DISCURSIVE

1. There are various beliefs prevalent in the society as to what should be eaten and what should not be eaten to
keep healthy. If one has high blood pressure, one is told to cut down on or stop consuming sodium. A new
study from Boston University reveals that low sodium does not actually cause low blood pressure. A little salt
is part of a healthy food plan. The study has shown that the people with the lowest intake of sodium along
with the ones who have the highest intake of sodium have a greater risk of heart disease than the people in the
middle.
2. There is a theory that drinking milk post infancy is unnatural. It is true that humans are the only species to
drink milk as adults. Research shows that we have genetically evolved to adapt to it. Milk products actually
play an important role in keeping us healthy. Dairy products are rich in whey, protein, linoleic acid and
calcium.
3. Fat in general is not a bad thing. The scientific community is still debating the benefits of saturated fats.
The other types of fats taken in moderation are good for us. Plant-based fats such as monosaturated fats found
in foods like almonds, avocado and omega-3 fatty acids found in fish offer many healthy benefits. These fats
may reduce inflammation and improve the quality of blood.
4. It may seem that diet products such as light salad dressing are healthier choices to eat but often they are
really not. Healthy food like this used to be popular, but many of these products remove the fat and replace it
with added sugar. Large amounts of added sugar in the diet may be even more damaging to health than
excessive dietary fat. A major study from CDC showed that people who consumed a lot of sugar were more
than twice likely to die from heart disease. If you opt for a higher food, check the ingredients and food label
to make sure that the fats have not been replaced with added sugar. We must study the reports of various
researches before adopting any new mode of eating or food habit otherwise the result of the food plan may be
opposite of what is expected.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions.
(i) The reason why we should consume dairy products, is:
(a) they are rich in protein and calcium.
(b) they are tasty and tempting.
(c) they are good for heart.
(d) they are not very expensive.
(ii) Which type of people have a greater risk of heart disease?
1. People with no intake of salt.
2. People with the lowest intake of salt.
3. People with moderate intake of salt.
4. People with the highest intake of salt.
5. People who have multiple complications.
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 4 and 5
(d) 2 and 4
(iii) Plant-based fats are good because they:
(a) improve the quality of blood.
(b) improve appetite.
(c) strengthen mind and body.
(d) improve heart beats.
(iv) The word `prevalent’ in the first paragraph of the passage means:
(a) most uncommon.
(b) most common.
(c) unconventional.
(d) important.
(v) What is more damaging to health than excessive dietary fat?
(a) A lot of added sugar in diet.
(b) No sugar intake.
(c) Eating saturated fat frequently.
(d) No fat intake.
(vi) Monosaturated fats are found in food like:
1. milk products
2. sugar
3. almonds
4. oil
5. avocado
(a) 1 and 4
(b) 3 and 5
(c) 2 and 4
(d) 2 and 3
(vii) The phrase ‘added sugar’ in the last paragraph refers to sugars added during the:
(a) cooking of food.
(b) eating of food.
(c) processing of food.
(d) production of sucrose.
(viii) What does the first paragraph of the passage suggest?
(ix) The passage focuses on the importance of……………..
(x) What does the term ‘Eating something in moderation’ mean?
Answers:
(i)(a) they are rich in protein and calcium.
(ii) (d) 2 and 4
(iii) (a) improve the quality of blood.
(iv) (b) most common.
(v) (a) A lot of added sugar in diet.
(vi) (b) 3 and 5
(vii) (c) processing of food.
(viii) The first paragraph of the passage suggests that ‘salt is not as bad as we think’.
(ix) a balanced diet
(x) The given term means to avoid eating something excessively.

PASSAGE-7
1. Happiness is not something far away and unattainable. Happiness does not depend on circumstances or
objects. It is an inseparable part of our consciousness, of our essence, but hidden and covered from sight by
our thoughts, desires and worries. We all seek happiness but few, very-few, indeed, get it. We are unhappy
partly because we desire much more than what we can hope to attain. Our countless desires are hard to be
satisfied. And that is what makes us so sad in life. The secret of happiness lies in the simplification of life.
Simple living encourages high thinking. It leads to contentment. Contentment gives us inner wealth, the
wealth of the mind and of the soul.
2. A contented man devotes himself to virtues; a man can feel true happiness. I do not mean that for
simplification of life, a man should become an ascetic. The happiness of a sadhu is of a negative kind. I want
positive kind of happiness. For this I must live in the midst of life and faithfully carry out my responsibilities
to my home and my country. But all this should be done in the spirit of selfless service.
3. A man, who wants to lead a happy life, should also make others happy. In making others happy he will
taste real and lasting happiness. There is a kind of joy in serving others with virtuous motives, in sacrificing
what one has for the good of others. An act of goodness is of itself an act of happiness. The secret of perfect
happiness lies in renunciation.
4. Wealth may give us joy for a while and fame may provide us with fleeting excitement. But they cannot give
us permanent happiness. Kings have everything to make them happy and yet they feel unhappy. It is because
they do not practise renunciation. There is a sense of joy in doing one’s work honestly and efficiently. A
research-worker feels joy in research and a journalist in writing. In doing one’s duty sincerely, one feels peace
of mind which is an important essence of happiness. It is only by cultivating spirit of renunciation, self-
sacrifice, contentment and science work that one can really be happy. The strings of misfortune spare none but
they will not cow such a person.
5. Happiness is like the sun, it is often hidden by the clouds of thoughts, worries and desires. We have to
scatter and dissolve them to experience happiness. You don’t have to create happiness. All you have to do is
calm your mind, because when there is a quiet mind and inner peace, there is happiness.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions.
(i) Which of the following is the correct chain of things, as mentioned in the passage, leading to
happiness?
(a) contentment, high thinking, simple living, inner wealth
(b) simple living, high thinking, inner wealth, contentment
(c) high thinking, simple living, inner wealth, contentment
(d) simple living, high thinking, contentment, inner wealth
(ii) What does a contented man do?
(a) He assimilates the basic virtues of life.
(b) He faces boldly the adversities of life.
(c) He encounters the strings of misfortunes.
(d) He gives up bad habits effortlessly.
(iii) What, according to the passage, is a positive kind of happiness?
(a) Keeping our motives and feelings under control.
(b) Love for life and a country.
(c) Leading a simple life of an ascetic.
(d) Carrying out all worldly activities in the spirit of selfless service.
(iv) A man who wants to live a happy life should:
(a) make others happy.
(b) master the art of renunciation.
(c) pursue wealth and fame.
(d) inculcate the virtues of life.
(v) Choose the option that best captures the central idea of the passage from the given quotes.
“Life is about creating and living experiences that are “Imagination is more important than
worth sharing.” -Steve Jobs knowledge.” -Albert Einstein

