RBSE Class 10 English Discursive Unseen Passages

Rajasthan Board RBSE Solutions for Class 10 English Discursive Unseen Passages Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

RBSE Class 10 English Discursive Unseen Passages

Discursive Unseen Passages : 

Passage 1. 

Thus we all have a role in making India great. India can soon emerge a major developed country provided we all vow to ourselves to do the jobs we are doing using all our energies and keeping the nation's interests in mind. Don't think that one person can't do. Many drops make a flood. Here are some suggestions that may be followed by different professionals. 

If you are a politician, you can rise above your own and party's interests and frame policies and laws that are conducive to development. If you are a clerk in a government department, you can work more efficiently in clearing a new project.

If you become an instrument in creating a feeling that Government works speedily and justly, you have created necessary conditions for a developed country. If you are a worker in a factory, you can decide to increase your productivity a little more and give attention to quality. 

If you are a contractor, make it a point to spend on your own to improve some part of your town. If you are a banker you could take interest in some innovative project and encourage youth who are very capable and are enthusiastic about taking up something new.

If you are a doctor you can extend the benefits of free and inexpensive medical aid to the poor at least to a limited extent. It will make the suffering person's life a little better. If you are a teacher you can constantly upgrade your knowledge and skills in order to enthuse the children to think big. A student is generally as good as a teacher. 

Question 1. 
When can India emerge a major developed country? 
(a) soon 
(b) late 
(c) immediately 
(d) never 
Answer:
(a) soon 

Question 2. 
To which country are we to make great? 
(a) Japan 
(b) Australia 
(c) USA 
(d) India 
Answer:
(b) Australia 

Question 3. 
Which interest we should keep in our mind? 
(a) Nation's
(b) state's
(c) Family's 
(d) Community's 
Answer:
(a) Nation's

Question 4. 
How can a politician contribute? 
Answer:
 A politician can frame policies and laws that are conducive to development.

Question 5. 
What, according to Kalam, can a clerk do? 
Answer:
A clerk can work more efficiently for clearing a new project. 

Question 6.
How can a worker in a factory contribute? 
Answer:
A worker in a factory can increase productivity and quality. 

Question 7. 
What, according to Kalam, can a doctor do? 
Answer:
A doctor can provide benefits of free and inexpensive medical aid to the poor at least to a limited extent. 

Question 8. 
Find from the passage the word which means a person who owns a bank or has an important job in a bank”. 
Answer:
Banker 

Question 9. 
Find from the passage the opposite of downgrade?
Answer:
Upgrade

Passage 2. 

It has become common knowledge that yoga is good for you. Currently yoga is being used as a therapy for cancer, infertility, lung disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, insomnia, high blood pressure, and joint pain. Yet there is very little awareness and understanding on exactly how yoga heals, even in the yoga and medical communities. The key is to understand the relationships between stress, yoga and disease. 

Medical research estimates that as much as 90 percent of illness and disease is stress related. A few of the many diseases and conditions that have been linked to an overactive stress response include : cardio-vascular disease, depression, anxiety, some types of diabetes mellitus, etc. 

What we feel as stress, is the product of the sympathetic nervous system or the fight or flight” response : an almost instantaneous surge in heart rate, cardiac output, blood pressure, sweating, shallow breathing and metabolism, combined with a tensing of muscles. Internally, the “fight or flight” response shuts down digestion and elimination and reduces blood flow to the internal organs. Short term, this stress reaction is a good thing. 

The “fight or flight” response prepares us to respond toany environmental threat by fighting against it or fleeing from it. But long term continuous exposure to stress is harmful, placing excess wear and tear on the body's system and severely limiting the body's natural maintenance and healing abilities. Chronic stress can lead to continuously high levels or cortisol. This hormone at normal levels helps to maintain an active, healthy body (including regulation of metabolism and blood pressure). 

Question 1. 
What is good for us today? 
(a) yoga 
(b) medicines 
(c) operations 
(d) diseases 
Answer:
(a) yoga 

Question 2. 
What should we understand between stress, yoga and disease? 
(a) relationship 
(b) cure 
(c) medicines 
(d) procedure 
Answer:
(a) relationship
 
Question 3. 
What percent of illness and disease is stress related? 
(a) 60 percent 
(b) 70 percent 
(c) 80 percent 
(d) 90 percent 
Answer:
(d) 90 percent 

Question 4. 
For which diseases is yoga being used as a therapy? 
Answer:
Yoga is being used as a therapy for cancer, infertility, lung disease, multiple sclerosis,  Parkinson's disease, insomnia, high blood pressure and joint pain.

Question 5. 
How is long term stress harmful? 
Answer:
Long term stress causes excess wear and tear on the body's system and severely limits body's natural maintenance and healing abilities. 

Question 6. 
How is normal level of cortisol hormone useful?
Answer:
Normal level of cortisol helps to maintain an active, healthy body including regulation of metabolism and blood pressure.

Question 7. 
How is short term stress good thing?
Answer:
Short term stress is good thing because it prepares us to respond to any environmental threat.

Question 8. 
Find from the passage the word which means “sleep disorder”. 
Answer:
Insomnia 

Question 9. 
Find from the passage the opposite of ‘fertility'. 
Answer:
Infertility 

Passage 3.

We want purity--pure food, pure water, pure air. We long for pure surroundings. We yearn for pure heart and pure love. We prefer pure environment and pure society. We are fond of purity because purity promotes health. Impurities are injurious to health. Purity provides peace of mind. Impurities impair the mind. Both for bodily health and mental health, we need purity. We do require environmental purity for overall health. 

Purity of body is physical health. Purity of speech is unsullied truth. Purity of heart is unselfish love. Purity of thought is righteous reason. Purity of mind is wholesome peace. Purity of action is sincere and unselfish service. Purity of society is harmonious unity. Purity of environment is soul-elevating serenity. 
In the Mahabharata, there is an interesting episode to illustrate the nature of purity. 

The Pandavas and Kauravas were Drona's disciples. They were once summoned by the preceptor Drona for a test. The eldest of the Pandavas, Yudhishthira was asked to bring one bad person from the society. The eldest of the Kauravas, Duryodhana, was asked to fetch one good person from the same society in Hastinapura. After a thorough search, both the cousins returned empty-handed. The pure minded Yudhishthira found everyone to be pious and pure. The impure mind of Duryodhana found everyone to be evil and impure. As is the mind, so is the vision. 

Purity of mind makes our vision, words and deeds pure. It has also the power to purify people. Evil has no place in the presence of purity. Nor can it face purity, as darkness cannot face the sun. It only gets changed into purity. 

Question 1. 
Why are we fond of purity? 
(a) because it promotes health 
(b) because it weakens health 
(c) because it strengthens weakness 
(d) because it promotes ill-health
Answer:
(a) because it promotes health 

Question 2. 
What provides peace of mind? 
(a) impurity 
(b) purity 
(c) environment 
(d) city 
Answer:
(b) purity 

Question 3. 
What does purity of body give? 
(a) psychological health 
(b) mental health 
(c) physical health 
(d) None of the above 
Answer:
(c) physical health 

Question 4. 
What is the purity of speech and heart? 
Answer:
The purity of speech is unsullied truth. The purity of heart is unselfish love.

