Read the following passages and answer the questions.
YOUR MIND OR MIND’S YOU
The mind is a superb instrument if used rightly. Used wrongly, however, it
becomes destructive. To put it more accurately, it is not so much that you use
your mind wrongly – you usually don’t use it at all. It uses you. This is a disease.
You believe that you are your mind. That is a delusion. The instrument has taken
you over. Just because you solve a crossword puzzle or build an atom bomb
doesn’t mean that you use your mind. Thinking has become a disease. Just as
dogs love to chew bones, the mind loves to get its teeth into problems. That’s
why it does crossword puzzles and builds atom bombs. You have no interest in
either. Let me ask this: can you be free of your mind whenever you want to? Have
you found the off button? Then the mind is using you. You are unconsciously
identified with it, so you don’t even know that you are its slave. (From Ekhort
Tolle’s The Power of Now)
What is the instrument that is being talked about in the passage?
According to the passage how do we say that we use our mind?
“Get your teeth into problems” means:
1. Chewing the problem with teeth
2. You like it because it is interesting
3. Using the brain to chew the problems
Find out the word from the passage which means ‘false belief’.
Write the noun form of ‘destructive’.
2. THE TREASURE WITHIN
A beggar had been sitting by the side of a road for over thirty years. One day a
stranger walked by. “Spare some change?” mumbled the beggar, mechanically
holding out his baseball cap. “I have nothing to give you,” said the stranger. Then
he asked: “What’s that you are sitting on?” “Nothing,” replied the beggar. “Just an
old box. I have been sitting on it for as long as I can remember.” The stranger
asked, “Have you ever looked inside?” “No,” said the beggar. “What’s the point?
There’s nothing in there.” “Have a look inside,” insisted the stranger. The beggar
managed to pry open the lid. With astonishment, disbelief and elation, he saw
that the box was filled with gold. This is what happens to all of us. We need a
stranger to tell us to look inside. Not inside any box, as in the parable, but inside
yourself. We are always looking outside for scraps of pleasure or fulfilment, for
validation, security, love, strength while we have an infinite treasure within.
(From Ekhort Tolle’s The Power of Now)
What is the treasure within according to the passage?
Why is everyone compared to ‘a beggar on the box’ in this passage?
What does the word ‘pry’ in the passage mean?
To look closely and curiously
To find a treasure
What is the antonym of the word ‘elation’.
Where can we find the treasure of pleasure, fulfilment, security, love and
strength?
4. ENDANGERED SPECIES
In 2008, the polar bear was placed on the endangered species list.
According to the USA’s Endangered Species Act, an endangered species is
an animal, plant or any other kind of wildlife that is likely to face extinction
in its natural habitat. The polar bear is the first animal that has been
classified as endangered primarily due to global warming. Global warming
is a form of climate change caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide
and other greenhouse gases that become trapped in the atmosphere. The
polar bear’s habitat is more vulnerable to global warming than many other
species. Polar bears live mainly on the sea ice in the Arctic. This is where
they hunt for fish and build up fat reserves. When the ice melts many polar
bears move to land and live off their stored fat. In the Arctic, global
warming is causing the ice to melt slightly earlier and form slightly later.
This results in a shorter feeding season for the polar bear. Some risk their
lives to find ice. If they have to swim too far they will drown from
exhaustion and hunger. (https://www.englishclub.com/reading/
environment/endangered-species.htm)
What is the endangered species according to the USA’s Endangered Species
Act?
What is global warming?
Pick the word/ phrase from the passage which means ‘to survive/ to
depend’.
What is the result of the ice melting slightly earlier and form of slightly
later?
State true or false. Polar bears are an endangered species because their
habitat is affected by global warming.
5. THE EYE
Light enters the eye by refracting, or bending, as it passes through the
cornea. Light rays then pass through the opening into the eye known as the
pupil. The pupil size is controlled by a muscle known as the iris. The pupil
becomes smaller when in bright area and larger in dark area. After leaving
the pupil, light rays are refracted once again as they pass through the
convex lens of eye. Light rays continue travelling through a jelly-like
material called the vitreous humor. An upside down image is formed on the
back of the eye known as the retina. Cone cells on the retina interpret the
colour of the image and rod cells interpret the black and white colours.
Lastly the image is taken to the brain for the image to be seen correctly.
(https://education.jlab. org/reading/eye_01.html)
What is the opening into the eye called?
What is the muscle that controls the size of the pupil?
State true or false: The pupil becomes smaller in dark areas.
Write the antonym of ‘convex’.
Where does an upside down image form in the eye?