(1) (2)

“Happiness is not something readymade; it comes from “When you want something, all the universe conspires
your own actions.” —Dalai helping you to achieve it.” —
Lama Paulo Coelho

(3) (4)
(a) Option (1)
(b) Option (2)
(c) Option (3)
(d) Option (4)
(vi) Which of the following statements is NOT TRUE in the context of the passage?
(a) One feels peace of mind in doing one’s duty sincerely.
(b) Renunciation is the result of perfect happiness.
(c) Multiplicity of desires make us unhappy.
(d) Making others happy makes one happy.
(vii) The phrase “cow a person” refers to get someone:
(a) spared
(b) caught
(c) scared
(d) provoked
(viii) Doing one’s work sincerely hardly makes one happy. (True/False)
(ix) Select the option that makes the correct use of “unattainable”, as used in para 1.
(a) Unattainable development implies a long-term perspective.
(b) Keep goals small so they are more easily unattainable.
(c) Diabetes is unattainable but not curable.
(d) Some economists think that 100% employment in India is an unattainable goal.
(x) The antonym of ‘permanent’ as given in para 4 is………… .
Answers:
(i)(d) simple living, high thinking, contentment, inner wealth
(ii) (a) He assimilates the basic virtues of life.
(iii) (d) Carrying out all worldly activities in the spirit of selfless service.
(iv) (a) make others happy.
(v) (c) Option (3)
(vi) (b) Renunciation is the result of perfect happiness.
(vii) (c) scared
(viii) False
(ix) (d) Some economists think that 100% employment in India is an unattainable goal.
(x) fleeting

PASSAGE – 8
1.It is an indisputable fact that the world has gone too far with the innovation of new technologies such as
mobile phones, the internet and so on, due to which people are able to tour the cosmos virtually sitting at one
place using their smart devices or other technological gadgets. Though mobile internet access is oftentimes
hurried and short, it can still provide common internet features like alerts, weather data, emails, search
engines, instant messages, and game and music downloading.
2. Due to the easy access of smartphones, communication has been very effective and instant. People are able
to convey their message all around the globe to their loved ones without spending hefty sums of money.
Adults are always fond of such gadgets and they always welcome and adopt such new technology readily.
Further, young people have been able to broaden their minds and improve their skills by doing research on the
Internet. For instance, they use smart phones to look up any new word they come across. As we know that
most of the universities have online teaching provision and smartphones assist the students to complete their
assignments on time.
3. The mobile phone has been a lifesaver for a lot of people in case of an emergency. Likewise, use of
smartphones can be of vital importance in preventing crimes in the society by providing information to the
security forces in time.
4. Nonetheless, for the young the use of mobile phone can be like an addiction and they can misuse it. Young
people are also prone to getting involved in undesirable activities on the Internet. This might have adverse
effect on their academic performance. Therefore, young people should always be monitored and made aware
of its bad outcomes.
5. Also a major contributor to its popularity is the availability of prepaid or pay as you go services from a
phone shop or an online store. This allows subscribers to load text or airtime credits to their handsets by the
use of their credit cards, debit cards or by buying a prepaid card from the network they subscribe to. This plan
also doesn’t commit a particular customer to a contract. If prepaid card is not that appealing to you, then you
can opt to subscribe using the pay by month plan.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions.
1.The reason why communication today has become very effective and instant, is because of the
(a) improved mobility system
(b) easy access of smartphones
(c) growing organisation
(d) increasing number of vehicles
(ii) Choose the option that best captures the central idea of the passage from the given sentences.
Mobile phones are beneficial for the young
generations. Smartphones have enabled us to research on the internet.