Question 5. 
Who was Drona? 
Answer:
Drona was the 'guru' of the Pandavas and the Kauravas princes.

 
Question 6. 
What is the purity of thought, mind and action? 
Answer:
The purity of thought is righteous reason. The purity of mind is wholesome peace and the purity of action is sincere and unselfish service. 

Question 7. 
How is the saying “as is the mind, so is the vision' true on Duryodhana? 
Answer:
It is so because Duryodhana was bad by mind so he didn't find a single good person in his kingdom. 

Question 8. 
Find from the passage the word which means “have an intense longing for something'. 
Answer:
Yearn

Question 9.
Find from the passage the opposite of absence”. 
Answer:
Presence 

Passage 4.

But science not only provides knowledge about nature : it also provides means for controlling nature. So besides general ideas, science also affects practical affairs and everyday life. Perhaps the most obvious example concerns transport. Up to the end of the eighteenth century, transport on land differed very little from what it had been in Roman times.

A Roman officer in second-century, Britain could get from London to York just  about as quickly and comfortably as an eighteenth-century gentleman. Owing to the compass and to improved design of ships, sea transport had improved a little, but not much. 

Then came the invention of the steam-engine, and its improvement, which was dependent on the general scientific knowledge of the time. Steamships, and railways with steam engines, completely changed the business of travel and of the transport of goods. The internal combustion engine, again based on the scientific study of heat and how it is generated by gas explosions, made possible first the motor-car and the diesel engine and then the aeroplane. 

Now people are talking of the possibility of flying at five hundred miles an hour or more by means of rocket propulsion in the thin higher layers of the atmosphere. It is interesting to note down the highest speeds possible for land, sea and air travel every ten years from 1820 to the present day. Similarly with communication. Not only did the steam engine, and then the aeroplane, speed up the sending of letters and newspapers, but the discoveries about electricity made possible first the telegraph, then the telephone, then wireless, and today television is just about to become practical. 

Question 1. 
What provides means for controlling nature? 
(a) arts 
(b) commerce 
(c) science 
(d) agriculture 
Answer:
(c) science 

Question 2. 
Which two areas of knowledge are talked about here? 
(a) transport and weapon 
(b) communication and weapon 
(c) transport and communication. 
(d) communication and coputerization 
Answer:
(c) transport and communication. 

Question 3. 
Upto the end of which century transport on land differed very little? 
(a) fifteenth 
(b) sixteenth 
(c) seventeenth 
(d) eighteenth 
Answer:
(d) eighteenth 

Question 4. 
Which inventions have led to the improvement in transportation? 
Answer:
Inventions of compass, steam engine, internal combustion engine, rocket propulsion etc. have led to the improvement in transportation. 

Question 5. 
How could motor car, diesel engine and aeroplane be possible?
Answer:
The internal combustion engine made motorcar, diesel engine and aeroplane possible. 

Question 6. 
Which inventions have led to the improvement in communication? 
Answer:
Inventions of telegraphs, telephone, wireless, television etc. have led to the improvement in communication. 

Question 7. 
What have the discoveries about electricity made possible? 
Answer:
The discoveries about electricity have made possible telegraphs, telephone, wireless, television etc. 

Question 8.
Find from the passage the word which means 'information, understanding and skills gained through learning or experience'. 
Answer:
Knowledge

Question 9. 
Find from the passage the opposite of “external.
Answer:
Internal  

Passage 5.

Forests are considered the 'green gold' of a country. The very survival of humans and other living beings is dependent on trees and plants which are a major source of oxygen-the vital gas for our respiration. They also act as a 'sink' for the carbon dioxide exhaled by humans and animals and spewed from the chimneys and by the automobiles. 

Forests play a vital role in sustaining our life and the nation's economy. They provide oxygen without which life is not possible on earth. They maintain a healthy gaseous balance in the atmosphere. They are great moderators of climete. Plants increase the humidity of water vapour from their exposed surfaces by way of transpiration. 

As one may be aware, forests extensively control soil erosion and landslides. Forests in the hilly areas keep the soil of riverbanks intact with their extensive root system. They also maintain the stability of the mountain slopes. The aerial parts of the plants intercept rain, decreasing its erosive power. Ground flora and the thick layer of litter and humus in the forests act as sponge and help to retain the water received in the form of rain or through the melting of snow; this prevents floods in the plains. By decreasing the velocity of water coming down the hills, forests help in greater absorption of water by the soil in we keep the soul 
mountain sloperind the thick lay in the form locity the plains and thus preventing droughts. As the soil retains its moisture, it is released slowly, giving rise to perennial streams and rivulets. The material advantage offered by forests needs no mention. Through centuries forests have provided us fuel, fodder and timber wood; our several industries are based on certain resources which are found in the woods. 

Question 1. 
What are considered “green gold' of a country? 
(a) Forests 
(b) Colours 
(c) Fields 
(d) Flags 
Answer:
(a) Forests 

Question 2. 
Which gas is vital for our respiration? 
(a) Carbon dioxide 
(b) Nitrogen
(c) Oxygen 
(d) Hydrogen
Answer:
(c) Oxygen 

Question 3. 
For which gas do the trees and the plants act as a sink? 
(a) Nitrogen 
(b) Oxygen 
(c) Carbon dioxide 
(d) Hydrogen 
Answer:
(c) Carbon dioxide 

Question 4. 
How do the trees maintain a healthy gaseous balance in the atmosphere? 
Answer:
Trees inhale carbon dioxide and exhale life giving oxygen. Thus they maintain a healthy gaseous balance. 

Question 5. 
How do forests control soil erosion? 
Answer:
Forests in hilly areas keep the soil of riverbank intact with their extensive root system. They maintain stability of mountain slopes. 

Question 6. 
How do forests prevent droughts? 
Answer:
Forests prevent drought by helping great absorption of water by the soil in the plains. 

Question 7. 
Mention two material advantages offered by forests. 
Answer:
Two material advantages offered by forests are providence of fuel, fodder and timber, and raw material for industries. 

Question 8. 
Find from the passage the word which means "continuing to live’. 
Answer:
Surviving

Question 9. 
Find from the passage the opposite of ‘inhaled'. 
Answer:
Exhaled 

Passage 6.

