CLASS: IX

SECTION: A-F
SUBJECT: ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE
SESSION: 2023-24
READING COMPREHENSION
WORKSHEET- 19
I.Read the view and counterview given below and answer the questions that follow.

Stunning visuals, a cup of coffee and thecomfort
of watching a wildlife documentary from the
cozy comfort of your home is unparalleled
entertainment.
I feel when watching a documentary, thedetailed
information about the animals’ habitat,
behaviour and eco systems cannever make you
feel you’ve missed the real experience.
Moreover, not everyone can afford a wildlife
safari as it can be exorbitant.
Furthermore, documentaries also have the
advantage of capturing some rare sights and
occurrences in the wild, whichone might not be
able to witness on a safari, even after spending
lavishly.
Hence, in my opinion, watching wildlife
documentaries is the ultimate choice foranimal
lovers.
I love going for wildlife safaris! I mean, who
doesn’t! It’s a truly immersiveexperience. What
a sensorial way of observing the majestic
creatures! Notonly can you see the habitat of
animals, but also listen to their sounds and smell
them. This is something that can’t be replicated
when you watch it on screen.
In fact, I believe that wildlife safaris are agreat
way to have real-life interactions with animals,
which is something a documentary can never
provide. The thrill of discovering the
unexpected, when on a safari, is what adds to
the excitement.
Undoubtedly, in today’s fast paced digital life, I
feel wildlife safaris are a much morewholesome
experience.
So, it’s time to connect with the wilderness!

Q1. Identify the mood of the writer in the first line when he speaks in favour ofwatching a wildlife
documentary.

A. enthusiastic
B. complacent
C. whimsical
D. hopeful

Q2. Select the option which supports the statement given below.The element of
unpredictability about wildlife is fascinating.

A. Wildlife documentaries offer unmatched entertainment.

B. Wildlife safaris are about watching majestic creatures in their abode.
C. Wildlife documentaries provide phenomenal commentary by experts.
D. Wildlife safaris are exciting due to the possibility of encountering theunexpected.

Q3. Select the appropriate option with reference to the Assertion (A) andReasoning (R).
(A) A documentary provides an opportunity to behold elusive wildlifebehaviour.

(R) The occasional incidences in the wild are filmed well in a documentary.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is a correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not a correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true and (R) is false.
D. (A) is false and R) is true.

Q4. The writer’s purpose of this text is to

A. entertain.
B. persuade.
C. inform.
D. amuse.

Q5. Choose the option that completes the sentence appropriately.

When the writer says that in today’s digitalised world, wildlife safaris ensure awholesome experience,
he suggests that wildlife safaris .

(a) Allow real-time interactions

(b) Have a rejuvenating effect
(c) Support conservation
(d) Create a profound connection with nature
(e) Have lower environmental impact

A. 1, 2 and 5
B. 3 and 5
C. 1, 2 and 4
D. 2 and 4
II.Read the following information and answer the questions that follow.

In the quiet corners of old libraries and forgotten attics, a tiny and unassuming creature silently roams.
Known as the ‘silverfish’ due to its silvery-grey exoskeleton and fish-like movement, this insect has a
unique penchant for devouring the pages ofold books. While it might seem like a bibliophile's worst
nightmare, silverfish are intriguing creatures with a history deeply entwined with literature.

i) What distinguishes silverfish from many other temperatures. Their unique tapered bodies allow
species on Earth, highlighting their
uniquecharacteristics?
Silverfish are ancient insects, dating back over
300 million years. They are survivours, having
outlasted the dinosaurs and countless other
species. Their characteristic scales, which
resemble fish scales, are a proof of theirenduring
design.
ii) How do silverfish survive in environments like
old libraries andattics? What draws them to such
places?
These creatures are often found in dark, damp
environments, which is why old books make the
perfect home for them. Libraries, with their vast
collections of aging volumes, are like five-star
resorts for silverfish. They thrive in the starches
and polysaccharides found in paper, glue, and
book bindings.
iii) What is the significance of thesilverfish's
tapered bodies in relationto their behaviour and
habits? Silverfish are incredibly resilient. They
can go without food for months, survivein low
humidity, and tolerate extreme
them to squeeze into the tiniest of crevices,
making it easy forthem to hide in books for years,
even decades.
iv) Despite their destructive
reputation, why are silverfish
considered harmless to humans? Despite
their destructive reputation,
silverfish are harmless to humans. Theydon't
bite, sting, or carry diseases. Theyare, in fact,
quite fascinating from anecological standpoint.
They recyclenutrients by breaking
down cellulose,helping to decompose dead
plants andwood, in their natural habitats.
v) How does the presence of silverfishin old books
illustrate the persistenceof nature in unexpected
environments?
While their affinity for old books might test the
patience of archivists and book collectors,
silverfish are a testament to the enduring power
of nature in the mostunexpected places. So, the
next time you discover tiny holes in your
cherished antique volumes, remember that
you've stumbled upon a piece of history, where
the pages of books have been nibbled by these
ancient, unassuming creatures, the silverfish.