(1) (2)

Crimes can be prevented by the use of Mobile phones are a boon to modern people but their addiction sh
smartphones. be avoided.
 (3) (4)
(a) Option (1)
(b) Option (2)
(c) Option (3)
(d) Option (4)
(iii) Young people with smartphones in their hands are needed to be monitored because they can
1. waste time
2. be negligent
3. misuse the gadget
4. be indulged in undesirable activities on Internet
5. disobey their parents
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 1 and 5
(iv) Choose the option that correctly states the two meanings of ‘virtually’, as used in para 1.
1. correctly
2. almost
3. more or less
4. similarly
5. online
(a) 1 and 4
(b) 2 and 5
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 4 and 5
(v) The world has gone too far in terms of:
(a) computers
(b) mobile phones
(c) security
(d) television
(vi) What does the phrase ‘hefty sums of money’ mean in the passage?
(a) little money
(b) large amount of money
(c) penniless
(d) treasury
(vii) The mobile phone is considered a lifesaver in case of……….. .
(viii) Write the most appropriate title for the passage.
(ix) The passage suggests grown-ups that they should encourage the use of new technology by the young
people. (True/False)
(x) Find a phrase in para 2 which means ‘search for information using book, computer, etc’.
Answers:
(i)(b) easy access of smartphones
(ii) (d) Option (4)
(iii)(c) 3 and 4
(iv) (b) 2 and 5
(v) (d) television
(vi) (b) large amount of money
(vii) emergency
(viii) Merits and Demerits of Smartphones
(ix) False
(x) look up

1. A youngster quit Facebook in December after spending over three years on the social networking site. With
that one act, he bid a silent adieu to more than 300 contacts that he had added to his account during the period.
Like almost everyone from his “friends’ circle,” the 20-year-old was a regular on the service; visiting it every
day to post photos and status updates. But last week, a new feature on Facebook called Timeline forced him to
reconsider the pros and cons of being on the networking site.
2. ‘Everyone has some skeletons in their closet and I am just not comfortable with Facebook digging up and
displaying all the facets of my life on a bulletin board,’ says thisyoungster who joined the network in July
2007 while he was in Class 11.
3. Facebook, you see, had compressed the time he spent on the site and arranged it in chronological order.
And while he initially liked the new, neatly organised scrapbook-like feature, he wasn’t happy to reveal posts
from the past, those that, until recently, were hidden under layers and layers of recent updates. Just clicking on
a date on the timeline could transport his friends back in time and enable them to view every embarrassing
comment, link or photo he had posted on his profile.
4. “I think it’s a recipe for disaster,” he says. “In 2007, I had some wall posts, which seemed appropriate at the
time, but now after a lapse of four years, I have moved on and don’t want them to be openly displayed for all
to see.” And he is not alone. Many users, worried about how Facebook activity could possibly affect their
offline lives, are choosing to commit ‘Facebook suicide’. While some have privacy concerns, others feel that
the site that was meant to bring them closer to their friends actually does the opposite – it reduces their
friendship to something superficial.
5. “Poking and liking are not enough to keep a friendship going,” says a business analyst. Having quit
Facebook three years ago, she prefers meeting her ‘real’ friends face-to-face, instead of reading their trite
posts online. “On Facebook, people hype everyday issues including what they ate and where they went on a
daily basis,” says this analyst who continues to use Twitter. Similarly, an engineering student, quit Facebook
last December four years after joining it. One fine day, he exported all the data from his account into a little
zip file and hit the delete button. “I realised that when it came to my friends who really mattered, I could
actually keep in touch with them over the phone or by meeting them in real life,” he wrote on his blog.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions.
(i) The feature of Facebook where one can see the posts, the embarrassing comments and thoughts,
photos and links that a person had put on his profile in the past is:
(a) create story
(b) Facebook live
(c) timeline
(d) messenger
(ii) Choose the option that best captures the central idea of the passage from the given quotes.
“What is interesting is the power and the impact of social
media… So we must try to use social media in a good way. ” - “The great thing about social media was how it ga
Malala Yousafzai voice to voiceless people.” -Jon Ronson

(1) (2)

“Social media is awesome because I can somewha

“Facebook is not your friend. It is a surveillance engine.” - paint myself the way I want people to see me.” -K
Richard Stallman Abstract

(3) (4)
(a) Option (1)
(b) Option (2)
(c) Option (3)
(d) Option (4)
(iii) Many people are getting out of Facebook as they feel:
(a) addicted to it.
(b) that their facebook activity could affect their real life.
(c) they should join Instagram, WhatsApp or Twitter.
(d) poking and liking is not enough.
(iv) The phrase “Facebook suicide” refers to get someone:
(a) poking and liking
(b) quitting Facebook as it could affect their real life.
(c) clicking on a date on the timeline
(d) using Twitter
(v) Which of the following can be the most appropriate title for the passage?
(a) Social Media: A Powerful Tool
(b) Your Privacy and Facebook
(c) Virtual Life
(d) Facebook Friends
(vi) What are some of the threats faced by the users?
(vii) According to the passage, the social media can cause than good.
(viii) The feature ‘Timeline’ on Facebook, according to the passage, forces the youngster to reconsider
increasing use of social media. (True/False)
(ix) Select the option that makes the correct use of “trite”, as used in para 5.
(a) At that moment, his words sounded trite to me.
(b) It was either a trite or an excellent copy.
(c) Her trite powers give life and colour to her paintings.
(d) A little trite air might clear some of the cobwebs.
(x) The antonym of the word ‘pleasing’ in para 1 is………. .
Answers:
(i)(c) timeline
(ii) (c) Option (3)
(iii)(b) that their facebook activity could affect their real life.
(iv) (b) quitting Facebook as it could affect their real life.
(v) (b) Your Privacy and Facebook
(vi) Stalking, personal attacks and misuse of information are some of the threats faced by the users.
(vii) more harm
(viii) False
(ix) (a) At that moment, his words, sounded trite to me.
(x) embarrassing