All the fundamental duties inspire us to preserve national unity, integrity and sovereignty, give us a message for defending morality and humanity and teach us to be kind and sympathetic to all living beings. These duties are imbued with national and humanitarian feelings, not with selfish interests. It is the duty of every citizen : 
to respect the constitution, the national flag and the national anthem, to follow the high ideals that inspired the nationalist movement, 
to defend and protect the country, national unity, integrity and sovereignty, and forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, 
to serve the nation, 
to give up 

(a) practices which go against the dignity of woman and (b) discrimination on the basis of religion, language, state, or class, 
to have compassion for living beings, to stay away from violence, to protect public property, 
to develop scientific outlook, humanitarian attitude, a desire for acquiring knowledge and an urge for improvement, 
to inculcate a feeling of harmony and brotherhood, and to strive for excellence in all spheres of individual and group activities, and 
to provide opportunity for education to the children between the ages of 6 and 14 years... 

To respect and honour the national anthem and the national flag is not only a constitutional but also a moral responsibility. The national anthem is the symbol of the glory of the whole culture of our nation. It neither assails any religion or caste not does it disregard them. 

So far as the dignity of woman is concerned, the Indian woman is even today a victim of several ill practices. Take for instance the custom of sati. Some people regard it as a part of religon. No civilized society will regard it as justifiable. 

Protection of environment too is one of the state's duties. In order to protect our environment, if we have to even close down the mines, it will be in accordance with the constitution of our country. 

Question 1. 
What inspire us to preserve national unity, integrity and sovereignty? 
(a) Fundamental duties 
(b) Fundamental rights 
(c) Judiciary 
(d) Military 
Answer:
(a) Fundamental duties 
 
Question 2. 
How many fundamental duties have been mentioned here? 
(a) ten 
(b) eleven
(c) twelve 
(d) thirteen 
Answer:
(c) twelve 

Question 3. 
The state is to provide education to the children between the ages of 
(a) 6 and 12 
(b) 6 and 13 
(c) 6 and 14 
(d) 6 and 15 
Answer:
(c) 6 and 14 

Question 4. 
What messages do the fundamental duties give us? 
Answer:
They gives the message for defending morality and humanity and to be kind and sympathetic to all living beings.

Question 5. 
Write any two fundamental duties. 
Answer:
The two of the duties are-to serve the nation and to stay away from violence.

Question 6. 
What should we defend and protect? 
Answer:
We should defend and protect the country, national unity, integrity and sovereignty and forests, lakes, rivers and wild life. 

Question 7. 
What should we develop in our citizens? 
Answer:
We should develop in our citizen scientific outlook, humanitarian attitude, a desire for acquiring knowledge and an urge for improvement.

Question 8. 
Find from the passage the word which means 'basic or essential'. 
Answer:
Fundamental 

Question 9. 
Find from the passage the opposite of “regard”. 
Answer:
Disregard 

Passage 7.

The numerous trees that grew in India also attracted his attention. The banyan tree, whose branches grew downwards and took root, particularly charmed him. Megasthenes says that these trees were so huge that even five men could not put their arms around them. He describes one particular banyan tree, which formed such a vast sunshade that 400 horsemen could pass the afternoon in its shade. 

He mentions that the climate of India was good. Its fertile land gave two crops a year. Wheat, barley and pulses were grown in winter and flax, millet, sesame and rice during the rainy season. Two products seem to have surprised Megasthenes. He remarks on the production of honey although there were no bees. This must have been 'gur' (T5). He was equally surprised to find wool growing on plants. It is clear that he saw cotton and thought it was wool. He tells us that India was rich in gold mines and pearls. 

His account of animal life is equally interesting. The powerful tiger of East India charmed him. He talks about the langur with its long tail and black face, and the talking parrots. He tells us how horses were blindfolded and made to go around in a circle to train them to draw chariots. There was no shortage of wild elephants in India. They were caught and trained for warfare. 

About the people of India Megasthenes says that Indians were generally tall and slim. Most people wore a white cotton dress, which contrasted with their dark complexion. The lower garment was like the dhoti. The upper covering was thrown over the shoulders and sometimes covered the head. 

Question 1. 
Which tree particularly charmed Megasthenes? .....
(a) Bamboo 
(b) Banana 
(c) Brinjal 
(d) Banyan 
Answer:
(d) Banyan 

Question 2. 
About which country has Megasthenes written here? 
(a) China 
(b) Afganistan 
(c) Nepal 
(d) India
Answer:
(d) India

Question 3. 
How many horsemen could pass the afternoon under the shade of a particular banyan tree? 
(a) 100 
(b) 200 
(c) 300 
(d) 400
Answer:
(d) 400

Question 4. 
Which crops were sown in winter and rainy seasons? 
Answer:
Wheat, barley and pulses were grown in winter and flax, millet, sesame and rice during rainy season.
 
Question 5. 
Name two animals and a bird mentioned by Megasthenes.
Answer:
Two animals mentioned by Megasthenes are tiger of East India and langur and the bird is parrot. 

Question 6. 
What did Megasthenes say about the physique of Indians? 
Answer:
Indians were generally tall and slim. They had dark complexion

Question 7. 
How did most people dress up themselves?
Answer:
Most people wore a white cotton dress. The lower garment was dhoti and the upper covering was thrown over the shoulders and sometimes covered the head.

Question 8. 
Find from the passage the word which means the natural colour of the skin'.
Answer:
Complexion 

Question 9. 
Find from the passage the opposite of “barren’. 
Answer:
Fertile 

Passage 8.

India is a great country with rich heritage where since Vedic times doing one's duty has been preached and practised. In the Bhagwat Geeta, Lord Krishna stresses the performance of duty in the Karma Yoga. Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak in his commentary. on the Geeta explains : “It is our duty to act but not to expect reward thereof. Expectation of fruit causes bondage. Action should therefore be performed without seeking the fruit, but it should not be forsaken. The former leads to salvation and the latter to sin, i.e., action must be performed as a duty without attachment.” 

This philosophy of the Karma Yoga was pursued further when Niti Shastras were written. In Kautilya's Arthshastra, non-performance of duties was made punishable under law. Kautilya championed the cause of civilized society and specifically laid stress on the concept of neighbourhood. For instance, one of the duties for which he made laws was : “No one shall interfere in the affairs of a neighbour without due cause. However, everyone has the duty to run to the help of a neighbour in distress.” 

Our country achieved freedom after a long period of slavery. Therefore, the framers of our constitution thought it proper to grant certain fundamental rights to the citizens of India so that they might experience a sense of freedom. Some of the main rights given to the people are : the right to equality, to freedom, to life and individual freedom, to religious freedom, to cultural and educational freedom. It is human nature to desire rights first and then to think of duties. That is to say, every individual wants only rights, not the fulfillment of his/her duties.

Question 1. 
Since when doing one's duty has been preached? 
(a) Since Vedic times 
(b) Since Mogul times 
(c) Since Independence 
(d) Since British times 
Answer:
(a) Since Vedic times
 
Question 2. 
Who has preached about duties without expectations in the Bhagwad Geeta? 
(a) Lord Ramai 
(b) Lord Shankara 
(c) Lord Krishna 
(d) Lord Narayan 
Answer:
(c) Lord Krishna 

Question 3. 
Who has written Arthshastra? 
(a) Bal Gangadhar Tilak 
(b) Lord Krishna 
(c) Kautilya 
(d) Panini 
Answer:
(c) Kautilya 

Question 4. 
How, according to Kautilya, should one behave with his neighbour? 
Answer:
According to Kautilya we should help our neighbour in distress and we shouldn't interfere without due cause. 

