical properties are similar to those of petroleum diesel, it is a cleaner burning alternative. The advantage of using biodiesel in place of petroleum or diesel is that it reduces emissions. It is safe, biodegradable, and produces fewer air pollutants than petroleum-based diesel.

4. Ethanol is a renewable fuel made from corn and other plant materials. The use of ethanol is widespread especially in countries such as the United States of America. The use of ethanol too can reduce our dependence upon foreign oil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

5. Hydrogen is also an emission-free alternative fuel that can be produced from diverse domestic energy sources. Research is underway to make hydrogen vehicles suitable for widespread use. Following the development of a new technology which allows the natural gas to be stored in a cheap and practical way, hydrogen fuel could be set to become a viable environmentally friendly alternative to petrol. This technology utilizes materials that soak up hydrogen like a sponge and then compresses them in tiny plastic beads which in turn behave like a liquid. Hydrogen is being aggressively explored as a fuel for passenger vehicles. It can be used in fuel cells to power electric motors or burned in internal combustion engines. It is an environmentally friendly fuel that has the potential to dramatically reduce our dependence on foreign oil since it can be produced domestically from several sources. It is also environmentally friendly since hydrogen produces no air pollutants or greenhouse gases when used in fuel cells.

6. Natural gas is a domestically produced gaseous fuel that is easily available. This clean-burning alternative fuel can be used in vehicles as either compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG). It is gradually becoming the popular choice of fuel since it is cleaner, hotter, and brighter than other fuels.

7. Propane, also known as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or autogas, has been used worldwide as a vehicle fuel for decades. It is stored as a liquid. LPG – fuelled vehicles produce fewer toxic and smog-forming air pollutants. LPG is usually less expensive than petroleum, and most of the LPG used can be produced from domestic sources.

5.1 Choose the correct option.

(a) The word “hazards’, in paragraph 1, means ……..
i. threats
ii. sources
iii. none of the above

(b) A ………………………….. substance or chemical can be changed to a harmless natural state by the action of bacteria, and will therefore not damage the environment.
i. greenhouse
ii. biodiesel
iii. biodegradable

5.2 Based on your understanding of the passage, answer these questions.

(a) Why would people welcome any alternative source of fuel other than petrol?
(b) Give some examples of alternative fuels.
(c) What is the advantage of using biodiesel in place of petroleum?
(d) What is ethanol?
(e) Why does the author feel that hydrogen fuel could be set to become a viable environmentally friendly alternative to petrol?
(f) Why is natural gas gaining popularity?

5.3 Pick out the words from the passage which mean the opposite of the following.

(a) inflated (para 6)
(b) hostile (para 5)

♦ Unsolved Passages:

I. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. It was the year 2020. My nephew, Karthik, who had come to spend his summer vacation with me, was watching TV. He was thirteen and just like any adolescent of his age, was full of questions. After a busy day at work, all I wanted was to rest. The moment I saw Karthik, I knew he was, as always, bustling with curiosity, and I knew that now there will be no rest.

2. As it was raining, I made tea, sandwiches and pakoras for us. I sat down to talk to him about his studies. He made a quick reply about them going well and brushed aside the rest of the questions. He was more interested in something else. It was the news flash: India celebrates fifth anniversary of its successful mission to Mars. I knew now what his questions will be. Since I was working on something related to India’s mission to Mars at my office, I knew I could satisfy his curiosity. He wanted to know all about Mangalyaan, formally known as the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM).

3. So, I started telling him all about it. India’s mission to Mars was conceived in 2010 and launched in 2013. MOM successfully injected into Mars’ orbit on September 24, 2014. I told him how it was in fact the first time that any country had made it to the Martian orbit in the very first attempt (NASA took two attempts to get so far; the Soviet Union, three). The main purpose was to map the red planet’s surface and for a better analysis of Martian atmosphere. I thought I had told him the basics and there would not be too many questions now. But he was all ready with the next question, “Why are they calling it a budget player?” “Simply because it cost only $ 74 million, a fraction of the $ 671 million cost of the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s latest Mars program. In fact, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi boasted that India has spent less to reach Mars than Hollywood producers spent on the movie ‘Gravity’, which costed $ 100 million to make.”

4. “But how did this happen, how did India manage to hold costs down?” asked Karthik. I told him that India relied on technologies that it had used before and kept the size of the payload small, around 15 kilograms. Realising that the word payload might be tough for him to understand, I told him that it was infact the load carried by a vehicle exclusive of what is necessary for its operation. I also told him that India saved on fuel by using a smaller rocket to put its spacecraft into earth’s orbit first, to gain enough momentum to slingshot it towards Mars. Grinning, Karthik asked me, “So Aunty, what is special about MOM?”

5. “Well, it weighs around 1,337 kg and is about the size of a car. According to Professor Jitendra Goswami, the director of the institute and the man behind the discovery, the payload is tiny, just 14.5 kg (32 lbs), small enough to take on as cabin baggage.”

6. I sat there thinking about the controversies that MOM had to go through. Critics had pointed out that MOM and India’s investment in space did not seem to make sense when almost 30 per cent of India’s population live below the poverty line. Economist Jean Dreze once said about the mission, “It seems to be a part of the India’s elite delusional quest for superpower status”. But then I remembered the words of the chairman of ISRO about how ISRO’s budget represents only one per cent of the national budget and from that, the expenditure for MOM exploration was only seven per cent.

7. Thinking back on our conversation, I began to think whether Karthik had understood all the big terms and concepts that I used. I asked him, “So did you understand everything that I was talking about?”

8. “Well, not everything, but enough to know that India has succeeded where most of the others had failed”.

9. When all the food was over and Karthik had still not moved to wash his hands, I looked at him. He was sitting there, clearly dreaming. Upon prodding, he said, “Well, I was thinking, how great it would be to become an astronaut. I can move around in space, meet aliens, maybe make a new house there. It would be fun to have a picnic there. We can, in fact, promote it as a tourist place. We can also have a short stoppage at the moon and some other planets. Do you think we can take a contract for arranging all this? What do you say, Aunty?”

10. What could I say; I smiled and wished that his dreams would come true. Both of us sat there with the television running and dozing off. He lost in his dreams of going to Mars, and me, Karthik told me later, snoring.

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

(i) When was MOM launched?
(a) 2010
(b) 2011
(c) 2013
(d) 2014

(ii) How many attempts did NASA make to reach Mars?
(a) Two
(b) Three
(c) Four
(d) One

(iii) What was the size of the payload?
(a) 15 kg
(b) 14 kg
(c) 16 kg
(d) 17 kg

(iv) What was the other name of MOM?
(a) Mangalyaan
(b) Mars Orbit Mission
(c) Mangalgrehyaan
(d) Shubhyaan

(v) What was the cost of Mangalyaan?
(a) $ 84 million
(b) $ 108 million
(c) $ 74 million
(d) $ 100 million

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

(i) Why did the narrator feel that she could satisfy Karthik’s curiosity?
(ii) What was the main purpose of MOM?
(iii) Why is MOM called a budget player in the passage?
(iv) How did India manage to keep the cost low for the mission?
(v) What are the special features of MOM?
(vi) Find a word from the passage (para-6) which means ‘the total amount of money spent’.
(vii) Find a word from the passage (para-10) which means ‘sleeping’.

B. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. Gone are the days when going to school was like any other ritual. Elders in the house would fix a specific day as shubh muhurat for going to school and puja would be performed before a child was put to a school, then called pathshala. The child would then seek the blessings of his elders and his teacher (called guru) to complete his education and to come out with flying colours. Guru, the teacher, would always treat his pupil like his own child and teach him till he was completely satisfied with his or her performance.

2. But it seems now that over a period of time, the whole concept of education has changed. Now, getting a child into a school is a billion-dollar question and a real nightmare experience for the parents. The moment a toddler starts spreading his wings, the parents start worrying about his admission, which school they should send him to, or which school they can afford. They are even ready to spend more than what their pocket allows; after all it is the future of their child—the poor child who does not even know how to talk properly!

3. Our public schools are always in the limelight with the onset of the admission season. They are set with their colourful advertisements for admission to various classes. After all the admission procedures are over, one would start expecting a call letter. The moment a call letter is received, mothers have a tough time in making their small children sit and teach them to remember certain things which would open the door for their future (getting into a particular school). The child who hardly knows anything has to follow his mother so that she could make him scribble a few things on paper. They have to go through this exercise to make a name.

4. Then comes the due day for the mind-boggling exercise-the interview. Parents start swinging between dos and don’ts, whether their child will make it or not. The moment you enter the school, you find beautifully dressed young kids with their parents huddled together to try their luck. For children, it is exactly the same situation as we elders face when we are told to attend a party where no one is known to us and where we simply find ourselves in a precarious situation as to what and what not to do. When we, the grown-ups cannot adjust to such gatherings, how do we expect our small children to be free in such an atmosphere? It is a real trauma for a child, who saw an unfamiliar face, starts crying, and that eventually becomes his negative point for his admission. He might be knowing what all he is expected to answer in such an interview but fails in his preliminary round. Is this a real test of his capability? Is this what determines his eligibility for admission?

5. Anyway, children are taken in batches followed by their anxious parents. God knows what the child is being asked to do. The parents are asked questions about their education, job, since when they are residing in the city, etc.

6. In another school, I talked to a parent who couldn’t get her daughter admitted because she had not put her in some preparatory school. This became a negative point for her daughter’s admission. Is it mandatory for parents to send their children to preparatory schools who have just learned how to stretch their limbs and can murmur a few words which most of the people are unable to understand?

7. Minister for Health and Primary Education, Delhi Government, amicably suggested that it is the moral duty of parents to give not only bookish knowledge to their children but an environment where they can be nurtured to learn about their own culture and heritage by any mode (be it dance, art, painting, music, etc.) depending upon the child’s talent. He further laid emphasis on the fact that our duty doesn’t end by sending children to schools at early dawn, collecting them and sending them to tuitions and finally making them sit in front of the so-called idiot box. The child has to be mentally and morally educated besides being physically educated. His words were really a take-home lesson for every sensible parent.

8. But to some extent, I do blame parents because it is their eagerness to put their child in a reputed school. Parents do have a lot of pressure from different walks of life but should not presume that once the child goes to a popular school, the problem is solved. The parents should give quality time to their children and make sure that their children can do their best, even if they are not admitted to these popular schools.

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

(i) As soon as a toddler starts walking, what are his parents worried about?
(a) His future
(b) His health
(c) His admission
(d) His growth

(ii) After all the admission procedures are over, what would one expect?
(a) Money for the admission
(b) Immediate admission
(c) Good education
(d) Immediate classes

(iii) What comes into the limelight at the onset of the admission season?
(a) The child
(b) Public schools
(c) Parents
(d) The stationery shops

(iv) What is the mind-boggling exercise where parents start swinging between dos and don’ts?
(a) Admission
(b) Interview
(c) Raising a child
(d) Searching for the best school

(v) What is the most important thing that parents should give to their child?
(a) Good food
(b) Good clothes
(c) Quality education
(d) Quality time

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

(i) In what respect is going to school today different from what it used to be in the olden days?
(ii) What is the plight of the parents and that of children before the schooling begins?
(iii) In spite of the coaching done by the parents, children fail to perform well. Why?
(iv) “It is exactly the same situation we elders face…” Explain.
(v) Why do the parents want their children to be put in a popular school?
(vi) Find a word from the passage (para-3) which means ‘to write or draw something quickly or carelessly’.
(vii) Find a word from the passage (para-4) which means ‘fit to be chosen’.

III. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. If you enjoy watching crime shows on TV, you know that fingerprints play a major role in identifying people. But, you might be surprised to find out that using fingerprints for identification is not a new science. In fact, it is very old – dating back at least as far as 1885-1913 B.C.E. In Babylon, when people agreed to a business contract, they pressed their fingerprints into the clay in which the contract was written. Thumbprints have also been found on clay seals from ancient China.

2. In 14th century Persia, which is now Iran, a government doctor recognised that all fingerprints are different. In 1684, a British doctor, Nehemiah Grew, spoke about the ridged surfaces of the fingers. In 1686, a professor of anatomy (the study of the structure of the human body) named Marcello Malpighi, wrote about the ridges and loops in fingerprints. Malpighi’s work was considered so important that a layer of skin found on the fingertips was named after him. This layer of skin is called the Malpighian layer. Although scientists had studied fingerprints, the value

(ii) Who wrote about fingerprints in 1686?
(a) Henry Faulds
(b) Charles Darwin
(c) Nehemiah Grew
(d) Sir William James Herschel

(iii) Who uses a variation of the Galton-Henry system?
(a) FBI
(b) Japanese Hospital
(c) Henry Faulds
(d) the United States

(iv) Where was the use of fingerprinting in identification originated?
(a) Britain
(b) China
(c) India
(d) Iran

(v) Why are fingerprints checked in a classified job?
(a) Because they may not discuss your work
(b) Because they work only with fingerprints
(c) Because they work with automated systems
(d) To be sure of any criminal background

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

(i) How were fingerprints used in ancient times?
(ii) Define anatomy.
(iii) What is Malpighian layer?
(iv) Why did Sir William James Herschel ask people to put their handprints on contracts?
(v) How long does it take the IAFIS to find someone’s fingerprints?
(vi) Find a word from the passage (para-1) which means ‘to recognise someone or something’.
(vii) Find a word from the passage (para-4) which means ‘to invent a plan or system’.

IV. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. It’s a common refrain: Youngsters today are becoming westernised. Parents lament that if they ask their kids to accompany them to the temple, they pull a long face. But all these may just be nothing other than popular perceptions. A survey conducted by hindustantimes.com shows that 68 percent of youth today believe in a higher power, 43 percent visit the temple every day and around 60 percent admit that going to the temple gives them mental satisfaction. They want to show their devotion to God.

2. The survey also shows that rather than making them superstitious, a faith in a higher being, visiting temples, and wearing religious symbols, such as a Kada or a sacred thread gives them a sense of strength.

3. Clinical psychologist, Seema Sharma says, “In this stress-ridden life of ours, we need to fall back on something for which we have to be sure that it is more powerful than us. Developing faith in anyone’s relevant thing in our life is mandatory. Psychological anarchy is prevented if we have something on which we can put our trust.”

4. It was a decade or so back that a trendy youngster would consider it middle-class to admit that they kept fasts and visited the temple. It was in vogue to sneer at the temple-going variety, though the snob brigade might be doing it themselves.

5. But not now. Things have changed. “Children have become more logical. They believe in God but only as far as they find any logic in this because they have started analysing the situation. They are open to any kind of discussion, so they don’t shy away to be ritualistic as a few years back they were”, says Madhu Kansal, the Principal of Delhi International School.

6. They wear their kadas, and cross with confidence and don’t hide it inside their tees, though around 45 percent will not wear religious prints because they feel it is demeaning to their religion and 36 percent will not use religious tones as ringtones for their mobile phones. Their logic: “Why display?”

7. Conservative it may sound but a huge difference in the attitude of today’s youth towards God is visible. Calling God nicknames would be unthinkable for the older generation who hold the entity in awe and fear. Not so with the youth today. They seem to blend their orthodox beliefs with a fun quotient perfectly, in their relationship with God. For them: God is “cool”.

8. Senior BJP leader, Sushma Swaraj says, “Youngsters are not hypocrites. They don’t believe in displaying but believe in truth. They are ready to face anything and have a friendly relationship with God. They have given nicknames to their favourite Gods, such as Roly Poly for Lord Ganesh and Hanu for Hanuman. Gods are their buddies.”

9. What also emerges from the survey is that many visit temples and observe rituals because their family insists. Says Pinky Nigam, a student of Hindu college, “Family plays a crucial role and perhaps is one of the most significant determinants of a child’s religious discourse.”

10. Aishwarya Sakhuja agrees, “Yes, you will see me with a dupatta on my head in a puja but that’s all about it. I do it to keep my family happy.”

11. Sociologist D.L. Seth, a member of Centre for the Study of Developing Societies says, “Life is becoming uncertain. People want some mental peace, there is a higher sense of insecurity, and being ritualistic is not really attached to being superstitious. It is not necessary that a ritualistic person may be superstitious and a superstitious person may be ritualistic.”

12. That seems to be the blend then, spiritual but realistic. Kuchipudi dancer, Raja Reddy, talking of his own children, says, “My children want to know everything about our religious rites; they know Kuchipudi but choreograph western compositions.”

13. Life today is fast, furious, and fickle, but Gen-X seems to have found the formula to fight back: Blend your religious faith with practical sense, draw strength and solace from it but don’t foster blind faith. Practise rituals, if it makes your family happy. You can do this much for them even if you do not believe in it.

14. Anura Jain, 18, sums it up, “There is God, but he just can’t give everything to 10 million people!”

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by
choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

(i) What percentage of youth believes in a higher power?

(a) 68%
(b) 60%
(c) 45%
(d) 36%

(ii) What gives a sense of strength to the youngsters?

(a) Visiting Temples
(b) Wearing religious symbols
(c) Making them superstitious
(d) None of these

(iii) Why will 45 % of youngsters not wear religious prints?

(a) Because they feel that it is just a display
(b) Because they feel that it is demeaning
(c) Because they feel that it is funny
(d) Because they feel that it is less trendy

(iv) Who holds a fun quotient with God?

(a) Elder generation
(b) Younger generation
(c) Small children
(d) Everyone

(v) What is the most significant determinant of a child’s religious discourse?

(a) Friends
(b) Family
(c) Relatives
(d) Environment

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

(i) What does the author mean by, ‘All these may just be little other than popular perceptions’?
(ii) What does the survey conducted by hindustantimes.com reveal about youngster’s belief in God?
(iii) Compare the scenario of the youngster’s belief a decade back with that of the present time.
(iv) What do certain youngsters do in order to avoid making a display of their religious beliefs?
(v) What are the certain things that youngsters do to support their view of god is cool’?
(vi) Find a word from the passage (para-4) which means ‘modern and influenced by the most recent fashions or idea’.
(vii) Find a word from the passage (para-7) which means ‘a feeling of great respect mixed with fear’.

V. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. We hear the word ‘smart cities’ often these days. So what is it? Is it a city where everyone is smart or where only smart people are allowed? Or is it a futuristic city upon entry of which people will become smart?

2. It is, however, something entirely different. Just to give you an idea-Think of sensors monitoring water levels, energy usage, traffic flows, and security cameras, and sending that data directly to city administrators. Or applications that help residents navigate traffic, report potholes and vote. Or trash collection that’s totally automated. This is what a ‘smart city’ will have. In fact, the term generally refers to cities using information technology to solve urban problems. It is also used to enhance performance and well-being, to reduce costs and resource consumption, and to engage more effectively and actively with its citizens. It will help in confronting overcrowding, traffic congestion, pollution, resource constraints, inadequate infrastructure, and the need for continuing economic growth. It will also have reduced crime, safer streets, and neighbourhood. In all, there will be a general improvement in the quality of life.

3. The key ‘smart’ sectors include transport, energy, healthcare, water and waste. A smart city should be able to respond faster to city and global challenges than one with a simple ‘transactional’ relationship with its citizens. It engages effectively with local people in local governance and the decision by use of open innovation processes and e-participation with emphasis placed on citizen participation and co-design. It makes good use of the creative industries, supported by a strong knowledge and social networks, voluntary organisations in a low-crime setting to achieve these aims.

4. The terms ‘intelligent city’ and ‘digital city’ are also used interchangeably with the smart cities.

5. You may wonder, why there is a sudden interest in smart cities. It is due to major challenges, including climate change, economic restructuring, the move to online retail and entertainment, ageing populations, and pressures on public finances.

6. So, how does it work? The Smart Cities Council, an industry-backed outfit that advocates the concept in India, describes them as cities that control data gathered from smart sensors through a smart grid to create a city that is liveable, workable, and sustainable. According to the Smart Cities Council, all the data that is collected from sensors – electricity, gas, water, traffic, and other government analytics – is carefully compiled and integrated into a smart grid and then fed into computers that can focus on making the city as efficient as possible.

7. This allows authorities to have real-time information about the city around them, and allows computers to attempt “perfect operations”, such as balancing supply and demand on electricity networks, synchronising traffic signals for peak usage, and optimising energy networks. India is urbanising at an unprecedented rate, so much that estimates suggest that nearly 600 million Indians will be living in cities by 2030, up from 290 million as reported in the 2001 census. A McKinsey Global Institute study estimated that cities would generate 70% new jobs by 2030, produce more than 70% of the Indian gross domestic product and drive a fourfold increase in per capita income across the country.

8. The concept of ‘smart cities’ as satellite towns of larger ones was enunciated in last month’s budget by the new NDA government which has allocated a sum of ? 7,060 crores for the plan. In his budget speech, Jaitley mentioned about exactly why the government believes the need for spending money on 100 smart cities. He claimed that “unless new cities are developed to accommodate the burgeoning number of people, the existing cities would soon become unliveable.” According to the urban development ministry, the focus will not be just 100 cities, but all urban areas across the country 100 cities, however, remain a tentative figure, with much still to be pinned down.

The budget speech only officially identified cities along with the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Master Plan, which covers seven states. Although they weren’t named in the budget, seven cities have also been named along the Delhi- Mumbai Industrial Corridor, some of which would overlap with the Amritsar-Kolkata plan. Officially, the budget only pointed out three cities in the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor: Ponneri in Tamil Nadu, Krishnapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, and Tumkur in Karnataka.

9. The secretary, Sudhir Krishna has asked the National Institute of Urban Affairs to work on the smart city project, based on a framework that covers overall smartness and sustainability. For now, the focus will be on a much smaller number of cities in states where conditions are amenable before. The government even attempts to look at expanding to cover 100 urban areas.

10. 70 crore per city will clearly not be enough, and even if more is added, it’s unlikely that the government will have resources to pay for the cities. The government announced that it was relaxing norms for foreign direct investment to make it easier for outside companies to invest in smart cities. In addition, India has spoken to France, Japan, and Singapore about collaborating on the projects.

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by
choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

(i) What are the key to ‘smart’ sectors?
(a) Transport and energy
(b) Healthcare and water
(c) Energy and waste
(d) All of these

(ii) How do smart cities engage with local people?

(a) By e-participation
(b) By open-innovation
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) By meeting people regularly

(iii) Who estimated that cities would generate 70% new jobs by 2030?

(a) Smart Cities Council
(b) Global Institute
(c) Smart Sectors
(d) City Administrators

(iv) What does the McKinsey Global Institute study suggest about India’s GDP in the future?
(a) It will increase more than 70%
(b) It will decrease more than 70%
(c) It will decrease more than 60%
(d) It will increase more than 50%

(v) How many states does the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Master Plan cover?
(a) Six
(b) Five
(c) Eight
(d) Seven

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

(i) What are ‘smart cities’?
(ii) What does the author mean by, ‘India is urbanising at an unprecedented rate’?
(iii) Why is there a sudden interest in smart cities?
(iv) Why does the government feel that there is a need for spending money on 100 smart cities?
(v) How is the government generating resources for the formation of smart cities?
(vi) Find a word from the passage (para-3) which means ‘use of any new idea or method’.
(vii) Find a word from the passage (para-8) which means ‘to provide with a place to live’.

VI. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. Till as late as the 1960s, we believed that one of the major differences between us and the rest of the animal kingdom was our ability to make and use tools. But then, our egos suffered a devastating blow: in the jungles of Gombe in Africa, Jane Goodall observed a chimpanzee pluck and trim a stem of grass and insert it into a termite mound. The furious termites climbed up the stem only to be happily eaten up by the chimp. The chimp kept repeating the process. He had, in fact, fashioned his own fishing rod and gone fishing for termites.

We were not alone! And that was not all. Chimps were also observed using rocks to bash open hard shells and fruits (which other monkeys also do), to throw them at their enemies and wave sticks around. Even worse, adolescent females, especially, were seen sharpening sticks with their teeth and thrusting these like spears into hollows where bush-babies were hiding I fear and then checked the spear tips for blood! Chimps were also seen chewing up leaves and using these like sponges to suck up water from the waterholes to enable them to drink.

2. The gorillas and orangutans were not far behind. In 2005, a western lowland gorilla (a lady, this time) was observed picking up a stick and using it to check the depth of a pool she wanted to cross. Then, she used it as a walking stick. Orangutans (as well as chimpanzees) have been observed using broad leaves as umbrellas during downpours – and orangutans that are accustomed to our company (never a good influence) imitate the way we wash clothes by the riverbank or use a saw to cut wood.

3. Elephants designed fly-whisks and backscratchers from branches and used strips of chewed up bark to plug small waterholes (which they had dug) to prevent the water from evaporating. Dada bulls would heave heavy logs or rocks at electric fences to short-circuit or simple destroy them.

4. Bottle-nosed dolphins have been known to cover their long noses with sponges or shells before combing the seabed for tidbits (There are many spiny creatures and sharp rocks that could otherwise injure them).

5. Crows are thought to be the smartest amongst birds and the new Caledonian crow is considered to be the Einstein among crows. Crows have been known to do the dropping-of-pebbles-in-a-pitcher of water stunt, as described in Aesop’s Fables. The American alligator has been known to arrange twigs on its head – to lure nest-building birds to come and pick them up. When they do, well, lunch is served for the alligator!

6. For long, we have exploited the poor silkworm, boiling its cocoons alive to make one of the most exquisite clothing materials known so far. But the real pros in silk production are hold your breath spiders. What caterpillars of moths and butterflies do with their mouthparts (like a magician releasing ribbons from his/ her mouth), spiders do it from the lower part of their bodies. But try as we may, we still haven’t cracked the code of how to synthesise spider silk, which can be used for everything from producing gunsights and sutures to light bulletproof jackets and seat belts.

7. What if spiders sold their silk? Imagine walking into a silk emporium run by arachnids, you would be greeted by a sales-spider: charming, young Ms/Mr Hairy legs, who would appraise you out of her/his eight or so eyes. “Welcome, welcome!” She/He would gush scanning you top-down, rubbing its hairy legs together in delight. “We have some of the finest, softest cradle silk you would ever want for your happy events. Wrapped up in it, your babies will be warm, safe, and dry as they wait to hatch. It’s super-absorbent, too, and a nappy rash will not be a problem!

8. So yes, animals use tools, but we needn’t worry. None of them have, as yet, discovered how to make fire. Though our very own black kite will with its goonda friends – spread a wildfire by dropping burning twigs in unburned areas so they can snap up even more fleeing insects and rodents. But yes, these so-called tools are primitive.

9. But then, do animals really need sophisticated tools to get what they want? Cheetahs accelerate faster than Ferraris, pit vipers have heat-seeking sensors, eagles can locate a rabbit in a field from kilometres away, sharks smell a drop of blood in a whole ruddy ocean, bats use sonar, birds, and bees see ultraviolet light, a falcon can dive at 320 kmph, snakes have a cocktail of venom that can bleed, paralyse or liquefy you to death, spiders’ silk still has us in a tizzy, chameleons and octopuses wear invisibility cloaks, and migratory birds have built-in navigation system – the list is endless!

10. We had the best brains and so we’re able to design miraculous tools. But look where we have ended up: we’ve gassed up the earth’s air, poisoned the water, and have stocked enough weaponry to destroy ourselves a million times over. So really, who is the monkey with the wrench? [CBSE 2019 SET-IT]

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

(i) What does it indicate when chimps make their own fishing rods?

(a) That animals and man have similar interests
(b) That monkeys also go fishing
(c) That animals like to imitate man
(d) That man is an animal who likes to fish

(ii) How do we know that chimps are intelligent?

(a) They try and ape man
(b) They use their brains to find solution to problems
(c) They kill bush-babies
(d) They love to eat termites

(iii) Why do orangutans use big leaves during downpour?

(a) Because they like big leaves when it starts to rain
(b) Because they do not like heavy rain
(c) Because they want to wet the leaves
(d) Because the leaves can keep the rain off their bodies

(iv) Why might the black kite start a fire?

(a) Because it is a firebird
(b) Because it is hungry and looking for food
(c) Because it likes to watch fleeing animals
(d) Because it eats only cooked meat

(v) Why do big male elephants throw logs at electric fences?

(a) Because they want to be free
(b) Because they are great throwers
(c) Because they enjoy the sparks thus caused
(d) Because they are very strong animals

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

(i) Why are animals considered as intelligent as humans?
(ii) What strategy do chimps use to open hard shells and fruits?
(iii) What do elephants do to prevent water from evaporating?
(iv) Give an example from the passage that proves the crow to be an intelligent bird.
(v) How does a black kite spread wildfire?
(vi) Find a word from the passage (para-6) which means ‘misused’.
(vii) Find a word from the passage (para-7) which means ‘welcomed’.

♦ Solved Passages:

I. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. New Year is the time for resolution. Mentally, at least most of us could compile formidable lists of ‘dos and don’ts’. The same old favourites recur year in and year out with monotonous regularity. We resolve to get up early each morning, eat healthy food, exercise, be nice to people whom we don’t like, and find more time for our parents. Past experience has taught us that certain accomplishments are beyond attainment. If we remain deep-rooted liars, it is only because we have so often experienced the frustration that results from failure.

2. Most of us fail in our efforts at self-improvement because our schemes are too ambitious and we never have time to carry them out. We also make the fundamental error of announcing our resolution to everybody, so that we look even more foolish when we slip back into our bad old ways. Aware of these pitfalls, this year I attempted to keep my resolutions to myself. I limited myself to two modest ambitions, to do physical exercise every morning and to read more in the evening. An overnight party on New Year’s Eve provided me with a good excuse for not carrying out either of these new resolutions on the first day of the year, but on the second, I applied myself diligently to the task.

3. The daily exercise lasted only eleven minutes and I proposed to do them early in the morning before anyone had got up. The self-discipline required to drag myself out of bed eleven minutes earlier than usual was considerable. Nevertheless, I managed to creep down into the living room for two days before anyone found me out. After jumping about in the carpet and twisting the human frame into uncomfortable positions, I sat down at the breakfast table in an exhausted condition. It was this that betrayed me.