PASSAGE- 10
1. The novel coronavirus has given rise to a global pandemic that has destabilized most institutional settings.
While we live in times when humankind possesses the most advanced science and technology, a virus
invisible to the naked eye has massively disrupted our lives, economies, healthcare, and education systems
worldwide. Given the coronavirus’s current situation, some households have also had time to introspect on
gender roles and stereotypes. For instance, women are expected to carry out household chores like cooking,
cleaning, and looking after the family. With men sharing household chores responsibilities during the
lockdown period, it gives hope that they will realize the burden that women have been bearing and will
continue sharing such responsibilities.
2. This tough period also gave people some time to reflect on the importance of keeping themselves fit. With
sufficient time in hand, people started investing their time learning new ways to exercise. Those who never
exercised before, giving excuses of busy lives, too developed some new habits of Yoga, Pranayam and
exercises during the lockdown period. These new habits and people’s increased focus on their health, wellness
and immunity will surely change the way we lead our lives even in future.
3. The nature too healed itself during the lockdown period. Restricted human movement led to better air
quality, cleaner water bodies and joyful wildlife movements. The human beings, we hope, reflected during
this time, how some of their unconscious activities cause disruption in nature and worked out ways to adopt
environmental-friendly options for their activities in future. This situation also affected the education sector to
a great extent. It has forced us to shift from offline to online mode of teaching-learning process, almost
immediately without prior preparation. Is it giving us a peek into the reality ahead? Technology-enabled
teaching is definitely the future we are looking towards, but it is important to identify key challenges for
students and teachers in the current scenario. Once identified, academic leadership and the government can
address these through innovations in the focused areas to minimise the effect of pandemic on the education of
the students.
4. The current scenario has also affected our economies to the extent wherein many businessmen had to bear
heavy losses in their businesses. The governments and individuals need to take actions to mitigate risk and
minimize transmission while maintaining social and economic activities. However, relaxed control measures,
declining risk perception and the understandable desire to return to normalcy have led to reduced protective
behaviours and more social and workplace interactions, often in confined, close-contact settings, where the
virus spreads really fast.
5. It is our responsibility that we take all necessary precautions through mask-wearing, physical distancing,
hand hygiene as part of daily life. It is highly important to make these new behaviours part of our everyday
habits. Travelling to new places, casual café visits with a large bunch of friends, spending our weekends in
shopping, window-shopping and casual strolls, large gatherings in birthday parties and other celebrations will
require some modifications and patience to fit into “New Normal” keeping all the safety norms in mind. We
are sure that regular communication from authorities, improved understanding of individual responsibility
and, subsequently, a greater willingness to adopt infection prevention practices can be a stepping stone to a
“new future”.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions.
(i) The outbreak of COVID-19 is called a pandemic because
(a) it has spread across the globe.
(b) it has spread across India.
(c) it is invisible to the naked eye.
(d) it has disrupted many institutional settings.
(ii) Choose the option that is NOT TRUE.
People, who never exercised before, started exercising during the lockdown period because
(a) they had sufficient time in hand.
(b) exercise was the only way to treat people from the novel coronavirus.
(c) people learnt new ways to exercise their body.
(d) people understood the importance of health and wellness in the face of the pandemic.
(iii) Which of the following has NOT led to reduced protective behaviours amongst people?
(a) relaxed control measures
(b) declining risk perception
(c) physical distancing
(d) understandable desire to return to normalcy
(iv) Which of the following is NOT an appropriate behaviour in the context of COVID-19?
(a) Wearing Mask
(b) Being in crowded places
(c) Washing hands
(d) Maintaining physical distancing
(v) What does the phrase “stepping stone” in para 5 refer to?
(vi) A positive change was seen in nature during the lockdown period in terms of cleaner air and water
bodies because………… .
(vii) How did schools continue educating students during the pandemic?
(viii) During the lookdown period, men started sharing responsibilities related to household chores.
(True/False)
(ix) Select the option that makes the correct use of “disrupt” as used in para 1.
(a) He is a popular leader so many union members disrupt his decision.
(b) Climate change could disrupt the agricultural economy.
(c) She wants to improve her relationship with her brother so she attempted to disrupt with him.
(d) It is important for him to disrupt the odds in his favour if he wants to be successful in his plan.
(x) The word ‘mitigate’ as used in para 4 means……………..
Answers:
(i)(a) it has spread across the globe
(ii) (b) exercise was the only way to treat people from the novel coronavirus.
(iii)(c) physical distancing
(iv) (b) Being in crowded places
(v) Something used as a way to progress
(vi) there was less human movement due to lockdown.
(vii) During the pandemic schools adopted online mode of teaching.
(viii) True
(ix) (b) Climate change could disrupt the agricultural economy.
(x) alleviate