Q1. Why does the writer mention dinosaurs in the passage about silverfish?(Ref: part i)
A. To emphasise that silverfish are the direct descendants of dinosaurs.
B. To illustrate the incredible longevity and survival of silverfish as a species.
C. To suggest that silverfish may have contributed to the extinction of dinosaurs.
D. To draw a parallel between silverfish and modern-day reptiles.
 Q2. Select the option that justifies the following:
Silverfish are considered harmless to humans despitetheir destructive
behaviour toward books

A. They are friendly insects

B. They don't sting or carry diseases
C. They are small and hard to notice
D. They are easily controlled with pesticides

Q3. Select the MOST likely image that corresponds to the writer’s description, inthe term, tapered
bodies.

Q4. Select the appropriate option with reference to the Assertion (A) andReasoning (R).

(A) Silverfish have an important ecological role.

(R) Dead plants and wood provide a habitat for silverfish.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is a correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not a correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true and (R) is false.
D. (A) is false and R) is true.

Q5. What does the writer's tone towards silverfish appear to be in thepassage?
A. Negative and critical, emphasising their destructive nature
B. Neutral and informative, presenting facts about their habits.
C. Positive and appreciative, highlighting their ecological significance.
D. Conflicted and uncertain, discussing both their destructive and ecologicalaspects.

III.Read the excerpt from the story and answer the questions given below.

i. We paused a moment in the hall to look at the big “Grandfather” clock. It was not going, but it
seemed like an old, familiar acquaintance to us, with the gilt balls on itsthree peaks; the little dial and
pointer which would indicate the changes of the moon,and the very dent in its wooden door which
father had made when he was a boy, by kicking it in a fit of naughtiness.

ii. Then we opened the front door and stepped out, rapture swelling in our bosoms. There was a rare
breeze from the south blowing to meet us; the shadows of the spruces were long and clear-cut; the
exquisite skies of early morning, blue and wind-winnowed, were over us; away to the west, beyond
the brook field, was a longvalley and a hill purple with firs and laced with still leafless beeches and
maples.

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iii. Behind the house was a grove of fir and spruce, a dim, cool place where the windswere fond of
purring and where there was always a resinous, woodsy odour. On the further side of it was a thick
plantation of slender silver birches and whisperingpoplars; and beyond it was Uncle Roger’s house.

iv. We paused a moment in the hall to look at the big “Grandfather” clock. It was not going, but it
seemed like an old, familiar acquaintance to us, with the gilt balls on itsthree peaks; the little dial and
pointer which would indicate the changes of the moon,and the very dent in its wooden door which
father had made when he was a boy, by kicking it in a fit of naughtiness.

v. Then we opened the front door and stepped out, rapture swelling in our bosoms. There was a rare
breeze from the south blowing to meet us; the shadows of the spruces were long and clear-cut; the
exquisite skies of early morning, blue and wind-winnowed, were over us; away to the west, beyond
the brook field, was a longvalley and a hill purple with firs and laced with still leafless beeches and
maples.

vi. Behind the house was a grove of fir and spruce, a dim, cool place where the windswere fond of
purring and where there was always a resinous, woodsy odour. On the further side of it was a thick
plantation of slender silver birches and whisperingpoplars; and beyond it was Uncle Roger’s house.

vii. Right before us, girt about with its trim spruce hedge, was the famous King orchard,the history of
which was woven into our earliest recollections. We knew all about it,from father’s descriptions, and
in fancy we had roamed in it many a time and oft.

viii. It was now nearly sixty years since it had had its beginning, when Grandfather Kingbrought his bride
home. Before the wedding he had fenced off the big south meadow that sloped to the sun; it was
the finest, most fertile field on the farm, and the neighbours told young Abraham King that he would
raise many a fine crop of wheat in that meadow. Abraham King smiled and, being a man of few
words, said nothing; but in his mind he had a vision of the years to be, and in that vision he saw,not
rippling acres of harvest gold, but great, leafy avenues of wide-spreading treesladen with fruit to
gladden the eyes of children and grandchildren yet unborn.

Q1. Select the option that is true for the two statements given below.

(i) The wooden door of the grandfather clock had a dent on it.
(ii) The door had been kicked by a mischievous boy.
A. (1) is the reason for (2)
B. (1) precedes (2)
C. (2) is the cause and (1) is the effect
D. (2) is the problem and (1) is the solution

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Q2. Select the option which completes the sentence appropriately.
The phrase ‘rapture swelling in our bosoms’ is a misfit in .

Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4

Watching their Evoking a host of Admiring the Feeling well- rested
daughter receivethe emotions in a music breathtaking view after a good night’s
Best StudentAward, enthusiastafter when standing sleep at the endof
knowing watching anawe- atop the a hectic and
her effort had paidoff, inspiring mountain and eventful day
made the parents performance of feeling a sense of
proud the singer fulfilment
A. Option 1
B. Option 2
C. Option 3
D. Option 4

Q3. Select the option that completes the sentence appropriately.

The author’s use of descriptive language in paragraphs 2 and 3 of the text,helps readers to .

A. reflect on the theme of the story

B. paint a vivid representation of the setting
C. introspect on their connection with nature
D. predict what is going to happen next

Q4. Which option uses the same literary device as, ‘the winds were fond ofpurring’?

A. Shuffling the sodden soil thick with grit

B. Day yawned; night stretched
C. Wrapped around his face like a vine
D. Gathering swallows twitter in the skies

Q5. Which of the following headlines best suggests the central idea of theexcerpt?

A. The Nostalgic Heritage: A Glimpse into the Past

B. Luxurious Family Homes: A Gateway to Paradise
C. The Grandfather Clock: Memories of Childhood
D. Beyond the Front Door: Stepping into the Wilderness

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