The next morning, the whole family trooped in to watch the performance. That was really unsettling, but I fended off the taunts and jibes of the whole family good-humouredly and soon everybody got used to the idea. However, my enthusiasm waned. The time I spent at exercises gradually diminished. Little by little, the eleven minutes fell to zero. By January 10, I was back to where I had started from. I argued that if I spent less time exhausting myself at exercises in the morning, I would keep my mind fresh for reading when I got home from work. Resisting the hypnotising effect of television, I sat in my room for a few evenings with my eyes glued to a book. One night, however, feeling cold and lonely, I went downstairs and sat in front of the television pretending to read. That proved to be my undoing, for I soon got back to the old bad habit of dozing off in front of the screen. I still haven’t given up my resolution to do more reading. In fact, I have just bought a book entitled ‘How to Read a Thousand Words a Minute’. Perhaps, it will solve my problem, but I just have not had time to read it.

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by
choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

Question (i)
What were the writer’s resolutions?
(a) Physical exercise in the morning
(b) Read more in the evening
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Not to make more resolutions
Answer:
(c) Both (a) and (b)

Question (ii)
How much time did the daily exercise last initially?
(a) 10 minutes
(b) 11 minutes
(c) 5 minutes
(d) 8 minutes
Answer:
(b) 11 minutes

Question (iii)
How many days did the writer continue his resolution?
(a) 8 days
(b) 9 days
(c) 10 days
(d) 7 days
Answer:
(b) 9 days

Question (iv)
What did the writer do one night, when he was feeling cold and lonely?
(a) Sat in front of the TV pretending to read
(b) Completed an entire book
(c) Went for a walk
(d) Gave up the idea of reading
Answer:
(a) Sat in front of the TV pretending to read

Question (v)
Which book did the writer buy?
(a) How to Read a Thousand Words a Minute
(b) How to be a Good Reader
(c) How to be Firm on your Resolutions
(d) The Importance of Exercising
Answer:
(a) How to Read a Thousand Words a Minute

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

Question (i)
According to the writer, what has past experience of New Year’s resolutions taught us?
Answer:
The past experience of New Year’s resolutions has taught us that certain accomplishments are beyond attainment.

Question (ii)
According to the writer, why do most of us fail in our efforts for self-improvement?
Answer:
Most of us fail in our efforts for self-improvement because our schemes are too ambitious and we never have time to carry them out.

Question (iii)
Why is it a big mistake to announce our resolution to everybody?
Answer:
It is a big mistake to announce our resolution to everybody because when we do not accomplish what we had resolved, we look even more foolish.

Question (iv)
Why did the writer not carry out his resolution on New Year’s Day?
Answer:
An overnight party on New Year’s Eve provided the writer with a good excuse for not carrying out either of his new resolutions on the first day of the year.

Question (v)
“I fended off the taunts and jibes…”. Whose taunts and jibes is the writer talking about? Why was he being taunted?
Answer:
(a) The same old favourites occur with monotonous regularity.
(b) We never have time to carry them out.

Question (vi)
Find a word from the passage (para-1) which means ‘not changing and therefore boring’.
Answer:
monotonous

Question (vii)
Find a word from the passage (para-3) which means ‘to become weaker in strength or influence’.
Answer:
weave

II. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. I recently had submitted an article ‘Reforming our Education System’ wherein the need for our educational system to shift its focus from insisting upon remembering to emphasizing or understanding was stressed upon.

2. This article brought back the memory of an interesting conversation between my daughter and myself in the recent times, wherein I had learnt that Economics and Physics were a few of the most difficult subjects for her as she had to mug up the answers. Though I offered to help her out with the immediate problem on hand, 1 learnt subsequently that many a time it pays to mug up the answer properly, because the teachers find it easier to evaluate that way. It seems, the more deviation there is from the way the sentences are framed in the textbook, the more risk one runs of losing marks.

3. This reminded me of a training session I had attended at work, where we were required to carry out an exercise of joining the dots that were drawn in rows of three without lifting the pen and without crossing the trodden path more than once. Though the exercise seemed quite simple, almost 95 per cent of us failed to achieve the required result, no matter how hard we tried. The instructor then informed us cheerily that it happened all the time because the dots that appeared to fit into a box like formation do not allow us to think out of the box. That was when I realised that all of us carry these imaginary boxes in our minds. Thanks to our stereotyped upbringing that forces our thinking to conform to a set of pattern.

4. “What is the harm in conforming as long as it is towards setting up a good practice?”, someone might want to ask. Perhaps, no harm done to others but to the person being confined to “think by rote” may mean being deprived of rising to the heights he/she is capable of rising to, even without the person being aware of the same.

5. If we instil too much fear of failure in the children right from the young age, the urge to conform and play safe, starts stifling the creative urge which dares to explore, make a mistake and explore again. As we know, most of the great inventions were initially considered to be most outrageous and highly impractical. It is because the people inventing the same were not bothered about being ridiculed and brave enough to think of the unthinkable that these inventions came into being.

6. For many children, studies are the most boring aspect of their lives. Learning, instead of fun is being considered the most mundane and avoidable activity. Thanks to the propagators of an educational system which is more information-oriented than knowledge-oriented. Too much of a syllabus, too many students per teacher, lack of enough hands-on exercises, teaching as a routine with the aim of completing the syllabus in time rather than with the goal of imparting knowledge, the curriculum more often than not designed keeping in view the most intelligent student rather than the average student are the important factors in this regard. Peer pressure, high expectations of the parents in an extremely competitive environment, the multitude of distractions in an era of the technological revolution are adding further to the burden on the young minds.

7. For a change, can we have some English/Hindi poems ickle, tickle, and pickle the young minds and send them on a wild goose chase for the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow? Can we have lessons in History that make the child feel proud of his heritage, instead of asking him to mug up the years of the events? Can physics and chemistry lessons be taught more in the laboratories than in the classrooms? Can a system be devised so as to make the educational excursions compulsory for schools, so that visits to historical/botanical places are ensured without fail? Can the educational institutes start off inter-school projects on the internet, the way the schools abroad do, so as to encourage the child to explore on her own and sum up her/his findings in the form of a report?

8. Finally, can we make the wonder of the childhood lost and get carried forward into adulthood, instead of forcing pre-mature adulthood on children? I, for one, have realised that it is worth doing so, hence, I have asked my child to go ahead by choosing to write the answers on her own, in her own language by giving vent to her most fanciful imagination! (Source: The Hindu)

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

Question (i)
What were the difficult subjects for the writer’s daughter?
(a) Biology and Chemistry
(b) Economics and Physics
(c) Political Science and English
(d) History and Maths
Answer:
(b) Economics and Physics

Question (ii)
Why does it pay to mug up answers?
(a) Because teachers find it easy to evaluate
(b) Because students find it easy to write
(c) Because teachers find it easy to teach
(d) Because students find it easy to remember
Answer:
(a) Because teachers find it easy to evaluate

Question (iii)
What stifles the creative urge in children?
(a) The urge to be always right
(b) The urge to do well in everything
(c) The urge to conform and play safe
(d) The urge to take risks
Answer:
(c) The urge to conform and play safe

Question (iv)
How is learning considered now?
(a) An interesting activity
(b) A mundane and avoidable activity
(c) A fun-filled activity
(d) An interesting but avoidable activity
Answer:
(b) A mundane and avoidable activity

Question (v)
What is adding further to the burden on the young minds?
(a) Knowledge-oriented educational system
(b) High expectations of the parents
(c) Lack of hands-on exercises
(d) Learning instead of fun
Answer:
(b) High expectations of the parents

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

Question (i)
What does the article “Reforming our Education System” emphasise upon?
Answer:
It emphasised the need for shifting education from remembering to understanding.

Question (ii)
What exercise was the writer given in her training session?
Answer:
They had to join dots that were drawn in rows of three without lifting the pen and without going through the same path.

Question (iii)
What are the “imaginary boxes” referred in the passage?
Answer:
These are the ways of thinking that we cannot change.

Question (iv)
What is the harm that may occur if a person is taught to always think by rote?
Answer:
There is the likelihood that such a person may never rise in his ability to think.

Question (v)
List the factors that have made learning a very boring process.
Answer:
Too much syllabus; too many students per teacher; no hands-on exercise; curriculum designed for the bright child only.

Question (vi)
Find a word from the passage (para-3) which means ‘to behave according to the usual standards of behaviour which is accepted by the society’.
Answer:
conform

Question (vii)
Find a word from the passage (para-6) which means ‘very ordinary and therefore not interesting’.
Answer:
mundane

III. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. Many of us believe that ‘small’ means ‘insignificant’. We believe that small actions and choices do not have much impact on our lives. We think that it is only the big things, the big actions and the big decisions that really count. But when you look at the lives of all great people, you will see that they built their character through small decisions, small choices and small actions that they performed every day.

They transformed their lives through a step-by-step or day-by-day approach. They nurtured and nourished their good habits and chipped away at their bad habits, one step at a time. It was their small day-to-day decisions that added up to make tremendous difference in the long run. Indeed, in matters of personal growth and character-building, there is no such thing as an overnight success.

2. Growth always occurs through a sequential series of stages. There is an organic process to growth. When we look at children growing up, we can see this process at work: the child first learns to crawl, then to stand and walk, and finally to run. The same is true in the natural world. The soil must first be tilled, and then the seed must be sowed. Next, it must be nurtured with enough water and sunlight, and only then it will grow, bear fruit and finally ripen, and be ready to eat.

3. Gandhi understood this organic process and used this universal law of nature to his benefit. Gandhi grew in small ways, in his day-to-day affairs. He did not wake up one day and find himself to be the “Mahatma”. In fact, there was nothing much in his early life that showed signs of greatness. But from his mid-twenties, he deliberately and consistently attempted to change himself, reform himself and grow in some small way every day. Day-by-day, hour-by-hour, he risked failure, experimented and learnt from the mistakes. In small and large situations alike, he took up rather than avoid responsibility.

4. People have always marvelled at the effortless way in which Gandhi could accomplish the most difficult tasks. He displayed great deal of self-mastery and discipline which was amazing. These things did not come easily to him. Years of practice and disciplined training went into making his success possible. Very few saw his struggles, fears, doubts and anxieties, or his inner efforts to overcome them. They saw the victory but not the struggle.

5. This is a common factor in the lives of all great people: they exercised their freedoms and choices in small ways that made great impact on their lives and their environment. Each of their small decisions and actions, added up to have a profound impact in the long run. By understanding this principle, we can move forward, with confidence, in the direction of our dreams. Often, when our “ideal goal” looks too far from us, we become easily discouraged, disheartened and pessimistic. However, when we choose to grow in small ways, taking small steps one at a time, it becomes easy to achieve the goal. [CBSE Sample Paper 2015]

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

Question (i)
What do many of us believe?
(a) Small choices and small actions are performed every day
(b) There is no such thing as an overnight success
(c) Small actions and choices do not have much impact on our lives
(d) ‘Small’ means ‘significant’
Answer:
(c) Small actions and choices do not have much impact on our lives

Question (ii)
What does the writer mean by saying ‘chipped away at their bad habits’?
(a) Steadily gave up bad habits
(b) Slowly produced bad habits
(c) Gradually criticised bad habits
(d) Did not like bad habits
Answer:
(a) Steadily gave up bad habits

Question (iii)
Which of the following statement is true in the context of the third paragraph?
(a) Gandhi became great overnight.
(b) Gandhi showed signs of greatness in childhood itself.
(c) Every day, Gandhi made efforts to change himself in some small way.
(d) Gandhi never made mistakes.
Answer:
(c) Every day, Gandhi made efforts to change himself in some small way.

Question (iv)
Why have people always marvelled Gandhi?
(a) For his effortless way to accomplish difficult tasks
(b) For his great deal of self-mastery and discipline
(c) For his fears, doubts and anxieties
(d) For his struggle
Answer:
(a) For his effortless way to accomplish difficult tasks

Question (v)
What do great people do to transform their lives?
(a) They approach life on a day-by-day basis.
(b) They build character in small ways.
(c) They believe in performing everyday.
(d) All of these
Answer:
(b) They build character in small ways.

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

Question (i)
What is “organic process of growth”?
Answer:
They have an impact gradually. Slowly good habits are nurtured and bad habits
are given up.

Question (ii)
What, according to the writer, is the ‘universal law of nature’?
Answer:
Growth of a child is an example of an organic process. The child first learns to crawl, then to stand and walk and finally to run.

Question (iii)
How did Gandhi accomplish the most difficult tasks effortlessly?
Answer:
According to the author, the ‘universal law of nature’ is that growth is gradual.

Question (iv)
Which part of Gandhi’s life is not seen by most people?
Answer:
Gandhiji accomplished the most difficult tasks effordessly by practice, self-mastery and discipline. He worked on small things and learnt from his mistakes.

Question (v)
How can we achieve our ‘ideal goals’?
Answer:
Gandhi’s struggles, fears, doubts and anxieties, or his inner efforts to overcome them were not seen by most people.

Question (vi)
Find a word from the passage (para-3) which means ‘intentionally’ or ‘purposely’.
Answer:
deliberately

Question (vii)
Find a word from the passage (para-5) which means ‘of deep significance’.
Answer:
profound

IV. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. One of the greatest sailing adventures of the past 25 years was the conquest of the Northwest Passage, powered by sail, human muscle, and determination. In 100 days, over three summers (1986-88), Jeff Maclnnis and Mike Beedell accomplished the first wind-powered crossing of the Northwest Passage.

2. In Jeff Maclnnis’s words…Our third season. We weave our way through the labyrinth of ice, and in the distance, we hear an unmistakable sound. A mighty bowhead whale is nearby, and its rhythmic breaths fill us with awe. Finally, we see it relaxed on the surface, its blowhole quivering like a volcanic cone, but it senses our presence and quickly sounds. We are very disappointed. We had only good intentions – to revel in its beautiful immensity and to feel its power. Mike thinks how foolish it would be for this mighty beast to put any faith in us. After all, we are .members of the species that had almost sent the bowhead into extinction with our greed for whale oil and bone. It is estimated that around 38,000 bowheads were killed off eastern Baffin Island in the 1800s; today, there are about 200 left.

3. The fascinating and sometimes the terrifying wildlife keeps us entertained during our explorations. Bearded harp and ring seals greet us daily. The profusion of bird life is awesome; at times, we see and smell hundreds and thousands of thick¬billed murres clinging to their cliffside nests. Our charts show that we are on the edge of a huge shoal where the frigid ocean currents upswell and mix nutrients that provide a feast for the food chain. At times, these animals scare the living daylights out of us. They have a knack of sneaking up behind us and then shooting out of the water and belly, flopping for maximum noise and splash. A horrendous splash coming from behind has a heart-stopping effect in polar bear country.

4. We have many encounters with the “Lords of the Arctic”, but we are always cautious, observant, and ever so respectful that we are in their domain. In some regions, the land is totally devoid of life, while in others, the pulse of life takes our breath away. Such is the paradox of the Arctic. Its wastelands flow into oasis that are found nowhere else on the face of the earth. Many times we find ancient signs of Inuit people who lived here, superbly attuned to the land. We feel great respect for them as this landscape is a challenge at every moment.

5. We face a 35 mile open water passage across Prince Regent Inlet on Baffin Island that will take us to our ultimate goal – Pond Inlet on Baffin Bay. The breakers look huge from the water’s edge. Leaning into the hulls, like bobsledders at the starting gate, we push as hard as we can down the gravel beach to the sea. We catch the water and keep pushing, until we have plunged waist deep, then drag ourselves aboard. Immediately, we begin paddling with every ounce of effort. Sweat pours off our bodies. Ahead of us, looming gray-white through the fog, we see a massive iceberg riding the current like the ghost of a battleship. There is no wind to fill our sails and steady the boat, and the chaotic motion soon brings sea-sickness. Slowly, the wind begins to build. Prince Regent Inlet now looks ominous with wind and waves. The frigid ocean hits us in the face and chills us to the bone.

6. We were on the fine edge. Everything at the Arctic that had taught us over the last 90 days was now being tested. We funneled all that knowledge, skill, teamwork, and spirit into this momentous crossing… If we went over in these seas, we could not get the boat back up. Suddenly, the wind speed plummeted to zero as quickly as it had begun…. Now, we were being pushed by the convulsing waves toward sheer 2,000 -foot cliffs. Two paddles were our only power. Sailing past glacier capped mountains, we approached the end of our journey. At 5:08 in the morning of our hundredth day, speeding into Baffin Bay, the spray from our twin hulls makes rainbows in the sun as we complete the first sail powered voyage through the Northwest Passage.

7. We have journeyed through these waters on their terms, moved by the wind, waves and current. The environment has always been in control of our destiny; we have only tried to respond in the best possible way. We’ve been awake for nearly 23 hours, but we cannot sleep. The joy and excitement are too great. Our Hobie Cat rests on the rocky beach, the wind whistling in her rigging, her bright yellow hulls radiant in the morning sunlight. She embodies the watchword for survival in the Arctic adaptability. [CBSE Sample Paper 2016]

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

Question (i)
What is the passage about?
(a) Author’s sailing adventure through the Northwest Passage
(b) Flora and fauna of the Arctic
(c) Survival skills needed while sailing
(d) Saving of the Arctic
Answer:
(d) Saving of the Arctic

Question (ii)
Why were bowhead whales killed for?
(a) Whale oil and bone
(b) Head and tail
(c) Flesh and bone
(d) None of these
Answer:
(a) Whale oil and bone

Question (iii)
What does “Lords of the Arctic” refer to?
(a) Wind breakers
(b) Icebergs
(c) Polar bears
(d) Inuits
Answer:
(c) Polar bears

Question (iv)
What is the name of the author’s sailing vessel?
(a) Prince Regent
(b) Hobie Cat
(c) Perception
(d) Arctic
Answer:
(b) Hobie Cat

Question (v)
What does ‘we were on the fine edge’ refer to?
(a) The Prince Regent Inlet
(b) The ominous sail
(c) The frigid ocean
(d) Their expedition
Answer:
(b) The ominous sail

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7marks)

Question (i)
Why does the author feel disappointed when the bowhead whale disappeared into the ocean?
Answer:
The author senses the presence of the author and his friend and quickly sounds, j They are disappointed because they only had good intentions. They are sad to know the whale doesn’t trust humans.

Question (ii)
How does his sailing partner rationalise it?
Answer:
Mike thinks how foolish it would be for this mighty beast to put any faith in them. After all, they are members of the species that had almost sent the bowhead into extinction with the greed for whale oil and bone.

Question (iii)
What reason does the author give for the thriving wildlife in the Arctic?
Answer:
According to the author, on the edge of a huge shoal, the frigid ocean currents upswell and mix nutrients that provide a feast for the food chain. This would lead to a thriving wildlife in the Arctic.

Question (iv)
What is the paradox of the Arctic?
Answer:
In some regions, the land is totally devoid of life, while in others, the pulse of life takes our breath away. Its wastelands flow into oasis that are found nowhere else on the face of the earth.

Question (v)
How did certain skills help the author and his partner survive the adventure?
Answer:
Knowledge, skill, teamwork, and spirit helped the author and his partner to survive the adventure.

Question (vi)
Find a word from the passage (para-4) which means ‘an area of territory owned or controlled’.
Answer:
domain

Question (vii)
Find a word from the passage (para-7) which means ‘the act of arranging dishonestly for the result of something’.
Answer:
rigging

V. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. I was in Hyderabad, giving a lecture, when a 14-year-old girl asked me for my autograph. I asked her what her goal in life was. She replied, “I want to live in a developed India.” For her, you and I will have to build this developed India. You must proclaim: India is not an underdeveloped nation; it is a highly-developed nation.

2. Allow me to come back with vengeance. Got ten minutes for your country? YOU say that our government is inefficient. YOU say that our laws are too old. YOU say that the municipality does not pick up the garbage. YOU say that the phones don’t work, the railways are a joke, the airline is the worst in the world and mails never reach their destinations. YOU say that our country has been fed to the dogs and is the absolute pit. YOU say, say and say.

3. What do YOU do about it? Take a person on his way to Singapore. Give him a name – YOURS. Give him a face – YOURS. YOU walk out of the airport and you are at your international best. In Singapore, you don’t throw cigarette butts on the roads or eat in the stores. YOU are as proud of their Underground Links as they are. You pay $ 5 (approx. 60) to drive through Orchard Road (equivalent of Mahim Causeway or Pedder Road) between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

4. YOU come back to the parking lot to punch your parking ticket, if you have overstayed in a restaurant or a shopping mall, irrespective of your status or identity. In Singapore, you don’t say anything, DO YOU? YOU wouldn’t dare to eat in public during Ramadan in Dubai. YOU would not dare to go out without your head covered in Jeddah. YOU would not dare to buy an employee of the telephone exchange in London at 10 pounds (? 650) a month to “see to it that my STD and ISD calls are billed to someone else.” YOU would not dare to speed beyond 55 mph (88 kph) in Washington and then tell the traffic cop, “Do you know who I am? I am so and so’s son. Take your two bucks and get lost.” YOU wouldn’t chuck an empty coconut shell anywhere other than the garbage pail on the beaches in Australia and New Zealand. Why don’t YOU spit paan on the streets of Tokyo? Why don’t YOU use examination jockeys or buy fake certificates in Boston? We are still talking of the same YOU.

5. YOU, who can respect and conform to a foreign system in other countries but cannot in your own. YOU, who will throw papers and cigarettes on the road, the moment you touch Indian ground. If you can be an involved and appreciative citizen in an alien country, why cannot you be the same here in India. Once in an interview, the famous ex-municipal commissioner of Bombay Mr Tinaikar had a point to make, “Rich people’s dogs are walked on the streets to leave their affluent droppings all over the place,” he said. “And then the same people turn around to criticise and blame the authorities for inefficiency and dirty pavements. What do they expect the officers to do? Go down with a broom every time their dog feels the pressure in his bowels? In America, every dog owner has to clean up after his pet has done the job. Same is in Japan. Will Indian citizens do that here?” He’s right.

6. We go to the polls to choose a government and after that forfeit all responsibility. We sit back wanting to be pampered and expect the government to do everything for us whilst our contribution is totally negative. We expect the government to clean up, but we are not going to stop chucking garbage all over the place nor are we going to stop to pick up a stray piece of paper and throw it in the bin. We expect the railways to provide clean bathrooms, but we are not going to learn the proper use of bathrooms. We want Indian Airlines and Air India to provide the best of food and toiletries, but we are not going to stop pilfering at the least opportunity. This applies even to the staff, who is known not to pass on the service to the public.

When it comes to burning social issues like those related to women, dowry, girl- child and others, we make loud protests and continue to do the reverse at home. Our excuse? “It’s the whole system which has to change, how will it matter if I alone forego my son’s rights to a dowry.” So who’s going to change the system? What does a system consist of? Very conveniently for us, it consists of our neighbours, other households, other cities, other communities and the government. But definitely not me and YOU.

7. When it comes to us, in making a positive contribution to the system, we lock ourselves along with our families into a safe cocoon and look into the distance at countries far away and wait for a Mr Clean to come along and work miracles for us with a majestic sweep of his hand, or we leave the country and run away. Like lazy cowards, hounded by our fears, we run to America to bask in their glory and praise their system. When New York becomes insecure, we run to England. When England experiences unemployment, we take the next flight out to the Gulf. When the Gulf is war struck, we demand to be rescued and brought home by the Indian government. Everybody is out to abuse and rape the country. Nobody thinks of feeding the system. Our conscience is mortgaged to money.

8. Dear Indians, the article is highly thought inductive, calls for a great deal of introspection and pricks one’s conscience too….I am echoing J. F. Kennedy’s words to his fellow Americans to relate to Indians….

9. “Ask What we Can Do for India and Do What has to be Done to Make India What America and Other Western Countries a Today”.

10. Let’s do what India needs from us.

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by
choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

Question (i)
What was the writer doing in Hyderabad?
(a) Touring with friends
(b) Giving a lecture
(c) Attending a function
(d) Organising an event
Answer:
(b) Giving a lecture

Question (ii)
What was the 14-year-old girl’s goal in life?
(a) To live in a developed India
(b) To become an astronaut
(c) To become a scientist
(d) To make her country proud of her
Answer:
(a) To live in a developed India

Question (iii)
What happens after choosing a government?
(a) We expect the government to do everything
(b) We forfeit all responsibilities
(c) We want to be pampered
(d) All of these
Answer:
(d) All of these

Question (iv)
What does a system consist of?
(a) Our neighbours and other households
(b) The government
(c) Other cities and other communities
(d) All of us
Answer:
(d) All of us

Question (v)
Where do Indians run when New York becomes insecure?
(a) England
(b) Gulf
(c) India
(d) Japan
Answer:
(a) England

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

Question (i)
What are the negative remarks we make about our country?
Answer:
Government is inefficient; laws too old; municipality does not pick up garbage; phones don’t work; railways a joke; airline is the worst in the world; mails don’t reach their destinations.

Question (ii)
How does an Indian behave in Singapore?
Answer:
In Singapore, an Indian is at his international best; doesn’t throw cigarette butts on roads; eat in stores; pays 5 dollars to drive through Orchard Road.

Question (iii)
List two deeds an Indian would not dare to do while travelling abroad.
Answer:
Indians do not dare to eat in public during Ramadan in Dubai; go out in Jedah without covering their heads; do not dare to bribe an employee of telephone exchange in London; do not dare to speed beyond 55 mph in Washington; do not chuck empty coconut shell anywhere; do not spit paan on streets.

Question (iv)
What is our attitude towards elections and social issues?
Answer:
We go to polls to choose a government and after that forfeit all responsibilities expecting the government to do everything for us. For social issues, make loud protestations and continue to do the reverse at home.

Question (v)
What do you understand by the statement, “Our conscience is mortgaged to money”?
Answer:
It means that we leave the country and run away to make more money; we don’t do anything to improve our country.

Question (vi)
Find a word from the passage (para-6) which means ‘to steal things of small value’.
Answer:
pilfering

Question (vii)
Find a word from the passage (para-8) which means ‘the examination or observation’.
Answer:
introspection

♦ Unsolved Passages:

I. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. It was the year 2020. My nephew, Karthik, who had come to spend his summer vacation with me, was watching TV. He was thirteen and just like any adolescent of his age, was full of questions. After a busy day at work, all I wanted was to rest. The moment I saw Karthik, I knew he was, as always, bustling with curiosity, and I knew that now there will be no rest.

2. As it was raining, I made tea, sandwiches and pakoras for us. I sat down to talk to him about his studies. He made a quick reply about them going well and brushed aside the rest of the questions. He was more interested in something else. It was the news flash: India celebrates fifth anniversary of its successful mission to Mars. I knew now what his questions will be. Since I was working on something related to India’s mission to Mars at my office, I knew I could satisfy his curiosity. He wanted to know all about Mangalyaan, formally known as the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM).

3. So, I started telling him all about it. India’s mission to Mars was conceived in 2010 and launched in 2013. MOM successfully injected into Mars’ orbit on September 24, 2014. I told him how it was in fact the first time that any country had made it to the Martian orbit in the very first attempt (NASA took two attempts to get so far; the Soviet Union, three). The main purpose was to map the red planet’s surface and for a better analysis of Martian atmosphere. I thought I had told him the basics and there would not be too many questions now. But he was all ready with the next question, “Why are they calling it a budget player?” “Simply because it cost only $ 74 million, a fraction of the $ 671 million cost of the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s latest Mars program. In fact, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi boasted that India has spent less to reach Mars than Hollywood producers spent on the movie ‘Gravity’, which costed $ 100 million to make.”

4. “But how did this happen, how did India manage to hold costs down?” asked Karthik. I told him that India relied on technologies that it had used before and kept the size of the payload small, around 15 kilograms. Realising that the word payload might be tough for him to understand, I told him that it was infact the load carried by a vehicle exclusive of what is necessary for its operation. I also told him that India saved on fuel by using a smaller rocket to put its spacecraft into earth’s orbit first, to gain enough momentum to slingshot it towards Mars. Grinning, Karthik asked me, “So Aunty, what is special about MOM?”

5. “Well, it weighs around 1,337 kg and is about the size of a car. According to Professor Jitendra Goswami, the director of the institute and the man behind the discovery, the payload is tiny, just 14.5 kg (32 lbs), small enough to take on as cabin baggage.”

6. I sat there thinking about the controversies that MOM had to go through. Critics had pointed out that MOM and India’s investment in space did not seem to make sense when almost 30 per cent of India’s population live below the poverty line. Economist Jean Dreze once said about the mission, “It seems to be a part of the India’s elite delusional quest for superpower status”. But then I remembered the words of the chairman of ISRO about how ISRO’s budget represents only one per cent of the national budget and from that, the expenditure for MOM exploration was only seven per cent.

7. Thinking back on our conversation, I began to think whether Karthik had understood all the big terms and concepts that I used. I asked him, “So did you understand everything that I was talking about?”

8. “Well, not everything, but enough to know that India has succeeded where most of the others had failed”.

9. When all the food was over and Karthik had still not moved to wash his hands, I looked at him. He was sitting there, clearly dreaming. Upon prodding, he said, “Well, I was thinking, how great it would be to become an astronaut. I can move around in space, meet aliens, may be make a new house there. It would be fun to have picnic there. We can, in fact, promote it as a tourist place. We can also have a short stoppage at moon and some other planets. Do you think we can take a contract for arranging all this? What do you say Aunty?”

10. What could I say; I smiled and wished that his dreams would come true. Both of us sat there with the television running and dozing off. He lost in his dreams of going to Mars, and me, Karthik told me later, snoring.

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

(i) When was MOM launched?
(a) 2010
(b) 2011
(c) 2013
(d) 2014

(ii) How many attempts did NASA make to reach Mars?
(a) Two
(b) Three
(c) Four
(d) One

(iii) What was the size of the payload?
(a) 15 kg
(b) 14 kg
(c) 16 kg
(d) 17 kg

(iv) What was the other name of MOM?
(a) Mangalyaan
(b) Mars Orbit Mission
(c) Mangalgrehyaan
(d) Shubhyaan

(v) What was the cost of Mangalyaan?
(a) $ 84 million
(b) $ 108 million
(c) $ 74 million
(d) $ 100 million

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

(i) Why did the narrator feel that she could satisfy Karthik’s curiosity?
(ii) What was the main purpose of MOM?
(iii) Why is MOM called a budget player in the passage?
(iv) How did India manage to keep the cost low for the mission?
(v) What are the special features of MOM?
(vi) Find a word from the passage (para-6) which means ‘the total amount of money spent’.
(vii) Find a word from the passage (para-10) which means ‘sleeping’.

B. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. Gone are the days when going to school was like any other ritual. Elders in the house would fix a specific day as shubh muhurat for going to school and puja would be performed before a child was put to a school, then called pathshala. The child would then seek the blessings of his elders and his teacher (called guru) to complete his education and to come out with flying colours. Guru, the teacher, would always treat his pupil like his own child and teach him till he was completely satisfied with his or her performance.

2. But it seems now that over a period of time, the whole concept of education has changed. Now, getting a child into a school is a billion-dollar question and a real nightmare experience for the parents. The moment a toddler starts spreading his wings, the parents start worrying about his admission, which school they should send him to, or which school they can afford. They are even ready to spend more than what their pocket allows; after all it is the future of their child—the poor child who does not even know how to talk properly!

3. Our public schools are always in the limelight with the onset of the admission season. They are set with their colourful advertisements for admission to various classes. After all the admission procedures are over, one would start expecting a call letter. The moment a call letter is received, mothers have a tough time in making their small children sit and teach them to remember certain things which would open the door for their future (getting into a particular school). The child who hardly knows anything has to follow his mother, so that she could make him scribble a few things on paper. They have to go through this exercise to make a name.

4. Then comes the due day for the mind-boggling exercise-the interview. Parents start swinging between dos and don’ts, whether their child will make it or not. The moment you enter the school, you find beautifully dressed young kids with their parents huddled together to try their luck. For children, it is exactly the same situation as we elders face when we are told to attend a party where no one is known to us and where we simply find ourselves in a precarious situation as to what and what not to do. When we, the grown-ups cannot adjust to such gatherings, how do we expect our small children to be free in such an atmosphere? It is a real trauma for a child, who seeing an unfamiliar face, starts crying and that eventually becomes his negative point for his admission. He might be knowing what all he is expected to answer in such an interview but fails in his preliminary round. Is this a real test of his capability? Is this what determines his eligibility for admission?

5. Anyway, children are taken in batches followed by their anxious parents. God knows what the child is being asked to do. The parents are asked questions about their education, job, since when they are residing in the city, etc.

6. In another school, I talked to a parent who couldn’t get her daughter admitted because she had not put her in some preparatory school. This became a negative point for her daughter’s admission. Is it mandatory for parents to send their children to preparatory schools who have just learned how to stretch their limbs and can murmur a few words which most of the people are unable to understand?

7. Minister for Health and Primary Education, Delhi Government, amicably suggested that it is the moral duty of parents to give not only bookish knowledge to their children, but an environment where they can be nurtured to learn about their own culture and heritage by any mode (be it dance, art, painting, music, etc.) depending upon the child’s talent. He further laid emphasis on the fact that our duty doesn’t end by sending children to schools at early dawn, collecting them and sending them to tuitions and finally making them sit in front of the so-called idiot box. The child has to be mentally and morally educated besides being physically educated. His words were really a take-home lesson for every sensible parent.

8. But to some extent, I do blame parents because it is their eagerness to put their child in a reputed school. Parents do have a lot of pressure from different walks of life but should not presume that once the child goes to a popular school, the problem is solved. The parents should give quality time to their children and make sure that their children can do the best, even if they are not admitted to these popular schools.

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

(i) As soon as a toddler starts walking, what are his parents worried about?
(a) His future
(b) His health
(c) His admission
(d) His growth

(ii) After all the admission procedures are over, what would one expect?
(a) Money for the admission
(b) Immediate admission
(c) Good education
(d) Immediate classes

(iii) What comes into the limelight at the onset of the admission season?
(a) The child
(b) Public schools
(c) Parents
(d) The stationery shops

(iv) What is the mind-boggling exercise where parents start swinging between dos and don’ts?
(a) Admission
(b) Interview
(c) Raising a child
(d) Searching for the best school

(v) What is the most important thing that parents should give to their child?
(a) Good food
(b) Good clothes
(c) Quality education
(d) Quality time

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

(i) In what respect is going to school today different from what it used to be in the olden days?
(ii) What is the plight of the parents and that of children before the schooling begins?
(iii) In spite of the coaching done by the parents, children fail to perform well. Why?
(iv) “It is exactly the same situation we elders face…” Explain.
(v) Why do the parents want their children to be put in a popular school?
(vi) Find a word from the passage (para-3) which means ‘to write or draw something quickly or carelessly’.
(vii) Find a word from the passage (para-4) which means ‘fit to be chosen’.

III. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. If you enjoy watching crime shows on TV, you know that fingerprints play a major role in identifying people. But, you might be surprised to find out that using fingerprints for identification is not a new science. In fact, it is very old – dating back at least as far as 1885-1913 B.C.E. In Babylon, when people agreed to a business contract, they pressed their fingerprints into the clay in which the contract was written. Thumbprints have also been found on clay seals from ancient China.

2. In 14th century Persia, which is now Iran, a government doctor recognised that all fingerprints are different. In 1684, a British doctor, Nehemiah Grew, spoke about the ridged surfaces of the fingers. In 1686, a professor of anatomy (the study of the structure of the human body) named Marcello Malpighi, wrote about the ridges and loops in fingerprints. Malpighi’s work was considered so important that a layer of skin found on the fingertips was named after him. This layer of skin is called the Malpighian layer. Although scientists had studied fingerprints, the value

(ii) Who wrote about fingerprints in 1686?
(a) Henry Faulds
(b) Charles Darwin
(c) Nehemian Grew
(d) Sir William James Herschel

(iii) Who uses a variation of the Galton-Henry system?
(a) FBI
(b) Japanese Hospital
(c) Henry Faulds
(d) United States

(iv) Where was the use of fingerprinting in identification originated?
(a) Britain
(b) China
(c) India
(d) Iran

(v) Why are fingerprints checked in a classified job?
(a) Because they may not discuss your work
(b) Because they work only with fingerprints
(c) Because they work with automated systems
(d) To be sure of any criminal background

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

(i) How were fingerprints used in the ancient times?
(ii) Define anatomy.
(iii) What is Malpighian layer?
(iv) Why did Sir William James Herschel ask people to put their handprints on contracts?
(v) How long does it take the IAFIS to find someone’s fingerprints?
(vi) Find a word from the passage (para-1) which means ‘to recognise someone or something’.
(vii) Find a word from the passage (para-4) which means ‘to invent a plan or system’.

IV. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. It’s a common refrain: Youngsters today are becoming westernised. Parents lament that if they ask their kids to accompany them to the temple, they pull a long face. But all these may just be nothing other than popular perceptions. A survey conducted by hindustantimes.com shows that 68 per cent of youth today believe in a higher power, 43 per cent visit the temple every day and around 60 per cent admit that going to the temple gives them mental satisfaction. They want to show their devotion to God.

2. The survey also shows that rather than making them superstitious, a faith in a higher being, visiting temples, and wearing religious symbols, such as a kada or a sacred thread gives them a sense of strength.

3. Clinical psychologist, Seema Sharma says, “In this stress-ridden life of ours, we need to fall back on something for which we have to be sure that it is more powerful than us. Developing faith on any one relevant thing in our life is mandatory. Psychological anarchy is prevented if we have something on which we can put our trust to.”

4. It was a decade or so back that a trendy youngster would consider it middle-class to admit that they kept fasts and visited the temple. It was in vogue to sneer at the temple-going variety, though the snob brigade might be doing it themselves.

5. But not now. Things have changed. “Children have become more logical. They believe in God but only as far as they find any logic in this because they have started analysing the situation. They are open to any kind of discussion, so they don’t shy away to be ritualistic as few years back they were”, says Madhu Kansal, the Principal of Delhi International School.

6. They wear their kadas, and cross with confidence and don’t hide it inside their tees, though around 45 per cent will not wear religious prints because they feel it is demeaning to their religion and 36 per cent will not use religious tones as ringtones for their mobile phones. Their logic: “Why display?”

7. Conservative it may sound but a huge difference in the attitude of today’s youth towards God is visible. Calling God nicknames would be unthinkable for the older generation who hold the entity in awe and fear. Not so with the youth today. They seem to blend their orthodox beliefs with a fun quotient perfectly, in their relationship with God. For them: God is “cool”.

8. Senior BJP leader, Sushma Swaraj says, “Youngsters are not hypocrites. They don’t believe in displaying but believe in truth. They are ready to face anything and have a friendly relationship with God. They have given nicknames to their favourite Gods, such as Roly Poly for Lord Ganesh and Hanu for Hanuman. Gods are their buddies.”

9. What also emerges from the survey is that many visit temples and observe rituals because their family insists. Says Pinky Nigam, a student of Hindu college, “Family plays a crucial role and perhaps is one of the most significant determinants of a child’s religious discourse.”

10. Aishwarya Sakhuja agrees, “Yes, you will see me with a dupatta on my head in a puja but that’s all about it. I do it to keep my family happy.”

11. Sociologist D.L. Seth, a member of Centre for the Study of Developing Societies says, “Life is becoming uncertain. People want some mental peace, there is a higher sense of insecurity, and being ritualistic is not really attached to being superstitious. It is not necessary that a ritualistic person may be superstitious and a superstitious person may be ritualistic.”

12. That seems to be the blend then, spiritual but realistic. Kuchipudi dancer, Raja Reddy, talking of his own children, says, “My children want to know everything about our religious rites; they know Kuchipudi but choreograph western compositions.”

13. Life today is fast, furious, and fickle, but Gen-X seems to have found the formula to fight back: Blend your religious faith with practical sense, draw strength and solace from it but don’t foster blind faith. Practise rituals, if it makes your family happy. You can do this much for them even if you do not believe in it.

14. Anura Jain, 18, sums it up, “There is God, but he just can’t give everything to 10 million people!”

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by
choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

(i) What percentage of youth believes in higher power?

(a) 68%
(b) 60%
(c) 45%
(d) 36%

(ii) What gives a sense of strength to the youngsters?

(a) Visiting Temples
(b) Wearing religious symbols
(c) Making them superstitious
(d) None of these

(iii) Why will 45 % youngsters not wear religious prints?

(a) Because they feel that it is just a display
(b) Because they feel that it is demeaning
(c) Because they feel that it is funny
(d) Because they feel that it is less trendy

(iv) Who holds a fun quotient with God?

(a) Elder generation
(b) Younger generation
(c) Small children
(d) Everyone

(v) What is the most significant determinant of a child’s religious discourse?

(a) Friends
(b) Family
(c) Relatives
(d) Environment

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

(i) What does the author mean by, ‘All these may just be little other than popular perceptions’?
(ii) What does the survey conducted by hindustantimes.com reveal about youngster’s belief in God?
(iii) Compare the scenario of the youngster’s belief a decade back with that of the present time.
(iv) What do certain youngsters do in order to avoid making a display of their religious beliefs?
(v) What are the certain things that youngsters do to support their view of‘God is cool’?
(vi) Find a word from the passage (para-4) which means ‘modern and influenced by the most recent fashions or idea’.
(vii) Find a word from the passage (para-7) which means ‘a feeling of great respect mixed with fear’.

V. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. We hear the word ‘smart cities’ often these days. So what is it? Is it a city where everyone is smart or where only smart people are allowed? Or is it a futuristic city upon entry of which people will become smart?

2. It is however, something entirely different. Just to give you an idea-Think of sensors monitoring water levels, energy usage, traffic flows, and security cameras, and sending that data directly to city administrators. Or applications that help residents navigate traffic, report potholes and vote. Or trash collection that’s totally automated. This is what a ‘smart city’ will have. In fact, the term generally refers to cities using information technology to solve urban problems. It is also used to enhance performance and well-being, to reduce costs and resource consumption, and to engage more effectively and actively with its citizens. It will help in confronting overcrowding, traffic congestion, pollution, resource constraints, inadequate infrastructure, and the need for continuing economic growth. It will also have reduced crime, safer streets and neighbourhood. In all, there will be a general improvement in the quality of life.

3. The key ‘smart’ sectors include transport, energy, healthcare, water and waste. A smart city should be able to respond faster to city and global challenges than one with a simple ‘transactional’ relationship with its citizens. It engages effectively with local people in local governance and decision by use of open innovation processes and e-participation with emphasis placed on citizen participation and co-design. It makes good use of the creative industries, supported by strong knowledge and social networks, voluntary organisations in a low-crime setting to achieve these aims.

4. The terms ‘intelligent city’ and ‘digital city’ are also used interchangeably with smart city.

5. You may wonder, why there is sudden interest in smart cities. It is due to major challenges, including climate change, economic restructuring, the move to online retail and entertainment, ageing populations, and pressures on public finances.

6. So, how does it work? The Smart Cities Council, an industry-backed outfit that advocates the concept in India, describes them as cities that control data gathered from smart sensors through a smart grid to create a city that is liveable, workable and sustainable. According to the Smart Cities Council, all the data that is collected from sensors – electricity, gas, water, traffic and other government analytics – is carefully compiled and integrated into a smart grid and then fed into computers that can focus on making the city as efficient as possible.

7. This allows authorities to have real-time information about the city around them, and allows computers to attempt “perfect operations”, such as balancing supply and demand on electricity networks, synchronising traffic signals for peak usage, and optimising energy networks. India is urbanising at an unprecedented rate, so much that estimates suggest that nearly 600 million Indians will be living in cities by 2030, up from 290 million as reported in the 2001 census. A McKinsey Global Institute study estimated that cities would generate 70% new jobs by 2030, produce more than 70% of the Indian gross domestic product and drive a fourfold increase in per capita income across the country.

8. The concept of ‘smart cities’ as satellite towns of larger ones was enunciated in last month’s budget by the new NDA government which has allocated a sum of ? 7,060 crores for the plan. In his budget speech, Jaitley mentioned about exactly why the government believes the need for spending money on 100 smart cities. He claimed that “unless new cities are developed to accommodate the burgeoning number of people, the existing cities would soon become unliveable.” According to the urban development ministry, the focus will not be just 100 cities, but all urban areas across the country 100 cities, however, remain a tentative figure, with much still to be pinned down.

The budget speech only officially identified cities along the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Master Plan, which covers seven states. Although they weren’t named in the budget, seven cities have also been named along the Delhi- Mumbai Industrial Corridor, some which would overlap with the Amritsar-Kolkata plan. Officially, the budget only pointed out three cities in the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor: Ponneri in Tamil Nadu, Krishnapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and Tumkur in Karnataka.

9. The secretary, Sudhir Krishna has asked the National Institute of Urban Affairs to work on the smart city project, based on a framework that covers overall smartness and sustainability. For now, the focus will be on a much smaller number of cities in states where conditions are amenable before. The government even attempts to look at expanding to cover 100 urban areas.

10. 70 crore per city will clearly not be enough, and even if more is added, it’s unlikely that the government will have resources to pay for the cities. The government announced that it was relaxing norms for foreign direct investment to make it easier for outside companies to invest in smart cities. In addition, India has spoken . to France, Japan and Singapore about collaborating on the projects.

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by
choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

(i) What are the key ‘smart’ sectors?
(a) Transport and energy
(b) Healthcare and water
(c) Energy and waste
(d) All of these

(ii) How do smart cities engage with local people?

(a) By e-participation
(b) By open-innovation
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) By meeting people regularly

(iii) Who estimated that cities would generate 70% new jobs by 2030?

(a) Smart Cities Council
(b) Global Institute
(c) Smart Sectors
(d) City Administrators

(iv) What does the McKinsey Global Institute study suggest about India’s GDP in the future?
(a) It will increase more than 70%
(b) It will decrease more than 70%
(c) It will decrease more than 60%
(d) It will increase more than 50%

(v) How many states does the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Master Plan cover?
(a) Six
(b) Five
(c) Eight
(d) Seven

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

(i) What are ‘smart cities’?
(ii) What does the author mean by, ‘India is urbanising at an unprecedented rate’?
(iii) Why is there a sudden interest in smart cities?
(iv) Why does the government feel that there is a need for spending money on 100 smart cities?
(v) How is the government generating resources for the formation of smart cities?
(vi) Find a word from the passage (para-3) which means ‘use of any new idea or method’.
(vii) Find a word from the passage (para-8) which means ‘to provide with a place to live’.

VI. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. Till as late as the 1960s, we believed that one of the major differences between us and the rest of the animal kingdom was our ability to make and use tools. But then, our egos suffered a devastating blow: in the jungles of Gombe in Africa, Jane Goodall observed a chimpanzee pluck and trim a stem of grass and insert it into a termite mound. The furious termites climbed up the stem only to be happily eaten up by the chimp. The chimp kept repeating the process. He had, in fact, fashioned his own fishing rod and gone fishing for termites.

We were not alone! And that was not all. Chimps were also observed using rocks to bash open hard shells and fruits (which other monkeys also do), to throw them at their enemies and wave sticks around. Even worse, adolescent females, especially, were seen sharpening sticks with their teeth and thrusting these like spears into hollows where bush-babies were hiding I fear and then checked the spear tips for blood! Chimps were also seen chewing up leaves and using these like sponges to suck up water from the waterholes to enable them to drink.

2. The gorillas and orangutans were not far behind. In 2005, a western lowland gorilla (a lady, this time) was observed picking up a stick and using it to check the depth of a pool she wanted to cross. Then, she used it as a walking stick. Orangutans (as well as chimpanzees) have been observed using broad leaves as umbrellas during downpours – and orangutans that are accustomed to our company (never a good influence) imitate the way we wash clothes by the riverbank or use a saw to cut wood.

3. Elephants designed fly-whisks and backscratchers from branches and used strips of chewed up bark to plug small waterholes (which they had dug) to prevent the water from evaporating. Dada bulls would heave heavy logs or rocks at electric fences to short-circuit or simple destroy them.

4. Bottle-nosed dolphins have been known to cover their long noses with sponges or shells before combing the seabed for tidbits (There are many spiny creatures and sharp rocks that could otherwise injure them).

5. Crows are thought to be the smartest amongst birds and the new Caledonian crow is considered to be the Einstein among crows. Crows have been known to do the dropping-of-pebbles-in-a-pitcher of water stunt, as described in Aesop’s Fables. The American alligator has been known to arrange twigs on its head – to lure nest-building birds to come and pick them up. When they do, well, lunch is served for the alligator!

6. For long, we have exploited the poor silkworm, boiling its cocoons alive to make one of the most exquisite clothing materials known so far. But the real pros in silk production are hold your breath spiders. What caterpillars of moths and butterflies do with their mouthparts (like a magician releasing ribbons from his/ her mouth), spiders do it from the lower part of their bodies. But try as we may, we still haven’t cracked the code of how to synthesise spider silk, which can be used for everything from producing gunsights and sutures to light bulletproof jackets and seat belts.

7. What if spiders sold their silk? Imagine walking into a silk emporium run by arachnids, you would be greeted by a sales-spider: charming, young Ms/Mr Hairy legs, who would appraise you out of her/his eight or so eyes. “Welcome, welcome!” She/He would gush scanning you top-down, rubbing its hairy legs together in delight. “We have some of the finest, softest cradle silk you would ever want for your happy events. Wrapped up in it, your babies will be warm, safe and dry as they wait to hatch. It’s super-absorbent, too, and nappy rash will not be a problem!

8. So yes, animals use tools, but we needn’t worry. None of them have, as yet, discovered how to make fire. Though our very own black kite will with its goonda friends – spread a wildfire by dropping burning twigs in unburned areas so they can snap up even more fleeing insects and rodents. But yes, these so-called tools are primitive.

9. But then, do animals really need sophisticated tools to get what they want? Cheetahs accelerate faster than Ferraris, pit vipers have heat-seeking sensors, eagles can locate a rabbit in a field from kilometres away, sharks smell a drop of blood in a whole ruddy ocean, bats use sonar, birds and bees see ultraviolet light, a falcon can dive at 320 kmph, snakes have a cocktail of venom that can bleed, paralyse or liquefy you to death, spiders’ silk still has us in a tizzy, chameleons and octopuses wear invisibility cloaks, and migratory birds have built-in navigation system – the list is endless!

10. We had the best brains and so were able to design miraculous tools. But look where we have ended up: we’ve gassed up the earth’s air, poisoned the water and have stocked enough weaponry to destroy ourselves a million times over. So really, who is the monkey with the wrench? [CBSE 2019 SET-IT]

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

(i) What does it indicate when chimps make their own fishing rods?

(a) That animals and man have similar interests
(b) That monkeys also go fishing
(c) That animals like to imitate man
(d) That man is an animal who likes to fish

(ii) How do we know that chimps are intelligent?

(a) They try and ape man
(b) They use their brains to find solution to problems
(c) They kill bush-babies
(d) They love to eat termites

(iii) Why do orangutans use big leaves during downpour?

(a) Because they like big leaves when it starts to rain
(b) Because they do not like heavy rain
(c) Because they want to wet the leaves
(d) Because the leaves can keep the rain off their bodies

(iv) Why might the black kite start a fire?

(a) Because it is a fire bird
(b) Because it is hungry and looking for food
(c) Because it likes to watch fleeing animals
(d) Because it eats only cooked meat

(v) Why do big male elephants throw logs at electric fences?

(a) Because they want to be free
(b) Because they are great throwers
(c) Because they enjoy the sparks thus caused
(d) Because they are very strong animals

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

(i) Why are animals considered as intelligent as humans?
(ii) What strategy do chimps use to open hard shells and fruits?
(iii) What do elephants do to prevent water from evaporating?
(iv) Give an example from the passage that proves the crow to be an intelligent bird.
(v) How does a black kite spread wildfire?
(vi) Find a word from the passage (para-6) which means ‘misused’.
(vii) Find a word from the passage (para-7) which means ‘welcomed’.

This grammar section explains English Grammar in a clear and simple way. There are example sentences to show how the language is used. NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English will help you to write better answers in your Class 12 exams. Because the Solutions are solved by subject matter experts. https://ncertmcq.com/unseen-passage-for-class-12-literature/

Read all classes unseen passage with questions and answers in English

Unseen Passage for Class 12 Literature With Answers PDF 2020

English Comprehension Passages with Questions and Answers for Grade 12

Unseen Passage For Class 12 With Answers Pdf

♦ Solved Passages:

I. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow. (12 marks)

1. You never saw such a commotion in all your life as when my Uncle Podger undertook to do a job. A picture would be waiting to be put up and Uncle Podger would say: ‘Oh, you leave that to me. Don’t you worry about that? I’ll do all that. Now you go and get me my hammer. You bring me the rule Tom, and I shall want the step – ladder and I had better have a kitchen chair too and Jim, you run round to Mr. Goggles and tell him Pa’s kind regards and hopes his leg’s better and will he lend him his spirit level? And don’t you go, Martha, because I shall want somebody to hold me the light, and when the girl comes back, she must go out again for a bit of picture – cord and Tom you come here I shall want you to hand me up the picture.’

2. And then he would lift up the picture and drop it and it would come out of the frame, and he would try to save the glass and cut himself and then he would spring round the room, looking for his handkerchief. He could not find his handkerchief, because it was in the pocket of the coat he had taken off, and he did not know where he had put the coat. The entire house had to leave off looking for his tools and start looking for his coat, while he would dance round and hinder them. ‘Doesn’t anybody in the whole house knows where my coat is? Six of you! You can’t find a coat!’ Then he’d get up and find that he had been sitting on it, and would call out. ‘Oh, you can give it up! I’ve found it myself now.’

3. When half an hour had been spent in tying up his finger, and a new glass had been got, and the tools, and the ladder, and the chair, and the candle had been brought, he would have another go, the whole family, including the girl and the charwoman, standing round in a semi-circle, ready to help.

4. Two people would have to hold him there, and a fourth would hand him a nail, and a fifth would pass him up the hammer, and he would take hold of the nail, and drop it. “There!’ he would say, in an injured tone, ‘now the nail’s gone’.

5. We would all have to go down on our knees and grovel for it, while he would stand on the chair, and grunt, and want to know if he was to be kept there all the evening. The nail would be found at last, but by that time he would have lost the hammer. “Where’s the hammer? Seven of you gaping round there and you don’t know what I did with the hammer?’

6. We would find the hammer and then he would have lost sight of the mark he had made on the wall. Each of us had to get up on the chair beside him and see if we could find it, and we would each discover it in a different place and he would call us all fools. And he would take the rule, and re-measure and find that he wanted half thirty – one and three-eighths inches from the corner, and would try to do it in his head, and go mad. And we would all try to do it in our heads and all arrive at different results, and the original number would be forgotten, and Uncle Podger would have to measure it again.

7. He would use a bit of string this time and at the critical moment, when he was leaning over the chair at an angle of forty – five, and trying to reach a point on the wall, the string would slip, and down he would slide on the piano, a really fine musical effect being produced by the suddenness with which his head and body struck all the notes at the same time.

8. At last, Uncle Podger would get the spot fixed again and put the point of the nail on it with his left hand and take the hammer in his right hand. And, with the first blow, he would smash his thumb, and drop the hammer with a yell, on somebody’s toes.

9. Aunt Maria would observe that the next time Uncle Podger was going to hammer a nail into the wall;. she would go and spend a week with her mother while it was being done. ‘You women you make such a fuss over everything,’ Uncle Podger would reply. “I like doing a little job of this sort.’

Adapted from Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog) by Jerome K. Jerome

Unseen Passage For Class 12

1.1 Choose the correct option.

(a) A charwoman is a woman ……………………………..
i. who cleans houses
ii. who is the head of a committee
iii. none of the above

(b) When the hammer had finally been found, Uncle Podger would ……………………………..
i. have lost sight of the mark he had made on the wall
ii. have lost the nail
iii. fix the nail on the wall

Unseen Passage Class 12

1.2 On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions.

(a) How did Uncle Podger prepare for the task that he was going to undertake?
(b) Why was looking for the handkerchief a tedious task?
(c) Uncle Podger’s family was not good at mental maths. Give evidence.
(d) What was Aunt Maria’s reaction to Uncle Podger’s hanging the picture?
(e) Give two words to describe Uncle Podger.

1.3 Pick out the words from the passage which mean the same as the following.

(a) tumult (para 1)
(b) abruptness (para 7)

Unseen Passage Class 12 Cbse 2020

II. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. That large animals require luxuriant vegetation has been a general assumption which has passed from one work to another, but I do not hesitate to say that it is completely false and that it has vitiated the reasoning of geologists on some points of great interest in the ancient history of the world. The prejudice has probably been derived from India, and the Indian islands, where troops of elephants, noble forests, and impenetrable jungles are associated together in everyone’s mind. If, however, we refer to any work of travels through the southern parts of Africa, we shall find allusions in almost every page either to the desert character of the country or to the numbers of large animals inhabiting it. The same thing is rendered evident by the many engravings which have been published in various parts of the interior.

2. Dr Andrew Smith, who has lately succeeded in passing the Tropic of Capricorn, informs me that taking into consideration the whole of the southern part of Africa, there can be no doubt of its being a sterile country. On the southern coasts, there are some fine forests, but with these exceptions, the traveller may pass for days together through open plains, covered by poor and scanty vegetation. Now, if we look to the animals inhabiting these wide plains, we shall find their numbers extraordinarily great, and their bulk immense.

3. It may be supposed that although the species are numerous, the individuals of each kind are few. By the kindness of Dr Smith, I am enabled to show that the case is very different. He informs me that in one day’s march with the bullock-wagons, he saw, without wandering to any great distance on either side, between one-hundred and one-hundred and fifty rhinoceroses—the same day he saw several herds of giraffes, amounting together to nearly a hundred.

4. At the distance of a little more than one hour’s march from their place of encampment on the previous night, his party actually killed eight hippopotamuses at one spot and saw many more. In this same river, there were likewise crocodiles. Of course, it was a case quite extraordinary to see so many great animals crowded together, but it evidently proves that they must exist in great numbers. Dr Smith describes that the country passed through that day as ‘being thinly covered with grass, and bushes about four feet high, and still more thinly with mimosa trees’.

5. Besides these large animals, anyone the least acquainted with the natural history of the Cape has read of the herds of antelopes, which can be compared only with the flocks of migratory birds. The numbers indeed of the lion, panther, and hyena, and the multitude of birds of prey, plainly speak of the abundance of the smaller quadrupeds. One evening, seven lions were counted at the same time prowling round Dr Smith’s encampment. .As this, an able naturalist remarked to me, each day the carnage in Southern Africa must indeed be terrific! I confess that it is truly surprising how such a number of animals can find support in a country producing so little food.

6. The larger quadrupeds no doubt roam over wide tracts in search of it; and their food chiefly consists of underwood, which probably contains many nutrients in a small bulk. Dr. Smith also informs me that the vegetation has a rapid growth; no sooner is a part consumed, than its place is supplied by a fresh stock. There can be no doubt, however, that our ideas respecting the apparent amount of food necessary for the support of large quadrupeds are much exaggerated. The belief that where large quadrupeds exist, the vegetation must necessarily be luxuriant is more remarkable because the converse is far from true.

7. Mr. Burchell observed to me that when entering Brazil, nothing struck him more forcibly than the splendour of the South American vegetation contrasted with that of South Africa, together with the absence of all large quadrupeds. In his travels, he has suggested that the comparison of the respective weights (if there were sufficient data) of an equal number of the largest herbivorous quadrupeds of each country would be extremely curious. If we take on the one side, the elephants, hippopotamus, giraffe, bos caffer, elan, five species of rhinoceros; and on the American side, two tapirs, the guanaco, three deer, the vicuna, peccari, capybara (after which we must choose from the monkeys to complete the number), and then place these two groups alongside each other; it is not easy to conceive ranks more disproportionate in size.