PASSAGE-1
1. The choices we make on a daily basis—wearing a seatbelt, lifting heavy objects correctly or purposely
staying out of any dangerous situation–can either ensure our safety or bring about potentially harmful
circumstances.
2. You and I need to make a decision that we are going to get our lives in order. Exercising self-control, self-
discipline and establishing boundaries and borders in our lives are some of the most important things we can
do. A life with out discipline is one that’s filled with carelessness.
3. We can think it’s kind of exciting to live life on the edge. We like the image of “Yeah! That’s me! Living on
the edge! Woo-hoo !” It’s become a popular way to look at life. But if you see, even highways have lines,
which provide margins for our safety while we’re driving. If we go over one side, we’ll go into the ditch. If
we cross over the line in the middle, we could get killed. And we like those lines because they help to keep us
safe. Sometimes we don’t even realise how lines help to keep us safe.
4. I’m not proud of this, but for the first 20 years of my life at work, I ignored my limits. I felt horrible,
physically, most of the time. I used to tell myself “I know I have limits and that I’ve reached them, but I’m
going to ignore them and see if or how long I can get by with it.” I ran to doctors, trying to make myself feel
better through pills, vitamins, natural stuff and anything I could get my hands on. Some of the doctors would
tell me, “It’s just stress.” That just made me mad. I thought stress meant you don’t like what you do or can’t
handle life, and I love what I do. But I kept pushing myself, travelling, doing speaking engagements and so
on— simply exhausting myself.
5. Finally,I understood I was living an unsustainable life and needed to make some changes in my outlook and
lifestyle.
6. You and I don’t have to be like everyone else or keep up with anyone else. Each of us needs to be exactly
the way we are, and we don’t have to apologise for it. We’re not all alike and we need to find a comfort zone
in which we can enjoy our lives instead of making ourselves sick with an overload of stress and
pressure.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions.
(i) The reason why living on the edge has become popular, is because of the:
(a) constant need for something different.
(b) population being much younger.
(c) exhausting effort to make changes.
(d) strong tendency to stay within our limits.
(ii) Choose the option that best captures the central ‘idea of the passage from the given quotes.
It’s all about quality of life and finding a happy balance
between work and friends. — Philip To go beyond is as wrong as to fall
Green short. — Confucius

(1) (2)

Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must Balance is not something you find, it’s something y
keep moving. — Albert Einstein create. — Jana Kingsford

(3) (4)
(a)Option (1) (b) Option (2)
(c)Option (3) (d) Option (4)
(iii) Which of the characteristics are apt about the writer in the following context: “I know I have limits
and that I’ve reached them but I’m going to ignore them and see if or how long I can get by with it”?
1. Negligent 2. Indecisive 3. Spontaneous
4. Reckless 5. Purposeless 6. Patient
(a) 2 and 5 (b) 3 and 6 (c) 1 and 4 (d) 2 and 3
(iv) Which of the following will be the most appropriate title for the passage?
(a) Much too soon (b) Enough is enough
(c) How much is too much? (d) Have enough to do?
(v) The phrase “potentially harmful circumstances” refers to circumstances that can:
(a) certainly be dangerous (b) be fairly dangerous
(c) be possibly dangerous (d) seldom be dangerous
(vi) Select the option that makes the correct use of “unsustainable”, as used in pars 5.
(a) In the long run, the unsustainable officials followed emergency procedures.
(b) Emergency procedures were unsustainable by the officials.
(c) Officials reported an unsustainable set of events during the emergency.
(d) Officials admit that the emergency system is unsustainable in the longer run.
(vii) Choose the option that correctly states the two meanings of ‘outlook’, as used in the passage.
1. A person’s evaluation of life 2. A person’s experiences in life
3. A person’s point of view towards life 4. A person’s regrets in life
5. A person’s general attitude to life
(a) (1) and (4) (b) (2) and (3) (c) (3) and (5) (d) (4) and (5)
(viii) The author uses colloquial words such as “yeah, and “Woo-hoo!”. Which of the following is NOT
a colloquial word?
(a) Hooked (b) Guy (c) Stuff (d) Stress
(ix) The author attempts to offer advice to …… ……. through this write-up.
(x) What does the author mean when he says, “to get our lives in order”?
Answers:
(i) (a) constant need for something different.
(ii)(d) Option (4)
(iii) (c) 1 and 4
(iv) (c) How much is too much?
(v) (c) be possibly dangerous
(vi) (d) Officials admit that the emergency system is unsustainable in the longer run.
(vii) (c) (3) and (5)
(viii) (d) Stress
(ix) the readers
(x) The author means to say ‘to organise our lives’.