Question 5. 
Write down the fundamental rights mentioned here. 
Answer:
The right to equality, to freedom, to life and individual freedom, to religious freedom to cultural and education freedom are fundamental rights.

Question 6.
Which human tendency of our citizens does the author criticise? 
Answer:
Every citizen desires rights first and duties later. The author criticises it. 

Question 7. 
How, according to Tilak, should we perform our duty? 
Answer:
According to Tilak we should perform out duty without seeking the fruit. 

Question 8. 
Find from the passage the word which means 'example’. 
Answer:
Instance 

Question 9. 
Find from the passage the opposite of ‘former' : 
Answer:
Latter 

Passage 9.

Happiness is not a house that can be built by man's hands, but a song that you hear as you pass the hedge rising suddenly and simply into the night and dying down again. Happiness is optional. It is an inner feeling of contentment and joy. Every man should give a little thought to the duty of being happy. People generally under-rate and neglect this significant duty.

“Nothing too much' is a good maxim of a Greek philosopher. We should control our desires. We should not be a slave to our desires. We should learn to stop while we still wish to continue. We should call off our desires before they are satisfied. “Nothing too much should be our guiding principle when we control our desires. Happiness is inside, not outside. 

It is not in the objects. Everyday a person should think and realise that he is a soul and he is alone. For this sake, he should spare some time and realise that nothing belongs to him for ever. He should smile and try to internalise the effect of his smile. He should try to retain the pleasing effect in the inner recesses of his heart and in the ideas of his mind.

Health is also related to happiness. Walking, light physical exercises and light food free from harmful components are as useful for health as hobbies and company of good friends. Company of nature and company of good books create a basis of happy living. Happiness rooted in activity with devotion is an inner feeling of satisfaction or contentment for those who are not enslaved by desires. We are happy only when we exist in relation to the social environment with a positive attitude. 

Question 1. 
What is optional? 
(a) Happiness 
(b) Sadness 
(c) Calmness 
(d) Peaceness 
Answer:
(a) Happiness 

Question 2. 
What should we control? 
(a) Needs 
(b) Desires 
(c) Demands 
(d) Feelings 
Answer:
(b) Desires 

Question 3. 
Where is happiness? 
(a) Outside 
(b) Inside 
(c) Mid-side 
(d) Upside 
Answer:
(b) Inside 

Question 10. 
What, according to the author, is happiness? 
Answer:
According to the author happiness is an inner feeling of contentment and joy.

Question 5. 
Which maxim did a Greek philosopher follow? 
Answer:
A Greek philosopher followed the maxim ‘nothing too much'. 

Question 6. 
What should a person think and realise everday? 
Answer:
Everyday a person should think and realise that he is soul and he is alone. 

Question 7. 
What things create a basis of happy living? 
Answer:
Company of nature and of good books create a basis of happy living. 

Question 8. 
Locate from the passage the word which means "satisfaction'. 
Answer:
Contentment
 
Question 9. 
Find from the passage the opposite of 'negative'.
Answer:
Positive 

Passage 11.

The first characteristic of Bharatiya culture is that it looks upon life as an integrated whole. It has an integrated viewpoint. To think of parts may be proper for a specialist, but it is not useful from the practical standpoint. The confusion in the West arises primarily from its tendency to think of life in sections and then to attempt to put them together by patch-work. We do admit that there is diversity and plurality in life, but we have always attempted to discover the unity behind them. This attempt is thoroughly scientific. 

The scientists always attempt to discover the unity behind them. This attempt is thoroughly scientific. The scientists always attempt to discover order in the apparent disorder in the universe, to find out the principles governing the universe and frame practical rules on the basis of these principles. Chemists discovered that a few elements comprise the entire physical world. Physicists went one step further and showed that even these elements pulsate with energy. Today we know that the entire universe is only a form of energy. 

Philosophers are also basically scientists. The western philosophers reached up to the principle of duality; Hegel put forward the pinciple of thesis, anti-thesis and synthesis. Karl Marx used this principle as a basis and presented his analysis of history and economics. Darwin considered the principle of survival of the fittest as the sole basis of life. But we, in this country, perceived the basic unity of all life. Even the dualists have believed nature and spirit to be complementary to each other than contradictory. 

Question 1. 
Which culture looks upon life as an integrated whole? 
(a) Nepalese 
(b) Bhutanese 
(c) Chinese 
(d) Bhartiya 
Answer:
(d) Bhartiya 

Question 2. 
Which culture thinks of life in sections 
(a) Eastern 
(b) Western 
(c) Northern 
(d) Southern 
Answer:
(b) Western 

Question 3. 
Who presented his analysis of history and economics? 
(a) Darwin 
(b) Karl Marx 
(c) Hegel 
(d) Edison 
Answer:
(b) Karl Marx 

Question 4. 
What do the scientists always attempt to discover? 
Answer:
Scientists always attempt to discover order in apparent disorder in the universe to find out the principles governing the universe and frame practical rules. 

Question 5. 
What did the Chemists and the Physicist discover? 
Answer:
The chemists discovered that a few elements comprise the entire physical world. The physicists discovered that these elements pulsate with energy.

Question 6. 
Which principles about life was given by Darwin? 
Answer:
Darwin considered the principle of survival of the fittest as the sole basis of life.

Question 7. 
What have even the dualists believed? 
Answer:
Dualists have believed nature and spirit to be complementary to each other rather than contradictory. 

Question 8. 
Locate from the passage the word which means “chiefly'. 
Answer:
Primarily.

Question 9. 
Find from the passage the opposite of 'backward'. 
Answer:
Forward 

Passage 12.

Highly intellectual and given to abstract thinking as they were, one would expect the ancient Indians to excel in mathematics. Europe got its early arithmetic and algebra from the Arabs - hence the ‘Arabic numerals - but the Arabs themselves had previously taken them from India.

The astonishing progress that the Indians had made in mathematics is now well known and it is recognized that the foundations of modern arithmetic and algebra were laid long ago in India. The clumsy method of using a counting frame and the use of Roman and such like numerals had long retarded progress when the ten Indian numerals, including the zero sign, liberated the human mind from these restrictions and threw a flood of light on the behaviour of numbers. 

These number symbols were unique and entirely different from all other symbols that had been in use in other countries. They are common enough to-day and we take them for granted, yet they contained the germs of revolutionary progress in them. It took many centuries for them to travel from India, via Baghdad, to the western world. 

