Reading Comprehension 1

Next to water, tea is the most commonly consumed beverage in the world. This is a good
news because tea offers important health benefits. Its benefits were first discovered by the
Chinese Emperor Shen Nung who declared that it gave one vigour of body, contentment
of mind and determination of purpose. Today there is ample proof that tea in its many
forms possesses a number of health benefits from supporting the immune system to
reducing the risk of cancer, to helping prevent tooth decay.

What makes tea such a healthy drink? The star compounds are called catechins. Those
are antioxidants that help prevent cell damage by harmful molecules called free radicals.

Tea can be black, green and red and is derived from a warm-weather evergreen tree
known as Camelia Sinensis. The more processing tea leaves undergo, the darker they
become. Green tea is the least processed tea. It is simply steamed quickly and offers the
maximum healing powers because it isn’t fermented. It also helps prevent tooth decay
and aids weight loss.

Q. Complete the following statements:

1. The most commonly consumed beverage in the world is ……………….
2. Benefits of tea were first discovered by ………………………………………
3. Tea turns out to be a healthy drink due to the presence of ……………………
4. Green tea leaves offer maximum healing powers because it is ………………..
5. The word in the last para which means the same as ‘helps’ is …………………….
 Reading Comprehension 2

This is a great lesson for all of us to learn, that in all matters the two extremes are alike.
The extreme positive and the extreme negative are always similar. When the vibrations of
light are too slow we do not see them, nor do we see them when they are too rapid. So is
with sound; when very low in pitch we do not hear it, when very high we do not hear it
either. Of like nature is the difference between resistance and non-resistance. One man
does not resist because he is weak, lazy and cannot; because he will not; the other man
knows that he can strike an irresistible blow if he likes; yet he not only does not strike,
but blesses his enemies. The one who from weakness resists not commits a sin, and as
such cannot receive any benefit from the non-resistance, while the other would commit a
sin by offering resistance. – Swami Vivekananda

Q. Answer the following questions by selecting the most appropriate option from the
ones given below:
1. “………in all matters two extremes are alike”, means:
1. Powerful men always gain success.
2. All human beings are of same characters.
3. Boys and girls are equally talented.
4. The extreme positive and the extreme negative are alike.
2. When the sound is in low pitch:
1. we fail to hear it
2. we can hear it easily
3. it pleases us
4. we feel dizzy
3. Too rapid vibrations of light:
1. can be easily seen
2. cannot be seen
3. should be enjoyed
4. both (2) and (3) are correct
4. The one who resists is different from a man who does not resist, because of his:
1. nature
2. weakness
3. strength
4. laziness
5. The word ‘irresistible’ means:
1. tied so closely that it cannot be separated
2. so strong that it cannot be stopped
3. that cannot be changed back
4. so valuable that it cannot be replaced
 Reading Comprehension 3

The culture of nuclear families is in fashion. Parents are often heard complaining about
the difficulties in bringing up children these days. Too much of freedom in demand, too
much independence; over night parties; excessive extravagance, splurging pocket money;
no time for studies and family; all this is a common cry of such families. Aren’t parents,
themselves, responsible for this pitiful state? The basic need of a growing youth is the
family, love, attention and bonding along with moral values. One should not forget that
‘charity begins at home’.

Independence and individuality both need to be respected, in order to maintain the

sanctity of family. Children, today are to be handled with tact in order to bridge the ever
widening generation gap. Only the reasonable demands need to be fulfilled, as there are
too many expenses to be met and too many social obligations to be taken care of by the
parents. Our forefathers lived happily in joint families. Children loved to live with their
cousins, learnt to adjust within means. There was perfect harmony between the
generations. There never existed the concept of old-age homes. There was deep respect
for the family elders and love, care and concern for the youngsters. Even the minor
family differences were solved amicably.