6. INDIA – A DEVELOPING NATION.
India was once considered the land of knowledge and enlightenment. In
ancient times scholars from all over Asia and Europe used to flock to Taxila,
Nalanda and other Indian centres of learning. Apart from arts, culture,
philosophy and religion, these scholars came to study medicine, law, and
martial sciences. But despite having a vastly expanded university system
and 90 Free Distribution by Government of Andhra Pradesh Study and
Communication Skills historical advances, modern India has yet to provide
international or even regional leadership in higher education. From the
surrounding countries Asia and Africa, only a few students come to India for
higher education. The United States is by far the most successful country in
attracting foreign students. But other countries such as Australia, Canada,
and Britain also aggressively market their universities abroad through their
education counselling services and recruitment fairs with the active
cooperation of their diplomatic missions abroad. Likewise, India should also
capitalise on the advantages offered by its higher education institutions,
market Indian universities abroad and facilitate the entry of foreign
students into them. The revenue from foreign students can be used to ease
the financial crunch faced by Indian universities, improve academic facilities
and subsidise the cost of educating Indian students.
What were the two famous universities in ancient India?
Name any two topics taught at the ancient universities in India.
Which is the most successful country in attracting foreign students at
present?
Academic facilities in India can be developed with -----.
Write the noun form of the word ‘aggressively’.
7. HEALTHY FOOD
Everyone eats food. Some people eat lots of fruit and vegetables, others
may eat more or less meat, and some people may eat healthy, others may
not. All of it is related to nutrition. Nutrition is the process of how people
get the food that is needed to grow strong and healthy along with obtaining
the necessary vitamins and nutrients to help bodies grow and function. For
children, good nutrition is especially important and it is necessary to eat
healthy foods because kids are constantly growing. Good nutrition will lead
to healthy bones and muscles, and without receiving the correct vitamins
and nutrients while growing, a child will not grow as tall and as strong as
they could be. There are five main food groups that should be eaten each
day. Eating a variety of foods in each group will lead to receiving most
important nutrients to remain strong and healthy. The first food group
includes grains such as cereals, rice, millets, breads, pastas etc. The second
group is dairy, which includes milk, yogurt, cheese, butter and other dairy
products. Apples, oranges, grapes, bananas, and many more are part of the
fruits group. Of course, vegetables, such as beans, broccoli, peas, carrots,
corn, leafs, and many others, is in its own food group as well. Finally, the
fifth food group is protein, which can be found in beef, chicken, eggs, nuts,
fish etc.
(http://www.softschools.com/language_arts/reading_comprehension/scien
ce/449/ food_groups/)
What is nutrition?
What happens if children do not take good nutrition?
How many food groups are there according to the passage?
Which of the following food groups do cheese, butter and yogurt belong
to?
0 Protein 1 Grains 2 Dairy
Name any three vegetables other than those in the passage.
8. THE TITANIC
The Titanic, is in its watery grave. It is a great museum of human history
and is at risk of being lost forever because of curious voyagers and treasure
hunters, fears Bob Ballard, who first discovered the remains of the iconic
ship in 1985. Famous for discovering the great ship, Ballard is a former U.S.
Navy Officer and a professor of oceanography. He presented a
documentary called “Save the Titanic” on the 100th anniversary of the
sinking of the great ship – April 15, 1912. The ship and her fate continue to
fascinate, largely because of the horror that took place that night, with
1,522 passengers and crew losing their lives. Ballard says, “The story has all
the ingredients to make it timelessly fascinating. You have this
revolutionary ship that’s unsinkable and carrying a cross section of people
in society. And then it goes and hits an iceberg and sinks on its maiden
journey. It’s an irony personified in history.” (www.brcmgyankunj.edu.in/
download/files/in58bce292b0e07.dox)
Who discovered the Titanic ship?
When were the remains of the iconic ship discovered?
Why does the ship fascinate people even today?
Pick out the word from the passage that means “being a first occurrence or
event”. The Titanic sank on -------- .
9. HOMEWORK AT SCHOOL
Homework has historically been given to students to reinforce what they
learn at school, and ultimately to help them learn the subject better.
However, too much homework is not helpful, and can be counter-
productive. Excessive amoumnts of time spent on completing homework
can take away the kid’s social life, family time, and limit their participation
in sports or other activities. The amount of homework a teacher has to give
to a student should be restricted. Critically acclaimed author Tamim Ansary
reports that since 1981, the amount of homework given to an average sixth
class child had increased by more than fifty percent. The 91 Free
Distribution by Government of Andhra Pradesh Study and Communication
Skills new competition that emerged served as an incentive for schools to
increase the volume of curriculum. Many teachers defend large amounts of
homework, claiming that it helps students to face a world that is becoming
increasingly competitive. However Dr. Kralovec, author ‘The End of
Homework’, argues that doing homework during school has little or no
effect on successful study skills of the students when they join college.