A hundred and fifty years ago, during Napoleon's time, La Place wrote : 'It is India that gave us the ingenious method of expressing all numbers by means of ten symbols, each symbol receiving a value of position, as well as an absolute value; a profound and important idea which appears so simple to us now that we ignore its ture merit, but its very simplicity, the great ease which it has lent to all computations, puts our arithmetic in the first rank of useful inventions, and we shall appreciate the grandeur of this achievement when we remember that it escaped the genius of Archimedes and Apollonius, two of greatest men produced by antiquity. 

Question 1. 
Where was the foundation of modern arithmetic and algebra was laid? 
(a) in Arab 
(b) in India 
(c) in the West 
(d) in America 
Answer:
(b) in India 

Question 2. 
Where did the numerals travel from India? 
(a) Baghdad 
(b) London 
(c) Tehran 
(d) Lebnan 
Answer:
(a) Baghdad 

Question 3. 
Who appreciated the ingenious Indian numerals? 
(a) Baghdad 
(b) La Race 
(c) Napoleon 
(d) Apollonius 
Answer:
(a) Baghdad 

Question 4. 
Which country gave the zero sign to the world? 
Answer:
India gave the zero sign to the world.

Question 5. 
Who are the two greatest men produced by antiquity? 
Answer:
Archimedes and Apollonius are the two greatest men produced by antiquity. 

Question 6. 
In what terms India's contribution to Mathematics was lauded? 
Answer:
It is India that gave us the ingenious method of expressing all numbers by means of ten symbols. 

Question 7. 
Who excelled in Mathematics in India? 
Answer:
The ancient Indians excelled in Mathematics in India.

Question 8. 
Locate from the passage the word which means “surprising?. 
Answer:
Astonishing. 

Question 9.
Find from the passage the opposite of concrete”. 
Answer:
Abstract. 

Passage 13.

It was the London Times that remarked : "No country other than India, could have produced a Gandhi.” That is why he belongs to us in a very special sense. There are several ways in which he was worked for the country and the world. He was a great nationalist leader. He was a liberator of the enslaved. He taught the doctrine of love that never fails.

He was a moral genius who tried to chasten himself first before trying to exert any kind of influence on other people. In all these ways he has helped us. It was over thirty years ago that I put to Gandhi three questions : (1) What is your religion? (2) How were you led to it? (3) What is its bearing on life? He gave the answer, the brief answer. 

I used to say, "I believe in God”, now I say, "I believe in truth”. “God is truth”, that is what I was saying and today I say, “Truth is God”. There are people who deny God. There are no people who deny Truth. It is something which even the atheists admit. Here he was not enunciating any new proposition. He was merely declaring some fundamental truths which have come down to us from the environment in which he lived, the environment which nourished him. 

He took up these two things : satyain vada dharmam care. Speak the truth and do the right. He used to call them satya and ahimsa. These were the principles which he had. Truth is not something which we can casually get at. It requires considerable travail of human spirit to bring out harmony between the inward and the outward. Vammanasyoraikya-rupam satyam. Vak (word) and manas (thought) must have identity. 

Question 1. 
What is London Times? 
(a) A newspaper 
(b) A magazine 
(c) A Journal 
(d) A Novel 
Answer:
(a) A newspaper 

Question 2. 
How many years ago did the author put questions to Gandhi? 
(a) 20 
(b) 30 
(c) 40 
(d) 50 
Answer:
(b) 30 

Question 3. 
In what did Gandhi believe? 
(a) God is truth 
(b) Truth is God 
(c) God is false  
(d) Falsity is God 
Answer:
(b) Truth is God 

Question 4. 
What did the London Times remark? 
Answer:
The London Times remarked that no other country than India could have produced a Gandhi.

Question 5. 
What kind of moral genius was Gandhi? 
Answer:
Gandhi was a moral genius who tried to chasten himself first before trying to exert any kind of influence on other people.

Question 6. 
Which two principles are his guiding principles? 
Answer:
His two guiding principles are truth and non-violence.

Question 7. 
Write two ways Gandhi worked for the country and the world? 
Answer:
He was a great nationalist leader. He was a liberator of the enslaved. By these two ways he worked for the country and the world.

Question 8. 
Locate from the passage the word which means “non-believers in God'.
Answer:
Atheists.

Question 9. 
Find from the passage the opposite of 'inward'. 
Answer:
Outward. 

Passage 14.
To return, therefore, to where I began, if your horizon goes as far as Srinagar in the North and Cape Camorin in the South, Karachi in the West and Dibrugarh in the East as, indeed, it should there is for you nothing for it but to learn Hindi, English, I have shown to you, cannot be our lingua france. I have no prejudice against English. A knowledge of English is necessary for a few scholars, it is necessary for international contacts and for a knowledge of the sciences pursued in the West. But I am pained when an attempt is made to give English a place it cannot take. 

That attempt, I have no doubt, is bound to fail. Everything looks proper in its own place. There is a scare of which I should like to disabuse your minds. Is Hindi to be taught at the expense of Kannada? On the contrary, I claim that the more we propagate Hindi, the more shall we stimulate a study of vernaculars and even improve their power and potency. I say this from my experience of different provinces. 

The first and the greatest social service we can render is to revert to our vernaculars, to restore Hindi to its natural place as the national language, and begin carrying on all our provincial proceedings in our respective vernaculars and national proceedings in Hindi. We ought not to rest till our schools and colleges give us instruction through the vernaculars. It ought not to be necessary, even for the sake of our English friends, to have to speak in English. Every English civil and military officer has to know Hindi: Most English merchants learn it because they need it for their business. The day must soon come when our legislatures will debate national affairs in the vernaculars or Hindi, as the case may be. 

Question 1. 
Which language can't be our Lingua Franca? 
(a) English 
(b) French 
(c) Portugese 
(d) Spanish 
Answer:
(a) English 

Question 2. 
Which language did the author really favour as national language? 
(a) English 
(b) Hindi 
(c) French 
(d) Spanish 
Answer:
(b) Hindi 

Question 3. 
About language, where does the author want to revert? 
(a) to Vernaculars 
(b) To English alphabets 
(c) to English phonetics 
(d) to French letters 
Answer:
(a) to Vernaculars

Question 4. 
For what is the knowledge of English necessary? 
Answer:
The knowledge of English is necessary for international contacts and for the knowledge of western science.

Question 5. 
When is the author pained? 
Answer:
The author is pained when an attempt is made to English a place it can't take. 

Question 6. 
What does the author claim? 
Answer:
The author claims that the more we propagate Hindi, the more shall we stimulate a study of vernaculars and even improve their power and potency. 

Question 7.
What does the author hope from the legislators? 
Answer:
From the legislators, the author hopes to debate in vernaculars or Hindi as the case may be.

Question 8. 
Find from the passage the word which means the line where the earth and sky appear to meet”.
Answer:
Horizon.

Question 9. 
Find from the passage the opposite of ‘abuse”. 
Answer:
Disabuse. 

Passage 15.

From the beginning, children should be allowed to develop in their own natural happy way within the control of parental love, guidance and care and without too much pressure. A change of some conventional parental attitudes may help to prevent many cases of drug dependence and other adolescent problems. 