Answer the following Questions:

1. Mention any two major common concerns of a nuclear family.
2. Who, according to the passage, are responsible for them?
3. Explain the expression ‘charity begins at home’.
4. Describe the atmosphere in joint families.
5. Which word in the passage means ‘Holiness of life’?
 Unseen Passage: Tree Worshiping 4
The tree is worshipped as earth’s mother in tribal India. It provides food, air, occupation,
materials for housing, fodder for animals and fuel. Without the trees there is neither soil
nor water. There is nothing to prevent the soil from being washed away; there is nothing
to prevent the water from evaporating. In the great tribal regions of India, which are
home to the Bhils, the Santhals, the Nagas, the Bishnois, whenever a child is born, a tree
is planted in the child’s name. It forges a relationship between the child and the tree
which is closer than the one between child and family. Naturally so, because that tree is
specially the child’s own. The trees are all slow growing. By the time the child reaches
adolescence, his tree has just come to fruit. It starts its life as a provider to the tribal child
and the tribal is the guardian of the tree for life.

Nearly three hundred years ago in 1730, men and women of the Bishnoi tribe died in an
attempt to stop the felling of trees.

In September 1730, a royal party led by Giridhar Bhandari, a minister of the Maharaja of
Marwar, arrived at the village with an intention of felling some Khejri trees, that were
sacred to the villagers. The trees were to be burnt to produce lime for the construction of
a new palace. A local woman, Amrita Devi protested against the tree felling because such
acts were prohibited by the Bishnoi religion. She and her three daughters sacrificed their
lives in an attempt to save the trees. Following the example, many other villagers hugged
the trees that were to be cut and got killed. This event became to be the forebearer of the
‘Chipko Movement’ initiated in the 20th century.

Bishnoi faith prohibits the cutting of green trees. It demands absolute protection of the
Khejri, the shade and fodder tree of the area. As a result, their lands are fertile, while all
around them the fields have been claimed by the Thar Desert of Rajasthan.

Answer the following questions:

1. Name any two things provided by trees?
2. Without the trees there is neither __________ nor __________ .
3. In 1730, men and women of the __________ tribe died in an attempt to stop the
felling of trees.
4. Name two tribes of India.
5. Bhils, Nagas and Santhals are which regions of India?
1. Civilized
2. Urban
3. Tribal
4. Rural
6. When was ‘Chipko Movement’ initiated in?
1. 18th Century
 2. 20th Century
3. 21st Century
4. 19th Century
7. Girdhar Bhandari was a minister of the Maharaja of:
1. Marwar
2. Jaipur
3. Jodhpur
4. Udaipur
8. A local woman _________ protested against the tree felling:
1. Anita Devi
2. Anjali Devi
3. Amrita Devi
4. Anjana Devi

Unseen Passage: Be Like a Flower

Reading Comprehension 5

Be like a flower. One must try to become like a flower: open, frank, equal, generous and
kind. So you know what it means?
A flower is open to all that surrounds it: nature, light, the rays of the sun, the wind etc. It
exerts a spontaneous influence on all that is around it. It radiates joy and beauty.
It is frank. It hides nothing of its beauty and lets its fragrance flow frankly out of itself.
What is within and what is in its depths, it lets it come out so that everyone can see it.
It is unbiased: it has no preferences. Everyone can enjoy its beauty and its perfume
without rivalry. It is equal and the same for everybody. There is no difference, or
anything whatsoever.
Then, generous: without reserve or restriction, it gives away the mysterious beauty and
the very own perfume of Nature. It sacrifices itself entirely for our pleasure, even it
sacrifices its life to express this beauty and the secret of the things gathered within itself.
And then, kind: it has such a tenderness, it is so sweet, so close to us, so loving. Its
presence fills us with joy. It is always cheerful and happy.
Happy is he who can exchange his qualities with the real qualities of the flowers. Try to
cultivate in yourself their refined qualities.
Q. Answer the following questions by selecting the most appropriate option from the
ones given below:
1. A flower is compared ………….
1. with all living things
2. with human beings
 3. with girls
4. with a child
2. A flower is open to all because ………..
1. it influences all
2. it radiates joy
3. it spreads its beauty to all
4. all of these
3. The refined qualities of a flower are …..……..
1. fragrance and beauty
2. generosity and kindness
3. equality and attractiveness
4. frankness and honesty
4. The writer talks about …………..
1. rose flower
2. lotus flower
3. lily flower
4. all flowers
5. A spontaneous influence means …………
1. a slow influence
2. a quicker influence
3. naturally created influence
4. a casual influence
Pick the right meanings of the following idioms and phrases.
1. At the drop of the hat:
a. As soon as it was spoken
b. Done easily, without any preparation
c. Done in an instant
d. After something is done

