Prepositions

1. The detective found the missing key ________ the couch cushions.

2. The children played hide-and-seek ________ the abandoned warehouse.

3. The sun sank ________ the horizon, casting a warm glow on the city.

4. The new software allows users to seamlessly transition ________ different modes.

5. She was amazed ________ the breathtaking view from the mountaintop.

6. The teacher emphasized the importance of paying attention ________ class.

7. The museum exhibits artifacts dating ________ ancient civilizations.

8. The athlete excelled ________ both swimming and running.

9. The train passed ________ the tunnel, momentarily engulfing the passengers in darkness.

10. The spaceship traveled ________ the solar system, exploring distant planets.

11. The famous actor is known ________ his philanthropic work in the community.

12. The mysterious package arrived ________ the doorstep overnight.

13. The students gathered ________ the courtyard for the annual talent show.

14. The chef garnished the dish ________ a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

15. The professor is proficient ________ multiple languages, including French and Spanish.

16. The concert hall filled ________ the enchanting melody of the orchestra.
 17. They embarked ________ a thrilling adventure, seeking treasure in the jungle.

18. The cat squeezed ________ the narrow opening to escape the room.

19. The new exhibit showcases artwork inspired ________ diverse cultures.

20. The ancient ruins were discovered ________ the dense jungle.

Verbs

1. She __________ (run) marathons competitively since she was a teenager.

2. The scientists __________ (conduct) groundbreaking research in the field of quantum physics.

3. The river __________ (meander) through the valley, creating a picturesque landscape.

4. The orchestra __________ (perform) a symphony composed by a renowned musician.

5. The entrepreneur __________ (innovate) new solutions to address environmental challenges.

6. The artist __________ (create) a masterpiece that captivated art enthusiasts worldwide.

7. The negotiations __________ (reach) a critical point, requiring careful consideration.

8. The company __________ (invest) heavily in cutting-edge technology.

9. The novel __________ (transport) readers to a fantastical realm of imagination.

10. The athlete __________ (overcome) numerous obstacles on the path to success.
11. The chef __________ (craft) a culinary masterpiece that delighted the diners.

12. The spacecraft __________ (explore) distant galaxies in search of extraterrestrial life.

13. The students __________ (engage) in a lively discussion about global issues.

14. The technology company __________ (develop) a revolutionary app.

15. The mountain climbers __________ (conquer) the treacherous peaks.

16. The political leader __________ (inspire) a nation with her visionary speeches.

17. The architect __________ (design) a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing building.

18. The photographer __________ (capture) the essence of the moment in a stunning photo.

19. The author __________ (publish) a series of critically acclaimed novels.

20. The storm __________ (devastate) the coastal areas, leaving a trail of destruction.

21. The entrepreneur __________ (establish) a successful startup against all odds.

22. The technology __________ (evolve) rapidly, shaping the way we live and work.

23. The musician __________ (compose) a symphony that resonated with people's emotions.

24. The detective __________ (uncover) a complex web of intrigue in the criminal underworld.

25. The flowers in the garden __________ (blossom) in a riot of colors each spring.

26. The conservationists __________ (protect) endangered species in their natural habitats.
27. The project __________ (require) a meticulous approach to detail and precision.

28. The explorer __________ (navigate) uncharted territories, documenting new discoveries.

29. The technology __________ (revolutionize) the way we communicate and connect.

30. The dancers __________ (gracefully move) in harmony with the music during the performance.
COMPREHENSION

Rainforests are vital ecosystems that play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of our
planet. They are home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal species, many of which
are not found anywhere else in the world. The Amazon Rainforest, for example, is often
referred to as the "lungs of the Earth" because of its role in producing a significant amount
of the world's oxygen.

However, these precious ecosystems are facing numerous threats. Deforestation, driven by
logging, agriculture, and urbanization, is one of the primary challenges. As trees are cut
down, the habitat for countless species is destroyed, leading to the loss of biodiversity.
Climate change further exacerbates the situation, affecting the delicate balance that
rainforests depend on.

Conservation efforts are underway to protect these vital ecosystems. Initiatives include
creating and expanding national parks, promoting sustainable forestry practices, and raising
awareness about the importance of preserving rainforests. Citizens around the world can
contribute by making environmentally conscious choices and supporting organizations
dedicated to rainforest conservation.

Questions:

1. Why are rainforests considered vital ecosystems?

2. What is the Amazon Rainforest often referred to as, and why?

3. What are the primary threats to rainforests mentioned in the passage?

4. How does deforestation impact biodiversity in rainforests?

5. What role does climate change play in the challenges faced by rainforests?

6. Name one conservation effort mentioned in the passage.

7. How can citizens contribute to rainforest conservation according to the passage?

True/False:

1. True or False: Rainforests are home to a limited number of plant and animal species.
 2. True or False: Deforestation is not mentioned as a threat to rainforests in the passage.

3. True or False: The Amazon Rainforest is called the "lungs of the Earth" because it produces carbon
dioxide.

Complete the Sentence:

1. Deforestation, driven by logging, agriculture, and urbanization, is one of the primary challenges
facing rainforests, leading to the loss of ______________.

