1.

Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow: (Discursive)
We often come across situations and incidents, which appear quite contradictory to the known laws of
Nature, creating doubts about the impartiality of divine justice. For instance, an honest, duty-conscious, morally
elevated person is often seen caught in adversities in one form or the other, or is suddenly struck with a great
misfortune in life as though he/she were being punished by God for a great sin. On the other hand, we find
persons engaged in worst types of corrupt practices living in peace and prosperity. An idler wins a jackpot or
inherits a fortune from unexpected quarters, whereas a hard working intelligent person is found suffering
endlessly for want of basic necessities. One person achieves great success with little effort, whereas another
does not succeed in spite of his best efforts. Such phenomena are popularly ascribed to the role of fate.
Unprecedented natural calamities like famine, epidemics, tornadoes and floods, damage by lightning and
earthquakes and untimely death are also commonly attributed to the will of God and called predestined. Such
unexpected happenings as financial loss, accidents, sudden mental/ physical disability and physical separation
from a dear one are also attributed to fate.
Such unexpected adversities are rare, but they do occur in life. At times, they leave such deep imprints on
the psyche, that it is not possible to ignore them. Those who are not familiar with the mysteries of divine justice
become very much perplexed by such experiences and form prejudiced opinions, which, in some form or the
other, hinder their mental and spiritual progress. Many become resentful towards God, blame and abuse Him for
favouritism and injustice. A few even become atheists, considering the futility of worshipping God who does not
respond to prayer in distress, despite their prolonged adherence to religiosity. Then there is a class of devotees
who serve the saints and worship deities in expectation of some material gains. However, if they are visited with
some failure, unfavourable circumstances, or mishap coincidentally, their adoration changes to contempt of
disbelief.
There are quite a few believers in this world who correlate people, places and things with good and bad
luck. Such superstitions have caused extreme miseries to innocent persons. The root cause for such irrational
behaviour is the belief that whatever come to pass is predestined by God and the beings created by Him have
absolutely no role in shaping their own destiny. Quite a few persons in this world forsake their responsibility in
the mistaken belief that the gain and loss being predestined, there is no necessity of personal effort.

Questions
(a) What is a mistaken belief ?

(b) When do we doubt about the impartiality of divine justice ?

(c) Give an example of phenomena ascribed to the role of fate.

(d) How is an intelligent person sometimes seen living ?

(e) Name a few natural calamities ?

(f) In which category is financial loss put ?

2. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow : (Discursive)
Every moment of life is precious. Time is the essence of life. It is the wealth given to us by Nature.
Everyday all of us get 24 hours; nothing less, nothing more. Now, it is up to us how we use it. People who know
how to make the best use of every moment easily open the doors of success in their lives and those who misuse
time get failures one after the other. There is a saying that, ‘‘Spent time and spent words cannot come back.’’
Everybody is tied by the limits of time; even God respects the boundaries of time.
Work wins appreciation only when it gets completed in a requisite time frame. Beyond the time allotted,
work loses all its utility however good may have been its quality. Just as falling of rains after the crops have
dried up have no use; likewise, when the time is past the deadline, the work loses its importance and value.
When iron is hot it can be cast into whichever shape we want. Once it gets cold nothing can be made out of it,
however, much we may beat the same. In the same way, a person who has learnt to wisely use his time and has
understood how to cast himself according to the need of the time has actually learnt the true mantra of life.
Shakespeare wrote in one of his plays, ‘‘I wasted time, and now doth time waste me.’’ It is true that a person
who wastes even a little bit of time loses wonderful opportunities that he could have otherwise availed of by
utilizing that time. All the great leaders have one thing in common. They wisely utilize every moment of their
time. When other people are busy in wasting time in laziness, great men are busy in making plans for the future.
There is no person in history who wasted his time and still managed to achieve greatness.
Therefore, there is great need to manage time wisely. ‘‘Careful Time Management’’ refers to careful
planning of time and sincere execution of this plan. This is the only mantra to attain success in any endeavour. A
simple change in outlook and some modification in one’s daily routine can result in a big jump forward towards
greater achievements.