PASSAGE-2
1. The road to success is not straight; there is a curve called failure, a loop called confusion, speed bumps
called friends, caution lights called family, and you will have flats called jobs. But, if you have a spare called
determination, an engine called perseverance, insurance called faith, and a driver called God, you will make it
to a place called success! In spite of all our planning and preparation, unexpected challenges are certain to
arise. The bumps in the road are unavoidable, but you’ll never get to your destination if you aren’t willing to
drive over them. The difference between a disaster and triumph lies in whether or not you’re prepared and
willing to weather the storm. If you’re ready, those bumps will become stepping-stones.
2. The key thing to realize is that working harder is same as working smarter. How do you work smarter? You
just need to have the right skills. People want improved circumstances and better life without an improved
self. They want victory without paying the price or making efforts. It really cannot happen without the other.
Any improvements that have not been generated by improving yourself are superficial and short-lived. If you
want to have a better future, you have to change yourself. Stop worrying about the various challenges that will
come your way. Just believe in yourself and use them as stepping-stones.
3. “Success” is getting whatever you want out of life without violating the rights of others. It is not an
accident Success is the result of our attitude and our attitude is a choice. Hence success is a matter of choice
and not chance. Today success represents a holistic and positive attitude to life. Attitude is everything.
Success is not restricted within some kind of brick and mortar premises. It assumes the individuality of a
complete act executed with perfection; material achievements do not define life. We don’t remember sports
stars for the products they endorse but the spirit of achievement they represent. In the abundance of positive
attitude underline the grandeur of a truly rewarding rich life.
4. Success can be measured from two standpoints—the external and the internal. Externally it is the measure
of a job well done and recognition. Internally it is the feeling of achievement and wholeness derived from the
completion of a task or fulfillment of desire.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions.
(i) The internal measure of our success is the feeling of achievement:
(a) from the completion of a task.
(b) from the fulfilment of desire.
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Neither (a) nor (b)
(ii) In para I, `unexpected challenges’ refers to:
(a) financial problem
(b) health problem
(c) lack of time
(d) All of these
(iii) “If you are ready, those bumps will become stepping-stones.” Through this sentence the writer tells
us to:
(a) ignore ups and downs while working to achieve our goal.
(b) work with a proper plan to achieve our goal.
(c) focus only on our goal and ignore all responsibilities.
(d) take all challenges with strong determination.
(iv) Which one of the following quotes captures the central idea of the passage?
Success is not final; failure is not total. It is the courag
It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in continue that counts. —Winston
imitation. —Herman Melville Churchill

(1) (2)

The road to success and the road to failure are almost

exactly the same. — Colin R. Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be
Davis looking for it. —Henry David Thorea

(3) (4)
(a) Option 1 (b) Option 2
(c) Option 3 (d) Option 4
(v) In order to work smarter, we must have:
(a) improved circumstances.
(b) right skills.
(c) better life.
(d) All of these
(vi) If we want to have a better future, we have to:
(a) change ourselves.
(b) stop worrying about the various challenges.
(c) believe in ourselves.
(d) All of these
(vii) Success can be measured from true standpoints — the external and the internal. The external
measure is the measure of:
(a) a job well done
(b) recognition
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Neither (a) nor (b)
(viii) Select the option that makes the correct use of ‘destination’ as used in para 1.
(a) We will reach our destination by 6 o’clock.
(b) She is working hard to reach her destination.
(c) Shimla is her favourite destination.
(d) The cinema hall is the largest entertainment destination in the city.
(ix) According to the passage, success can be achieved by working smarter not diligently. (True/False)
(x) The synonym of the word ‘viewpoint’ as given in para 3 is …………
Answers:
(i)(c) Both (a) and (b)
(ii) (d) All of these
(iii) (d) take all challenges with strong determination.
(iv) (b) Option 2
(v) (b) right skills.
(vi) (d) All of these
(vii) (c) Both (a) and (b)
(viii) (b) She is working hard to reach her destination.
(ix) False
(x) attitude

PASSAGE-3
1. Overpowering prey is a challenge for creatures that do not have limbs. Some species like Russell’s viper
inject poison. Some others opt for an alternative non-chemical method — rat snakes, for instance, catch and
push their prey against the ground, while pythons use their muscle power to crush their prey to death. But
snakes can’t be neatly divided into poisonous and non-poisonous categories.
2. Even species I listed as non-poisonous aren’t completely free of poison. The common Sand Boa, for
instance, produces secretions particularly poisonous to birds. So the species doesn’t take any chance – it
crushes its prey and injects poison as an extra step. Do vipers need poison powerful enough to kill hundreds
of rats with just one drop? After all, they eat only one or two at a time. While hunting animals try their worst
to kill most efficiently, their prey use any trick to avoid becoming a meal, such as developing immunity to
poison. For instance, Californian ground squirrels are resistant to Northern Pacific rattlesnake poison.
3. Competition with prey is not the only thing driving snakes to evolve more and more deadly poison. Snakes
also struggle to avoid becoming prey themselves. Some snake killers have partial immunity to poison.
Famously, mongooses are highly resistant to cobra poison, and with their speed and agility, kill snakes
fearlessly. It would be the death of cobras as a species if they didn’t evolve a more deadly poison to stop
mongooses. Poison has another important role. It’s an extreme meat softener; specific enzymes break up the
insides of the prey. Normally, a reptile depends on the sun’s warm rays to aid digestion.
4. But I wonder if we cannot use venom in our favour. In remote parts of India, local hospitality often
involves leather-tough meat. I chew and chew until my jaws ache. If I spit it out or refuse, our hosts would be
offended, I swallow like a python stuffing a deer down its throat and hope I don’t choke. If only I had poison.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions.
(i) “But snakes can’t be neatly divided into poisonous and non-poisonous categories.” Choose the term
which best matches the statement.
(a) Over-confidence
(b) Certainty
(c) Dilemma
(d) Ignorance
(ii) Which of the characteristics is apt about the writer in the context: “If I spit it out or refuse, our
hosts would be offended”?
(a) Reckless
(b) Compelled
(c) Patient
(d) Negligent
(iii) Hunting animals try their worst to kill their prey. What does their prey do to avoid becoming their
meal?
(a) It develops strength to fight with them.
(b) It develops immunity to poison/venom.
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Neither (a) nor (b)
(iv) Some snake killers have partial immunity to:
(a) dangerous bacteria
(b) dangerous virus
(c) poisonous air
(d) poison
(v) The narrator chews and chews the leather-tough meat until his jaws ache, for fear of:
(a) his hosts
(b) his guests
(c) pythons
(d) choking
(vi) Which one of these animals is NOT a reptile?