8. After the above facts, we are compelled to conclude, against the anterior probability that among the Mammalia there exists no close relation between the bulk of the species, and the quantity of the vegetation in the countries which they inhabit. Adapted from: Voyage of the Beagle, Charles Darwin (1890) [CBSE Sample Paper 2016]

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

Unseen Passage For Class 12 With Answers
Question (i)
What is the primary concern of the author?
(a) Discussing the relationship between the size of mammals and the nature of vegetation in their habitats
(b) Contrasting ecological conditions in India and Africa
(c) Proving that large animals do not require much food
(d) Describing the size of animals in various parts of the world
Answer:
Discussing the relationship between the size of mammals and the nature of vegetation in their habitats

Unseen Passage For Class 12 With Answers Pdf 2020

Question (ii)
According to the author, what has led to the ‘prejudice’?
(a) Errors in the reasoning of biologists
(b) False ideas about animals in Africa
(c) Incorrect assumptions on the part of geologists
(d) Doubt in the mind of the author
Answer:
False ideas about animals in Africa

Unseen Passage

Question (iii)
Why are the flocks of migratory birds mentioned in the passage?
(a) To describe an aspect of the fauna of South Africa
(b) To illustrate a possible source of food for large carnivores
(c) To contrast with the habits of the antelope
(d) To suggest the size of antelope herds
Answer:
(c) To contrast with the habits of the antelope

Unseen Passage For 12th Class

Question (iv)
Why does Darwin quote Burchell’s observations?
(a) To counter a popular misconception
(b) To describe a region of great splendour
(c) To prove a hypothesis
(d) To illustrate a well-known phenomenon
Answer:
(d) To illustrate a well-known phenomenon

Class 12 English Passage Question Answer

Question (v)
What struck Mr Burchell, when he entered Brazil?
(a) South African vegetation
(b) Presence of all large quadrupeds
(c) South American vegetation contrasted with that of South Africa
(d) Equal number of the largest herbivorous quadrupeds
Answer:
(c) South American vegetation contrasted with that of South Africa

Unseen Passage For Class 12th

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7marks)

Question (i)
What prejudice has vitiated the reasoning of geologists?
Answer:
The prejudice that large animals require luxuriant vegetation has vitiated the reasoning of geologists.

Question (ii)
Why does Dr Smith refer to Africa as a sterile country?
Answer:
Dr Smith refers to Africa as a sterile country. Here, the traveller may pass for days together through open plains, covered by a poor and scanty vegetation.

Question (iii)
What is the ‘carnage’ referred to by Dr Smith?
Answer:
Dr Smith refers to the number of prey animals killed by predators as carnage.

Question (iv)
What does Darwin’s remark, ‘if there were sufficient data’ indicate?
Answer:
Darwin’s remark indicates that comparison of the weights of herbivores is largely speculative.

Question (v)
To account for the ‘surprising’ number of animals in a ‘country producing so little food’, what partial explanation does Darwin suggest?
Answer:
To account for the ‘surprising’ number of animals in a country producing so little food, Darwin suggests that food requirements have been overestimated. He also suggests a rapid growth of plant material.

Question (vi)
Find a word from the passage (para-5) which means ‘the violent killing of large number of people’.
Answer:
carnage

Question (vii)
Find a word from the passage (para-6) which means ‘animals that have four legs’.
Answer:
quadrupeds

III. Read the following poem carefully. (12 marks)

Invictus: The Unconquerable

1. Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

2. In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud,
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

3. Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.

4. It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

– W.E. Henley

A. On the basis of your understanding of the poem, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

Question (i)
What is the poem about?
(a) Courage in the face of death
(b) Holding on to one’s own dignity
(c) The soul after death
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Answer:
(d) Both (a) and (b)

Question (ii)
To what does the poet compare night?
(a) Pit
(b) Pole
(c) Black
(d) None of these
Answer:
(a) Pit

Question (iii)
What do you understand by ‘in the fell clutch of circumstance’?
(a) Under cruel circumstance
(b) Under sober circumstance
(c) Under good circumstance
(d) Under pampering circumstance
Answer:
(a) Under cruel circumstance

Question (iv)
What does the poet thank Gods for?
(a) Painful situations
(b) Unconquerable soul
(c) Dark night
(d) Wrath and tears
Answer:
(b) Unconquerable soul

Question (v)
How does the menace of the years find the poet?
(a) Unafraid
(b) Shaken
(c) Broken
(d) Peaceful
Answer:
(a) Unafraid

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

Question (i)
What does the poet mean by ‘horror of the shade’?
Answer:
Because of the bludgeoning of the poet’s head with various problems.

Question (ii)
Why is the poet’s head bloody?
Answer:
According to the poet, nothing can stop the events in the future and in fact, he cannot prevent things from happening. The poet talks about the horror of death in these lines.

Question (iii)
What does the poet intend to mean with the word ‘charge’?
Answer:
By the word ‘charged’, the poet refers to all the punishments that fate has allotted him.

Question (iv)
What is the theme of the poem?
Answer:
The main theme is that one controls one’s fate more than anyone else ever will. In a world that does not care for us and often seems to be trying to destroy us, we can overcome all odds and be victorious because we alone can change our fate.

Question (v)
Which phrase has been used to signify ‘advancing age’?
Answer:
Menace of the years has been used to signify ‘advancing age’.

Question (vi)
Find a word from the poem (verse-1) which means ‘not able to defeat’.
Answer:
unconquerable

Question (vii)
Find a word from the poem (verse-2) which means ‘to hit someone hard with a heavy weapon’.
Answer:
bludgeonings

IV. Read the following poem carefully. (12 marks)

I had a dove, and the sweet dove died,
And I have thought it died of grieving;
0 what could it grieve for? Its feet were tied With a silken thread of my own hand’s weaving:
Sweet little red feet! Why would you die?
Why would you leave me, sweet bird, why?
You liv’d alone on the forest tree,
Why, pretty thing, could you live with me?
I kidd’d you oft, and gave you white peas
Why not live sweetly as in the green trees?

– John Keats

A. On the basis of your understanding of the poem, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

Question (i)
For what is the bird grieving?
(a) Trees
(b) Nature
(c) Freedom
(d) Love
Answer:
(c) Freedom

Question (ii)
With what did the poet tie the bird’s feet?
(a) Chain
(b) Cloth
(c) Silk thread
(d) Cotton thread
Answer:
(c) Silk thread

Question (iii)
What does ‘lived alone on the forest tree’ symbolise?
(a) A dependent life
(b) Freedom
(c) A lonely life
(d) A dull life
Answer:
(b) Freedom

Question (iv)
What does the poet personify with a dove?
(a) Pretty
(b) Love
(c) Light
(d) Death
Answer:
(b) Love

Question (v)
What does the phrase ‘its feet were tied’ mean?
(a) Restrain
(b) Bondage
(c) Concern
(d) Protection
Answer:
(b) Bondage

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

Question (i)
What did the dove die of?
Answer:
The dove died grieving for a life of freedom and liberty.

Question (ii)
Does the poet know the cause of the dove’s death?
Answer:
The poet knows that the dove died of grieving, but he does not know what it grieved for.

Question (iii)
How did the poet satisfy the needs of the bird?
Answer:
The poet loved and kissed it and fed it with white peas.

Question (iv)
What message does the poem convey?
Answer:
The poem conveys the message that freedom is above everything and of the utmost importance in this world.

Question (v)
What did the bird grieve for?
Answer:
The bird grieved for the freedom which it had while living in the forest.

Question (vi)
Find a word from the poem which means ‘to feel and express great sadness’.
Answer:
grieve

Question (vii)
Find a word from the poem which means ‘held together with a long, thin string’.
Answer:
tied

V. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow. (12 marks)

May, Bistritz

1. I did not sleep well, though my bed was comfortable enough for I had all sorts of queer dreams. There was a dog howling all night under my window, which may have had something to do with it; or it may have been the paprika, for I had to drink up all the water in my carafe, and was still thirsty. Towards morning I slept and was wakened by the knocking at my door, I had to hurry breakfast, for the train started a little before eight.

2. All-day long we seemed to dawdle through a country which was full of beauty of every kind. Sometimes we saw little towns or castles on the top of steep hills such as we see in old missals; sometimes we ran by rivers and streams which seemed from the wide stony margin on each side of them to be subject to great floods. It takes a lot of water and running strong, to sweep the outside edge of a river clear.

At every station, there were groups of people, sometimes crowds, and in all sorts of attire. Some of them were just like the peasants at home or those I saw coming through France and Germany, with short jackets, and round hats, and home-made trousers; but others were very picturesque.

4. It was on the dark side of twilight when we got to Bistritz, which is a very interesting old place. Being practically on the frontier, it has had a very stormy existence and it certainly shows marks of it. Fifty years ago, a series of great fires took place which made terrible havoc on five separate occasions. At the very beginning of the seventeenth century, it underwent a siege of three weeks and lost 13,000 people, the casualties of war proper being assisted by famine and disease.

5. Count Dracula had directed me to go to the Golden Krone Hotel, which I found, to my great delight, to be thoroughly old–fashioned, for, of course, I wanted to see all I could of the ways of the country.

6. I was evidently expected, for when I got near the door I faced a cheery-looking elderly woman in the usual peasant dress… When I came close she bowed and said, “The Herr Englishman?’

7. ‘Yes,’ I said, “Jonathan Harker.’

8. She smiled and gave some message to an elderly man in white shirtsleeves, who had followed her to the door. He went, but immediately returned with a letter:

9. My friend – Welcome to the Carpathians. I am anxiously expecting you. Sleep well tonight. At three tomorrow, the diligence will start for Bukovina; a place on it is kept for you. At the Borgo Pass, my carriage will await you and will bring you to me. I trust that your journey from London has been a happy one and that you will enjoy your stay in my beautiful land – Your friend, Dracula.’ 4 May

10. I found that my landlord had got a letter from the Count, directing him to secure the best place on the coach for me; but on making inquiries as to details he seemed somewhat reticent and pretended that he could not understand my German.

11. This could not be true, because up to then he had understood it perfectly; at least, he answered my questions properly.

12. He and his wife, the old lady who had received me, looked at each other in a frightened sort of way. He mumbled out that the money had been sent in a letter, and that was all he knew. When I asked him if he knew Count Dracula, and could tell me anything of his castle, both he and his wife crossed themselves saying that they knew nothing at all and simply refused to speak further. It was all very mysterious and not by any means comforting. Just before I was leaving, the old lady came up to my room and said in a hysterical way: ‘Must you go? Oh! Young Herr, must you go?’ She was in such an excited state that she seemed to have lost her grip of what German she knew, and mixed it all up with some other language which I did not know at all. I was just able to follow her by asking a number of questions. When I told her that I must go at once and that I was engaged on important business, she asked again:

13. “Do you know what day it is?’ I answered that it was the fourth of May. She shook her head as she said again:

14. ‘Oh, yes! I know that! I know that, but do you know what day it is?’

15. On my saying that I did not understand, she went on: ‘It is the eve of St George’s Day. Do you not know that tonight; when the clock strikes midnight, all. the evil things in the world will have full sway. Do you know where you are going, and what you are going to do?’ She was in such evident distress that I tried to comfort her, but without effect. Finally, she went down on her knees and implored me not to go; at least to wait a day or two before starting.

16. It was all very ridiculous but I did not feel comfortable. However, there was business to be done, and I could allow nothing to interfere with it.

17. I tried to raise her up and said, as gravely as I could, that I thanked her, but my duty was imperative, and that I must go.

18. She saw, I suppose, the doubt in my face, for she put the rosary round my neck and said, ‘For your mother’s sake,’ and went out of the room.

19. I am writing this part of the diary whilst I am waiting for the coach, which is, of course, late; and the crucifix is still round my neck.

– An excerpt from Dracula by Bram Stoker

5.1 Choose the correct option.

(a) Paprika is ……………………..
i. a red powder made from a type of pepper, used in cooking as a spice
ii. a particular type of meat
iii. a type of green, leafy vegetable

(b) The word …………………….., in paragraph 2, means “a book of hymns’.
i. dawdle
ii. missal
iii. none of the above

5.2 On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the questions.

(a) What are the ominous signs that foretell the happenings?
(b) How does the narrator describe Bistritz? How did it add to the gothic setting?
(c) How was the narrator’s reception at the Golden Krone Hotel?
(d) Why did the landlord and his wife’s attitude confuse the narrator?
(e) What was the significance of the fourth of May?

5.3 Pick out the words from the passage which mean the same as the following.

(a) scenic (para 3)
(b) beseech (para 15)

Unsolved Passages

I. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. ‘NOW, what I want is, Facts. Teach these boys and girls nothing but Facts. Facts alone are wanted in life. Plant nothing else, and root out everything else. You can only form the minds of reasoning animals upon Facts: nothing else will ever be of any service to them. This is the principle on which I bring up my own children, and this is the principle on which I bring up these children. Stick to the facts, sir!’

2. The scene was a plain, bare, monotonous vault of a school-room, and the speaker’s square forefinger emphasised his observations by underscoring every sentence with a line on the schoolmaster’s sleeve. The emphasis was helped by the speaker’s square wall of a forehead, which had his eyebrows for its base, while his eyes found commodious cellarage in two dark caves, overshadowed by the wall.

The emphasis was helped by the speaker’s mouth, which was wide, thin, and hard set. The emphasis was helped by the speaker’s voice, which was inflexible, dry, and dictatorial. The emphasis was helped by the speaker’s hair, which bristled on the skirts of his bald head, a plantation of firs to keep the wind from its shining surface, all covered with knobs, like the crust of a plum pie, as if the head had scarcely warehouse-room for the hard facts stored inside. The speaker’s obstinate carriage, square coat, square legs, square shoulders, nay, his very neckcloth, trained to take him by the throat with an unaccommodating grasp, like a stubborn fact, as it was – all helped the emphasis.

3. ‘In this life, we want nothing but Facts, sir; nothing but Facts!’

4. The speaker, and the schoolmaster, and the third grown person present, all backed a little and swept with their eyes the inclined plane of little vessels then and there arranged in order, ready to have imperial gallons of facts poured into them until they were full to the brim.

5. Thomas Gradgrind, sir. A man of realities. A man of facts and calculations. A man who proceeds upon the principle that two and two are four, and nothing over, and who is not to be talked into allowing for anything over. Thomas Gradgrind, sir-imperatively Thomas-Thomas Gradgrind. With a rule and a pair of scales, and the multiplication table always in his pocket, sir, ready to weigh and measure any parcel of human nature, and tell you exactly what it comes to. It is a mere question of figures, a case of simple arithmetic. You might hope to get some other nonsensical belief into the head of George Gradgrind, or Augustus Gradgrind, or John Gradgrind, or Joseph Gradgrind (all supposititious, non-existent persons), but into the head of Thomas Gradgrind-no, sir!

6. In such terms, Mr Gradgrind always mentally introduced himself, whether to his .private circle of acquaintance or to the public in general. In such terms, no doubt, substituting the words ‘boys and girls’, for ‘sir’, Thomas Gradgrind now presented Thomas Gradgrind to the little pitchers before him, who were to be filled so full of facts.

7. Indeed, as he eagerly sparkled at them from the spacious cellar cellarage before mentioned, he seemed a kind of cannon loaded to the muzzle with facts, and prepared to blow them clean out of the regions of childhood at one discharge. He seemed a galvanising apparatus, too, charged with a grim mechanical substitute for the tender young imaginations that were to be stormed away.

8. ‘Girl number twenty,’ said Mr. Gradgrind, squarely pointing with his square forefinger, ‘I don’t know that girl. Who is that girl?’

9. ‘Sissy Jupe, sir,’ explained number twenty, blushing, standing up, and curtseying.

10. ‘Sissy is not a name,’ said Mr. Gradgrind. ‘Don’t call yourself Sissy. Call yourself Cecilia.’

11. ‘It’s father as he calls me Sissy, sir,’ returned the young girl in a trembling voice, and with another curtsey.

12. ‘Then he has no business to do it,’ said Mr. Gradgrind. ‘Tell him he mustn’t. Cecilia Jupe. Let me see. What is your father?’

13. ‘He belongs to the horse-riding, if you please, sir.’

14. Mr. Gradgrind frowned, and waved off the objectionable calling with his hand.

15. ‘We don’t want to know anything about that, here. You mustn’t tell us about that,
here. Your father breaks horses, doesn’t he?’

16. ‘If you please, sir, when they can get any to break, they do break horses in the ring, sir.’

17. ‘You mustn’t tell us about the ring, here. Very well, then. Describe your father as a horse-breaker. He doctors sick horses, I dare say?’

18. ‘Oh yes, sir.’

19. ‘Very well, then. He is a veterinary surgeon, a farrier, and a horse-breaker. Give me your definition of a horse.’

20. (Sissy Jupe was thrown into the greatest alarm by this demand.)

21. ‘Girl number twenty unable to define a horse!’ said Mr. Gradgrind, for the general benefit of all the little pitchers. ‘Girl number twenty possessed of no facts, in reference to one of the commonest of animals! Some boys’ definition of a horse. Bitzer, yours.’ (Adapted from Charles Dicken’s Hard Times)

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

(i) How was the speaker’s voice?
(a) Inflexible
(b) Dry
(c) Dictatorial
(d) All of these

(ii) Who has been called a man of realities?
(a) Thomas Gradgrind
(b) George Gradgrind
(c) John Gradgrind
(d) Joseph Gradgrind

(iii) What were the little ‘pitchers’ to be filled with?
(a) Water
(b) Wine
(c) Facts
(d) Figures

(iv) What was girl number twenty’s real name?
(a) Augustus
(b) Sissy Jupe
(c) Cecilia Jupe
(d) Bitzer Jupe

(v) What was girl number twenty unable to do?
(a) Define a horse
(b) Tell about her family
(c) Tell her name
(d) Ride a horse

B. Answer the following questions briefly.

(i) What does Thomas Gradgrind believe in?
(ii) What is a child’s mind compared to in this passage? Give examples.
(iii) Do you think Gradgrind’s approach to education was right? Why/Why not?
(iv) What is symbolic about the names of the characters in the passage?
(v) What is Gradgrind’s attitude towards children? Give examples.
(vi) Find a word from the passage (para-4) which means ‘the very top edge of a container’.
(vii) Find a word from the passage (para-7) which means ‘to use someone or something instead of a person or thing’.

II. Read the following poem carefully. (12 marks)

Anger

1. Anger in its time and place
May assume a kind of grace.
It must have some reason for it,
And not last beyond a minute.

2. If to further lengths it goes,
It does into malice grow.
This the difference that we see
Twixt the serpent and the bee.

3. If the latter you provoke,
It inflicts a hasty stroke,
Puts you to some little pain,
But it never stings again.

4. Close in tufted bush or brake
Lurks the poison-swelled snake
Nursing up his cherished wrath;
In the purlieux of his path,

5. In the cold, or in the warm,
Mean him good, or mean him harm,
Whensoever fate may bring you,
The vile snake will always sting you.

– Charles and Mary Lamb

A. On the basis of your understanding of the poem, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

(i) When is anger assumed as a kind of grace?
(a) All the time
(b) When it is in the correct place and time
(c) Never
(d) Both (b) and (c)

(ii) How long is it ok for anger to last?
(a) Not beyond a minute
(b) Not beyond 15 minutes
(c) Not beyond half an hour
(d) Not beyond an hour

(iii) What does anger grow into, if it remains for long?
(a) Fear
(b) Malice
(c) Pride
(d) Jealously

(iv) Who lurks in the tufted bush?
(a) Snake
(b) Bee
(c) Poet
(d) None of these

(v) When will the vile snake sting?
(a) In the cold
(b) In the warm
(c) Never
(d) Both (a) and (b)

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

(i) What do lines 1 and 2 suggest about the emotion ‘anger’?
(ii) Why do you think that anger which lasts beyond a minute becomes dangerous?
(iii) What does ‘provoke’ suggest of the temperament of the bee?
(iv) How does the anger of the bee differ from that of the snake?
(v) What does the poet compare the anger of the snake with?
(vi) Find a word from the poem (verse-3) which means ‘to try to annoy’.
(vii) Find a word from the poem (verse-4) which means ‘extreme anger’.

III. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. A stout old lady was walking with her basket down the middle of a street in Petrograd to the great confusion of the traffic and with no small peril to herself. It was pointed out to her that the pavement was the place for pedestrians, but she replied: ‘I’m going to walk where I like. We’ve got liberty now.’ It did not occur to the dear old lady that if liberty entitled the pedestrian to walk down the middle of the road, then the end of such liberty would be universal chaos. Everybody would be getting in everybody else’s way and nobody would get anywhere. Individual liberty would have become social anarchy.

2. There is a danger of the world getting liberty-drunk these days like the old lady with the basket, and it is just as well to remind ourselves of what the rule of the road means. It means that in order that the liberties of all may be preserved, the liberties of everybody must be curtailed. When the policeman, at Piccadilly Circus steps into the middle of the road and puts out his hand, he is the symbol not of tyranny but of liberty. You may not think so. You may, being in a hurry, and seeing your car pulled up by this insolence of office, feel that your liberty has been outraged. How dare this fellow interfere with your free use of the public highway? Then if you are a reasonable person, you will reflect that if he did not interfere with you, he would interfere with no one, and the result would be that Piccadilly Circus would be a maelstrom that you would never cross at all. You have submitted to a curtailment of private liberty in order that you may enjoy a social order which makes your liberty a reality.

3. Liberty is not a personal affair only but a social contract. It is an accommodation of interests. In matters which do not touch anybody else’s liberty, of course, I may be as free as I like. If I choose to go down the road in a dressing-gown, who shall say me nay? You have the liberty to laugh at me, but I have the liberty to be indifferent to you. And if I have a fancy for dyeing my hair, or waxing my moustache (which heaven forbid), or wearing an overcoat and sandals, or going to bed late or getting up early, I shall follow my fancy and ask no man’s permission. I shall not inquire of you whether I may eat mustard with my mutton. And you will not ask me whether you may follow this religion or that, whether you may prefer Ella Wheeler Wilcox to Wordsworth, or champagne to a shandy.

4. In all these and a thousand other details, you and I please ourselves and ask no one’s leave. We have a whole kingdom in which we rule alone, can do what we choose, be wise or ridiculous, harsh or easy, conventional or odd. But directly we step out of that kingdom, our personal liberty of action becomes qualified by other people’s liberty. I might like to practice on the trombone from midnight till three in the morning. If I went on to the top of Everest to do it, I could please myself, but if I do it in my bedroom, my family will object, and if I do it out in the streets, the neighbours will remind me that my liberty to blow the trombone must not interfere with their liberty to sleep in quiet.

5. There are a lot of people in the world, and I have to accommodate my liberty to their liberties. We are all liable to forget this, and unfortunately, we are much more conscious of the imperfections of others in this respect than of our own. A reasonable consideration for the rights or feelings of others is the foundation of social conduct.

6. It is in the small matters of conduct, in the observance of the rule of the road, that we pass judgment upon ourselves, and declare that we are civilised or uncivilised. The great moments of heroism and sacrifice are rare. It is the little habits of commonplace intercourse that make up the great sum of life and sweeten or make the journey bitter. (Adapted from an essay by George Orwell)

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

(i) Where was the stout lady walking?
(a) In the middle of a street
(b) Pavement
(c) Garden
(d) Highway

(ii) What is ‘rule of the road’ according to the author?
(a) Not to walk in the middle of the road
(b) To be considerate towards others
(c) Not to overtake others
(d) Not to drive rashly

(iii) What would have become social anarchy?
(a) To get liberty drunk
(b) Individual liberty
(c) Personal affair
(d) Liberty to laugh

(iv) What is the major danger in today’s world?
(a) Of the society getting liberty-drunk
(b) Of the society behaving in a rash manner
(c) Of the society living poorly
(d) Of people not cooperating with others

(v) What is the foundation of social conduct?
(a) Liberty to sleep in quiet
(b) Symbol of tyranny
(c) Consideration for the rights or feelings of others
(d) Heroism and sacrifice

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

(i) What is the author’s attitude towards the old lady in the passage?
(ii) How would ‘individual liberty become social anarchy’?
(iii) What does the sentence, ‘It means….curtailed’ (para-2) mean?
(iv) Which sentence best sums up the author’s main point?
(v) ‘We are all liable….’ (para-5). What does the author refer to?
(vi) Find a word from the passage (para-2) which means ‘to stop something before it is finished’.
(vii) Find a word from the passage (para-3) which means ‘the freedom to live as you wish’.

IV. Read the following poem carefully. (12 marks)

A Poison Tree

1. I was angry with my friend;
I told my wrath, my wrath did end.
I was angry with my foe:
I told it not, my wrath did grow.

2. And I watered it in fears,
Night A morning with my tears:
And I sunned it with smiles,
And with soft deceitful wiles.

3. And it grew both day and night.
Till it bore an apple bright.
And my foe beheld it shine,
And he knew that it was mine.

4. And into my garden stole,
When the night had veild the pole;
In the morning glad I see;
My foe outstretched beneath the tree.

– William Blake

A. On the basis of your understanding of the poem, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

(i) What emotion is expressed in verse-1 of the poem?
(a) Sorrow
(b) Happiness
(c) Anger
(d) Guilt

(ii) When did the poet’s wrath end?
(a) After telling it
(b) After taking it on the perpetrator
(c) After hitting someone
(d) After waiting for sometime

(iii) What happened when he did not express his anger?
(a) His anger grew
(b) His anger ended
(c) He lost his friend
(d) He started hating his friend

(iv) Who is the poet angry with?
(a) His mother
(b) His friend
(c) His brother
(d) His father

(v) How did the poet nurture his poison tree?
(a) With his fears and tears
(b) With his smile
(c) With his deceitful wiles
(d) All of these

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 x 7 = 7 marks)

(i) What is the theme of this poem?
(ii) What are the different factors which led to an increase in the poet’s anger?
(iii) How does the poet feel about his anger?
(iv) Does the poem offer any advice about how to deal with people who make us angry, upset, frustrated, etc.? If so, what? If not, why not?
(v) What does the poet mean by ‘watered it with fears’?
(vi) Find a word from the poem (verse-2) which means ‘dishonest’.
(vii) Find a word from the poem (verse-4) which means ‘to move quietly without being noticed’.

V. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. “But have you been to Nimtita? Have you been to the palace there?” asked the old man in the tea-shop, with the thatched roof. We were in the village of Lalgola, one hundred and fifty miles from Kolkata, and we had just seen our thirteenth nobleman’s palace and found it unsuitable.

2. “Nimtita? Where is that?” we asked without much interest. We had never heard of the place. “It is sixty miles to the North of here. You drive up the highway. Then you come to a river which you have to cross. A ferry will take your car across. Then up the highway again for twenty miles. A sign tells you where to branch off… It’s on the river Padma, on the eastern bank. It’s the palace of the Choudharys. I’ve been listening to your talk, and I feel you ought to see this one before you give up.”

3. We were not very hopeful. We had had enough trouble taking free advice from people who had no idea of our needs. Anyway, the question was: do we or do we not undertake this last trip? If we did not like the palace, it might mean either giving up making this film altogether or seriously changing its nature. We tossed a coin to decide whether to go or not. The coin said, “Go!”, and we set out on our sixty-mile journey.

4. It was when I was in bed with my right leg in plaster that I had decided the film on Tarasankar Banerji’s famous short story, ‘The Music Room’ (Jalsanghar). A nasty fall on the stone steps at Benaras had brought about a serious knee injury. I lay in bed and read all the Bengali books I could lay my hands on. Just then, the film distributors were not keen to take my film for distribution and maybe this was one of the things that made me choose ‘The Music Room’.

5. Here was a dramatic story which could naturally bring in music and dancing, and distributors loved music and dancing. But here, too, was a story full of feelings. So it would be satisfying for me as an artist. I would cast Chabi Biswas, our greatest actor, in the leading role of the zamindar – the zamindar whose love of the bog musical entertainments brings about his ruin. But the most important thing was to find a palace. As we had a low budget, there was no question of having studio-built sets. I knew that, if we had the money, my art director could easily build a set which looked like our old palace with the right style, but we just didn’t have the money for it.

6. Nimtita turned out to be everything that the old man had claimed – and more. No one could have described in words the feeling of utter sadness that surrounded the palace. The river Padma had changed its course over the years so that now there were endless stretches of sand where once had been villages. The palace itself-Greek pillars and all – was a perfect realisation of my dream image. It stood looking out over the stretches of sand with sad dignity. It had somehow escaped being totally destroyed when the river changed its course. The river had reached within ten years of the front of the palace – having swallowed the garden – and then stopped. Ganendra Narayan Choudhary, who is seventy and owns a British title and the palace, told us how it happened: “We were having breakfast one morning when we heard a low rumble. We went out to the veranda and saw a big chunk of our estate – almost a square mile of it – going underwater, disappearing forever. It all happened in a few seconds. Padma’s appetite is legendary.”

7. “But aren’t you afraid that the river might encroach further?”

8. “Oh, yes, the rains bring with them the usual fears.”

9. On returning from our first trip to Nimtita, I telephoned the author, Mr. Banerji. He had been just as anxious about the location as we were.

10. “We’ve found our palace, at last, Mr. Banerji,” I said.

11. “Have you? And where is it?”

12. “At a little-known place called Nimtita.”

13. “Nimtita? There was a note of recognition in his voice.” You don’t mean the palace of the Choudharys, do you?”

14. “That’s the one.”

15. “But that’s extraordinary! I haven’t been to Nimtita myself, but I have read about the Choudharys in a history of Bengal zamindars, and it was the music-loving Upendra Narayan Choudhary who served as the model for my rajah.” [CBSE 2019 SET-IT]

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by
choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

(i) What is the profession of the writer?
(a) Painter
(b) Filmmaker
(c) Photographer
(d) Journalist

(ii) What helped the writer and his friends to decide whether or not to go Nimtita?
(a) The suggestion made by the old man at the tea-shop
(b) Their own intuitive feeling
(c) Description of the palace in a travel book
(d) Tossing of a coin

(iii) Why was the idea of building a set for shooting given up?
(a) Shooting at a set would not give a real-life effect
(b) They didn’t have money for a set
(c) Building a set is very time consuming
(d) Shooting at the actual palace would be more authentic

(iv) Who is the central character in the story, ‘The Music Room’?
(a) A local raja
(b) A zamindar
(c) A British official
(d) An artist

(v) What did the author like the most about the palace?
(a) Facilities for the visitors
(b) Wood carvings at the ceiling
(c) Its huge central hall
(d) Its Greek pillars

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

(i) What suggestion did the old man at the tea-shop make to the author and his friends?
(ii) Why did the author not like the idea of taking free advice?
(iii) How did the author sustain a serious injury?
(iv) What brought about the ruin of the zamindar in the story, ‘The Music Room’?
(v) Who was Ganendra Narayan Choudhary?
(vi) Find a word from the passage (para-5) which means ‘main’.
(vii) Find a word from the passage (para-9) which means ‘concerned’.

