Reading Passage 13

Improving Attention and Effective Study Techniques

In today’s fast-paced world, distractions are all around us, making it increasingly difficult to focus on our studies. Attention plays a crucial role in how well we learn, and improving our ability to concentrate is essential for academic success. Attention is a cognitive process that allows us to concentrate on specific tasks while filtering out irrelevant information. It comes in two forms: selective attention, which enables us to focus on one thing despite distractions, and sustained attention, which helps us maintain that focus over time. Both types are vital for effective studying, and fortunately, there are strategies that can help improve them.

One of the most effective ways to enhance attention is by eliminating distractions. Since the brain is wired to respond to external stimuli, creating a quiet and clutter-free environment can greatly reduce interruptions. It is helpful to turn off unnecessary notifications, close irrelevant tabs on your computer, and use apps that block distracting websites. This allows the mind to focus entirely on the task at hand. Additionally, practicing mindfulness can significantly improve attention. Mindfulness involves being present in the moment, focusing on your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Engaging in daily mindfulness exercises or short meditation sessions can reduce mind-wandering and train the brain to maintain focus.

A proven time-management method called the Pomodoro Technique can also enhance concentration. This technique breaks study sessions into short, focused intervals—typically 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break. After completing four cycles, you can take a longer break. These regular pauses help prevent mental fatigue, allowing the brain to stay fresh and maintain focus over time. Another important strategy for improving attention is active learning, which involves engaging with the material in an interactive way. Summarizing, asking questions, or teaching the material to someone else keeps the brain engaged, making it easier to focus and remember information. Passive activities like highlighting or simply reading through notes are far less effective compared to actively working with the content.

Regular physical exercise is another key factor in maintaining focus. Exercise improves blood flow to the brain and enhances cognitive function, including attention. Incorporating daily physical activities such as walking, running, or yoga can sharpen your focus and improve mental clarity. Similarly, getting adequate sleep is critical for sustaining attention. Sleep deprivation reduces cognitive function, making it harder to concentrate. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to ensure that your brain is well-rested and capable of optimal performance during study sessions. Nutrition also plays a role in attention. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can boost brain function. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and seeds, are particularly beneficial for cognitive health. Staying hydrated is equally important, as dehydration can lead to fatigue and difficulties concentrating.

In addition to these attention-enhancing strategies, there are well-established study techniques that can help improve learning efficiency. One such technique is spaced repetition, which involves reviewing material at increasing intervals over time. This method has been shown to enhance long-term retention of information and is far more effective than cramming all at once. The SQ3R method, which stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review, is another valuable tool for improving understanding and retention of textbook material. Interleaving, or alternating between different subjects or types of problems during study sessions, has also been proven to enhance problem-solving abilities and promote deeper learning.

By minimizing distractions, practicing mindfulness, using the Pomodoro technique, and staying physically active, you can improve your ability to concentrate while studying. Techniques like spaced repetition, the SQ3R method, and interleaving can further enhance learning and retention, ensuring you make the most out of your study time. With these strategies in place, you can improve your focus, boost your academic performance, and achieve long-term success.

Based on the above passage, answer the following questions:

1. What is the primary factor affecting attention during studying according to the passage? 1

A) Lack of exercise

B) Poor nutrition

C) Distractions in the environment

D) Insufficient time management

2. Which study technique is mentioned as helping to prevent mental fatigue?                          1

A) Spaced repetition

B) Pomodoro Technique

C) Interleaving

D) SQ3R method

3. What role does mindfulness play in improving attention?                                                    1

A) It enhances physical stamina for studying.

B) It helps in recalling previously learned information.

C) It increases the amount of study material covered.

D) It helps reduce mind-wandering and trains focus.

4. Which cognitive function is most affected by lack of sleep, as discussed in the passage?     1

A) Attention and concentration

B) Memory retention

C) Decision-making

D) Problem-solving skills

5. Which statement best describes active learning according to the passage?                    1

A) Reading notes passively

B) Highlighting key points in a textbook

C) Teaching the content to someone else

D) Skimming through material quickly

6. What does the Pomodoro Technique consist of?                                                             1

7. Which nutrients are important for improving brain function?                                         1

8. What cognitive process allows us to filter out irrelevant information while studying?1

9. What is the role of mindfulness in improving focus during study sessions?     2

10. Explain how spaced repetition improves long-term retention of information.   2

Reading Passage 12

EFFECTS OF ADVERTISEMENT ON CHILDREN

A Report from American Psychological Association

1. The task force reviewed research addressing two important types of questions regarding the effects of advertising on children. First, does advertising affect children’s commercial recall and product preferences? If not, the $12 billion spent annually by advertisers in commercial appeals to children would represent a surprisingly poor investment. Second, does exposure to advertising result in consumption of products that are inimical to the health and well-being of children? For example, does advertising play a role in the overconsumption of candy and sugared cereals or in underage drinking of alcoholic beverages?