We should also understand our parental responsibilities to the world environment. Remember that the living space of this world is limited and we must leave enough space for our future generations to live happily. 

To achieve that aim, we must practise family planning and limit the birth rate by having only one or two children per couple. Between each birth there should be a gap of three or four years so that each child is not deprived of the right to sufficient parental love and care. Family planning really means family welfare, as it helps to keep women healthy enough to contribute to a happy home environment. A happy healthy mother is a key to the welfare of the whole family.The mind is most important in the maintenance of positive health. 

To develop a healthy mind it is important to learn to relax properly and to develop ways to deal with day to day stress. Many diseases such as high blood pressure and some heart problems are Hary Parental pe the welfare of the whol happy healthy father  thought to be related to stress, so by using relaxation, techniques you may avoid many health problems. However, even when we enjoy good health, diseases may occur. According to international statistics, each person is at risk of becoming sick or injured about twice a year on average. It is important to deal with any sickness or injury in a realistic and intelligent way without panic. 

Question 1. 
What should we also understand? 
(a) Parental responsibilities 
(b) Perental control 
(c) Perental Pressure
(d) Parental scoldings 
Answer:
(a) Parental responsibilities

Question 2. 
Who is a key to the welfare of the whole family? 
(a) A happy healthy mother 
(b) A happy healthy father 
(c) A happy healthy grandmother 
(d) A happy healthy grandfather 
Answer:
(a) A happy healthy mother 

Question 3. 
What is the most important in the maintenance of positive health? 
(a) Mind 
(b) Body 
(c) Hands 
(d) Feet 
Answer:
(a) Mind 

Question 4.
How should we allow the children to develop? 
Answer:
We should allow the children to develop in their own natural happy way within the control of parental love, guidance and care and without too much pressure.

Question 5. 
What can help to prevent adolescent problems? 
Answer:
A change of some conventional parental attitudes can help prevent adolescent problems. 

Question 6. 
How can we develop a healthy mind? 
Answer:
We can develop a healthy mind by learning to relax properly and to develop ways to deal with day to day stress. 

Question 7. 
How should sickness and injury be dealt with? 
Answer:
Sickness and injury be dealt within a realistic and intelligent way without panic. 

Question 8. 
Locate from the passage the word which means 'traditional'. 
Answer:
Conventional.

Question 9. 
Find from the passage the opposite of 'ending'. 
Answer:
Beginning 

Passage 16.

There is a danger of the world getting liberty drunk in these days like the old lady with the basket. We should think, 'what does the rule of the road mean?' It means in order that the liberties of all may be preserved, the liberties of everybody must be curtailed. When the policeman steps into the middle of the road and puts out his hand he is the symbol of liberty.

You may not think so. If he pulls up your motor cycle at the wrong side, you will feel injured. You may feel that your liberty has been outraged. Why does this fellow interfere with your free use of the public road? If you have rationality, you'll reflect and praise his act. If he didn't interfere with you, he would interfere with no one. The result would be chaos. You have submitted to a curtailment of private liberty in order that you may enjoy a social order which makes your liberty a reality. 

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 I may be as free as I like. If I choose to go down in a dressing gown, with long hair and bare feet, who shall object? You have liberty to laugh at me, but I have liberty to be indifferent to you.

And if I have : a fancy for dyeing my hair or wearing a tall hat, a frock 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 take fruit juice with my dinner. I may like fruit juice with my dinner. You will not ask me whether you may follow this religion or that, whether you may marry the dark lady on the fair lady. 

Question 1. 
Who, acording to the author, is the symbol of liberty? 
(a) People 
(b) Policeman 
(c) Drivers 
(d) Padestrians
Answer:
(b) Policeman 

Question 2. 
What is liberty, according to the author? 
(a) a personal affair 
(b) a social contract 
(c) a personal enjoyment. 
(d) a social enjoyment 
Answer:
(b) a social contract 

Question 3. 
Whose liberties must be curtailed? 
(a) Everybody's 
(b) Somebody's 
(c) Nobody's 
(d) No one's 
Answer:
(a) Everybody's 

Question 4.
What does the rule of the road mean? 
Answer:
The rule of the road means to maintain liberties of all and curtail everybody's liberty. 

Question 5.
Mention two ways of personal liberty. 
Answer:
I may take fruit juice with. dinner. I may choose to go down in dressing gown. These are the two ways of personal liberty. 

Question 6.
What is liberty? 
Answer:
Liberty' is an accommodation of interests; it's a social contract. 

Question 7.
What will you not ask, according to the author?
Answer: 
According to author you will not ask whether you may follow this religion or that, whether you may marry the dark lady or the fair lady.

Question 8.
Find from the passage the word which means the state of being rational”. 
Answer:
Rationality. 

Question 9.
Find from the passage the opposite of 'weep'.
Answer:
Laugh.  

Passage 17.

Very few persons know how to read. Considerable experience with literature is needed before taste and discrimination can possibly be acquired; and, without these, it is almost impossible to learn how to read. I say, almost impossible; since there are some rare men who, through a kind of inherited literary instinct are able to read very well even before reaching the age of twenty-five years.

But these are great exceptions, and I am speaking of the average; for to read the characters of the letters of the text does not mean reading in the true sense. You will often find yourselves reading words or characters automatically, even pronouncing them quite correctly, while your minds are occupied with a totally different subject. 

This mechanism of reading becomes altogether automatic at an early period of life, and can be performed irrespective of attention. Neither can I call it reading to extract the narrative portion of a text from the rest simply for one's personal amusement, or in other words, to read a book "for the story”. Yet most of the reading that is done in the world is donein exactly this way.

Thousands and thousands of books are bought every year, every month, I might even say every day, by people who do not read at all. They only think that they read. They buy books just to amuse themselves, "to kill time” as they call it; in one hour or two their eyes have passed over all the pages, and there is left in their minds a vague idea or two about what they have been looking at; and this they really believe is reading. Nothing is more common than to be asked, "Have you read such a book?” or to hear somebody say, “I have read such and such a book.” 

Question 1. 
Who, according to author, know how to read? 
(a) All the persons 
(b) No persons 
(c) Very few persons 
(d) Some persons
Answer:
(c) Very few persons 

Question 2. 
About which readers is the author speaking? 
(a) Average readers 
(b) Exceptional readers
(c) Habitual readers 
(d) Professional readers
Answer: 
(a) Average readers 

Question 3. 
About whom is this passage? 
(a) Speakers 
(b) Readers 
(c) Writers 
(d) Publishers 
Answer:
(b) Readers 

Question 4. 
What is needed before taste and discrimination can possibly be acquired? 
Answer:
Considerable experience with literature is needed for that. 

Question 5. 
What is the mechanism of reading at an early period of life? 
Answer:
At an early period of life the mechanism of reading is this that you will find yourself reading words while your attention is occupied with a totally different subject. 