VI. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. The sage of science, Einstein, was sitting in a depressive and pensive mood one evening. His eyes were brimming with tears. The pain was evident on his face. He peeped out of the window of his room. The sun had set a few minutes back. The sky was filled with a reddish glow. At this sunset, he felt that it was humanity that had sunk into devilish darkness and the reddish glow in the sky was the blood of humanity spilling all over the sky from earth. With tired steps, he walked back to his chair and settled down. It was the 9th of August 1945. Three days back, he had felt the same agony as if someone had torn him apart. He was deeply hurt and depressed when he heard on the radio that America had dropped an atom bomb on the Japanese city, Hiroshima. Today, within three days another bomb was dropped on another city, Nagasaki and lakhs of people had been killed.

2. He had heard that the blast released so much energy that it had paled all past destructions in comparison and death had played out a pitiable dance of destruction. The flames that broke out of the bomb were burning, melting and exploding buildings. Scared of the heat of the bomb, people had jumped into lakes and rivers, but the water was boiling, and the people too were burnt and killed. The animals in the water were already boiled to death. Animals, trees, herbs, fragrant flowering plants were all turned into ashes. The atomic energy destruction had just not stopped there. It had entered the atmosphere there and had spread radiation that would affect people for generations to come and would also ring about destructive irreversible biological changes in animals and plants.

3. As the news of the atomic attack reached Einstein, and he became aware of the glaring horror of the abuse of atomic energy, his distress and restlessness knew no bounds. He could not control himself and picked up his violin to turn his mind on to other things. While playing the violin, he tried to dissolve his distress in its sad notes but couldn’t. He was burning on the embers of destruction; his heart was filled with an ocean of agony and tears just continued streaming uncontrollably out of his eyes. Night had fallen. His daughter came up and asked him to eat something as he had not taken anything for the last four days. His voice was restrained, and he said, “I don’t feel like eating.”

4. He could not sleep that night. Lying down, he was thinking how he had drawn the attention of the then American President Roosevelt towards the destructive powers of an atomic bomb. He had thought that this would be used to scare Hitler and put an end to the barbarism that Hitler was up to. However, Roosevelt kept him in the dark and made false promises. Eventually, he had abused Einstein’s equation of E=MC2 that resulted in destructive experiments. His actions had made science and scientists as murderers. Einstein kept on thinking for a long time. Eventually, he slipped into sleep. When he woke up at dawn, there was a new dawn in him too. The atomic threat had transformed his heart.

5. The next day, he decided to disassociate himself from the scientific policy of the government and all governmental institutions. He decided to open educational institutions for children, adolescents, and youth – institutions where along with science, spirituality will be compulsorily taught.

6. To inaugurate this institution, he had invited two great philosophers, Bertrand Russell and Albert Schweitzer. Ten other great scientists who had won Nobel Prizes in different fields were also invited. They all saw’ a different Einstein, not a great scientist but a sage in him. The institution was opened by garlanding a photo of Mahatma Gandhi. While garlanding the Mahatma, he became emotional and said with a lump in his throat, “I bow down to the great man who fought for the independence of his country through non-violence. He could do so because he was a truthful man and true spiritualist.”

7. Those who teach science should be taught spirituality too. Without harmony between science and spirituality, the destruction would continue unabated. A few years after this institution was built, a Japanese delegation came to meet him. Einstein broke down in the meeting and said, “You can give me any punishment and I will accept it. Anyway, I have decided to lead my life in penitence.” The Japanese were moved by his sincerity and forgot their grief. [CBSE 2019 SET-IT]

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

(i) Besides two great philosophers how many other scientists were invited by Einstein to inaugurate the institution where spirituality would be compulsorily taught?
(a) Five
(b) Ten
(c) Eight
(d) Fifteen

(ii) Which instrument did Einstein play when he was in grief?
(a) Harmonium
(b) Guitar
(c) Violin
(d) Flute

(iii) How did Einstein come to know that America had dropped an atom bomb on the Japanese city?
(a) Through Television
(b) Through newspaper
(c) Through radio
(d) Through a telephonic message

(iv) Which American President was told about the destructive power of an atomic bomb?
(a) Kennedy
(b) Bill Clinton
(c) Lincoln
(d) Roosevelt

(v) What did Einstein say to the Japanese delegation?

(a) “You can give me any punishment and I will accept it.”
(b) “I am not at fault.”
(c) “What could I do?”
(d) “The President didn’t agree with my advice.”

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

(i) What did Einstein do to overcome his distress after getting the news of the atomic attack?
(ii) Which event in 1945, according to Einstein, turned science and scientists into murderers?
(iii) What did Einstein do to show his displeasure over the atomic attack?
(iv) Name the philosophers that Einstein invited to inaugurate the new institution.
(v) Why did Einstein want harmony between science and spirituality while teaching in educational institutes?
(vi) Find a word from the passage (para-1) which means ‘thoughtful’.
(vii) Find a word from the passage (para-2) which means ‘sweet-smelling’.

This grammar section explains English Grammar in a clear and simple way. There are example sentences to show how the language is used. NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English will help you to write better answers in your Class 12 exams. Because the Solutions are solved by subject matter experts. https://ncertmcq.com/unseen-passage-for-class-12-factual/

Unseen Passage For Class 12 Factual With Answers Pdf 2020

Factual Passage For Class 12

English Comprehension Passages with Questions and Answers for Grade 12

♦ Solved Passages:

I. Read the poem and answer the questions.

The Sluggard

– Isaac Watts

‘Tis the voice of the sluggard; I heard him complain,
“You have waked me too soon, I must slumber again.”
As the door on its hinges, so he on his bed,
Turns his sides and his shoulders and his heavy head.

“A little more sleep, and a little more slumber;”
Thus he wastes half his days, and his hours without number,
And when he gets up, he sits folding his hands,
Or walks about sauntering, or trifling he stands.

I pass’d by his garden, and saw the wild brier,
The thorn and the thistle grow broader and higher;
The clothes that hang on him are turning to rags;
And his money still wastes till he starves or he begs.

I made him a visit, still hoping to find
That he took better care for improving his mind:
He told me his dreams, talked of eating and drinking;
But scarce reads his Bible, and never loves thinking.

Said I then to my heart, “Here’s a lesson for me,”
This man’s but a picture of what I might be:
But thanks to my friends for their care in my breeding,
Who taught me betimes to love working and reading.

Unseen Passage For Class 12 With Mcq Questions And Answers

Choose the correct option.

(a) The word ……………………., in stanza l, means the same as the word ‘sleep’.
i. sluggard
ii. slumber
iii. heavy head
Answer:
ii. slumber

(b) The word ……………………. rhymes with the word ‘higher’.
i. brier
ii. ‘heart
iii. none of the above
Answer:
i. brier

(c) The word ……………………. is an example of an archaic usage.
i. thistle
ii. breeding
iii. betimes
Answer:
iii. betimes

Unseen Passage With Multiple Choice Questions For Class 12

(d) The word ‘sauntering’ means the same as …………………….
i. walking in a slow relaxed way
ii. running very fast
iii. none of the above
Answer:
i. walking in a slow relaxed way

On the basis of your reading of the poem answer these questions.

1. What does the sluggard protest?
2. What does the simile in stanza one imply?
3. What does the sluggard long for?
4. What does the sluggard do in his waking hours?
5. What kind of a housekeeper is the sluggard? Give evidence.
6. Why did the poet visit him? What was the poet’s reaction?
Answer:
1. The Sluggard protested against being woken up from sleep too early. He wanted to sleep some more.
2. The simile implies that the sluggard is never far from his bed and his relationship with his bed is like that of the door with the hinges.
3. The sluggard longed for some more hours of sleep.
4. In his waking hours, the sluggard sat around idly, and loitered around purposelessly.
5. The sluggard was not a meticulous housekeeper as his garden was overgrown with wild briar. The thorns and the thistles in his lawn had grown tall and thick with neglect.
6. The poet visited the sluggard hoping that he indulged in some intellectual activity although he was physically idle. The poet was however disappointed to find that he dreamt only about eating and drinking. The sluggard seldom read the Bible and was not fond of thinking.

Factual Passage Class 12

Find words or phrases in the poem which mean the same as the following.

1. countless (stanza 2)
2. rarely (stanza 4)
Answer:
1. without number
2. scarce

Unseen Passage With Mcq For Class 12

II. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. Maharana Pratap ruled over Mewar only for 25 years. However, he accomplished so much grandeur during his reign that his glory surpassed the boundaries of countries and time turning him into an immortal personality. He, along with his kingdom, became a synonym for valour, sacrifice and patriotism. Mewar had been a leading Rajput kingdom even before Maharana Pratap occupied the throne. Kings of Mewar, with the cooperation of their nobles and subjects, had established such traditions in the kingdom, as augmented their magnificence, despite the hurdles of having a smaller area under their command and less population. There did come a few thorny occasions when the flag of the kingdom seemed sliding down. Their flag once again heaved high in the sky, thanks to the gallantry and brilliance of the people of Mewar.

2. The destiny of Mewar was good in the sense that barring a few kings, most of the rulers were competent and patriotic. This glorious tradition of the kingdom almost continued for 1,500 years since its establishment, right from the reign of Bappa Rawal. In fact, only 60 years before Maharana Pratap, Rana Sanga drove the kingdom to the pinnacle of fame. His reputation went beyond Rajasthan and reached Delhi. Two generations before him, Rana Kumbha had given a new stature to the kingdom through victories and developmental work. During his reign, literature and art also progressed extraordinarily. Rana himself was inclined towards writing and his works are read with reverence, even today. The ambience of his kingdom was conducive to the creation of high quality work of art and literature. These accomplishments were the outcome of a longstanding tradition, sustained by several generations.

3. The life of the people of Mewar must have been peaceful and prosperous during the long span of time; otherwise such extraordinary accomplishment in these fields would not have been possible. This is reflected in their art and literature as well as their loving nature. They compensate for lack of admirable physique by their firm but pleasant nature. The ambience of Mewar remains lovely, thanks to the cheerful and liberal character of its people.

4. One may observe astonishing pieces of workmanship, not only in the forts and palaces of Mewar but also in public utility buildings. Ruins of many structures which are still standing tall in their grandeur are testimony to the fact that Mewar was not only the land of the brave but also a seat of art and culture. Amidst aggression and bloodshed, literature and art flourished and creative pursuits of literature and artists did not suffer. Imagine, how glorious the period must have been when the Vijaya Stambha, which is the sample of our great ancient architecture even today, was constructed. In the same fort, Kirti Stambha is standing high, reflecting how liberal the then administration was, which allowed people from other communities and kingdoms to come and carry out construction work. It is useless to indulge in the debate, whether the Vijaya Stambha was constructed first or the Kirti Stambha. The fact is that both the capitals are standing side-by-side and reveal the proximity between the king and the subjects of Mewar.

5. The cycle of time does not remain the same. Whereas, the reign of Rana Sanga was crucial in raising the kingdom to the acme of glory; it also proved to be his nemesis. History took a turn. The fortune of Mewar, the land of the brave, started waning. Rana tried to save the day with his acumen which was running against the stream and the glorious traditions for sometime. [CBSE Sample Paper 2016]

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

Factual Comprehension Passages With Questions And Answers Question (i)
How did Maharana Pratap turn into an immortal personality?
(a) He ruled Mewar for 25 years
(b) He added a lot of grandeur to Mewar
(c) Of his valour, sacrifice and patriotism
(d) Both (b) and (c)
Answer:
(d) Both (b) and (c)

Question (ii)
What were the difficulties in the way of Mewar?
(a) Lack of cooperation of the nobility
(b) Ancient traditions of the kingdom
(c) Its small area and small population
(d) The poverty of the subjects
Answer:
(c) Its small area and small population

Question (iii)
What was the thorny occasion?
(a) When the flag of Mewar seemed to be lowered
(b) When the flag of Mewar was hoisted high
(c) When the people of Mewar showed gallantry
(d) Both (a) and (c)
Answer:
(d) Both (a) and (c)

Question (iv)
Why was Mewar lucky?
(a) Because all of its rulers were competent
(b) Because most of its people were competent
(c) Because most of its rulers were incompetent
(d) Because only a few of its people were competent
Answer:
(b) Because most of its people were competent

Question (v)
Which is the sample of our great ancient architecture even today?
(a) Palace of Mewar
(b) Port of Mewar
(c) Vijaya Stambha
(d) Kirti Stambha
Answer:
(c) Vijaya Stambha

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

Question (i)
Who was the earliest King of Mewar?
Answer:
The earliest king of Mewar mentioned in the passage is Bappa Rawal.

Question (ii)
What was Rana Kumbha’s contribution to the glory of Mewar?
Answer:
Rana Kumbha gave new stature through victories and development work. The literature and art progressed. His writing is revered even today.

Question (iii)
What does the writer find worth admiration in the people of Mewar?
Answer:
According to the writer, the people of Mewar are of a pleasant nature and liberal character. They are cheerful, gallant and brilliant.

Question (iv)
How did art and literature flourish in Mewar?
Answer:
As there was peace and prosperity in Mewar over a long period of time, so the rulers had a liberal attitude. They were also more inclined towards art and literature.

Question (v)
How did the rulers show that they cared for their subjects?
Answer:
The rulers cared a lot for their subjects. The nobles cooperated with the subjects. They built public utility buildings. People lived peacefully and had prosperous lives. They built the Vijaya Stambha and Kirti Stambha.

Question (vi)
Find a word from the passage (para-5) which means ‘the most perfect thing that can exist or be achieved’.
Answer:
acme

Question (vii)
Find a word from the passage (para-5) which means ‘becoming weaker in strength’.
Answer:
waning

III. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. South India is known for its music and for its arts and rich literature. Madras or Chennai can be called the cultural capital and the soul of Mother India. The city is built low in pleasant contrast to the ghoulish tall structures of Mumbai and Kolkata. It has vast open spaces and ample greenery. The majestic spacious Mount Road looks like a river, wide and deep. A stroll on the Marina beach in the evening with the sea glistening in your face is refreshing. The breeze soothes the body, it refreshes the mind, sharpens the tongue and brightens the intellect.

2. One can never feel dull in Chennai. The intellectual and cultural life of the city is something of a marvel. Every street corner of Chennai has a literary forum, a debating society and music, dance and dramatic club. The intelligent arguments, the sparkling wit and dashing irony enliven both the political and the literary meetings. There is a young men’s association which attracts brilliant speakers and equally brilliant listeners to its meetings. It is a treat to watch the speakers use their oratorical weapons. Chennai speakers are by and large sweet and urbane, though the cantankerous, fire-eating variety is quite often witnessed in political campaigning. The urbane speakers weave their arguments slowly like the unfolding of a leisurely Carnatic raga.

3. Music concerts and dance performances draw packed houses. There is hardly any cultural family in Chennai that does not learn and patronise music and dance in its pristine purity. Rukmani Devi Arundale’s ‘Kalakshetra’ is a renowned international centre. It has turned out hundreds of celebrated maestros and dancers who have brought name and glory to our country. Carnatic music has a peculiar charm of its own. It has the moon’s soft beauty and moon’s soft pace. Thousands of people flock to the temple ‘maidans’ to get drunk with the mellifluous melodies of their favourite singers. They sit out all night in the grueling heat, swaying to the rhythm of ‘nadaswaram’ and rollicking with the measured beats of ‘mridangam’. M.S. Subbulakshmi is considered to be the nightingale of the South.

4. The Gods might descend from heaven to see a South Indian damsel dancing. There are several varieties of South Indian dance – Bharatnatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, etc. Age cannot wither nor custom stale its beautiful variety. Bharatnatyam is the most graceful and enchanting dance form, whereas Kathakali is most masculine and virile. South Indian dances combine voluptuousness with purity. Here, every muscle and fibre of the body vibrates into life, and as the tempo increases, a divine flame-like passion bodies forth as if making an assault on heaven.

5. South Indian dress, particularly of the males, is puritanically simple. There you cannot distinguish a judge from an ‘ardali’ by their dress. South Indian ladies too look charming and graceful in their colourful Kanjeevaram and Mysore silk sarees.

6. South Indian cuisine, especially ‘dosa’, ‘idli’ and ‘vada’ are so delicious that now we
can enjoy them almost everywhere in India as well as in some foreign countries. The Madras ‘idli’, which was a favourite of Gandhiji, is served with ‘sambhar’ and ‘coconut chutney’. [CBSE Sample Paper 2015, (AI) 2015]

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by
choosing the most appropriate option. (1 x 5 = 5 marks)

Question (i)
For what is South India mainly known?
(a) For tasty food
(b) For its traditional, music, art, literature
(c) For scenic beauty
(d) For its delicate and precise ways
Answer:
(b) For its traditional, music, art, literature

Question (ii)
Why is it a treat to watch the speakers?

(a) Because they use oratorical weapons
(b) Because they are witnessed in campaigning
(c) Because they weave their arguments fastly
(d) Because they argue and complain a lot.
Answer:
(a) Because they use oratorical weapons

Question (iii)
What is M.S. Subbulakshmi considered to be?
(a) Graceful and enchanting
(b) Masculine and virile
(c) Nightingale of the South
(d) Moon’s soft beauty
Answer:
(c) Nightingale of the South

Question (iv)
Which is the South Indian dance form?
(a) Bharatnatyam
(b) Kuchipudi
(c) Kathakali
(d) All of these
Answer:
(d) All of these

Question (v)
Why are South Indian dances special?
(a) Because Gods come from heaven to see them
(b) Because there aren’t many varieties of dance
(c) Because they are pure as well as sensuous
(d) Because they make an assault on heaven
Answer:
(c) Because they are pure as well as sensuous

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

Question (i)
How does the breeze on Marina Beach affect the author?
Answer:
The breeze soothes the body, refreshes the mind, sharpens the tongue and brightens the intellect.

Question (ii)
How do we know that music is very important for the people of South India?
Answer:
Music concerts draw packed houses. Thousands of people flock to the temple ‘maidans’ and sit through the gruelling heat of the night to enjoy the music of their favourite singers.

Question (iii)
What is the common connection between language, music and dance of South India?
Answer:
The common connection between language, music and dance of South India is their pure, divine and enchanting nature.

Question (iv)
What makes Carnatic music charming?
Answer:
Music of Karnataka is charming because of its soft beauty and pace.

Question (v)
What is Kalakshetra renowned for?
Answer:
Kalakshetra is an international centre which has produced hundreds of celebrated maestros and dancers.

Question (vi)
Find a word from the passage (para-2) which means ‘confident, comfortable and polite in social situations’.
Answer:
urbane

Question (vii)
Find a word from the passage (para-3) which means ‘having a pleasant and flowing sound’.
Answer:
mellifluous

IV. Read the following passage Carefully.

1. Smoking is the major cause of mortality with bronchogenic carcinoma of the lung and is one of the factors causing death due to malignancies of larynx, oral cavity, oesophagus, bladder, kidney, pancreas, stomach and uterine cervix and coronary heart diseases.

2. Nicotine is the major substance present in the smoke that causes physical dependence. The additives do produce damage to the body. For example, ammonia can result in a 100-fold increase in the ability of nicotine to enter into the smoke.

3. Levulinic acid, added to cigarettes to mask the harsh taste of the nicotine, can increase the binding of nicotine to brain receptors, which increases the ‘kick’ of nicotine.

4. Smoke from the burning end of a cigarette contains over 4,000 chemicals and 40 carcinogens. It has long been known that tobacco smoke is carcinogenic or cancer-causing.

5. The lungs of smokers collect an annual deposit of l-l’A pounds of the gooey black material. Invisible gas phase of cigarette smoke contains nitrogen, oxygen and toxic gases like carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, acrolein, hydrogen-cyanide and nitrogen-oxides. These gases are poisonous and in many cases, interfere with the body’s ability to transport oxygen.

6. Like many carcinogenic compounds, they can act as tumour promoters or tumour initiators by acting directly on the genetic makeup of cells of the body leading to the development of cancer.

7. While smoking, within the first 8-10 seconds, nicotine is absorbed through the lungs and quickly ‘moved’ into the bloodstream and circulated throughout the brain. Nicotine can also enter the bloodstream through the mucous membranes that line the mouth (if tobacco is chewed) or nose (if snuff is used) and even through the skin. Our brain is made of billions of nerve cells and they communicate with each other by chemical messengers called neurotransmitters.

8. Nicotine is one of the most powerful nerve poisons and binds stereo-selectively to nicotinic receptors which is located in the brain, autonomic ganglia, the medulla, neuromuscular junctions. It is located throughout the brain and plays a critical role in cognitive processes and memory.

9. The nicotine molecule is shaped like a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which is involved in many functions including muscle movement, breathing, heart-rate, learning and memory. Nicotine, because of the similar structure with acetylcholine, when it gets into the brain, attaches itself to acetylcholine sites and produces toxic effect.

10. In high concentrations, nicotine is more deadly. In fact, one drop of purified nicotine on the tongue can kill a person. It has been used as a pesticide for centuries.

11. Recent research studies suggest that acute nicotine administration would result in increased dopamine release from the brain, producing perceptions of pleasure and happiness, increased energy and motivation, increased alertness, increased feeling of vigour during the early phase of smoking.

12. However, notwithstanding these superficial effects, research shows that the relationship between smoking and memory loss is strongest in people who smoke more than 29 cigarettes each day and this is not specific to the socio-economic status, gender and a range of associated medical conditions. Smoking may speed up age-related memory loss and the details are not yet clear. Some studies suggest that repeated exposure to high nicotinic smoke related to the ‘Brain-wiring’ is nothing but neuro-biochemistry that deals with complex interaction among genetic experience and biochemistry of brain cells.

13. ‘NO’ is a unique molecule which plays an important role in a number of beneficial and some of the harmful brain and body mechanisms, for example, synapse formation, drug tolerance and local regulation of cerebral blood flow, Parkinson’s disease, etc. It is also found that people who smoke more cigarettes a day have poorer memories in middle age than non-smokers.

14. Some experts say that smoking is linked to memory problems because it contributes to narrowed arteries that restrict blood-flow to the brain. One of the causes of memory decline in relation to the brain function could be the nerve cell death or decreased density of interconnected neuronal network due to the loss of dendrites, the tiny filaments which connect one nerve cell to another. Abstinence from smoking is essential, not only to avoid these systemic effects but also to reduce the ill-effects on the environment. [CBSE Sample Paper 2017]

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

(i) What does the presence of nicotine in the smoke cause?

(a) Physical dependence
(b) Heart disease
(c) Kidney stone
(d) Tumour
Answer:
(a) Physical dependence

Question (ii)
What does the gas of cigarette smoke contain?
(a) Nitrogen
(b) Oxygen
(c) Carbon-monoxide
(d) All of these
Answer:
(d) All of these

Question (iii)
What does the poisonous gas of a cigarette do to our body?
(a) Act as tumour promoters
(b) Interfere with the body’s ability to transport oxygen
(c) Malignancies of the larynx
(d) None of these
Answer:
(b) Interfere with the body’s ability to transport oxygen

Question (iv)
What would result in the acute nicotine administration?
(a) Increased dopamine release from the brain
(b) Producing perceptions of pleasures and happiness
(c) Increased energy and motivated
(d) All of these
Answer:
(d) All of these

Question (v)
What has been used as a pesticide for centuries?
(a) Nicotine
(b) Nitrogen
(c) Acrolein
(d) Formaldehyde
Answer:
(a) Nicotine

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

Question (i)
How is smoking the major cause of mortality?
Answer:
Smoking is the major cause of mortality as it causes lung cancer, tumours in the larynx, mouth, kidney, pancreas, stomach, and uterine cervix. It also leads to the blockage of arteries causing heart diseases.

Question (ii)
What makes people addicted to cigarettes?
Answer:
Nicotine in a cigarette makes the people addicted to it and also causes physical dependence.

Question (iii)
What are neurotransmitters?
Answer:
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers. They help millions of nerve cells to communicate with each other.

Question (iv)
How does nicotine produce toxic effects?
Answer:
Nicotine produces toxic effects. It gets into the brain and attaches itself to acetylcholine sites. Their union causes toxic effects.

Question (v)
According to the experts, how is smoking linked to memory?
Answer:
Experts say that smoking is linked to memory as it narrows arteries. It restricts the free flow of blood to the brain. It causes the death of nerve cells or the decline of brain memory.

Question (vi)
Find a word from the passage (para-1) which means ‘a number of deaths’.
Answer:
mortality

Question (vii)
Find a word from the passage (para-4) which means ‘the act of not doing something’.
Answer:
abstinence

V. Read the following carefully.

1. Early automobiles were sometimes only ‘horseless carriages’ powered by gasoline or steam engines. Some of them were so noisy that cities often made laws forbidding their use because they frightened horses.

2. Many countries helped to develop the automobile. The internal combustion engine, invented in Austria and France was an early leader in automobile manufacturing. But it was in the United States after 1900 that the automobile was improved most rapidly. As a large and growing country, the United States needed cars and trucks to provide transportation in places not served by trains.

3. Two brilliant ideas made possible the mass production of automobiles. An American inventor named Eli Whitney thought of one of them, which is known as ‘standardisation of parts’. In an effort to speed up production in his gun factory, Whitney decided that each part of a gun could be made by machines, so that it would be exactly like all the others of its kind.

4. Another American, Henry Ford developed the idea of the assembly line. Before Ford introduced the assembly line, each car was built by hand. Such a process was, of course, very slow. As a result, automobiles were so expensive that only rich people could afford them. Ford proposed a system in which each worker would have only a portion of the wheels. Another would place the wheels on the car. And still, another would insert the bolts that held the wheels to the car. Each worker needed to learn only one or two routine tasks.

5. But the really important part of Ford’s idea was to bring the work to the worker. An automobile frame which looks like a steel skeleton was put on a moving platform. As the frame moved past the workers, each worker could attach a single part. When the car reached the end of the line, it was completely assembled. Oil, gasoline, and water were added and the car was ready to be driven away. With the increased production made possible by the assembly line, automobiles became much economical and, more and more people were able to afford them.

6. Today, it can be said that wheels run America. The four rubber tyres of the automobile move America through work and play.

7. Even though the majority of Americans would find it hard to imagine what life could be without a car, some have begun to realise that the automobile is a mixed blessing. Traffic accidents are increasing steadily and large cities are plagued by traffic congestion. Worst of all, perhaps, is the air pollution caused by the internal combustion engine. Every car engine burns hundreds of gallons of fuel each year and pumps hundreds of pounds of carbon monoxide and other gases into the air. These gases are one source of the smog that hangs over large cities. Some of these gases are poisonous and dangerous to health, especially for someone with a weak heart or respiratory disease.

8. One answer to the problem of air pollution is to build a car that does not pollute. That’s what several major automobile manufacturers are trying to do. But building a clean car is easier said than done. So far, progress has been slow. Another solution is to eliminate car fumes altogether by getting rid of the internal combustion engine. Inventors are now working on turbine-powered cars, as well as on cars powered by steam and electricity. But most of us won’t be driving cars run on batteries or boiling water for a while yet. Many automakers believe that it will take years to develop practical models that are powered by electricity or steam.

9. To rid the world of pollution-pollution is caused not just by cars, but by all of the modern industrial life-many people believe that we must make some fundamental changes in the way many of us live. Americans may, for example, have to cut down on the number of privately owned cars and depend more on public mass transit systems. Certainly, the extensive use of new transit systems could cut down on traffic congestion and air pollution. But these changes, sometimes clash head-on with other urgent problems. For example, if a factory closes down because it cannot meet government pollution standards, a large number of workers suddenly find themselves without jobs. Questioning the quality of the air they breathe becomes less important than worrying about the next paycheque. Drastic action must be taken, if we are to reduce traffic accidents, traffic congestion and air pollution. While wheels have brought better and more convenient transportation, they have also brought new and unforeseen problems. Progress, it turns out, has more than one face. [CBSE Delhi, (AI) 2016]

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

Question (i)
What did the United States need for transportation in places that were not served by trains?
(a) They needed trains
(b) They needed fuel
(c) They needed cars and trucks
(d) All of the above
Answer:
(c) They needed cars and trucks

Question (ii)
What did Henry Ford develop?
(a) The idea of the assembly line
(b) Horseless carriages
(c) Automobile frame
(d) Wheels for the car
Answer:
(a) The idea of the assembly line

Question (iii)
What was the impact of the increased production made by the assembly line?
(a) Automobiles became much economical
(b) More people were able to afford them
(c) Traffic accidents increased
(d) Both (a) and (c)
Answer:
(d) Both (a) and (c)

Question (iv)
What is the one solution to the problem of air pollution?
(a) To burn hundreds of gallons of fuel each year
(b) To build a car that does not pollute
(c) To increase the production of cars
(d) To provide transportation in all the places
Answer:
(b) To build a car that does not pollute

Question (v)
What has brought better and more convenient transportation?
(a) Engines
(b) Public mass transport systems
(c) Wheels
(d) None of these
Answer:
(a) Engines

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

Question (i)
How does standardisation of parts help to make mass production possible?
Answer:
Standardisation of parts leads to mass production. Each part of a gun could be made by machines so that it would be exactly like all the others of its kind.

Question (ii)
How does the assembly line help to make mass production possible?
Answer:
Ford introduced the assembly line in which each worker has to make only a portion. One would make a part of the wheel, another would place it on the car and the third would insert the bolts. This brought a revolution in mass production which was very slow before the assembly line.

Question (iii)
Why do some Americans call the automobile a mixed blessing? Write any two points.
Answer:
The Americans call the automobile a mixed blessing. The automobile has led to cause a large number of traffic accidents and also a lot of traffic congestion. The second problem is the problem of pollution of air caused by toxic gases like carbon monoxide.