(https://www.bartleby.com/ essay/)
What is the passage about?
0 The advantages of homework
1 The disadvantages of homework\
2 About a book – “Homework”
What does a student miss when he spends excessive amount of time on
homework?
What is the aim of homework?
State true or false:
Dr. Kralovec defends the teachers who give large amounts of homeworks.
What do you think is the reason for increase of homework?
10.THE CHARMINAR
A man came to Hyderabad to attend a conference. He was visiting the city
for the first time. He wanted to see the Charminar. So the next day after he
attended the conference, he set out to visit the Charminar. He asked a
police officer for directions to reach the place. The officer said, “Wait at this
bus stop for the number 65 bus. It’ll take you right there.” He thanked the
police officer and the officer drove off. Three hours later the police officer
returned to the same area to find the man still waiting at the same bus
stop. Surprised, he got out of his car and asked the man, “Why are you still
waiting? Didn’t you get the bus?” The man replied, “Don’t worry officer, it
won’t be late now. The 58th bus just went by!”
Why did the man come to Hyderabad?
Write a synonym for ‘surprised’.
Why was the man waiting at the bus stop?
Do you think the police officer gave the right directions to reach the
Charminar?
State true or false.
The man was visiting the Charminar for the first time.
11.GENETIC MODIFICATION
The controversy over genetically modified food continues unabated in the
West. Genetic modification (GM) is the science by which the genetic
material of a plant is altered, perhaps to make it more resistant to pests or
killer weeds, or to enhance its nutritional value. Many food
biotechnologists claim that GM will be a major contribution of science to
mankind in the 21st century. On the other hand, large numbers of
opponents, mainly in Europe claim that the benefits of GM are a myth
propagated by multinational corporations to increase their profits, and that
they pose health hazards they have therefore, called for governments to
ban the sale of genetically-modified food. The anti-GM campaign is quite
effective in Europe, with several European member countries imposing a
virtual ban for five years over genetically-modified food imports. Since the
genetically modified food industry is particularly strong in the United States
of America, the controversy also constitutes another chapter in the US-
Europe skirmishes which have become particularly acerbic after the US
invasion of Iraq. (CAT, fourth edition by Arun Sharma and
MeenakshiUpadhyay)
What is genetic modification?
What is the major contribution of science to mankind in the 21st century?
Find the word in the passage which means ‘to engage in a minor dispute’.
Where is the anti-GM campaign effective?
Who called for governments to ban the sale of genetically –modified food?
11. THE MANELESS LION
Fifty feet away, three male lions lay by the road. They didn’t appear to
have a hair on their heads. Noting the colour of their noses (leonine noses
darken as they age, from pink to black), Craig estimated that they were six
years old-young adults. “This is what we came to see. They are really
maneless.” Craig, a professor at the University of Minnesota, is arguably the
leading expert on the majestic Serengeti lion, whose head is mantled, in
long, thick hair. He and Peyton West, a doctoral student who has been
working with him in Tanzania, had never seen the Tsavo lions that live some
200 miles east of Serengeti. The scientists had partly suspected that the
maneless male lions were adolescents mistaken for adults by amateur
observers. Now they know better. The Tsavo research expedition was
mostly Peyton’s show. She had spent several years in Tanzania, compiling
the data she needed to answer a question that ought to have been
answered long ago: Why do lions have manes? It’s the only cat wild or
domestic, that displays such ornamentation. (CAT, fourth edition by Arun
Sharma and MeenakshiUpadhyay)
Name the two scientists in the passage.
State true or false: Serengiti lions are maneless.
Where do Tsavo lions live?
Pick the adjective in the passage which means ‘pertaining to or
characteristic of a lion.”
Write the noun form of the verb ‘estimated’.
12.COCA-COLA:
A FEW FACTS One of the most successful commercial products ever
launched is said to have come about as a result of a mistake. In 1896,
Jacob’s Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia, was selling a nerve tonic known as
‘French Wine Cola – Ideal Nerve Tonic.’ By accidentally adding fizzy water
instead of still water to the recipe, a pharmacist called John S. Pemberton
invented what has today become the most popular soft drink in the world:
Coca-Cola. It has enjoyed phenomenal success worldwide and this
combination of carbonated water, sugar, acid and flavourings has come to
symbolise the American way of life for most of the world. But even the
manufacturers could hardly describe Coca-Cola as a healthy product since it
contains relatively high amounts of sugar and phosphoric acid both of
which are known to damage teeth. However the company’s enviable
marketing strategies like the most memorable commercials, tunes, slogans,
and sponsorship in the world of advertising, variously emphasizing
international harmony, youthfulness, and a carefree lifestyle made Coca-
Cola endure the popularity till now. (CAT, fourth edition by Arun Sharma
and Meenakshi Upadhyay)
What was Coca-Cola originally?