Question 6. 
How is most of the reading done? 
Answer:
Most of the reading is done in this way - to read a book for the story' just to get a vague idea.

Question 7. 
Which type of readers is the author speaking about? 
Answer:
The author is speaking about the average reader, not the exceptional reader. 

Question 8. 
Find from the passage the word which means “entertainment. 
Answer:
Amusement.

Question 9. 
Find from the passage the opposite of ‘after'. 
Answer:
Before.

Passage 18.

According to Swami Vivekananda every improvement in India require first of all an upheaval in religion. In his travels, he found that for the uplift of nation it was necessary to energize the masses which could be achieved only by religion, rejuvenated and revitalized  by infusing Vedantic ideas. “In religion,” he said, “lies the vitality of India and so long as the Hindu race do not forget the great inheritance of their forefathers, there is no power on earth to destroy them.” He wanted a religion which would “give us faith in ourselves, a national self-respect and the power to feed and educate the poor and relieve the misery around us. 

According to him the problems of India are more complicated, more momentous than the problems in any other country. Swamiji's plan for the elevation of the masses was to give them secular education and to prepare them to work for a better standard of life. But in his view this secular education was to be imparted through religion, for it was only through religion that even ideas of social and political advancement take root in India. 

“Keep the motto before you,” he said, “elevation of the masses without injuring religion.” Religion was getting confined to don't touchism, the kitchen and the cooking pot, and Swami Vivekananda wanted to reinstate, pristine Upanishadic religion.” His beautiful summing up of what religion means deserves thoughtful consideration. “Each soul is potentially divine. The goal is to manifest this Divinity within by controlling Nature, external and internal. Do this either by work or worship, or psychic control or philosophy - by one or more or all of these and be free. 

Question 1. 
What, according to Vivekananda, does cause upheavel in religion in India? 
(a) every improvement 
(b) every enactment 
(c) every election 
(d) every monk 
Answer:
(a) every improvement 

Question 2. 
Who were need to be energized? 
(a) scientists 
(b) officers 
(c) masses 
(d) advocates 
Answer:
(c) mąsses 

Question 3. 
Which type of religion did Vivekananda want? 
(a) Purạnic 
(b) Upanishadic 
(c) Social 
(d) Cultural 
Answer:
(b) Upanishadic 

Question 4. 
What did Vivekananda say about the problems of India? 
Answer:
Problems in India are more complicated and more momentous than the problems in any other country 

Question 5. 
What was Swami's plan for the elevation of the masses? 
Answer:
Swamiji's plan was to give them secular education and prepare for a better standard of life. 

Question 6. 
What, according to Swamiji, is religion? 
Answer:
According to Swamiji, religion is to manifest the divine element of a person by work or worship or psychic control or philosophy.

Question 7. 
What, according to Swamiji, is the goal? 
Answer:
The goal, according to Swamiji, is to manifest Divinity within by controlling nature, external and internal. 

Question 8. 
Find from the passage the word which means “betterment'. 
Answer:
Improvement. 

Question 9. 
Find from the passage the opposite of “remember?
Answer:
Forget. 

Passage 19.

Shivaji, the great, was a very wise and brave king. When Aurangzeb imprisoned him at Agra, he thought of a clever plan, and escaped from there in 1666. At this, the whole of Maharastra was filled with great joy. Aurangzeb, on the other hand, not furious, and broke all the treaties miade by him with Shivaji and began to trouble the small Maratha Kingdom in many ways. Shivaji did not watch all this quietly. He at once decided to take suitable steps to face the new danger.

He consulted his brave and trusted generals, like Pratap Rao Gurjar and Niraji Raoji, organised his own forces and began to wrest fort after fort from the hands of Aurangzeb. The Maratha soldiers were determined even to die for Shivaji: This bravery and determination helped them to recover the forts under the Moghul possession one after another. Such was the state of affairs in January, 1670. 

Though Shivaji's forces captured many forts in the Deccan, he did not feel very happy till he took back the great and important fort of Kondana. His mother Jijabai was also equally anxious that her son should get bact the strategic fort soon. She said to him. “Shivaji, I love the fort of Kondana because of its importance, and unless that is taken back from the Moghuls my heart will never be at rest. 

I am pleased to see the brave . deeds of you Mavalas and faithful generals who have so far driven out the Moghuls from many a fort. I shall be happier if they can recapture Kondana too as soon as possible.” Shivaji felt immensely happy at this; for he too had the same keen urge. He said, “Dear Mother, your wish will be carried out and that too without delay. I will not enjoy a hearty meal or sound sleep till we recapture Kondana." 

Question 1. 
What type of king was Shivaji, the great? 
(a) wise 
(b) brave 
(c) wise and brave 
(d) cruel 
Answer:
(c) wise and brave 

Question 2. 
Which fort was the strategic fort? 
(a) Nahargarh 
(b) Kondana 
(c) Kumbhalgarh 
(d) Malpi 
Answer:
(b) Kondana 

Question 3. 
Shivji was a 
(a) Dravid king 
(b) Maratha king 
(c) Moghul king 
(d) Rajput king 
Answer:
(b) Maratha king

Question 4. 
How did Shivaji come out of the prison of Aurangzeb? 
Answer:
He thought of a clever plan and escaped from the jail. 

Question 5. 
What did Shivaji do to get back his forts? 
Answer:
Shivaji organised his own forces and began to wrest fort after fort. 

Question 6. 
What helped the Maratha to recover the forts? 
Answer:
The bravery and determination helped them to recover the forts under the Moghul possession.

Question 7. 
What pledge did Shivaji make to recapture Kondana? 
Answer:
He pledge not to enjoy hearty meal and sound sleep till he recaptured the fort of Kondana.  

Question 8. 
Find from the passage the word which means 'win back from the enemy'. 
Answer:
Recapture. 

Question 9. 
Find from the passage the opposite of coward'. 
Answer:
Brave. 

Passage 20.

Whilst I was in the midst of my creative work there came to me an inner message asking me to come out of my seclusion and seek life in the heart of crowd. I knew not what I could do. I had a love for children, so that I called them round me, in order to rescue them from the dismal dungeons of the educational department, and find for them that atmosphere of sympathy and freedom which they needed most. I chose a beautiful and secluded spot where, in collaboration with Mother Nature, it was possible to bring up these boys in a spirit of widsom and love. 

While I was still busy doing service to children I do not know what possessed me all of a sudden. From some far-away sky came to me a call of pilgrimage reminding me that we are all born pilgrims-pilgrims of the green earth. A voice questioned me : 'Have you been to the sacred shrine where Divinity reveals itself in the thoughts and dreams and deeds of Man?' I thought possibly it was in Europe where I must seek it and know the full meaning of my birth as a human being in this world. And so for the second time I came to this continent. 