(a) Option (1)

(b) Option (2)
(c) Option (3)
(d) Option (4)
(vii) Select the option that makes the correct use of ‘driving’, as used in para 3.
(a) Don’t talk while driving your car.
(b) He is driving his sheep into a field.
(c) Hunger is driving him to speak lie.
(d) He is driving his team efficiently.
(viii) A mongoose cannot kill a cobra. (True/False)
(ix) Snakes strive to evolve a more deadly poison, so that their prey have no chance to ………..
(x) Choose the option that correctly states the meanings of ‘offended’, as used in pare 4.
1. disgusting
2. upset
3. wrong
4. displeased
5. unlawful
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 5 (d) 4 and 5
Answers:
(i) (c) Dilemma
(ii) (b) Compelled
(iii) (b) It develops immunity to poison/venom.
(iv) (d) poison
(v) (a) his hosts
(vi) (c) Option (3)
(vii) (c) Hunger is driving him to speak lie.
(viii) False
(ix) remain alive
(x) (b) 2 and 4

PASSAGE- 4
1. “Why does humanity need Superman?”, wrote Lois Lane, the reporter from the Superman series. It’s a very
relevant question in our context too. Why do we need superheroes? We are all enchanted by the action
sequences in superhero movies, and also by how the superhero can always save the day – and with good
reasons. If you’re trying to guess what it is, you can forget about powers like super-strength, laser vision, or
— our personal favourite — the ability to consume any type of matter in the universe. The underlying reason
we’re so enamoured of them is quite possibly the best superhero power – the way they can inspire and
motivate us. From the smallest boy and girl wonders, to the oldest Captains – each superhero has had their
own lesson to impart unto all of us.
2. Whether it’s Batman saving Gotham city, Superman saving humanity, or our very own Krissh saving his
fellow countrymen – we need superheroes because they give us the hope and strength we need to fight the
injustice we encounter today. It’s like Batman once said, “Sometimes the truth isn’t good enough. Sometimes
people deserve more. Sometimes people deserve to have their faith rewarded.” Yes, it’s true that we need faith
today, when we know a lot tends to go wrong, whether it is with regard to terrorism, or growing crime –
people need the hope and strength they get from superheroes. That’s why we need superheroes, because of
how they give us a sense of right, which helps us fight the injustice happening around us. It was best
summarised by Superman when he said that “There is a superhero in all of us, we just need the courage to put
on the cape,” and by Batman in the Dark Knight, when he said that “You either die a hero or live long enough
to see yourself become the villain.”
3. So, every time we choose to see a superhero movie, it gives us a nudge to fight the unjust with our own
ideas o r capabilities. Every child and adult that watches superhero movies will be motivated to rise above the
injustice happening in the real world. It’s not just about the power, but also the principle. You and I can also
be a superhero just by helping our neighbours, and by standing against what is wrong. Whether the situation is
political or apolitical, injustice can be fought with thoughts of righteousness and courage.
4. From the day we are born, we are told that power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely, but
superheroes fan our subconscious desire for greatness. They also teach us that the greatest power is the
integrity that keeps us from going down the wrong path. None of us will ever leap a tall building in a single
bound, change the course of a mighty river, or bend steel with our bare hands but we can always return that
lost wallet with its contents intact, tell the truth when it matters, stand our ground when it’s easier to walk
away and unto others as we would want them to do unto us.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions.
(i) Identify the sentence where the word “bestow” has been used incorrectly.
(a) He was ever-ready to take blame on himself and bestow praise on others.
(b) During the ceremony, the Prime Minister will bestow medals of honour to the brave soldiers who rescued
their comrades.
(c) The king will bestow a title and land to the man who saved the princess.
(d) If you want to avoid a misunderstanding, I bestow you to consider your words before speaking.
(ii) According to the writer, how can a common man become a superhero?
1. Bend steel, change the course of rivers
2. Stand up against injustice, return that wallet intact
3. Help around the neighbourhood
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1 and 2
(iii) Select the option that makes the correct use of “righteousness”, as used in para 3.
(a) Both sides in the dispute adopted a tone of moral righteousness.
(b) The newspaper reports are a righteousness of gossip.
(c) She was confused about obligation and righteousness.
(d) Cultural contexts bring righteousness in international relations.
(iv) What are the two things we need to fight injustice today?
(a) Superpower and superhero
(b) Truth and faith
(c) Hope and strength
(d) Hope and confidence
(v) What are the two meanings of “encounter” as used in para 2 ?
1. To experience something unpleasant
2. To experience something unexpected
3. To affect something
4. To cover with a thin layer
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 2 and 3
(vi) Despite our age and status in life, few enigmatic qualities endear us to superheroes. Select the
correct options from below:
1. Give our subconscious a desire for greatness
2. Have a lesson to bestow
3. Inspire and motivate us
4. Give us hope to fight the bad
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(vii) “There is a superhero in all of us, we just need the courage to put on the cape.” By this, Superman
is implying that:
(a) the cape is heavy and not everyone can bear it
(b) we all have special powers
(c) the ability to fight the unjust with our own ideas or capabilities is present in all of us
(d) society needs superheroes
(viii) Write a suitable title for this passage.
(ix) The central idea of the passage is ‘Fight the injustice’. (True/False)
(x) The antonym of ‘fragility’ as given in para 4 is ………..
Answers:
(i)(d) If you want to avoid a misunderstanding, I bestow you to consider your words before speaking.
(ii) (b) 2 and 3
(iii) (a) Both sides in the dispute adopted a tone of moral righteousness .
(iv) (c) Hope and strength
(v) (a) 1 and 2
(vi) (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(vii) (c) the ability to fight the unjust with our own ideas or capabilities is present in all of us
(viii) Humanity Needs Superheroes
(ix) True
(x) integrity