What are the basic ingredients of Coca-Cola?
Why is Coca-Cola harmful to teeth?
What has come to symbolize the American way of life for most of the
world?
Write an antonym of ‘endure’.
13.IRON MAN OF INDIA
Popularly and rightly known as the ‘Iron man of India’or ‘Bismark of India’,
Sardar Vallabhahbai Patel is among the most influential political icons of
India. The first deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of independent
India, Patel was instrumental in the unification of 555 princely states and
setting up a democratic federal set up in the country. He played a key role
in the freedom struggle rubbing shoulders with the Father of the Nation,
Mahatma Gandhi. It would be no exaggeration if we label him as the chief
architect of independent India who sailed through the turbulent times with
his rock solid leadership. 94 Free Distribution by Government of Andhra
Pradesh Study and Communication Skills Sardar Patel always believed that
due to extensive diversity and multiple cultures and languages, India needs
a strong bureaucratic set up. He played a constructive role in the creation
of the Indian Administrative Services (IAS). The earlier Indian Civil Services
Code (ICS), drafted by the Britishers suited only their own interests, and
later on it was diluted by the Bismark of India to create a better
bureaucratic structure that works for the betterment of the country. Thus
he came to be known as ‘Patron Saint’ for Indian civil servants for
establishing modern All India Services. (an internet
articlehttps://www.culturalindia.net/leaders/sardar-vallabhbhai-
patel.html)
How many labels are used to describe Patel and what are they?
Why did Patel believe that India needed a strong bureaucratic set up?
Why Patel is called the chief architect of modern India?
Expand IAS.
‘Rubbing shoulders’ suggests -------.
0 Rub one’s shoulders
1 Hold shoulders
2 Associate with
14.WORK IS WORSHIP
There are 365 days in a year. If we take away the 52 Sundays, it leaves 313
days left for work. We at least have 12 declared holidays per year, which
leaves 301 days for work. We are further entitled for 12 days of sick leave,
12 days of casual leave and 12 days of privilege leave. It leaves 265 days for
work. On the days we work, even taking those who do not work by the
clock as bench mark, we spend on an average about 12 hours each day
away from work. And that counts for 133 days (half of 265). There are 135
days left for work. Within those 12 hours at work, we spend at least 2 hours
each day on coffee breaks, lunch and snacking, which accounts for another
11 days (132*2/24) each year. It leaves 121 days available for work. And
that’s just 33% of a year is spent on work. Even for this 33% of work life
there is so much cribbing. Oh, what a tragedy! Born in a culture that taught
‘Work is Worship’, and through work (Karma Yoga) the divine can be
attained, we have lost the sanctity of work. The food we eat, the clothes we
wear, the shelter we live in and the luxuries of comfort we enjoy are the
rewards of the work we do. Work not only gives the rewards of life but also
a sense of purpose and dignity to our life. Irrespective of the people we
work with, the organisation we represent, the designation we carry, the
portfolio we hold, let’s begin every morning with gratitude to the work we
do. Let us go to our work place with greater reverence and devotion than
we would go to a place of worship. (From a magazine Infinite Thoughts, Feb
2017)
How much percent of a year is spent on work by an employee?
What is Karma Yoga?
What are the rewards of the work we do?
Pick out the word from the passage which means ‘something considered
sacred’.
What does our culture teach us about work?
15.EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES
One night a group of nomads were preparing to retire for the evening when
suddenly they were surrounded by a great light. They knew they were in
the presence of a celestial being. With great anticipation, they awaited a
heavenly message of great importance that they knew must be especially
for them. Finally a voice roared, “Gather as many shells as you can. Put
them in your saddlebags. Travel a day’s journey and tomorrow night will
find you both glad and sad.” The nomads shared their disappointment and
anger with each other. They expected the revelation of a great universal
truth that would enable them to create wealth, health and purpose for the
world but instead they were given a menial task that made no sense to
them at all. However, reluctantly each one of them picked up a few shells
and deposited them in their saddlebags. They travelled a day’s journey and
at night while making their camp, they reached into their saddlebags and
discovered that every shell they had gathered had become a diamond. They
were glad that they had diamonds. They were sad that they had not
gathered enough shells. This is the metaphor of life. Every event that we
encounter in life is a shell, a doorway to maturity. It is in our hands to turn
an event into experience, i.e. turn these shells into diamonds. (From a
magazine Infinite Thoughts, May 2017.)
Why were the nomads disappointed?
Why were they both glad and sad at the end?
What are shells compared to in this story?
Write a synonym for anticipation.
According to the passage ‘every event is a shell which we can turn into a
diamond like experience’. Write true or false.