But, meanwhile I had grown up and learnt much of the history of man. I had sighed with the great poet Wordsworth, who became sad when he saw what man had done to man. We too have suffered at the hands of man - not tigers and snakes, not elemental forces of nature, but human beings. Men are ever the greatest enemy of Man. I had felt and known it; all the same, there was a hope, deep in my heart, that I should find some place, some temple, where the immortal spirit of man dwelt hidden like the sun behind clouds. 

Question 1. 
Which type of message asked the author to come out of his seclusion? 
(a) outer 
(b) surface 
(c) sound 
(d) inner 
Answer:
(d) inner 

Question 2. 
Which place for children's study was chosen by the speaker? . . 
(a) a beautiful 
(b) a secluded 
(c) a natural 
(d) a beautiful, secluded and natural 
Answer:
(d) a beautiful, secluded and natural 

Question 3. 
Who reminded the speaker about pilgrimage? 
(a) Some far-away moon 
(b) Some far-away sun 
(c) Some far-away star 
(d) Some far-away sky 
Answer:
(d) Some far-away sky
 
Question 4. 
What was the inner message? 
Answer:
The inner message was to come out of the seclusion and seek life in the heart of crowd. 

Question 5.
From what had the speaker learnt much? 
Answer:
The speaker had learnt much from the history of war. 

Question 6. 
Why had the speaker and Wordsworths sighed? 
Answer:
They had sighed because men had suffered at the hands of men. 

Question 7. 
Why is the speaker still hopeful? 
Answer:
The speaker is still hopeful because the spirit of man is immortal like the sun.

Question 8. 
Find from the pasage the word which means the state of having little contact with other people'. 
Answer:
Seclusion.

Question 9. 
Find from the passage the opposite of ‘mortal'. 
Answer:
Immortal. 

Passage 21.

That night, I was sleeping in the passage room. When I woke up in the morning I found my elder brother's blanket on me, added to mine. Early at dawn he had left for the fields without a blanket on his shoulders. If he had been asked why, he would have surely said in his usual manner, that he did not feel the cold. Now I have a comfortable income. Yet it had never occurred to me to think of buying any warm cloth for my elder brother. He is still satisfied and happy with that old tattered blanket that he had covered me with once. The same blanket was there before me, with all the other things. 

I shivered with the cold, and my own ingratitude. The process of division was finally over. Whatever the second brother demanded, my elder brother agreed to it with a smile. My second brother proposed to buy the share of land that was given to me and offered eighteen thousand rupees as the price. 

In the evening, my elder brother took me along with him to show me the paddy fields that were to be mine. I quietly follwed him. We moved from boundary to boundary. Everywhere, I could feel the imprints of his feet, his palm and his fingers. On the bosom of the paddy fields sparkled the pearls of my elder brother's sweat. He was showing me the fields, as a father would introduce a stranger to family members. 

In the morning, I was to leave for Bhubaneswar. I had no courage to meet my elder brother. Before leaving for the bus-stop, I had handed over the same slip of paper to my elder sister-in-law, which had the details about my share. Writing on the blankside of that slip, I had asked her to deliver it to my elder brother and stealthily slipped out of our house. 

Question 1. 
Who is the speaker here? 
(a) Baby 
(b) Babuli 
(c) Babuji 
(d) Babal 
Answer:
(b) Babuli 

Question 2.
Which article at home stirred the conscience of the speaker? 
(a) Water 
(b) Bus 
(c) Fish 
(d) Blanket 
Answer:
(d) Blanket 

Question 3. 
Which brother is most satisfied? 
(a) Bubuli 
(b) Second brother
(c) Eldest brother 
(d) None of the above 
Answer:
(c) Eldest brother 

Question 4. 
What did the second brother want from the speaker? 
Answer:
The second brother wanted to buy his share of land from the speaker. 

Question 5. 
How can you say that the speaker is emotional? 
Answer:
The tattered blanket and his share of paddy fields made him emotional.

Question 6. 
What type to relationship does the speaker have with his elder brother? 
Answer:
With his elder brother, the speaker has 'father-son’ relationship.

Question 7. 
To which brother had the speaker gives his share? 
Answer:
The speaker has given his share of fields to his elder brother. 

Question 8. 
Find from the passage the word which means old and torn’. 
Answer:
Tattered

Question 9. 
Find from the passage the opposite of 'hot'. 
Answer:
Cold 

Passage 22.

The young village boys, great pals of Anna, were very keen to meet him. Within no time, they reached his house. Warm hugs were exchanged. Anna narrated his terrible dream to them and they realized that only 'pooja-paath' will not solve this grave water problem. They discussed the importance of trees in conserving water. In the forests, water seeps gently into the ground as vegetation breaks the fall. This ground water in turn, feeds wells, lakes and rivers. Protecting forests means protecting water 'catchments'. They resolved that they will motivate everyone to plant and take care of at least one tree and prevent the indiscriminate cutting of trees. 

Mahesh, a vibrant boy, with glowing eyes said, "I know that over the years, rising population, growing industrialisation and expanding agriculture have pushed up the demand for water." He further said that people should develop a habit of saving water in their day-to day lives because, “every drop matters.” Ramuda, a bright chap with calm, meditative face made his presence felt and said, “In urban areas, the construction of houses, footpaths and roads has left little exposed earth for water to soak in. In parts of the rural areas of India, floodwater quickly flows to the rivers, which then dry up soon after the rains stop. If this water can be held back, it can seep into the ground and recharge the groundwater supply." 

Mahesh looked at Anna with questioning eyes, “Bhaiya, I have heard of rainwater harvesting. What is it?” “Rainwater harvesting essentially means collecting rainwater on the roofs of the buildings and storing it underground for later use. Not only does this recharging stop ground water depletion, it also raises the declining water level and can help increase water supply. 

Question 1. 
What did Anna narrate to his pals? 
(a) his terrible accident 
(b) his terrible dream 
(c) his terrible story 
(d) his terrible incident 
Answer:
(b) his terrible dream 

Question 2. 
What are important in conserving water 
(a) birds 
(b) animals 
(c) trees 
(d) humans 
Answer:
(c) trees 

Question 3. 
For what did the village friends decide? 
(a) For rainwater harveting 
(b) For rainwater wasting 
(c) For digging wells 
(d) For tubewells 
Answer:
(a) For rainwater harveting 

Question 4. 
How can you say that Anna and his pals have scientific temper? 
Answer:
They discuss the importance of trees in conserving water. Pooja-path is not enough.

Question 5. 
How do forests help in maintaining ground water level? 
Answer:
Forests seep rainwater. The seeped water feeds wells, lakes and rivers.

Question 6. 
Why was demand for water pushed up? 
Answer:
It was because of rising population, growing industrialization and expanding agriculture. 

Question 7.
How is rainwater collected? 
Answer:
Rainwater is collected in the underground wells through the drain pipes connected with roof having the rainwater. 

Question 8. 
Find from the passage the word which means 'friends'.
Answer:
Pals. 

Question 9. 
Find from the passage the opposite of destruction. 
Answer:
Construction.