2. Keep at bay:
a. Keep at a distance
b. Keep at the sea-shore
c. Keep in mind
d. Keep thinking about something

3. A man of straw:
a. A man with no means
b. A generous man
c. A man of character
d. A man of no substance

4. Give cold shoulder:

a. Shiver
b. Cold meat
c. To ignore
d. To support

5.My leaving the job with an NGO proved a blessing in disguise as I got a better job
a. something that seems bad turns out to be good
b. something that seems good turns out to be bad
c. disguises can be blessings
d. Sometimes blessings are not good
6.To read between the lines
a) To concentrate
b) To read carefully.
c) To suspect.
d) To graspe the hidden meaning.

7. I am sure they will fight tooth and nail for their rights

a) with all their might.
b) Without any other weapon.
c) Resorting to violence.
d) Very cowardly..

8.Caught between two stools

a. met with an accident
b. difficulty in choosing between two alternatives
c. struck in a calamity
d. none of these

9.To hold one's tongue

a) to support
b) to interfere in one's work
c) to insult someone
d) to keep quite

10.Make up one's mind

a) to be prepared
b) to make someone happy
c) make a decision
d) To criticize someone

11.To read between the lines

a) understand the hidden meaning
b) to have good sight
c) to learn quickly
d) none of these
12.The demolition of the Babri Masjid had been a political hot potato for years.
a)a hotly debated delicate issue
b)  a helping agent
c) forbidden issue
d) something that has been for long in the newspapers

13.to beat around the bush.

a) to run around a nearby bush in fright
b) to talk indirectly, without coming to the main point
c)to stammer
d) to tap her feet in despair

14.By hook or by crook

(A) In a completely insane manner
(B) In whatever way one can
(C) Being very evil and destructive
(D) To be very tenacious

15.A feather in one’s cap

(A) Accumulating more money or property
(B) Taking more burden on oneself
(C) Being felicitated for one’s artistic merits
(D) Something achieved that constitutes a victory

16.The apple of one's eye –

a) Very dear
b) A tearful Eye
c) The most tender part of the eye
d) None of the above

17.To build castles in the air –

a) To make castles in the sky
b) To run away with the wind
c) To indulge in day-dreaming
d) To get involved in airy talks
18.Throw cold water upon
a) Calm down one's anger
b) Put out the fire
c) Discourage a plan
d) Tease someone

19.What is the meaning of phrase "Child's play"?

a) An easy work
b) An interesting work
c) Games of children
d) A difficult work

20.‘Shedding Crocodile tears’ means _______________.

a) be in trouble
b) insincere display of emotions
c) be nervous
d) find the hidden meaning

21.Identify the meaning of the idiom “Can’t judge a book by its cover.”
a) It is easier to read a book than to protect the pages.
b) It is hard to tell how something is simply from its outward appearance.
c) A book’s ending can’t always be guessed by how it begins.
d) It takes a long time to really know someone.
 

22.The phrase, “A hard nut to crack” means ___________.

a) an interesting problem
b) a difficult problem
c) a unique problem
d) a simple problem

23.Identify the meaning of the idiom “a bed of roses”.

a) An easy situation
b) A fragrant place
c) A tough option
d) An impossible situation
24.Tit for tat
(A) To reward people for the good done
(B) To do harm as done to you
(C) To make someone angry
(D) To take advantage of someone

25.Leave no stone unturned

(A) Try everything possible
(B) Leave the path halfway
(C) Not make enough efforts
(D) Turn everything upside down

26.Sit on the fence

(A) To be in a tricky situation
(B) To be relaxed and comfortable
(C) Halting between two opinions
(D) To be defeated and dejected

27.To grease the palm

(A) To give support
(B) To give a message
(C) To cheat someone
(D) To bribe someone
 

28-To break the ice

A-a strong man
B-to start a quarrel
C-to break the awkward silence
D-to become violent
 

29-Crocodile tears
A-hypocritical tears
B-to use something to sincerely
C-to get hysterical
D-tears caused due to presence of ammonia in something
 

30-wolf in sheep’s clothing

A-to act on the sly
B-to be a good actor
C-to be a hypocrite
D-to be money-minded