Question (iv)
What suggestions are offered in the passage for getting rid of pollution?
Answer:
There are two suggestions given in the passage, first that the Americans will have to cut down the number of privately owned cars and depend on mass transit systems. The second suggestion is the use of non-conventional fuel like steam or electricity in place of petrol.

Question (v)
What do many automakers believe?
Answer:
Many automakers believe that it will take years to develop practical models that are powered by electricity or steam.

Question (vi)
Find a word from the passage (para-2) which means ‘fastly or suddenly’.
Answer:
rapidly

Question (vii)
Find a word from the passage (para-8) which means ‘to remove or take away’.
Answer:
eliminate

♦Unsolved Passages:

I. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. Swachh Bharat Mission is a massive mass movement that seeks to create a clean India by 2019. The father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi, always puts emphasis on cleanliness as cleanliness leads to a healthy and prosperous life. Keeping this in mind, the Indian government launched the Swachh Bharat Mission on October 2, 2014. The mission will cover all rural and urban areas. The urban component of the mission was implemented by the Ministry of Urban Development, and the rural component by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation.

2. The mission aims to cover 1.04 crore households, provides 2.5 lakh community toilets, 2.6 lakh public toilets, and a solid waste management facility in each town. Under the programme, community toilets will be built in residential areas where it is difficult to construct individual household toilets. Public toilets will also be constructed in designated locations, such as tourist places, markets, bus stations, railway stations, etc. The programme will be implemented over a five-year period in 4,401 towns. Of the 62,009 crores likely to be spent on the programme, the Centre will pitch in 14,623 crores. Of the Centre’s share of? 14,623 crore, 7,366 crores will be spent on solid waste management, 4,165 crores on individual household toilets, ? 1,828 crore on public awareness and 655 crores on community toilets.

3. The programme includes the elimination of open defecation, conversion of unsanitary toilets to pour flush toilets, eradication of manual scavenging, municipal solid waste management, and bringing about a behavioural change in people regarding healthy sanitation practices.

4. The Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan has been restructured into the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin). The mission aims to make India an open defecation-free country in five years. Under the mission, a huge amount will be spent for the construction of about 11 crores 11 lakh toilets in the country. Technology will be used on a large scale to convert waste into wealth in rural India, in the form of bio-fertilizer and different forms of energy. The mission is to be executed on a war footing with the involvement of every gram panchayat, panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad in the country, besides roping in large sections of the rural population and school teachers and students in this endeavour.

5. As part of the mission, for rural households, the provision for a unit cost of individual household toilets has been increased from 10,000 to 12,000 so as to provide for water availability, including for storing, hand-washing, and cleaning of toilets. The central share for such toilets will be 9,000, while the state share will be 3,000. For North-Eastern states, Jammu & Kashmir, and special category states, the Central share will be 10,800 and the state share will be 1,200. Additional contributions from other sources will be permitted.

6. A ‘Swachh Bharat Run’ was organised at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on October 2, 2014. According to a statement from the Rashtrapati Bhavan, around 1,500 people participated and the event was flagged off by President Pranab Mukherjee. Participants in the run included officers and staff of the Secretariat, the President’s Bodyguard, Army Guard, and Delhi Police as well as their families. NIT Rourkela Ph.D. students have made a short film on Swachh Bharat which conveyed the message that Swachh Bharat is not a one-day event. It should be part of our life, only then we can achieve our goal of Swachh Bharat (Clean India).

7. The Swachh Bharat Kosh (SBK) has been set up to facilitate and channelise individual philanthropic contributions and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to achieve the objective of Clean India (Swachh Bharat) by the year 2019. The Kosh will be used to achieve the objective of improving cleanliness levels in the rural and urban areas, including the schools. The allocation from the Kosh will be used to supplement and complement departmental resources for such activities. To incentivise contributions from individuals and corporate, modalities are being considered to provide tax rebates, wherever possible.

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

(i) When was the Swachh Bharat Mission implemented?
(a) October 2
(b) October 30
(c) November 14
(d) December 2

(ii) By which year does the mission seek to create Clean India?
(a) 2015
(b) 2017
(c) 2019
(d) 2016

(iii) By whom was the rural component of the mission implemented?
(a) Ministry of Urban Development
(b) Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation
(c) Ministry of Rural Development
(d) Ministry of Cleanliness and Sanitation

(iv) Where was the ‘Swachh Bharat Run’ organised?
(a) Rashtrapati Bhavan
(b) India Gate
(c) Jammu and Kashmir
(d) Rural India

(v) What has been restructured into the Swachh Bharat Mission?
(a) Nirmal Abhiyan
(b) Nirmal Mission
(c) Nirmal Bharat Mission
(d) Bharat Bachao Mission

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

(i) When was Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched? What idea led to its launch?
(ii) What are the aims of the Swachh Bharat mission?
(iii) What is the aim of Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan?
(iv) Why was the ‘Swachh Bharat Run’ organised? Who participated in the event?
(v) What is the purpose of Swachh Bharat Kosh?
(vi) Find a word from the passage (para-3) which means ‘to get rid of something completely’.
(vii) Find a word from the passage (para-7) which means ‘helping poor people by giving them money’.

II. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. The Ig Nobel Prizes are a parody of the Nobel Prizes. They are given each year in early October for ten unusual or trivial achievements in scientific research. The stated aim of the prizes is to “honour achievements that first make people laugh, and then make them think.” The awards are sometimes veiled criticism (or gentle satire), but are also used to point out that even the most absurd-sounding avenues of research can yield useful knowledge. Organised by the scientific humour magazine ‘Annals of Improbable Research’ (AIR), they are presented by a group that includes Nobel laureates at a ceremony at Harvard University’s Sanders Theatre. They are followed by a set of public lectures by the winners at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

2. The first Ig Nobels were created in 1991 by Marc Abrahams, editor and co-founder of the Annals of Improbable Research. He is the master of ceremonies at all subsequent awards ceremonies. Awards were presented at that time for discoveries “that cannot, or should not be reproduced”. Ten prizes are awarded each year in many categories, including the Nobel Prize categories of Physics, Chemistry, Physiology/Medicine, Literature, and Peace, but also other categories such as public health, engineering, biology, and interdisciplinary research. The Ig Nobel Prizes recognise genuine achievements, with an exception of three prizes awarded in the first year to fictitious scientists Josiah Carberry, Paul DeFanti, and Thomas Kyle.

3. The awards are sometimes veiled criticism (or gentle satire), as in the two awards given for homeopathy research, prizes in “science education” to the Kansas and Colorado state boards of education for their stance regarding the teaching of evolution, and the prize awarded to Social Text after the Sokal Affair. Most often, however, they draw attention to scientific articles that have some humorous or unexpected aspect. Examples range from the statement that black holes fulfil all the technical requirements to be the location of hell, to research on the “five-second rule”, a tongue-in-cheek belief that food dropped on the floor will not become contaminated if it is picked up within five seconds. In 2010, Sir Andre Geim became the first person to receive both a Nobel Prize and an individual Ig Nobel Prize.

4. The prizes are presented by genuine Nobel laureates, originally at a ceremony in a lecture hall at MIT, but now in Sanders Theatre at Harvard University. It contains a number of running jokes, including Miss Sweetie Poo, a little girl who repeatedly cries out, “Please stop, I’m bored,” in a high-pitched voice if speakers go on too long. The awards ceremony is traditionally closed with the words: “If you didn’t win a prize and especially if you did better luck next year!” The ceremony is co-sponsored by the Harvard Computer Society, the Harvard-Radcliffe Science Fiction Association, and the Harvard-Radcliffe Society of Physics Students.

5. Throwing paper airplanes onto the stage is a long-standing tradition at the Ig Nobels. In past years, Physics professor, Roy Glauber swept the stage clean of the airplanes as the official “Keeper of the Broom” for years. Glauber could not attend the 2005 awards because he was travelling to Stockholm to claim a genuine Nobel Prize in Physics. Delegates from the Museum of Bad Art are often on hand to display some pieces from their collection too.

6. The ceremony is recorded and broadcasted on National Public Radio and is shown live over the internet. The recording is broadcasted every year, on the Friday after U.S. Thanksgiving, on the public radio program Science Friday. In recognition of this, the audience chants the first name of the radio show’s host, Ira Flatow.

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

(i) How many Ig Nobel Prizes are given each year?
(a) 3
(b) 4
(c) 7
(d) 10

(ii) Who created the first Ig Nobel Prize?
(a) Thomas Kyle
(b) Marc Abrahams
(c) Josiah Carberry
(d) Paul DeFanti

(iii) In which year were fictitious scientists awarded Ig Nobel Prize?
(a) 1990
(b) 1991
(c) 1992
(d) 1995

(iv) What is a long-standing tradition at the Ig Nobels?
(a) Throwing paper airplanes onto the stage
(b) Throwing tomatoes onto the stage
(c) Leaving the winners’ handprints on the stage
(d) Winners sweeping the stage

(v) Where is the ceremony recorded and broadcasted?
(a) Harvard Computer Society
(b) Kansas
(c) National Public Radio
(d) Colorado

B. Answer the following questions briefly.

(i) Why are Ig Nobel Prizes termed as a parody of the Nobel Prizes?
(ii) Who organises the Ig Nobel Prizes?
(iii) Who was the first person to receive both, a Nobel Prize and an individual Ig Nobel Prize?
(iv) What is the criteria for awarding Ig Nobel Prize?
(v) What is the Miss Sweetie Poo joke? When is it cracked?
(vi) Find a word from the passage (para-1) which means ‘an imitation of the style of something or someone’.
(vii) Find a word from the passage (para-3) which means ‘a gradual process of change and development’.

III. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. Almost 3,000 years of food evolution has taken place for the pizza pie to reach its current delicious state today. Although flat breads have been around for 6,000 years, the word, “pizziare” started appearing in Italian writings as far back as 1000 B.C. The word pizza itself is believed to have originated from an Old Italian word meaning ‘a point’, which in turn became the Italian word “pizziare”, which means to pinch, or to pluck.

2. Tomatoes were first introduced to Italy from South America in 1522. At first, the tomato was believed to be poisonous. Fortunately, the poorer peasants of the region finally overcame their doubts about tomatoes in the 17th century and began adding it to the bread dough, and the first pizzas were created.

3. Before the tomato arrived in the 1500s, the first pizzas in Naples were white, made with garlic, olive oil, salt, anchovies, and probably lard. Neapolitans were the first in Europe to embrace the tomato, since it was deemed poisonous in Europe as a member of the nightshade family. With the rise in popularity of tomato, people started using it more and more. Mozzarella cheese was also slowly gaining ground. Mozzarella had become available in Italy only after water buffalo were imported from India in the 7th century (mozzarella was first made with water buffalo milk). Its popularity grew very slowly until the last half of the 18th century. In fact, cheese and tomatoes did not meet on a pizza until 1889.

4. The most commonly considered pizza (tomato, mozzarella, basil) was supposedly created on June 11, 1889 by a pizza-maker named Raffaele Esposito. This Pizzaiolo (pizza-maker in Italian and spelled Pizzaiuolo in Neapolitan) created a special pizza for the visit of Queen Margherita of Savoia. He made three different pizzas, but the Queen fell in love with one in particular, topped with three ingredients representing the three colours of the Italian flag. The Italian flag was represented by the tomatoes (red), mozzarella (white), and basil (green). Esposito named this pizza “Pizza alia Margherita” in honour of the Queen. Whether Esposito was the first to use those ingredients or not, this is known as the classic Neapolitan pizza or the modern-day tomato-and-cheese pizza.

5. In the latter half of the 19th century, pizza migrated to America with the Italians. By the turn of the century, the Italian immigrants had begun to open their own bakeries and were selling groceries as well as pizza. Gennaro Lombardi opened the first true US pizzeria in 1905 at 531/3, Spring Street in New York City, a part of town known as “Little Italy”.

6. In India, of late, pizza has become a popular food. It has become a fashion and also a manner of showing that one is part of the famous Western culture. In fact, it is more of a fashion statement. The popularity of the food is rocketing. This is evident from a report by Fortune magazine. The two giants of the pizza industry, Pizza Hut and Dominos, are in hot competition with each other in India. India has 134 Pizza Huts and 149 Dominos locations, with each chain opening 50 stores a year.

7. The popularity of pizza in India, Fortune claims, is because of its similarity to India’s native cuisine. Unlike Chinese and Japanese, Indians eat leavened bread (roti/naan), and a popular traditional version slathers it in butter and garlic- not unlike garlic bread, the most often ordered side dish at both Dominos and Pizza Hut franchises in India. Cheese (paneer) is ubiquitous in India’s northern cuisine. Tomatoes and all kinds of sauces are prevalent everywhere. Combine these ingredients into one gooey, oily, tasty dish that you can eat with your hands-as Indians traditionally do-and you have a hit. Compare this with other popular food or noodles. Sometimes, it slurps down our forks, and off the plate, and here we land up in a whole lot of mess. Add to this, the embarrassment which would have been caused had the place been a famous restaurant or the boss’s party. The one thing that increases the love for pizza among one and all is that we can all eat it with our hands.

8. Experts estimate that the Indian pizza market will grow at a compound annual rate of 15 percent. As per estimates of the Ministry of Food Processing, the ready-to-eat market in India today exceeds 40 billion (US $ 800 million), with the size of the heat-and-eat pizza market being 2.5 billion (US $ 50 million). Most of those sales will come in large metropolises and mini-metros like Pune, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

(i) What does the word ‘pizza’ mean?
(a) To pinch
(b) To cut
(c) To slice
(d) To encircle

(ii) From where were tomatoes first introduced to Italy?
(a) North America
(b) Europe
(c) South America
(d) China

(iii) Which pizza represented the Italian flag?
(a) Tomato and mozzarella
(b) Mozzarella and basil
(c) Mozzarella, tomato and basil
(d) Mozzarella, tomato and spinach

(iv) Who opened the first true US pizzeria in 1905?
(a) Raffaele Esposito
(b) Gennaro Lombardi
(c) Neapolitans
(d) None of these

(v) Why is pizza popular in India?
(a) Because it has become a fashion
(b) Because it is a part of the famous western culture
(c) Because of its similarity to India’s native cuisine
(d) All of these

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

(i) Why was mozzarella not used initially in pizzas? When was it first used?
(ii) Why did Raffaele make a special pizza? How many pizzas did he make?
(iii) When did pizza migrate to America? Who opened ‘Little Italy’ in US?
(iv) According to Fortune, why is pizza becoming popular in India?
(v) According to the author, how does pizza differ from noodles?
(vi) Find a word from the passage (para-3) which means ‘considered’.
(vii) Find a word from the passage (para-7) which means ‘found everywhere’.

IV. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. Jane Goodall was born in London, England, on April 3, 1934. On her second birthday, her father gave her a toy chimpanzee named Jubilee. Jubilee was named after a baby chimp in the London Zoo and seemed to foretell the course that Jane’s life would take. To this day, Jubilee sits in a chair in Jane’s London home. From an early age, Jane was fascinated by animals and animal stories. By the age of 10, she was talking about going to Africa to live among the animals there. At that time, in the early 1940s, this was a radical idea because women did not go to Africa by themselves.

2. As a young woman, Jane finished school in London, attended a secretarial school, and then worked as a documentary filmmaker for a while. When a school friend invited her to visit Kenya, she worked as a waitress until she had earned the fare to travel there by boat. She was 23 years old.

3. Once in Kenya, she met Dr. Louis Leakey, a famous paleontologist and anthropologist. He was impressed with her thorough knowledge of Africa and its wildlife and hired her to assist him and his wife on a fossil-hunting expedition to Olduvai Gorge. Dr Leakey soon realised that Jane was the perfect person to complete a study he had been planning for some time. She expressed her interest in the idea of studying animals by living in the wild with them, rather than studying dead animals through paleontology.

4. Dr. Leakey and Jane began planning a study of a group of chimpanzees who were living on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Kenya. At first, the British authorities would not approve of their plan. At the time, they thought it was too dangerous for a woman to live in the wilds of Africa alone. But Jane’s mother, Vanne agreed to join her, so that she would not be alone. Finally, the authorities gave Jane the clearance she needed in order to go to Africa and begin her study.

5. In July of 1960, Jane and her mother arrived at Gombe National Park then called Tanganyika and now called Tanzania. Jane faced many challenges as she began her work. The chimpanzees did not accept her right away, and it took months for them to get used to her presence in their territory. But she was very patient and remained focussed on her goal. Little by little, she was able to enter their world.

6. At first, she was able to watch the chimpanzees only from a great distance, using binoculars. As time passed, she was able to move her observation point closer to them while still using camouflage. Eventually, she was able to sit among them, touching, patting, and even feeding them. It was an amazing accomplishment for Jane and a breakthrough in the study of animals in the wild. Jane named all of the chimpanzees that she studied, stating in her journals that she felt each had a unique personality.

7. One of the first significant observations that Jane made during the study was that chimpanzees make and use tools, much like humans do, to help them get food. It was previously thought that humans alone used tools. Also thanks to Jane’s research, we now know that chimps eat meat as well as plants and fruits. In many ways, she has helped us to see how chimpanzees and humans are similar. In doing so, she has made us more sympathetic towards these creatures, while helping us to better understand ourselves.

8. The study started by Jane Goodall in 1960 is now the longest field study of any animal species in their natural habitat. Research continues to this day in Gombe and is conducted by a team of trained Tanzanians.

9. Jane’s life has included much more than just her study of the chimps in Tanzania. She pursued a graduate degree while still conducting her study, receiving her Ph.D. from Cambridge University in 1965. In 1984, she received the J. Paul Getty Wildlife Conservation Prize for helping millions of people understand the importance of wildlife conservation to life on this planet. She has been married twice: first to a photographer and then to the director of National Parks. She has one son.

10. Dr. Jane Goodall is now the world’s most renowned authority on chimpanzees, having studied their behaviour for nearly 40 years. She has published many scientific articles. She has written two books and has won numerous awards for her groundbreaking work. The Jane Goodall Institute for Wildlife Research, Education, and Conservation was founded in 1977 in California but moved to the Washington, D.C., area in 1998. Its goal is to take the actions necessary to improve the environment for all living things.

11. Dr. Goodall now travels extensively, giving lectures, visiting zoos and chimp sanctuaries, and talking to young people involved in environmental education. She is truly a great conservationist and an amazing human being.

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

(i) What do chimpanzees eat?
(a) Only meat
(b) Only plants
(c) Only fruits
(d) All of these

(ii) Where did Jane and her mother arrive in the July month of 1960?
(a) Africa
(b) Lake Tanganyika
(c) London
(d) Gombe National Park

(iii) What was a breakthrough in the study of animals in the wild?
(a) To watch chimpanzees from a distance
(b) To move the observation point closer
(c) To be able to sit among chimpanzees
(d) None of these

(iv) Why did Jane receive the J. Paul Getty Wildlife Conservation Prize?

(a) For pursuing a graduate degree while still conducting her study
(b) Helping millions of people understand the importance of wildlife conservation
(c) For founding the Jane Goodall Institute for Wildlife Research, Education and Conservation
(d) For travelling extensively, giving lectures, and visiting zoos

(v) Which of the following is not true about chimpanzees?
(a) Chimpanzees are often comfortable with strangers.
(b) Chimpanzees eat meat as well as plants and fruits.
(c) Chimpanzees use tools to help them get food.
(d) Different chimpanzees have different personalities.

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

(i) Why did Doctor Leakey choose Jane to work with him?
(ii) What is the main idea of this article?
(iii) How has Jane Goodall’s work helped us understand chimpanzees better?
(iv) What might happen to them in the future due to her work? Use examples from the passage to support your answer.
(v) What is the main goal of Jane Goodall Institute for Wildlife Research, Education and Conservation?
(vi) Find a word from the passage (para-3) which means ‘an organised journey for a particular purpose’.
(vii) Find a word from the passage (para-6) which means ‘an important discovery or event that helps to improve a situation or provide an answer to a problem’.

VI. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)

1. Archaeology is the scientific study of the remains of past human culture. Archaeologists investigate the lives of early people by studying the objects that people have left behind. Such objects include buildings, artwork, tools, bones, and pottery. Archaeologists may make exciting discoveries, such as a tomb filled with gold or the ruins of a magnificent temple in the midst of a jungle. However, the discovery of a few stone tools or grains of hardened corn may reveal even more about early people.

2. Archaeological research is the chief means to learn about societies that existed before the invention of writing about 5,000 years ago. It also provides an important supplement to our knowledge of ancient societies that left written records. In America, archaeology is considered a branch of anthropology, the scientific study of humanity and human culture. European archaeologists, however, think of their work as closely related to the field of history. Archaeology differs from history in which historians mainly study the lives of people as recorded in written documents. Archaeologists look for information about how, where, and when cultures developed.

Like other social scientists, they search for reasons why major changes have occurred in certain cultures. Some archaeologists try to understand why ancient people stopped hunting and started farming. Others develop theories about what caused people to build cities and to set up trade routes. In addition, some archaeologists look for reasons behind the fall of such early civilizations like the Mayas in Central America and the Romans in Europe.

3. Archaeologists examine any evidence that can help them explain how people lived in past times. Such evidence ranges from the ruins of a large city to a few stone flakes left by someone making a stone tool long ago.

4. The three basic kinds of archaeological evidence are artefacts, features, and ecofacts. Artifacts are objects that were made by people and can be moved without altering their appearance. Artefacts include objects like arrowheads, pots and beads. Artefacts from a society with a written history may also include clay tablets and other written records. Features consist mainly of houses, tombs, irrigation canals, and other large structures built by ancient people. Unlike artifacts, features cannot be separated from their surroundings without changing their form.

Ecofacts reveal how ancient people responded to their surroundings. Examples of ecofacts include seeds and animal bones. Any place where archaeological evidence is found is called an archaeological site. To understand the behaviour of the people who occupied a site, archaeologists must study the relationship between the artefacts, features, and ecofacts found there. For example, the discovery of stone spearheads near bones of an extinct kind of buffalo at a site in New Mexico showed that early human beings had hunted buffalo in that area.

5. If objects are buried deep in the ground, their position in the earth also concerns archaeologists. The scientists study the layers of soil and rock in which objects are found to understand the conditions that existed when the objects were placed there. In some places, archaeologists find many levels of deposits called strata. The archaeological study of strata, called stratigraphy, developed from the study of rock layers in geology. Archaeologists use special techniques and equipment to gather archaeological evidence precisely and accurately. They also keep detailed records of their findings because much archaeological research destroys the remains being studied. Locating sites is the first job of the archaeologist. Sites may be above found, underground or underwater. Some large sites are located easily because they are clearly visible or can be traced from descriptions in ancient stories or other historical records. Such sites include the pyramids of Egypt and the ancient city of Athens in Greece.

6. Archaeologists use systematic methods of discovering sites. The traditional way to find all the sites in a region is through a foot survey. In this method, archaeologists space themselves at measured distances and walk in pre-set directions. Each person looks for archaeological evidence while walking forward. Scientific methods are used to help discover underground sites. Aerial photography, for example, can reveal variations in vegetation that indicate the presence of archaeological evidence. Archaeologists describe, photograph, and count the objects they find. They group the objects according to type and location. Three steps are followed to interpret the evidence found. They are classification, dating, and evaluation. [CBSE 2019 SET-IT]

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by
choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

(i) What are the best sources of finding out archaeological facts?
(a) Artwork, building, bones and pottery
(b) Tombs filled with gold
(c) Grains of hardened corn
(d) Ruins of a magnificent temple

(ii) What are the basic kinds of archaeological evidence?
(a) Artefacts, features and ecofacts
(b) Mayan and Roman civilizations
(c) Cultural developments in written documents
(d) Cities and trade routes

(iii) What is an archaeological site?
(a) Where tombs and buildings exist
(b) Where archaeological evidence is found
(c) Where extinct animal bones are located
(d) Where ancient civilizations perished

(iv) How is archaeology taken in America?
(a) As lives of people as recorded in written documents
(b) As study of humanity and human culture
(c) As closely related to the field of history
(d) As written records of ancient people

(v) Which of the following do archaeologists not study?
(a) Ancient hunting and farming (b) Ancient cities and trade routes
(c) Fall of some civilizations (d) Weather and climate

B. Answer the following questions briefly. (1 × 7 = 7 marks)

(i) What do archaeologists do?
(ii) What is archaeological research?
(iii) What do European archaeologists think of their subject?
(iv) What kinds of evidence are used by archaeologists?
(v) What methods do archaeologists employ to discover archaeological sites?
(vi) Find a word from the passage (para-1) which means ‘thrilling’ or ‘interesting’.
(vii) Find a word from the passage (para-4) which means ‘reacted’.

The purpose of a speech is to convey one’s thoughts or opinions, share information with or spread awareness among a large number of people. A good speech has clarity of thought and expression, the accuracy of facts and an unbiased view of issues. Keep the speech to the point.

This grammar section explains English grammar in a clear and simple way. There are example sentences to show how the language is used. NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English will help you to write better answers in your Class 12 exams. Because the Solutions are solved by subject matter experts. https://ncertmcq.com/speech-writing-class-12/

Speech Writing Class 12 Format, Examples, Topics, Samples

♦ Sample Speech:

Speech Writing Class 12 Question 1.
Man’s use of fossil fuels – coal, oil, and natural gas – together with deforestation has increased the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide, and heat-trapping greenhouse gas has begun the process of climate change. Higher temperatures are an indication of dangerous consequences: drought, disease, floods, and lost ecosystems. Using the information given above and your own ideas, write a speech expressing your concerns about the rapidly increasing global warming and its consequences, giving your suggestions to improve the situation. (200 words)

Speech Writing Format  Question 2.
As Mukul/Mahima of Alps Public School, write a speech in about 150-200 words to be
delivered in school assembly highlighting the importance of cleanliness suggesting that the state of cleanliness reflects the character of its citizens. (10 marks) [CBSE Sample Paper 2019]

Answer:
Good Morning!
Respected teachers and my dear friends. Today, I, Mahima of Class XII of Alps Public School am here to share my views on the topic, “Importance of Cleanliness”. It has been rightly said that “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”. The term cleanliness implies the absence of dust, dirt garbage or waste, etc. If one wants to be healthy and fit, a healthy environment is necessary. It is important for everyone’s mind and body as well as spirits like water and oxygen.

The dirty environment affects the health of the people. The state of cleanliness reflects the character of its citizens. We can take a live example of today when people travel in a metro train, they never litter their surroundings, but once they come out of that vicinity, they hardly care. This habit shows their character. If we keep our surroundings clean, it will help in the nation-building exercise too as it will attract more tourists in the country.

Awareness of the cleanliness is the need of the hour in our country where diseases like viral fever, swine flu, malaria, jaundice, etc. are spreading fastly. The awareness camps should be organised by the government, private organisations, and NGOs, and people to make the areas neat and clean. People in society and the community should organise rallies. The revolution of the ‘Clean India Campaign’ is progressively making us aware. We have to continue it by understanding the motto, “Importance and Necessity of Cleanliness”.

Speech Writing Examples For Class 12 Question 3.
The recent rise in incidents of violent behaviour of students is a matter of concern for all. The problem can be cured if students learn how to manage anger. Write a speech on the topic in 150-200 words to be delivered in the school morning assembly. (10 marks) [CBSE (Compartment) 2018]

Answer:
Good Morning!
Respected teachers and my dear friends. Today, I, Romila of Class XII am here to deliver my views on the topic, “Violence Among Students”.

Recent news of the students’ aggressiveness within the educational institution makes everyone think over it, how violent today’s students are. Be it the school premises or any other place, they are unable to control their anger. On trivial issues, they become temperamental and are dealt with vandalism.

Why do these students have such hostile and antagonistic approach? There are so many reasons. The ‘low self-esteem’ among the students gives way to ‘fear of failure, as a result, they become frustrated and adopt a combative attitude. They want to be the centre of attraction by showing their authority, covering their deficit in other areas of skills. They don’t know how to manage their anger. These are the students classically regarded as ‘Problem Students’. They often have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and show verbal aggression as arguing, cut-down, threats, bossing, sarcasm and teasing.

On the other hand, they show physical aggression exhibiting actions like kicking, lifting, fighting, hurting others, and destroying things and objects as well. This problem can be curbed by teaching them how to manage anger through introspection, meditation, and counselling. Focus should be on moral science and anger management for these students. Parents of these students should be given tips on how to deal with patience and love. They should be taught to adopt a helping attitude. They should be appreciated for the task given to them rather than reprimanding and insulting them before other students. They should be made to come out of their shell of violence through love and care, and giving them what they desire.

Thank you

Speech Writing Format Class 12 Question 4.
Your PGT English Ms. Geetha is a short story writer also. ‘Sky is not Far’ is a collection of her latest short stories. This book has won a national award. Write a speech in 150-200 words you will deliver in her honour in the morning assembly. (10 marks) [CBSE (Delhi) 2017]

Answer:
Very good morning to Principal Sir/Ma’am, respected teachers, and dear friends. I, Anita, would like to speak about our PGT English, Ms. Geetha, a national awardee for her collection of short stories, ‘Sky is Not Far’.

Ma’am has had this literary talent for a long time. Many of us have already been made familiar with her publications earlier too. We were touched many a time, when in our Literary Club, she read out some of her short stories and requested us to write scripts to enact them in various functions in our school, in the special assemblies, and on two annual day programmes. The themes of her stories are child labour, old age crises, girl child, women empowerment, necessity of ethics for binding family members, compatibility, love for nature, and so on. Her lucid style, simple language, credible characterisation must have moved the jury to select her collection for the National Award.

We are proud of Geetha Ma’am as she is an inspiration for us, who wish to follow her footsteps. Let’s hope with the passage of time, she is endowed with more and more awards.

Thank you all.
Have a nice day.