PASSAGE-5
1. Nature is our mother, our first teacher. The greatest lesson that she teaches us is to maintain an equilibrium
in life. We learn to maintain composure through our joys, sorrows and fears. In fact, there are a thousand
lessons that nature can teach us, provided we look for them.
2. With time, a sapling grows into a full-grown tree; something so tiny and delicate develops into a strong tree
capable of supporting others. No matter how tall it grows, how much it may flourish, or how many animals
and birds it may support, its roots are firmly buried from where it once rose. That’s a lesson -to keep ourselves
grounded, respect and embrace our roots, and give something back to those humble beginnings that nurtured
us into who we are.
3. Then there is the message of peaceful coexistence. ‘I am because we are.’ Nature provides every creature a
chance to exist. However, the existence of one creature or being depends on the existence of the other. The
tiger eats the antelope; without the antelope, the tiger wouldn’t survive. Likewise, without tigers, the over-
abundance of antelopes would cause them to starve to death.
4. I wonder if you have noticed that when birds or squirrels see a predator, they give out an alarm call to their
fellow creatures, of the lurking danger. They put themselves in danger to save the lives of others. Many
animals, like the salmon, usually die after they spawn, but this doesn’t stop them. One life extinguished for
the betterment of others is a small price to pay.
5. The snow melts in the warmth of spring to give birth to fresh green leaves. In autumn these leaves age into
shades of gold only to be buried in the cold grave of winter. Change is inevitable; the sooner we embrace this,
the better it is for us. We must also understand that even in pain there is growth. If you cut a hole in the tree, it
will grow around it. No matter what may come in its way, a river will continue to flow. Similarly, no matter
what grief may break your heart, nature teaches us that life goes on.
6. Keep in mind life isn’t about making lists and trying to be one step ahead of others. Life is to live. Take a
break-stop being a workaholic, and smell the roses, do whatever makes you feel happy and most of all spend
some time with nature to pick up invaluable lessons.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions.
(i) According to the author, what, from the following, is the greatest lesson being taught by nature?
(a) Balanced in our emotions.
(b) Partial to joys in life.
(c) Afraid of unhappiness.
(d) Indifferent to fears.
(ii) Select the option that suitably completes the dialogue with reference to paragraph II.
Jai: I’ve done well for myself in this school. I’m the best they have. I can get admission anywhere. This is my
moment!
Sid: Congratulations! Just remember, we should ……….
(a) become strong despite our weakness.
(b) be kind and supportive towards everyone.
(c) respect the origins from where we have grown.
(d) nurture ourselves well from the beginning.
(iii) Choose the option that best conveys the message in —’I am because we are.’
(a) Tigers are dependent on antelope
(b) Antelope are dependent on tigers
(c) Humans are dependent on animals
(d)Everyone is dependent on each other
(iv) What qualities do the birds and squirrels display when they warn others of possible danger?
Choose one option from the following:
(a) Observation skills and alertness.
(b) Tendency to get easily frightened.
(c) Selfless assistance to help others.
(d) Determination to protect themselves.
(v) Select the option with the underlined words that can suitably replace lurking (paragraph 4).
(a) The policeman pulled up the person who was wandering aimlessly through the city.
(b) The thief knew that remaining hidden was the best strategy to avoid being caught
(c) The policeman was caught on camera while pouncing with force, to grab the fleeing culprit.
(d) The thief was walking boldly into the house thinking it was devoid of residents.
(vi) A Portmanteau words like smog (smoke + fog), is a blend of words in which parts of multiple words
are combined into a new word.
From the options given below, select a Portmanteau word that appears in the para 6.
(a) coexistence
(b) workaholic
(c) full-grown
(d) flourish
(vii) Select the qualities from paragraph III, that the author wants us to imbibe.
Being–
(1) acceptive
(2) passionate
(3) emotional
(4) resilient
(5) perceptive
(a) (2), (4) and (5)
(b) (1), (3) and (4)
(c) (1), (4) and (6)
(d) (3), (4) and (5)
(viii) Choose the option that lists the quote best expressing the central idea of the passage.
(a) Nature: She pardons no mistakes. Her yea is yea, and her nay, nay. — Ralph Waldo Emerson
(b)Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. — A. Einstein
(c)Nature never deceives us; it is we who deceive ourselves. — Jean Jacques Rousseau
(d) All the ugliness of the world can best be forgotten in the beauty of nature! —Mehmet Murat
(ix) In para 6, the writer advises us to have ………. for ourselves.
(x) Find a word in para 4 which means ‘being present secretly’.
Answers:
(i)(a) Balanced in our emotions.
(ii) (c) respect the origins from where we have grown.
(iii) (d) Everyone is dependent on each other
(iv) (c) Selfless assistance to help others.
(v) (b) The thief knew that remaining hidden was the best strategy to avoid being caught.
(vi) (b) workaholic
(vii) (c) (1), (4) and (5)
(viii) (b) Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. —A. Einstein
(ix) free time
(x) lurking