2. Climate change affects the delicate balance of rainforests, impacting their ability to maintain
______________.

Comprehension 2

The Battle of Chancellorsville was one of the most famous battles fought during the turbulent years of the
American Civil War. This battle was fought between the Union Army of Potomac and the Confederate
Army of Northern Virginia. It took place in Virginia in the spring of 1863. For days at stretch, the two
armies had been staked out on opposite banks of a narrow river. The Confederate troops were led by
perhaps the most revered military tactician in American history, General Robert E. Lee. The Union soldiers
were led by “Fighting” Joe Hooker.

In appearance, personality, and lifestyle, the two commanders were nearly perfect opposites. Robert Lee,
the Commander of the Confederate Army, was an older man in poor health with a gray beard, and somber,
measured demeanor. Quite unlike him, Joe Hooker was a blond, strapping young man whose vanity over
his appearance was but one aspect of his egotism. While Lee was devout and principled, Hooker was
known for his rollicking enjoyment of both women and whiskey.

Despite the fact that the Confederacy had won the last four major battles and the Union soldiers were
famished, exhausted, and demoralized, Hooker proclaimed, “My plans are perfect. And when I start to
carry them out, may God have mercy on Bobby Lee, for I shall have none.” Why, aside from
a propensity for narcissism, was Hooker so confident? Hooker had used spies, analysts, and even hot air
balloons to compile a vast amount of intelligence about Lee’s army. He had discerned, for example, that
Lee had only 61,000 men to Hooker’s own 134,000.

Buoyed by his superior numbers, Hooker covertly moved 70,000 of his men fifteen miles up and across the
river, and then ordered them to sneak back down to position themselves behind Lee’s army. In effect,
Hooker had cut off the Confederate soldiers in front and behind. They were trapped. Satisfied with his
advantage, Hooker became convinced that Lee’s only option was to retreat to Richmond, thus assuring a
Union victory.

Yet Lee, despite his disadvantages of both numbers and position, did not retreat. Instead, he moved his
troops into position to attack. Union soldiers who tried to warn Hooker that Lee was on the offensive were
dismissed as cowards. Having become convinced that Lee had no choice but to retreat, Hooker began to
ignore reality. When Lee’s army attacked the Union soldiers at 5:00 p.m., they were eating supper,
completely unprepared for battle. They abandoned their rifles and fled as Lee’s troops came shrieking out
of the brush, bayonets drawn. Against all odds, Lee won the Battle of Chancellorsville, and Hooker’s
forces withdrew in defeat.
Comprehension Questions and Answers

(a) Give the meaning of each of the following words as used in the passage. One word answers or short
phrases will be accepted.
(i) Revered
(ii) Propensity
(iii) Discerned

(b) Answer the following questions briefly, in your own words.

(i) When and where did the Battle of Chancellorsville take place? Between whom was this battle fought?
(ii) Why did Hooker lose the battle?
(iii) Draw a contrast between the personalities of Lee and Hooker.
(iv) Why was Hooker confident of victory against Lee?
(v) What was Lee’s plan to win the battle?

(c) In not more than 50 words write how Hooker planned to defeat Lee.
ANSWERS

Comprehension Questions and Answers

(a) Give the meaning of each of the following words as used in the passage. One word answers
or short phrases will be accepted.
(i) Revered
(ii) Propensity
(iii) Discerned
Answer:
(i) Admired and held in high esteem.
(ii) An inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way.
(iii) Recognized or comprehended mentally.

(b) Answer the following questions briefly, in your own words.

(i) When and where did the Battle of Chancellorsville take place? Between whom was this battle
fought?
(ii) Why did Hooker lose the battle?
(iii) Draw a contrast between the personalities of Lee and Hooker.
(iv) Why was Hooker confident of victory against Lee?
(v) What was Lee’s plan to win the battle?

Answer
(i) The Battle of Chancellorsville took place in Virginia, in the spring of 1863. It was fought
between the Confederate Army of North Virginia led by General Robert Lee and the Union
Army of Potomac led by Joe Hooker.

(ii) Hooker is portrayed as an over confident, self-absorbed leader, by the author. His
narcissitic attitude led him to believe that his planning, spying, analysis techniques were
absolutely flawless. He underestimated the opposite side. He got swayed by his superior
numbers and ignored the warning bells by his own soldiers. As a result of his over
confidence, indisciplined behaviour, Hooker failed to prepare his soldiers for battle, and
lost.

(iii) General Robert E. Lee was an old man with a grey beard and not very healthy. Joe
Hooker was a fair man with light eyes and hair. He looked young and strong. Lee behaved
in a serious sober manner while Hooker displayed excessive pride over his appearance
and was a self seeking young man who loved himself. He enjoyed the materialistic things
in life while Lee led a religious principled life.

(iv) Hooker was confident of victory because he had gathered a lot of information about
Lee’s army. Hooker’s army had almost twice the number of men as compared to Lee’s
army. Hooker moved half of his army behind Lee’s army and trapped Lee’s men both from
the front and the back. Hooker hoped that faced with such a situation Lee would retreat
with his army and Hooker would win the battle.

(v) Lee’s plan was to go on to the offensive and attack Hooker’s army. He was not
concerned about his limited strength or his weak position. He had decided to lead from
the front and take charge to the enemy camp.

(c) In not more than 50 words write how Hooker planned to defeat Lee.
Answer:
Joe Hooker, the leader of Union Army of Potomac, used spies, analysts and hot air
balloons to accumulate information about the Confederate army, led by General Lee. As
Hooker had almost double number of soldiers as compared to Lee, Hooker planned to trap
Lee’s army between his soldiers whom he positioned both in front and at the back of Lee’s
army.