Speech Writing Examples Question 5.
As a Principal of your school, you have found some students reaching school late in the morning, coming late to their classrooms after recess, and returning lazily to the theory class after doing practicals in the laboratory. Write a speech in 150-200 words that you will deliver on the importance of discipline and punctuality in life. (10 marks) [CBSE (F) 2017]

Answer:
Good morning students and my dear colleagues. Having noticed the current state of discipline followed by the students, it has become imperative for me as the Principal of this school to enlighten all of you on the significance of discipline in our lives to become successful in our pursuits. Discipline, as understood by most of us, is not about putting ourselves under constraint; it is not about the curtailment of freedom but about taming the mind in order to channelise our energies toward goals of greater happiness in life.

Discipline leads to consistent enjoyment of freedom since it is synonymous with organised life. Discipline begins with punctuality. Being punctual means doing the right thing at the right time. Punctuality ensures that our efforts get due recognition and reward. Discipline is a virtue. Lack of it can easily fail even the most experienced and knowledgeable person. It is essential for all of us in our respective pursuits to obey certain rules and regulations.

Be it a homemaker at home, student in school or college, soldier in a battlefield, player in the playground, administer in administration, etc. It demands self-control and dedication. However, the discipline is an art of living life which could be honed only by practising your dos and don’ts according to your priorities in life. Therefore, I would expect all of you to make it a part of your life and see the change in yourself.

Thank you

Speech Format Class 12 Question 6.
You are Suraj/Sandhya of Gargi Senior Secondary School, Delhi. Games and Sports should be made compulsory in schools. Write a speech for morning assembly on the ‘Importance of Games and Sports in Personality Development’ in about 150-200 words. (10 marks) [CBSE Sample Paper 2015]

Answer:
Good morning to one and all. Honourable Principal Sir, respected teachers and my dear friends. Today, I, Sandhya, would like to share my views on the topic, ‘Importance of Games and Sports in Personality Development’.

Sports and Games play a great role in developing our physical fitness. Playing a sport is undoubtedly a fun activity. But did you know that regular sporting activities not only take care of our physical fitness but also enhance our personality and help in maintaining our mental well-being. To top it all, it’s also a great source of entertainment!

It helps develop leadership qualities too and foster a sense of team spirit. Sports inculcate a sense of competition and help deal with success and failure with a positive spirit. Games and sports also help in the development of social skills. It teaches us to interact with people, communicate with them and collaborate as a team. It fosters collective thinking and harnesses your planning and delegation skills too. It is more joyful than sitting in front of a stationary computer and chatting. Sports make us active, agile and alert. So, don’t just sit and chat during the games period. After all it has so friany benefits for the body, mind and soul.

Thank you

Speech Format  Question 7.
You have been asked to participate in a debate competition on the topic: “Community service once a week should be introduced in all schools and should be graded”. Write the speech in about 150-200 words either for or against the motion. (10 marks) [CBSE Sample Paper 2015]

Answer:
Respected Chairperson, honourable judges, and my dear friends, I stand here today to speak for the motion, “Community service once a week should be introduced in all schools and should be graded”.

Community service helps students extend learning beyond the classroom and into the community. It also promotes civic responsibility through active participation in service. It fosters a sense of caring for others, and to develop a habit of volunteer service to those in need. Community service also helps in building character. It teaches selflessness. All these positive aspects show the importance of community service. That is why, it should be introduced in schools and made compulsory. It is a way of giving back to the society. It also helps in keeping children busy and away from addictions.

However, it is important that it be graded. Since it is a compulsion and not a voluntary activity, students will not do it properly and not take it seriously. In order to understand the importance of such things, students should be graded. Just like the other subjects, the grade in community service should also be a criterion for admission to various colleges.

Thank you

Speech Writing Class 12 Isc Question 8.
You are Head Boy/ Head Girl of your school. Write a speech in about 150-200 words
on the relevance of good etiquette and cultured behaviour. (10 marks)

Answer:
Good morning to everyone present here. Today, as the Head Boy of the school, I stand before you to deliver a speech on the relevance of good etiquette and cultured behaviour. I ask you all, what is the purpose of education? Is it to simply read, write and calculate or is it to develop our minds in a way that we can conduct ourselves as responsible citizens who can work for the progress of this great nation? I am sure you would go with the second option. And that is because we all know that to teach manners and the way we treat our fellow beings is what reflects how educated we are.

Be it home, at school, on the street or anywhere else, good manners are respected everywhere and they reflect well on your upbringing. Greeting teachers courteously, showing respect to your seniors and care towards your juniors are only some little ways in which you can become responsible members of the society. Every member of the audience would agree with me when I say that we all always want to be treated with respect. And to get respect, we need to give it. Therefore, it is always my humble appeal to all present here to conduct yourself appropriately.

Speech Writing 12th Class Question 9.
Recent rains and consequent water-logging have increased the risk of malaria and dengue. Write a speech in 150-200 words to be delivered in the morning assembly advising the students on prevention of and protection against these ailments and the steps that the school has taken to prevent mosquito breeding in and around the school. Imagine you are the Principal of the school. (10 marks) [CBSE Delhi 2015]
Answer:
A very good morning to my colleagues and dear students. It is more a good morning today, because after so many days, finally today, it is not raining. It is nice to be out in the sun but dear children, we need to be really careful. Recent rains and consequent water-logging have increased the risk of malaria and dengue. Be it your school or home, the conditions are the same. At school, fogging has been done by municipal authorities. As you can see, the school looks cleaner today.

We had employed more workers to get the school compound and its surroundings clean. I know it is still the summer uniform time. But to protect ourselves from dengue and malaria, it is important that full-sleeve clothes are worn. From tomorrow, you all have to wear your winter shirt, along with trousers. Do not worry, all this is only till this risk of dengue and malaria is present. At home also, you can take preventive measures.

Do not allow water-logging in or around your homes, in ditches, drains, potted plants, etc. Maintain cleanliness, so that diseases can be kept at bay. If you are not using water coolers at home, ensure that they are dry and clean. Also try and use mosquito nets, mosquito coils, repellents, etc. After all, prevention is better than cure. Let us endeavour to make us less susceptible to dengue and malaria.

Speech For 12th Class Question 10.
Although students have been using cell phones consistently in their daily lives for almost a decade, schools continue to resist allowing the devices into the classroom. Schools generally grapple with new technologies, but cell phones’ reputation as a nuisance and a distraction has been hard to dislodge. Using information given below prepare a speech in about 150-200 words. (10 marks) [CBSE Sample Paper 2016]

• encourage the non-educational use of devices in school.
• they will be a significant distraction for teachers and students.
• a potential tool for cheating.
• could encourage cyberbullying.
• other hand BYOD-Bring Your Own Device is gaining momentum as a learning tool.
• can be cost effective.
• banning any type of technology may foster inequity develop rules for how students physically handle the device in the class

Answer:
Good morning to one and all. Honourable Principal Sir, respected teachers and my dear friends. Today, I, Shalini, am here to share my views on ‘Mobile technology in schools’. Of late, a new teaching-learning tool has come in our midst—the mobile devices. Critics believe that allowing these devices will only encourage their non-educational use in school. They feel that they will be a significant distraction for teachers and students. They also feel that it is a potential tool for cheating.

But I feel that if used judiciously, its benefits outweigh its negative points. These days, it has stopped being only a toy for entertainment and has in fact gained momentum as a learning tool. Students are more motivated to finish lessons on mobile devices than through traditional textbooks and workbooks. Using mobile technology makes students get more involved in classes. They correct mistakes in real time and are more excited to do the task. It is also cost effective for schools who need not purchase technology for students.

Teacher authority might be undermined when mobile technology is allowed in classroom. But at the end of the day, the job of the teacher is to be the simulator and to guide the students. The only thing that changes is the traditional books. When used the right way, mobile technology has the potential to help students learn more and comprehend that knowledge. Though in India, not every student has a mobile at home. We can use this technology to make learners aware of how mobiles can be used for more than just to play games or to listen to music. Privacy issues should be considered and tracking of cookies should be done. Ail this will facilitate proper learning and help learners not deviate from the goal.

Thank you

Speech Writing Class 12 Examples Question 11.
The use of tobacco in cigarettes and other forms is a great health hazard. People do not pay much heed even to the statutory warning on cigarette packs. On the occasion of ‘No Tobacco Day’ write a speech in about 150-200 words about the hazards of tobacco, giving arguments for your stand. You are Shalini/Suraj of Greenfields Public School. (10 marks) [CBSE Sample Paper 2016]

Answer:
Good morning to one and all. Honourable Principal Sir, respected teachers and my dear friends. Today, I, Shalini, am here to share my views on the ‘Hazards of Tobacco’. Tobacco no matter which form it is, like cigarettes (even light or filtered), cigars, chewable tobacco or huqqa, is a silent killer. Though tobacco does not kill anyone directly, but the large number of toxic chemicals including nicotine that are found in such products cause various illnesses.

Of these prominent are various pulmonary and pregnancy related complications. The most notable ill effect is cancer. Many people might say that they are healthy and young. Thev would quit later on in life. However, they fail to understand that the smoking is similar to corrosion. It is a slow but an irreversible process. The death rate of smokers is twice than that of non-smokers.

People who smoke compromise with their life. They have bouts of cough with phlegm, feel weak and have a low stamina, become breathless easily and so on. People do not pay much heed even to the statutory warning on cigarette packs. Non-smokers also fall a victim to second hand smoke and suffer from various deadly diseases. At the end, I would like to say, ‘Quit tobacco live long!’ It is the best gift you can give to yourself and your family.

Thank you

Speech Writing Class 12 Format Question 12.
Due to incessant rains during the past few’ weeks, the Army has launched ‘Operation Megh Rabat’ in Naoshera, Rajouri, Thanamandi and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir in coordination with the civil authorities for search, rescue and relief of people. Taking cue from the picture write a speech in about 150-200 words to be given at the Republic Day programme in your school, applauding the role of the army and the need to boost their morale. You are Shalini/Suraj of Greenfields Public School. (10 marks)[CBSE Sample Paper 2016]

Answer:
Great are the heroes who lay down their lives fighting for the country. Also great are those who without caring for their own safety help people in the hour of need.

Good morning to one and all. Honourable Principal Sir, respected teachers and my dear friends. Today, I, Suraj, am here to express my views about, ‘Our Indian Army’. Our heroes, the army men fight at the border for the country. Be it rain, snow or thunderstorm, they are forever there to help us lead a safe life. We sleep without fear every night without thinking of an impending attack by the enemy; all thanks to them. These heroes spend sleepless nights at the border to ensure that we sleep peacefully. Not only at the border, these men also coordinate with the civil authorities for search, rescue and relief of people.

Be it the incessant rains in Uttarakhand, Mumbai, Tamil Nadu and Jammu and Kashmir or the floods in Assam and Bihar, we find the army always at the forefront searching and rescuing people. Just like a true friend, they are always there in the hour of need. Due to incessant rains during the past few weeks, the Army has launched ‘Operation Megh Rahat’ in Naoshera, Rajouri, Thanamandi and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir in coordination with the civil authorities for search, rescue and relief of people.

We find many other such programs to help the civilians. Let us not forget these people when we see them on the road. A simple smile and ‘Thank You’ when you see these people will help a long way. It will boost their morale. On this Republic Day, let us all salute these great men who help us live peacefully every day.

Jai Hind

Speech Writing Examples For Students Question 13.
Write a speech in 150-200 words on ‘Benefits of early rising’ to be delivered by you in the morning assembly of your school. You are Karuna/Karan, Head Girl/Head Boy. (10 marks) [CBSE Delhi 2016]

Answer:
Honorable Principal Ma’am, respected teachers and my dear friends. Today, I, Karuna, stand before you to express my views on ‘Benefits of early rising’. All of us have heard the famous saying “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man, healthy, wealthy and wise”. But how exactly is rising early beneficial.

An early riser has many advantages over the late riser. In early morning, nature is at its best. Early rising enables us to breathe fresh morning air and enjoy a variety of natural sights which a late riser can’t even dream of. The early riser finds time to do exercises, yoga and meditation, which are most beneficial when done in the morning. It will keep the person calm, happy and energetic throughout the day. Early rising enables us to start our day’s work early when the mind is fresh and there are no distractions. It also helps plan out our day which is not possible for a late riser who would be virtually running to get things done.

It is also said that whatever is studied early in the morning is retained for a longer time. The early riser has no hurry to do his work. They have sufficient time to do their work thoroughly. You can also help your parents with household chores. With all these benefits of rising early, I am sure all of us should start rising early. After all, it is the early bird that catches the worm.

Thank you

Speech Writing In English Class 12 Question 14.
Write a speech in 150-200 words on the topic, ‘Library plays an important role at School’. It is to be delivered in the morning assembly. You are Karuna/Karan, Head Girl/Head Boy. (10 marks) [CBSE Delhi 2016]

Answer:

Importance of Library

Respected Principal Sir, teachers and my dear friends. Today, I, Karuna, stand before you to present my views on the importance of library at schools.

The school library is integral to the teaching and learning process. It facilitates the work of the classroom teacher and ensures that each student has equal access to resources, irrespective of home opportunities or constraints.

The modern trend in education is to encourage students to collect their own information from various sources. From this point of view, reading in a library itself is a part of school education. A library is indispensable for such modern methods of teaching as problem-solving method, project method, assignment methods supervised study, etc. Thus, a library is the hub of intellectual activity in a recognised school and plays the same part, for all subjects, as does a laboratory for science subjects, or a workshop for technical subjects.

Not only for academic purposes, for earnest readers, school library is a boon. In today’s age, where the reading habit is dying fast, it helps in cultivating reading habits from a young age itself. Reading forms character of a person. What better place to start such a good habit, then our very own school library. Let us resolve to use our school library to the full, for that is what can make us not only intellectuals but also good individuals.

Thank you

Speech Writing Isc Class 12 Question 15.
Write a speech in 150-200 words on the topic, ‘A student must know how to manage his time’. It is to be delivered in the morning assembly. You are Karan/Karuna, Head Boy/Head Girl of the school. (10 marks) [CBSE (Al) 2016]

Answer:
Good Morning everyone. Respected Principal Sir, teachers and my dear friends. Today, I, Karan, stand before you to express my views on ‘Time management’. This my friends is especially important for all of us. Especially with the board exams and entrance exams round the corner, I feel it is only appropriate to stress on this most important commodity-Time. It is a challenge to score well in board exams as preparation for entrance exams are also going on.

For my friends who would not be taking the boards this year, well, managing time is equally important for all of you as well. Time management is the way one organises and plans how much time is required for specific activities. Good time management leads to greater productivity and efficiency; a better professional reputation and lesser stress. It also leads to better opportunities. Poor time management can lead to missed deadlines, inefficient workflow and a stalled career.

One needs to understand and control the interruptions and judiciously manage time. Set your goals and work hard towards achieving them. The most important way to manage time is to stop procrastinating- Stop saying ‘I will do it later’. There is never a better time than now. I hope we all have learnt the value of time. Now, without wasting more of your precious time, here is wishing all the best for all the exams.

Thank you

Speech Class 12 Question 16.
Write a speech in 150-200 words on the topic, ‘Discipline shapes the future of a student’. It is to be delivered in the morning assembly. You are Karuna/Karan. (10 marks) [CBSE (Al) 2016]

Answer:
Honourable Principal Sir, respected teachers and my dear friends. Today, I, Karuna, stand before you to express my views on the topic, ‘Discipline shapes the future of a student’. Discipline means order or code of behaviour. It is the key to success. One needs to inculcate a sense of duty and obedience in life to be successful. Self-discipline is essential not only in student life but is important in all walks and ages of life. The absence of a structure in life leads to absolute chaos and confusion in life. Self-discipline needs to be inculcated early in life. It helps to promote restraint, builds self-confidence. It balances personality and inculcates good work ethics.

Discipline is a must whether we are at school or home. In today’s life, where there is a cut-throat competition and time is extremely precious, self-discipline is the most essential quality. Through self-discipline will come concentration which will in turn help a student to scale new heights. Discipline includes a system in our personal and public life. It creates an order, that is easy to follow. With order comes structure, time management, and a systematic rhythm of our lives. So from today, let us aim to be more self-disciplined.

Thank you

Speech Writing Format Cbse Class 12 Question 17.
Write a speech in 150:200 words to be delivered in the morning assembly on the topic, ‘Water, a valuable asset, conservation at home and at school’. You are Karuna/ Karan. (10 marks) [CBSE (Al) 2016]

Answer:
Imagine a time when water becomes so costly that we have to pay to use water for our daily needs. Imagine how it would be to pay through our noses for drops of water. Whether such a situation remains a fantasy or becomes a reality is up to us. Honourable Principal Sir, respected teachers and my dear friends. Today, I, Karuna, stand before you to present my views on the topic ‘Water, a valuable asset, conservation at home and at school’. Water is the unique source of life. Without water, we cannot imagine the life here.

Water is considered an endless source of renewable energy, but what if we keep on wasting it and one day it becomes a non-renewable source. With most of the organisms on this planet dependent on water for living, would it not lead to a war? Already many communities around the world are running out of water. Construction of desalination plants, reservoirs or importing water seem too costly remedies, but this would be the only solution left if we do not take immediate measures to conserve water at home and at school. Simple measures like closing the tap when not in use and saving water from contamination would help. We can save water at home by making smart choices like rainwater harvesting and recycling of water.

Everyone should be aware of the water shortage rules and restrictions and strictly follow in their own area. Water conservation techniques should be promoted on every news media, such as TV, newspaper, radio, FM, community newsletters, bulletin boards, banners, etc. People should be more active in their area to report (to their owner, local authorities, water management of district) any problems related to water loss through broken pipes, errant sprinklers, open hydrants, abandoned free-flowing wells, etc. With all these measures, we would surely be able to conserve water for our future generations.

Thank you

Speech Writing Topics For Class 12 Question 18.
Regular practice of yoga is useful in maintaining good health. It is also important for good concentration and peace of mind. You are Shivam/Shabnam. Write a speech in 150-200 words to be delivered in the morning assembly of your school, highlighting the impact of yoga in our life. (10 marks) [CBSE 2019 (1/1/1)]

Answer:
Good morning friends. Today, I am going to speak on the importance of yoga in a . person’s life. Human beings are made up of three components-body, mind and soul, corresponding these there are three needs-health, knowledge and inner peace. Health is a physical need, knowledge is our psychological need and inner peace is our spiritual need. When all three are present, then there is harmony.

Yoga gives us relief from countless ailments at the physical level. The practice of the postures (asanas) strengthens the body and creates a feeling of well-being. From the psychological view point, yoga sharpens the intellect and aid in concentration; it steadies the emotions and encourages caring for others. The practice of breathing techniques (pranayama) calms the mind. In the realm of the spiritual yoga, brings awareness and the ability to be still. Through meditation, inner peace is experienced. Thus, yoga is a practical philosophy involving every aspect of a person’s being.

It teaches the evolution of the individual by the development of self-discipline and self-awareness. Anyone irrespective of age, health circumstances of life and religion can practice yoga. Yoga helps to discipline our sense of power with the power of our own. If we peep into the benefits of yoga, there are numerous. It improves physical fitness, stress, controls general well-being, mental clarity and greater self-understanding. People of all ages can do yoga and it can also be adapted for people with disabilities or special needs. The asanas enhance muscle strength, coordination, flexibility and can help keep our body fit, control cholesterol level, reduces weight, normalises blood pressure and improves cardiovascular performance.

Speech 12th Class Question 19.
You are concerned about the cleanliness of parks, roads and even your school premises. In spite of various measures taken by local and school administration, lack of cleanliness is still a problem. You are Namita/Keshav. Prepare a speech in 150-200 words to be delivered in the morning assembly of your school on the topic, ‘Cleanliness is the Responsibility of AH’. (10 marks) [CBSE 2019 (1/1/1) Set I]

Answer:
Good morning, respected Principal, teachers and my dear friends. I am Keshav. I study in Class XII. Today, I would like to speak on the topic, ‘Cleanliness is the Responsibility of AH’. Cleanliness is very important in our life from all the aspects. Cleanliness means absence of dirt, dust, stains and bad smells from the surrounding areas. They say that cleanliness is another name for godliness and rightly so. Nature provides us unadulterated and raw natural beauties. But man has acted as the greatest villain. We have polluted and deteriorated the environment beyond redemption.

Here, I would like to remind you all that inspite of various measures taken by the local and school administration, students are not helping the management in keeping our surroundings clean. They are supposed to support in keeping the school compound and verandas clean. But the findings point out to the contrary. It is sad and shocking that some students of junior classes have decided that it is not their job to keep the s’thool clean and tidy. They litter the school compound and verandas with left-overs after having their lunch.

This act of theirs makes the school look unclean and untidy. Others throw garbage and rubbish not in the dustbins placed in the field but on the floors in the verandas. A few students also dirty the walls by making pencil or ink marks on the walls of the classrooms. Many students don’t observe a decent toilet culture. They don’t help in keeping the campus and the classrooms neat and clean. It is the duty of each and every student to keep the school and its surroundings neat and clean.

The school is a temple of learning. And this temple of learning must maintain its sanctity and cleanliness. We should not litter the school compound, verandas and classrooms with rubbish and left-overs. Let’s make and maintain our school a pleasant place which reflects cleanliness, decency and decorum.

Writing an article is quite challenging. It involves a high degree of creativity, a wide vocabulary, a thorough knowledge of the subject, and a lot of organizational abilities.

This grammar section explains English Grammar in a clear and simple way. There are example sentences to show how the language is used. NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English will help you to write better answers in your Class 12 exams. Because the Solutions are solved by subject matter experts. https://ncertmcq.com/article-writing-class-12/

Article Writing Class 12 Format, Topics, Examples, Samples

Articles express the personal opinions of the writer. Input for an article/speech may be in the form of verbal/visual input. The output may be descriptive or argumentative.

Article Writing Class 12

Purpose Articles are written:

• to present information on a variety of themes (describing an event; a person and his life and actions; places; experiences, opinions on topics of social interest; arguments for or against a topic) in a long and sustained piece of writing.
• to pass on such information in a wide range of contexts (magazine, school, newspaper, etc.).

Content
An article should contain

• a title that is eye-catching and that summarizes the theme.
• content that is clear, accurate and offers a balanced view of issues.
• paragraphs that
• introduce the theme,
• bring out the cause-effect relationship and
• conclusion, suggestions, personal observations, predictions.
• original ideas.
• logical arrangement of ideas.
• a by-line.

♦ Sample Articles

Article Writing Class 12 Isc Question 1.
By 2050, India will be amongst the countries which will face acute water shortage. You are highly alarmed and terrified of the future world without water. To write an article on ‘Save Water – Are we doing enough?’ for the local daily in 150-200 words. (10 marks) [CBSE Sample Paper 2019]
Answer:

Save Water-Are we doing enough?
By XYZ

‘Water -the elixir of life’. When people have ample facilities, they don’t care but when they are short of it then only, they realise how important it is to them. As water scarcity is all around in the metro cities, the situation is alarming. The man’s body is 70% water. Water is probably the most important resource on earth. Water is essential for life, i.e., plant life, animal life as well as human life. It is also needed for many human activities, such as cooking and washing.

What would the future be without water? Are we doing enough to save it? Perhaps not. Human callousness towards the misuse of water is taking him to a dungeon of its scarcity. The acute shortage of water is going to affect adversely on all. People throw garbage in the Yamuna. Water pollution is on the rise. The day is not so far away when it will prove right, ‘Water water everywhere, not a drop to drink’.

The need of the hour is to use it judiciously. People should use it moderately. One should use used water for plants. Everyone should stop washing cars with running water. A pledge should be taken to conserve this universal solvent. The motto of ‘Save Water – Save Life’ should be understood. The wholehearted efforts must be put it to save it.

Let us live, let her live, and let us help her live with pride courage, and freedom.

Article Writing Format Isc Class 12 Question 2.
Our performance in Rio Olympics has told us that we do not pay enough attention to athletics and outdoor games. It is time we revise our attitude. Sports should be an important part of the school’s daily routine. Write an article in 150-200 words in the ‘Importance of Outdoor Games’. You are Sreeja/Thomas. (10 marks) [CBSE Paper 2018]
Answer:

Importance of Outdoor Games
By Thomas

The impact of computerisation is severely affecting the youth today. Sports and games that were only outdoor have now become primarily virtual, and boys and girls are literally glued to the screens of their monitor sets playing computer games.

What is however worrying is the poor performance of our athletes, swimmers, footballers, bikers, car racers or basketball players to name a few. Outdoor games are very much neglected at home and given little importance in most school curriculums. Physical exercises through sports and games not only tone and maintain our bodies but relax our mind too thus, warding off several diseases at an early age and on the contrary, increases the resistance to innumerable ailments.

The body of a young person not only remains flexible but acquires toughness that keeps his comfortable even at old age too. Even the septuagenarians abroad play badminton, table tennis, or trek to maintain their health. Local clubs, state and national level coaching camps need to create better ambiance, give encouragement, and pool in government commitments to discover and nurture sports, talents to improve our performance in the international arena for sports.

Two silver and bronze medals in the Rio Olympics bring our heads down in shame. Is this the outcome of years of training to lakhs of players from a country with about 1.2 billion population? Does it mean that real talents are either not interested or yet to be discovered or lost indoors in the virtual world of computers?

Article Writing Isc Class 12 Question 3.
Every teenager has a dream to achieve something in life. What they are going to become tomorrow depends on what our youth dream of today. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘What I want to be in life’. You are Simranjit/Smita. (10 marks) [CBSE (AI) 2017]
Answer:

What I Want in Life
By Simranjit

Ever since I was a child, I minutely observed my father, who was in the Indian Police Service. I decided that one day, I would be like him; as idealistic and ethical as any human can be.

The youth around have dreams that I guess are dependent on their exposures and experiences. I have been not only drilled with discipline, honesty, transparency, diligence, and academic regularity but had grown up with exemplaries in my ambiance of such virtues of life. Time is changing and I know that compatibility and compromise are the order of the day. However, I have a holistic scheme to develop on the atmosphere created by my role model father.

Regularity is what I adhere to, but simultaneously efficient time management helps me to cultivate my hobbies of playing badminton, swimming, reading, writing, travelling, slum literacy, and martial arts. Policing has a wider range of functions and I enjoy being an indirect participant in the community. Policing with some of my father’s colleagues, whereby not only do I get to meet the demarcated class of people who are mentored to be re-introduced to the mainstream of the society but I have an opportunity to practically know how situations make criminals and nobody is a born one.

I know fulfilling my wishes and materialising my dream to be born as IPS of the highest order will have paths laid with horns, hot coals, and incredible impediments, but the love for my father and this nation should be the foremost incentive to make my dream come true.

Article Writing Isc Question 4.
Teenagers are full of energy as well as ideas. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘How to Channelise the Energy of the Teenagers’. You are Tejinder/Simran. You may use the following clues:

Teenagers curious-full of questions-question elders-sometimes even wrongly- generation gap-may go astray-effect on society-how to channelise-productive hobbies-social work-sports-part-time, etc.
(10 marks) [CBSE (F) 2017]
Answer:

How to Channelise the Energy of the Teenagers
By Tejinder

The students in their teenage or early adulthood are full of physical and emotional energy. Unless this energy is rightly channelised to positive avenues, it is possible that they use it negatively because they cannot stop themselves.

Teenagers are curious to know more. This is the age when they develop their outlook towards the world. They are full of questions about the world around them and about themselves. These young adults question their elders, sometimes even wrongly, and try to make their own decisions. This creates a generation gap. The influence of cinema and media promotes rash behaviour as heroic. If at this time, their energy is not channelized in a positive direction, they may go astray and can affect society negatively.

In channelising a teenager’s energy, the parents and the mentor in schools play the most important roles. Parents should inculcate and educate their children about the right and wrong things. They should teach them their culture and stories of courage and good manners, engage the students in positive and social activities apart from academics. The students who have underutilized time end up using it in unwanted activities. Encourage them to take part in productive hobbies, social work, part-time jobs, and sports of their interest. Art, culture, and literature are also avenues for using youth energy.

The most important of all, educational institutions should be a place where they have the freedom to express, develop confidence and skills, and that develop good behaviour and discipline. Every teacher should become a personality development trainer. The dynamic energy of the youth needs to be channelised positively and not politically or by media.

Article Writing Class 12 Up Board Question 5.
You are Vignesh/ Viharika. Of late, there has been an increase in the number of suicide cases among students because of the increased workload. You are deeply disturbed and decide to write an article for the ‘The Hindu’. Write the article in 150-200 words. (10 marks)
Answer:

Student Suicides on a Rise
By Vignesh

It is common these days for youngsters to come up with expressions like very little leisure time. I believe there are two main causes of this situation. The first is parental pressure and the second is competition for university places.

The parents want to see their children do well in school and have a successful career. This makes them exert pressure on their children to spend hours each day studying. Some even arrange extra tuition for their children. As a consequence, their leisure time is extremely limited and the pressure on them is considerable.

The second cause is related to the higher education system. Due to less number of seats at the university level, only those students with very good grades manage to obtain a place. This contributes to the pressure on teenagers since they must work long hours to have any chance of success.

One solution to the problem is to create awareness among parents. Schools should inform parents that too much pressure can lead to anxiety, stress and depression. They should be shown ways in which they can help their children lead more balanced lives with a reasonable amount of leisure time.

Another effective measure would be for the government to invest in the creation of more university places. This could he done by expanding existing universities or by building new ones. This would reduce the competition for places giving teenagers some of their precious free time back.

Article Writing Format Isc Question 6.
You are an active member of the Animals Lovers’ Club of your school which works
for preventing cruelty to animals. Write an article in 150-200 words for your school magazine emphasising the need to co-exist peacefully with animals. You are Zaheeda/ Zahir of P.K. Senior Secondary School, Hyderabad. (10 marks) [CBSE Sample Paper 2015]
Answer:

Stop Cruelty Towards Animals
By Zaheeda

Every day in India animals are beaten, neglected, or forced to struggle for survival. Left in unsanitary conditions with no food or water, they have little hope as they live out their days without the compassion they deserve. Some are found and rescued, given the chance to experience how great life and humans can be; others aren’t so lucky. To grow as a nation, we must fight for these abused animals’ rights and severely punish heartless owners.