Questions
(a) What is the essence of life?
(b) What kind of work loses its utility ?
(c) What is needed for careful time management ?
(d) What kind of people open the doors of success of their life ?
(e) When does the work lose its importance and value ?
(f) Who has learnt the true mantra of life ? U1

Find out a word from the passage which means :

(g) limitations 1

(h) required 1

(i) get 1

3. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow : (Factual)
The culture of Rajasthan is very different and unique. The unique mixture of diverse topography, history
and curious life-style is what gives Rajasthani culture its rich heritage. The rich culture in Rajasthan is visible in
each and every aspect of the state. The colourful dresses, the heavy jewellery, the palatial mansions and havelis,
the diverse and joyous festivals and fairs, all are symbols of the rich and unique culture of Rajasthan.
The dull and harsh living condition of people in Rajasthan is made a bit colourful and lively by the
multitude of fairs and festivals that are celebrated there. The only way people here enjoy the simple pleasures of
life, is by celebrating each and every occasion and event on a grand scale. Any festival, big or small, is
celebrated with much enthusiasm and joy. Rajasthan comes alive during fairs and important festivals. Monsoons
are also the time to indulge in festivity and grand feasts, as rains are an occasion to celebrate in Rajasthan.
The most commonly language spoken in Rajasthan is Hindi. The people of Rajasthan speak in Rajasthani
and Marwari. Hindi is the official language of the state. The people over here are very religious and follow all
rituals and traditions piously. Hinduism is the dominant religion here followed by Islam, Jainism, Sikhism and
Christianity. The architecture of the state is also a very evident aspect of the culture of Rajasthan. The
magnificent mansions and havelis speak volumes about the royal historical grandeur of the place. The forts and
palaces are living testimonies of the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan.
Rajasthan is famous for its exquisite embroidery. The most unique thing about this embroidery is that it is
totally done by hands and no machines are involved. The designs like block printing, Zari, Bagaru, Tie and Die,
Sanganri are famous all over the world and are also exported to many countries abroad. The place is also famous
for its Kundan and gold jewellery, brass work, etc. Another famous product of Rajasthan is the famous
Rajasthani Bandhni Saris. Come to Rajasthan and experience the royal cultural heritage of this beautiful state.
 Rajasthan is a place that is dominated by hot and dry weather almost throughout the year. However, there is
no such ideal time to visit Rajasthan. The variation between the day and night is pretty high. This means that
though days are hot, the nights can get pretty cold. Each and every weather and season in Rajasthan is enjoyable
and has its own charm.

Questions
(a) What are the symbols of the unique culture of Rajasthan ?
(b) Describe the living conditions of Rajasthani people.
(c) What makes the life of Rajasthani people colourful ?
(d) Why do the people of Rajasthan follow all rituals and traditions piously?
(e) Why is Rajasthani embroidery famous ?
(f) How is the weather of Rajasthan ?
Choose from the passage the words that mean...............
(g) extremely large number of people

(h) traditions, qualities and culture of a country

(i) being the only one of its type.

4. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow : (Literary)
Married life has a significant place in our Indian culture. It is the life of a householder that nurtures and
enhances the society. The nation gets its future generation owing to this. Hence it is very important that married
life is sweet and pleasant. However, it is seen that there is more of bitterness and tension in the relationship
owing to incessant quarrels and differences of opinion. Husband and wife get disconnected from each other. The
children become orphaned emotionally and the family disintegrates. There are small tips and habits which, when
incorporated in daily life, can restore the sweetness of family life and may even lead to a blissful life of
togetherness.
Each and every person leading a married life has his own individual life. One’s habits, interests, way of life
and perspective towards life can be temporarily changed, but cannot be modified permanently. This is the main
reason for married life to be smooth for some time and unrest crawling in after prolonged periods. This is the
very reason why each of them should allocate sufficient time to each other so that they not only understand each
other, but also do a thorough self-introspection and lead a life of their own choice.
Being honest in marriage is very important. This is the foundation for faith in the relationship. Honesty in
talking, honesty in discharging one's responsibilities, honesty in fulfilling promises and honesty in all
interactions is the key to strengthening the relationship and enhancing the personality of both husband and wife.
For the couple to understand each other well, it is important that they are able to leave their fears and speak out
their minds to each other. They should discuss freely; and even when they are upset with one another, it should
be sorted out as soon as possible. There may be differences of opinion, but this should never lead to disruption
of harmony in mind.
There is one habit that is noticed largely in people. They seem to have many complaints against all things in
the world. This is primarily because of a facet in their personality which makes them focus on the negative
aspects of others rather than looking at the positive ones. If we are prone to this habit, then we should ensure
that this is kept under check so that our personality is not perceived as dissatisfied and irritable.
Questions
(a) Why is married life important ?
(b) What is called a kind of bad habit ?
(c) What is the key to strengthening the relationship ?
(d) What can be temporarily changed ?
 (e) What is important for society ?
(f) What should never lead to disruption of harmony in mind ?
Find out a word from the passage which means :
(g) communications
(h) give out
(i) making better

5. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow : (Literary)
Most people find their lives purposeless, wasted and worthless. That is why with an ordinary illness or
some slightly unfavourable situation, the individual prays for an end to his life. In the opinion of one
psychologist, every person thinks of committing suicide more than once in his life. It is a different thing that he
does not develop enough courage to end his life. Even then some impulsive individuals commit suicide because
of petty reasons like failing in examination, losing a job, quarrels in the family or defeat in a court of law. The
number of people committing suicide because of such reasons is on the increase.
Why do people commit suicide ? Psychologists give various answers to this question. Some people say that
a man gets such a disappointing atmosphere everywhere around him that he does not find any solution except
this. According to some psychiatrists, people with violent tendencies who are unable to express them, destroy
themselves by these tendencies.
Some persons find themselves so much lonely and helpless that they find no benefit in living and they
think, 'Why not to commit suicide ? After all what is there in life ?' Some persons think of committing suicide
during emotional excitement and prepare a plan for suicide during such a condition.
The main reason for suicide is said to be depression due to physical illness or failure in examination, love or
competition. A tendency of revenge is also said to be behind suicides. According to this opinon some people
commit suicide because of a burden of feeling guilty, since they are unable to find a solution to get rid of guilty
feelings. Many others commit suicide because they are fed up of old age, rejection by spouse, unemployment,
court cases, etc.
The reason for suicide is the experience of worthlessness of this life. It is also true that each person-not just
once but many times- thinks of his life as worthless and many times a burden. To free himself from this burden,
the person thinks of self destruction. The question arises, 'Is life so much worthless that on account of
disappointment in small matters, one should think of ending it ?' If a self analysis is made seriously, it will be
found that every person finds many times that his life is worthless and burdensome.
Whatever the reason, but the worthlessness of life is felt with such intensity that by ending it, no difference
is felt. Life is like a river, which keeps on flowing from its source to its merger into the sea.

Questions
(a) With what is life compared ? 1
(b) When do people with violent tendency commit suicide ? 1
(c) When do some impulsive individuals commit suicide ? 1
(d) How do most people find their lives ? 1
(e) What is the main reason responsible for depression ? 1
(f) What is the opinion of one psychologist about committing suicide ? 1
3
Choose from the passage the words that mean :
(g) likely to act suddenly and without thinking
(h) husband or wife
(i) act of killing oneself

6. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow : (Factual)
 In India, March 8th has been Women’s Day for several decades. It received a major boost during the tenure
of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and later, Prime Minister Rajeev Gandhi, who made it a practice to invite a
large number of ‘women of substance' to a celebratory get-together in Delhi. As more and more Indian women
become aware of their equal status and right to education and opportunity, March 8th acquires a greater and
wider significance. Today, as 21st century Indian women celebrate their awesome achievements, they continue
to spell out their dream for the future of the country. March 8th becomes a symbolic day for recognizing their
vision and contribution to the building of India. In the last few years, Women’s Day celebrations have
encouraged them to come together in innumerable seminars, and networking gatherings. It is a time when
powerful men from all walks of life pay rich tributes to Indian women. An example is a priceless remark made
by Amitabh Bachchan. He said, “It is clear that the 21st century belongs to women. They have earned every bit
of the power and glory they are enjoying
and men should applaud their achievements wholeheartedly.”
Indian women have discovered three magical mantras of life in the last decade! These are; One : Beauty and
glamour are their birthright. Two : Women are no longer the worst enemies of women. In fact, they can network,
mentor one another and reach unprecedented heights of achievement. Three : Energy is a stretchable concept.
Based on these three discoveries, women have upgraded their goals and literally covered every field of
endeavour with glory and pride. They have shown beyond doubt, that as the world opens new windows of
options and opportunities at the speed of light, they are smart, beautiful and savvy enough to rise to the occasion
and turn the tide of fortune in their favour. The success of India’s beautiful women has also created a huge
revolution in the fashion, fitness and beauty industries. Fashion designers of the eighties, who limited their
designs to various looks in the basic Salwar Kameez, have acquired a splendid great innovation in the last ten
years. Many women designers like Ritu Kumar, Ritu Beri, Monisha Jaisingh, Anna Singh, Neeta Lulla and
others gave Indian fashion-wear a brand new definition. Today, Indian designers not only sell their collections
each season in India, but they also export their styles to many countries in the UK, US, Europe and Australia
and hold shows in the fashion weeks held in many of the world’s fashion capitals like Milan and Paris.

Questions
(a) What is the third magical mantra discovered by Indian women?
(b) Name the fashion capitals of the world.
(c) When do we celebrate Women’s Day in India?
(d) What is responsible for the revolution in the fashion in India?
(e) When did the Women’s Day celebration receive a major boost?
(f) What kind of fashion was prevalent during eighties?

Find out a word from the passage the which means :

7. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow :

Gandhiji was a first-class nurse to the sick. Where he picked up nursing was a mystery. He certainly did not
pass through a nursing school. As in many other things, when nursing became necessary to him in life, he
learned it by the hard way of experience. In the Ashram at Sabarmati, all sick persons came directly under his
eye and care. Doctors were, of course, consulted; but the care of the sick, Gandhiji arranged in person. It was a
joke, especially among the people in the Ashram that if you wanted to see Gandhiji every day and talk to him
and hear him crack jokes, you had only to be ill and get into bed ! For Gandhiji visited the sick every day, spent
a few minutes at every bed-side, himself saw to things carefully and never failed to crack a joke or two with the
patient. There was no day, too busy for Gandhiji to attend sick persons.
 There was once a young lad who went down with dysentery. He had done his best to accustom himself to
Ashram food, but failed. He had a great liking for coffee. But in the Ashram there was no coffee for him nor was
coffee allowed. In good time, he got rid of his dysentery and was now recovering. Gandhiji visited him for a few
minutes every day during his usual rounds. Those few minutes were like a tonic to the poor lad.
He pined for a cup of good coffee. One day he was lying on his back dreaming of it when he heard the
welcome sound of the wooden sandals of Gandhiji. A minute later Gandhiji entered with his never-failing smile
and cheering word.
He looked at the lad and said, "Now you are decidedly better. You must have recovered your appetite. What
would you like to eat ? Ah ! some good uppama or dosai ?"
Gandhiji evidently knew all about the lad's partiality for these two good old South Indian dishes. Gandhiji
was laughing. The youngster had a sudden brain-wave.
"Could I have a cup of coffee, please," he blurted out.
Gandhiji answered with a peal of laughter, "Oh, you old sinner, that is what you want !" And then seeing the
look on the lad's face, he added, "You certainly shall have your cup of coffee. Yes, light coffee will soothe your
stomach. And what will you have with the coffee ? I don't think we can make uppama or dosai, but warm toast
would go well with coffee. I shall send you a tray."
Gandhiji's cottage was at the other end of the Ashram. Gandhiji himself prepared the coffee because his
wife was taking rest. It was an untimely hour. He did not want to give unnecessary trouble to anyone. Coffee
was light but excellent. The young lad was troubled when he thought that he had given trouble to Gandhiji to
prepare coffee and toast for him.

Questions
(a) What was a mystery ?
(b) What was the joke about Gandhiji ?
(c) What was served with coffee ?
(d) Why was the young lad troubled ?
(e) Where was Gandhiji's cottage in the Ashram?
(f) Why did Gandhiji himself prepare coffee?

Choose from the passage the words that mean :