It is up to us to speak for these creatures who lack a voice. Who will if we don’t? It is important that stringent laws are made to protect all animals. Large fines and lengthy prison time should be levied. Seasoned abusers should not be allowed to own animals. Along with these laws, we need officials who will strongly enforce them. Police and psychologists, both need to work in tandem to understand the link between animal cruelty and violence against people. To better protect communities, work should be done to increase public awareness of these crimes.

It’s not only up to the legal system to ensure that communities across the country are aware and educated about animal cruelty. There are plenty of things that citizens can do everyday. The simplest action is for people to take care of their own pets and learn the facts, so they can educate others on proper animal care. Another easy way to help is by donating to or volunteering at a local animal shelter. By writing letters, you can remind your local lawmakers that animal abuse is a real problem that needs to be addressed.

It is our job to be the voice for creatures who cannot speak up for themselves. As a nation, we need to make it our priority to come together and ensure the safety of our beloved pets.

Article Writing Class 12 Pdf Question 7.
Over the past few years there has been a constant rise in coaching institutes and private tuition centres all over India. Write an article in about 150-200 words highlighting the exploitation of young minds that seek sincere counselling and proper direction. You are Gurpreet, a student of Class XII of Indira Public School, Jamshedpur. (10 marks) [CBSE Sample Paper 2015]
Answer:

Coaching Institutes – The Real Purpose
By Gurpreet

The recent trend of joining a coaching institute to get good marks has led to the mushrooming of coaching institutes and private tuition centres all over India. The real purpose of coaching institutes was to provide help by providing students proper guidance. Of late, however, the purpose has become exploitation of young minds.

Some may say that it is a tall claim. Others might still say that we cannot blame the whole §et because of some money-minded people. Being a victim of this rigmarole of coaching and tuitions, I can say from my experience that things are not the same. Parents and children diligently, visit various coaching institutes, in order to choose the best. The counsellors at the institute aim to fill their centres with the cream, so that their results are not compromised. In case a weak student comes for coaching, they sincerely offer a crash course knowing fully well that the needs of the student are different.

All this because if the student (without any doubt in this particular case) does not get through any entrance exam or does not get good marks, one can always say that they did only a crash course. Such exploitation of the students and their parents needs to be regulated by the Education Department. Parents should be made aware of the various courses at the coaching institute. The most important thing would be to believe in their wards and understand that just like earlier days, children can still do well without any extra help from coaching centres. True, some students might need such help, but it should not be done to blindly follow a trend.

Article Topics For Class 12 Question 8.
Ragging has raised its ugly head again. A recent incident at a prestigious school has shown that this evil has not yet come to an end. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘Ragging, an Evil’. You are Navtej/Navita. (10 marks) [CBSE (AI) 2015]

• a practice from the British era
• original aim, respect for hierarchy
• enforcing traditions, discipline
• prefect – a teacher substitute
• misuse of authority
• vulgar aspect
• fatalities
• solution

Answer:

Ragging, An Evil
By Navtej

Ragging is a social evil which has spread to the educational institutions. It has to be eradicated with a heavy hand, so that lives of innocent students who fell victims to these evils, can be saved. Initially, ragging started in British era with the excuse that it was to teach the social hierarchy in early career, and also learn other important values in life. Ragging has let down humanity on innumerable occasions. It is also a pity that the practice has been going on for decades and the victims of last year become the perpetrators this year. In the name of the ‘Tradition’, this course is on and the authorities keep mum on the happenings in their institutions. Under the pretext of fun, a poor student is often assaulted, sometimes even stripped and intimidated by his seniors. The chilling incident continues to haunt him throughout his life, and he unknowingly develops various psychological disorders.

After experiencing the evil of ragging, a student develops a feeling of revenge for his ‘unjustified harassment’ and derives pleasure in ragging his juniors. So, the trend goes on and students continue to suffer.

Those who surrender before their seniors are set free from the torment after going through a series of inhuman acts, but those who refuse to follow their diktats are subjected to barbaric and brutal treatment and are forced to urinate on high voltage heaters, take part in naked parades, shave off their moustaches and beards, and stand upside down on their heads, etc. The situation sometimes turns so bad that it compels the victim being ragged to commit suicide.

In spite of the strict warning by the Supreme Court for enforcement of these recommendations, some institutions have failed in this regard. Therefore, seeing the gravity of the situation and inhuman aspect associated with it, ragging has been declared a criminal offence. We need stringent laws and punishment for the criminals.

Strict action should be taken against students indulging in ragging. There should be sensitisation on the issues. More activities requiring the collaboration of both seniors and juniors, will also help bridge this gap.

Article Writing Format Class 12 Isc Question 9.
India is a tourist’s dream destination. Give your views on the tourism potential of India in an article in 150-200 words. You are Navtej/Navita.

places of worship – religious tourism – foreigners – places of historical interest – the rich – hill stations during summers – the sun-kissed beaches in winters – leisure tourism – medical tourism – world class hospitals (10 marks) [CBSE (AI) 2015]
Answer:

India – A Dream Destination
By Navita

From the snow clad mountains in the North to the desert areas of Rajasthan to the beaches of Goa, India is a land of diversity-Diversity of culture, religion, language, food, occupation. Besides this, exquisite monuments and temples together with archaeological finds for the tourists make India a travellers delight. In fact, diversity is synonymous with India. Being the birth place of many religions like Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism, India is also an ideal place for religious tourism. Places like Bodhgaya, Shirdi, and Rishikesh are thriving because of religious tourism.

The other attractions include beautiful beaches, forests and wildlife, and landscapes for ecotourism, snow, river and mountain peaks for adventure tourism, technological parks and science museums for science tourism, centres of pilgrimage for spiritual tourism, heritage trains and hotels for heritage tourism. The Indian handicrafts particularly jewelleries, carpets, leather goods, ivory and brass work are the main shopping items of foreign tourists. A new growth sector is medical tourism. It is currently growing steadily with world class hospitals. Yoga, ayurveda and natural health resorts also attract tourists.

However, the tourism industry in India has been generating very low revenue of late. It would be worthwhile to look at the factors that have led to this untapped potential. The major constraint in the expansion of international tourist traffic to India is non – availability of adequate infrastructure.

Indian tourism has vast potential for generating employment and earning large sums of foreign exchange besides giving a boost to the country’s overall economic and social development. Much has been achieved by way of increasing trains and railway connectivity to important tourist destinations, four-lane roads connecting important tourist centres and increasing availability of accommodation by adding heritage hotels to the hotel industry and encouraging paying guest accommodation. But much more remains to be done, if India is to become a world player in the tourism industry.

Class 12 Article Writing Question 10.
In the year to come (if you have not already done this year) you are going to celebrate our 18th birthday. Write an article in 150-200 words on the joys and responsibilities of being eighteen. You are Navtej/Navita. (10 marks) [CBSE Delhi 2015]
Answer:

I am Eighteen!
By Navtej

Reaching milestones in age (For example, hitting 18, 21, silver jubilee or sweet sixteen) is a great birthday to celebrate! It packs all that magical ‘specialness’ which a normal year doesn’t. Whether it actually brings along that much more in its stride is still a question. For me, becoming 18 was an awesome feeling. I was allowed to vote. That for me was the best part of turning 18. Becoming responsible for your actions is again something I really loved, as it leads to proper personality development and our parents are no longer responsible for us.

It also brings with it a feeling of independence and loads of freedom. They said that age was just a number! I don’t think so! Turning 18 has led to a thousand new duties entrusted upon us. Right to vote, driving, helping parents with their work; the list is endless. It opened up a new domain of responsibilities and made us aware how much our parents deal with. As they say, grass is always greener on the other side. When we were kids, we wanted to be adults but now that we are adults, we want to be kids again! With every age comes lots of experience and learning so just go along with it, live life to the fullest and no matter what your age, don’t forget to be yourself! But remember, being 18 is also about being more responsible, mature, thoughtful and balanced.

Article Class 12 Question 11.
Write an article in 150-200 words on how we can make India a carefree and enjoyable
place for women when they can go wherever they like to without any fear of being stared at, molested or discriminated against. You are Navtej/Navita. (10 marks) [CBSE Delhi 2015]
Answer:

Women safety in india
By Navita

Women in India, today, are becoming the most vulnerable section as far as their safety and security is concerned. When we turn the pages of a newspaper, we come across many headlines reporting cases of molestation, harassment, trafficking, ill treatment of women in houses, violence against women in remote areas, etc. Women feel unsafe and unsecure and feel that their freedom and liberty are jeopardised. It is unbearable to imagine the plight of women who are sufferers of such crimes. It is a jolt on the confidence of the women, of society and on our judicial system.

We generally play the blame game for any such incidence and hence, have not succeeded to reach the root cause of this issue. An effective implementation of laws protecting women’s rights is the first step in this direction. There should be stringent laws and the perpetrators of such crimes should be severely punished. We also need to create social awareness about these issues and ostracise those who commit such crimes and not the victims. Better surveillance by law enforcing authorities is also required. The last but the most effective would be to compulsorily teach self-defence techniques to girls and women in schools, colleges, offices and residential colonies. Only when these measures are taken, India can become a carefree and enjoyable place for women.

Isc Article Writing Format Question 12.
Emotionally as well as intellectually, a woman is as good as a man if not better. Yet we
don’t allow her the same status as a man enjoys in society. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘Status of Women in Society’. You are Navtej/Navita. (10 marks) [CBSE Delhi 2015]
Answer:

Status of Women in Society
By Navtej

The worth of a civilisation can be judged by the place given to women in the society. One of the several factors that justify the greatness of India’s ancient culture is the honourable place granted to women. However, the status of women in India has been subject to many great changes over the past few millenniums. From equal status with men in ancient times through the low points of the medieval period, to the promotion of equal rights by many reformers, the history of women in India has been eventful. In modern India, women have adorned high offices in India including that of the President, Prime Minister, Speaker of the Lok Sabha and Leader of the Opposition.

However, women in India generally are still exposed to numerous social issues. Though emotionally as well as intellectually a woman is as good as a man, they are not allowed the same status as a man in the Indian society. Even when women are working, they are not given equal pay for equal work at certain places. To add to all these woes, they are stared at, ill-treated and discriminated against at home, at workplace and in the society.

We need to promote education and skill development for women. They should be given priority in jobs. We also need more women-friendly laws. Though we celebrate Women’s Day on March 8, what we need in reality is to understand the real contribution that women make to the society. It is not just about celebrating one day. In fact it is about understanding and thanking all the women in our lives. We need to understand the small sacrifices that they make every day, so that we can have a better tomorrow.

Topics For Article Writing Class 12 Question 13.
When children watch TV, the adults generally scold them without realising that some programmes on TV can be educative too. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘TV as a tool of instruction’. You are Navtej/Navita. (10 marks) [CBSE Delhi 2016]
Answer:

Tv as a Tool of Instruction
By Navita

Since the invention of TV, there have been contrasting views on its usability. Many parents believe that watching violence on television makes the children aggressive and violent. Parents also believe that watching too much television is not good for health. Excessive TV watching (more than 3 hours a day) can also contribute to sleep difficulties, behaviour problems, lower grades, and other health issues. Television makes us antisocial, taking the place of family and friends. Many people call it the idiot box and feel that watching TV is just a waste of time and resources. Time which could be spent in doing something important and enriching is lost. Children feel lost without television. They do not have any hobby or creativity left.

But is TV viewing so bad? Are there no educative programmes on TV? Children feel that they are not always wrong and immature. They can also take right decisions. Parents must have faith in their children. Parental discretion is important but not always. Some shows can motivate people who are interested in that field and help them to pursue their dreams. Not only does it keep one entertained and informed, it also expands one’s horizon. Certain channels like Discovery Science and History TV are good and informative. To supplement education with entertainment, children can also watch cartoons, though the proportion needs to be maintained. Sometimes, it can be a family viewing session too. This will in fact bring the family together.

Article Writing Class 12 Topics Question 14.
Mid-day meal scheme in the schools introduced by the government serves several purposes. Millions of children from the deprived sections of society get nutritious food leading to good health, are attracted to the schools, kept from going astray and developed into good citizens. The scheme may have some drawbacks too. Write an article in 150-200 words on all aspects of the scheme. You are Navtej/Navita. (10 marks) [CBSE (AI) 2015]
Answer:

Mid-day Meal Scheme
By Navita

The renowned ‘midday meal project’ is a famous school meal scheme in the country, India. The scheme began in the year 1960. The main objective of the scheme is to provide day lunch to students during working school days. Some other important aims of this scheme include: protecting students from study-room hunger, improved socialization especially among the students, increasing enrollment as well as attendance, social empowerment; addressing malnutrition, etc. It also prevents children from going astray and develops them into good citizens.

However, there are certain drawbacks to this scheme. Sometimes, due to lack of monitoring and hygiene, children are provided with contaminated food. This is furthered by corruption at all levels. In most places, teachers manage kitchens and are often not dignified in distributing food. A lack of infrastructure in schools and delay in payment by the Government further aggravates the issue. Children are often treated as burden. Only when the government, school authorities and the parents join hands, can this mid-day meal scheme be a true success.

Article Writing Examples Isc Question 15.
Morning assembly in the schools gives a cool and calm start to the otherwise hectic schedule of the day. It can be a means of passing important information to the students. What are your views on this significant event of the day? Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘Importance of Morning Assembly’. You are Navtej/Navita. (10 marks) [CBSE (AI) 2015]
Answer:

Importance of Morning Assembly
By Navtej

Morning assembly is the most important feature of the school curriculum, where students learn the value of collective prayer and are exposed to the need to inculcate moral and ethical values. The morning assembly helps each child to showcase his or her talent and ensure a robust start of the day. They are also guided to the path of spiritualism through educational talks. Meditation and introspection form an integral feature of the morning assembly. It is a symbol of unity of our school. It helps children to cultivate a sense of belonging towards the school. The assembly is creative canalisation of the innate talent of students and is an integral part of the school activities.

Morning assembly provides a channel to release information related to the school operations, such as the club activities and extra-curricular activities. We can know what is going on in the school every day. It also provides a training platform for both, the students and the teachers to share their ideas about cultures, festivals and current affairs. To conclude, morning assembly plays a major part in the development of a child.

Article Writing Format Cbse Class 12 Question 16.
On the occasion of Teachers’ Day, the Honourable PM of India had an interactive Session with students from all over the country through satellite link. Your school also made special arrangements for the students to view the telecast. Write an article in aboutl50-200 words for your school magazine giving details of the talk and its impact on you. You are Akshay/Akshita of Brightland Public School. (10 marks) [CBSE Sample Paper 2016]
Answer:
On the occasion of Teacher’s Day, the Honourable Prime Minister, Mr Ram Kumar Sharma interacted with students from all over the country through satellite link. Our school made special arrangements for the students to view the telecast in the school auditorium. It was indeed an enthralling experience to see the great dignitary interacting with the students. The importance of teacher’s in shaping our lives was an important part of his talk. Mr Sharma talked about how he was thankful to his teachers for instilling the beliefs that he has today.

He thanked his teachers for helping him fulfil his dreams. Whatever difficulties may come one’s way, one should strive hard to succeed. He gave examples from his childhood about the times when he had to walk 10 kms to reach school. It was difficult but he used to wade through even deep waters during rains, so that he could study. His talk was truly inspiring. We realised how only after one has put in full efforts, one gets complete satisfaction, the sense of achievement. He motivated the students to give their best in the face of difficulties, so that they can be successful in life.

Article For Class 12th Question 17.
On the occasion of Earth Day, you participated in various eco-friendly campaigns initiated by your school. Write an article in about 150-200 words for your school magazine giving details of these campaigns and the impact on you. You are Akshay/ Akshita of Brightland Public School. (10 marks) [CBSE Sample Paper 2016]
Answer:

Earth Day Celebrations
By Akshita

On the occasion of Earth Day, April 22, various eco-friendly campaigns were organised by our school. Many of you might question, why we celebrate Earth Day? It’s because we seem to have forgotten what a beautiful gift we have been given in the form of planet earth. We also seem to have forgotten that this is our home and we need to keep it in order to stay healthy and alive.

Over the centuries, we have ruthlessly used and depleted the earth’s resources. All this has led to severe problems like depletion of the ozone layer, cyclones, flash floods, earthquakes, tsunami, forest fires, global warming, etc. To satisfy our quest for modernisation, heavy amount of deforestation is also taking place. All this has harmed the earth’s environment. The ice at the Polar caps has started to melt due to the rise in earth’s temperature.

All this is bringing the doom’s day nearer. So, days like the Earth Day remind us to be caring and loving to the earth. This Earth Day, our school had a series of enlightening lectures on the theme ‘Save Earth’ by the famous environmentalist Dr Ramakant Mishra. Poster making competition, planting saplings, cleanliness drive in and around the school were also organised.

Special screening of James Cameroon’s movie ‘Avatar’ was also conducted to make the students aware of the importance of saving earth. These programs were thoroughly enjoyed by the students. Many students also pledged to do their share to help the planet. Students were made aware of how little things like switching off lights and fans when not in use, stop using plastic bags, saving fuel by walking small distances, recycling paper can go a long way in saving the earth. Let us pledge to save earth this Earth Day.

Article Writing Format Class 12 Question 18.
India is a land of diversity. One way in which it makes us feel proud of it is the number of festivals we enjoy. Write an article in 150-200 words on, ‘Festivals of India’. You are Karuna/Karan. (10 marks) [CBSE Delhi 2016]
Answer:

Festivals of India
By Karan

India is a land of fairs and festivals. People belonging to different communities and different religions live here, therefore, many festivals are celebrated regularly every year. Among these festivals, some are religious, some are based on seasons while some are of national importance. The commonality being the great enthusiasm in a colourful atmosphere.

Diwali, Dussehra, Raksha Bandhan, Id-ul-Fitr, Id-ul-Zuha, Christmas, Mahavir Jayanti, Guru Nanak Jayanti, Ganesh Chaturthi, etc. are the religious festivals of India. These festivals are celebrated by different communities, but they are celebrated as a whole. We can see festive atmosphere everywhere in India.

Holi, Baisakhi, Basant Panchami, Bihu, Pongal, Onam, etc. are seasonal or harvest festivals. During the harvest festival, the farmers worship the sun, the earth and the cattle as thanks giving for a bounteous harvest.

Then comes our national festivals – The Independence Day, The Republic Day and Gandhi Jayanti. These festivals are celebrated by all communities throughout the country. The Independence Day celebrated on 15th August every year reminds us those numerous freedom fighters that made the Britishers leave the country. Our long-cherished dream of freedom came true. All these days are observed with great national feeling. On The Republic day, a colourful parade starts from Vijay Chowk which ends at the Red Fort.

The festivals make our life colourful. People come together to welcome with open arms and forget the narrow differences. Festivals are very important and they must be celebrated with pomp.

Article Writing For Class 12 Question 19.
Rising pollution, fast and competitive lifestyle, lack of nutritious food, etc. have caused health woes for a large section of our population. Providing health care used to be a charitable and ethical activity. Today, it has become commercialised, a money spinning business. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘How to provide proper health care to the common man’. You are Karan/Karuna. (10 marks) [CBSE Delhi 2016]
Answer:

How to Provide Proper Health Care to the Common Man?
By Karan

In the rat-race to earn more and live a better lifestyle, people do not have time to take care of themselves. Exercising, yoga, meditation have become uncommon these days. They have become fancy terms which people only talk about. Rising pollution, fast and competitive lifestyle, lack of nutritious food, etc. have caused health woes for a large section of our population. Providing health care used to be an ethical activity. Today, it has become commercialised. The poor illiterate man who goes to the hospital for some other treatment ends up losing kidney. Such cases of kidney theft in hospitals have become quite common. Doctors refuse to start treatment of people unless payment is done. Can the poor afford?

Many government hospitals are in pathetic conditions. There are hardly any provisions for the sick. The government hospital doctors have made the hospitals a referral point for their private practices. Inclusion of private sector in health care has made the entire situation commercialised. Unnecessary tests and operations are done without any human concern. Proper health care has stopped being affordable even to the middle class, leave alone the poor class.

Though the cost of treatment is lower than the west, it is still \iot affordable to the common man. The government needs to take necessary steps and allocate more funds to the health care in India. Better health care facilities at the Primary health care centres, provision of essential medicines free of cost, strict vigilance on the doctors at the government hospitals, health insurance should be improved and private hospitals should provide health care to the common man at affordable cost. “Prevention is better than cure”. Therefore, proper precaution and care should start at home.

Article For Class 12 Question 20.
India is an emerging economy. We are rich in natural resources. Yet a significant
proportion of our people are living below poverty line. One cause of this poverty is our rising population. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘How to keep a check on population’. You are Karuna/Karan. (10 marks) [CBSE Delhi 2016]
Answer:

How to Keep a Check on Population?
By Karima

“We all worry about population explosion but we don’t worry about it at the right time.” With limited resources and an ever increasing population, the developing countries face a lot of problems. As per United Nations population statistics, the world population grew by 30% between 1990 and 2010 which is an alarmingly high rate. There are many ways of keeping a check on our population. Out of the many, the most important is women empowerment; it should be up to women if they want to have a child or not. They shouldn’t be forced to give birth to a child just for the continuity of a family name.

Secondly, as education is the most powerful tool, the society needs to be made aware of the current situations and be educated enough that they break the stereotypes. With a powerful legislation and making sure that the laws and policies get implemented, population can be controlled more effectively. A proper family planning can also help to curb the menace. All of these measures are just a few of the many. It is the need of the hour to control the population in order to handle the problem of scarcity of resources and for a steady economic development.

Question 21.
Women feel unsafe on the road, at their place of work and even at home. There is an urgent need to change the male mindset in its attitude towards women. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘How to make women feel safe’. You are Karan/Karuna. (10 marks) [CBSE Delhi 2016]
Answer:

How to Make Women Feel Safe?
By Karuna

The status of women in India has been subject to great changes over the past few millennia. Today, Indian women are found working in all fields like aeronautics, space, politics, banks, schools, sports, businesses, army, police, and many more.

However in the recent years, we have seen a lot of changes. On the one hand, we find female figurines being worshipped in our temples, on the other hand, we hear about the manifold increase in crime against women. Molestation, dowry deaths, rape, murder have all become everyday news now. With the rising number of rape cases in the country, more and more women have fear regarding their safety. Women are harassed everywhere at all times.

Perpetrator of such crimes have been found to have a stereotypical male mindset, that the job of a woman is only to beget children. It has been found that crimes against women are rising due to the lack of gender-friendly environment and improper functional infrastructure, such as consumption of alcohol and drugs in open area, lack of adequate lighting, safe public toilets, sidewalks, lack of effective police service, lack of properly working helpline numbers, etc. There is an urgent need to understand and solve this problem of women safety, so that women feel equally safe in their own country. The police need to be more pro-active.

Counselling at home and in the schools is required to ensure gender equality. It is important that women are made aware of their rights, for example, cyber-crime against women is also punishable. To feel safe, it is important that women/girls are motivated to join self-defense classes, so that she can fight for herself. Let us all work together to make this world a better and safer place to live in.

Question 22.
According to 2011 census, literacy rate of hundred per cent or around has been achieved by only a couple of states in India. Illiteracy is found mostly among the old and the deprived sections of society. What can the youth do to spread literacy in society? Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘Role of students in eradicating illiteracy’. You are Karuna/Karan. (10 marks) [CfiSE Delhi 2016]
Answer:

Role of Students in Eradicating Illiteracy
By Karan

Literacy is a key element in the progress of any nation. In its absence, people often become helpless. It also hinders their development. Though the literacy rate in India has grown over a period of time, literacy is still below average in the country. Despite many government programmes, India’s literacy does not show any improvement. Illiteracy is found mostly among the old and the deprived sections of society. Though some states in India have achieved 100% literacy, the real purpose is yet to be achieved. Students in particular can do a lot in this regard. The youth can help the rural people in many ways, by spreading education among them, by developing adult education programmes and by removing ignorance from their life.

Education creates awareness. Various street plays can be staged to make people aware of the benefits of education. Being a part of programmes like ‘Each one Teach one’ will also help the cause. During summer vacation, students can set up various camps to teach people. If students pledge to eradicate illiteracy from the country and work towards achieving that goal, surely our country will also become a nation of literates soon.

Question 23.
Increase in the number of private vehicles has caused problems like rising air pollution, traffic jams, lack of parking space, road rage, etc. The solution lies in the use of public transport. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘The Importance of Public Transport’. You are Karan/Karuna. (10 marks) [CBSE (AI) 2016]
Answer:

The Importance of Public Transport
By Karuna

Nowadays with the arrival of low end private vehicles in the market, we find people preferring private vehicles over public transport. This increase in the number of private vehicles has led to rising levels of congestion and air pollution. Increasing number of road accidents, incidents of road rage in most of the world cities can be attributed directly to the rapidly increasing number of private vehicles in use. The increasing number of private vehicles contribute to greenhouse gases, further leading to global warming. In order to reverse this decline in the quality of life in cities, attempts must be made to encourage people to use public transport more. There are many benefits of using public transport.

Firstly, it is affordable and accessible any day, and at most times to the public, unlike private transport where the responsibility of maintaining and financing the vehicle falls on the shoulders of the owner. The increasing cost of fuel further gives a reason for use of public transport. Private vehicle owners need to check the road-worthiness of the vehicle and ensure that the vehicle is taxed and insured.

Secondly, public transport is a means of relieving traffic congestions since a greater number of passengers can be accommodated in it. Less number of vehicles means less fuel consumption, thereby saving fuel. Reducing the number of vehicles on the road has the effect of reducing the Amount of air pollution in the environment, reducing global warming. This will lead to better health of individuals. Furthermore, in this fast paced life where people do not have time to interact with others, public transport gives an opportunity not only to relax but also to interact with other people. Therefore, public transport is very important and should be advocated.

Question 24.
In certain states of India there is a great imbalance in the male female ratio. This is the result of special treatment given to boys in the family. Why is it so? How can we change this mindset? Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘Gender Discrimination in Society’. You are Karuna/Karan. (10 marks) [CBSE (AI) 2016]
Answer:

Gender Discrimination in Society
By Karan

India is a male dominant society. Men enjoy certain privileges over women. Birth of a boy is celebrated, whereas girl’s birth is considered as a curse. It is pity that in a country where women are said to be worshipped, there is widespread discrimination. Even before they are born, injustice is meted out to them in this male chauvinistic world in varying degrees. Certain brutal practices like female foeticide throw light on our attitude. The girl child is considered a liability and doesn’t enjoy the privileges of a boy. She is denied the advantages of proper education. The dowry system haunts parents and the harassment she is subjected to at the in-laws often force her to commit suicide.

Even in enlightened homes, women have to live their life under surveillance, if not in strict ‘purdah’. Working women are physically and verbally abused, denied opportunities of growth and subjected to discrimination.

Social evils like dowry system, honour killing, human trafficking, societal dogmas, etc., take a toll on women. Only education and economic independence can empower women. Proper law making and execution, spreading awareness, exemplary punishment for the predators etc., surely will bring positive changes. Women need to be empowered instead of treating them as a helpless victim of male chauvinism. Let us live, let her live and let us help her live in better developed society.

Question 25.
For admission to colleges, there is a lot of competition today. For one available seat, there are hundreds of candidates. Such a situation leads to stress on the minds of students in the schools. However, the practice of Yoga can help them feel calm and stress-free. Write an article in 150-200 words on the topic, ‘Importance of Yoga to Students’. You are Karan/Karuna. (10 marks) [CBSE (AI) 2016]
Answer:

Importance of Yoga to Students
By Karan

Yoga is a holistic method of fitness that aims at balancing the body through various poses and meditative techniques. It aims at all-round health and improves all systems of the body. It is suitable for any age group.

Yoga can have great importance for students. Students these days have to face stiff competition. To reach the number-one spot has become a priority for everyone. There is a mad rush among hundreds of candidates to get that one available seat in college. All this creates stress among students. This is where yoga helps. The practice of yoga can help them feel calm and stress-free. The benefits of yoga for students can be manifold. Yoga makes students flexible, helping them remain fit. Some particular asanas like surya namaskars increase the blood flow to the brain, helping the brain to function better.

Regularly practising yoga also helps students to concentrate better and train the body to do things unconsciously. Breathing exercises in yoga or pranayama are also very helpful to students. They help in removing stress and tension from their minds and reducing behavioural problems. It keeps their mind healthy and decreases physical ailments. Yoga also helps in reducing depression, a by-product of stress. It calms mind and helps students concentrate better.

Meditation skills also help students focus on important things. Seeing the benefits of yoga, the United Nations has declared 21 June as the International Day of Yoga and it is celebrated worldwide since the year 2015. So with these umpteen benefits rolled into one, let us make yoga a part of our life.

Question 26.
Education has always been a noble profession. Our ancestors received their learning at gurukuls and ashrams. Even in the near past, pathshalas (schools) were associated with places of worship. Today, education is fast becoming commercialised. Parents halve to shell out a lot of money on coaching classes, tuition fees, etc. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘The State of Education Today’. You are Karan/Karuna. (10 marks) [CBSE (AI) 2016]
Answer:

The State of Education Today
By Karan

Education is a means of acquiring knowledge, skills, values and beliefs. It enables people to know the real world. It enlightens them and helps in bringing out the individuality. Education helps people in forming perspectives. Having said all this, education in India is in a deplorable state today. It has become a source of producing large number of unemployed graduates. Though there has been a spurt of various colleges, the quality of education is questionable. It has become more of a money generating enterprise. The students who come out of these educational institutes these days lack the basic communication and problem-solving skills.

Education has become just a degree. It has become commercialised. This is evident from the flourishing coaching centres and tutorials. To add to the woes, the education system is all about rote-learning and curbs creativity and originality. The real purpose of education is lost. Education has become marks-oriented without any actual learning happening on the part of the students. There is a mindless rat race to get good marks, but it is not done with understanding of the subject, it is highly focused on marks.

To aid to this state, there is a poor student- teacher ratio in schools. For 60 students, there will be only one teacher. How can a single teacher focus on all the students at the same time? The need of the hour is to redefine the purpose of education-it should not be making of endless number of puppets, who have lost their individuality and their power to think; rather it should be to make strong individuals. After all, these children are our future, the future of our nation.