2. Research on children's commercial recall and product preferences confirms that advertising typically achieves its intended effects. A variety of studies using differing methodologies find that children recall content from the ads to which they've been exposed. Product preference has been shown to occur with as little as a single commercial exposure and to strengthen with repeated exposures. Most importantly, studies have shown that product preferences affect children's product purchase requests and that these requests do influence parents' purchasing decisions.

3. The more fundamental concern regarding the effects of advertising on children relates to questions of potential harm resulting from exposure. A variety of research findings are relevant to this issue. Several studies, for example, have found that parent–child conflicts occur commonly when parents deny their children's product purchase requests that were precipitated by advertising. Considerable research has examined advertising's cumulative effect on children's eating habits. Studies have documented that a high percentage of advertisements targeting children feature candy, fast foods, and snacks and that exposure to such advertising increases consumption of these products. While consumption of nonnutritious foods per se may not be harmful, overconsumption of these products, particularly to the exclusion of healthier food, is linked to obesity and poorer health. Several studies have found strong associations between increases in advertising for nonnutritious foods and rates of childhood obesity.

4. A variety of studies have found a substantial relationship between children's viewing of tobacco and alcohol ads and positive attitudes toward consumption of such products. Children find many such commercials attractive (e.g., Joe Camel, the Budweiser frogs) and consequently have high brand awareness of such products and positive attitudes toward them. These products and their spokes-characters have been found to be featured in programming and publications frequently viewed by minors, and reviews of this research (including the Surgeon General's analysis) conclude that advertising of them contributes to youth smoking and drinking.

5. Critics have also expressed concern regarding the prevalence of advertising of violent media, such as movies and video games, targeting children. Three reports by the Federal Trade Commission found considerable support for such charges, and while studies have not directly assessed the impact of such advertising, it is highly likely that such ads do affect children's media preferences.

[APA and Affiliated Journals - Home - APA]

Answer the following questions based on the passage:

1. What does the sentence: “If not, the $12 billion . . .” primarily convey? (Para 1)

A. Optimism and confidence in advertisers' strategies.

B. Skepticism and questioning the investment's effectiveness.

C. Indifference towards the financial aspect of advertising.

D. Acknowledgment of the considerable success of advertising strategies

2. In the sentence, "These requests do influence parents' purchasing decisions," what does the word "do" primarily emphasize?

A. Past tense of the action.

B. Intensity or emphasis on the influence.

C. Conditional aspect of the influence.

D. Lack of influence on parents' decisions.

3. What does the term "cumulative" imply in the sentence: "Considerable research has examined advertising's cumulative effect on children's eating habits"? (Para-3)

A. Immediate and short-term impact

B. Individual and isolated influence

C. Long-term and compounded impact over time

D. Temporary and reversible consequence

4. What does contribute to the promotion and endorsement of the tobacco and alcohol products?

5. “Three reports by the Federal Trade Commission found considerable support for such charges”. What are the charges? (para 5)

6. How do product preferences, as per the paragraph, influence children's actions?

A. They have no influence on children's behavior.

B. They affect children's academic performance.

C. Product preferences impact children's purchase requests.

D. They solely influence children's eating habits.

[ANSWERS] 

Reading Passage 11

The Impact of Technology on Education

By Dr Siamack Zahedi

Co-CEO & Director of Education and Research, The Acres Foundation

1. Technology has had a significant positive impact on education in recent years. With the proliferation of the internet and the widespread adoption of devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones, students and teachers now have access to a wealth of information and resources that were previously unavailable. One major benefit of technology in education is the ability for students to access information and resources anytime, anywhere. With the internet at their fingertips, students can now easily find the answers to their questions and complete assignments from the comfort of their own homes. This flexibility allows students to learn at their own pace and gives them the freedom to choose when and where they learn. Another positive impact of technology on education is the ability to personalize learning. With the use of adaptive learning software, teachers can now create customized lesson plans and assignments based on the individual needs and abilities of their students. This personalized approach to education can help students feel more engaged and motivated to learn, as they are able to focus on the topics and skills that are most relevant to their needs. Technology has also made it easier for teachers to collaborate and share resources with their colleagues. Through the use of online platforms and social media, teachers can connect with each other and share lesson plans, activities, and other teaching materials. This collaboration helps teachers stay up-to-date on the latest teaching techniques and can also save them time and effort when it comes to creating their own lesson plans.

2. In addition to these benefits, technology has also made it possible for students to learn from a wider range of sources. With the internet, students can now access lectures, videos, and other educational materials from some of the world’s top experts and institutions. This allows students to learn from a diverse range of perspectives and experiences, which can broaden their understanding and appreciation of different subjects. Finally, technology has also made it easier for students with disabilities to participate in the classroom. With the use of assistive technologies such as text-to-speech software and electronic magnifiers, students with vision or hearing impairments can now easily access and participate in class discussions and activities. Overall, the positive impact of technology on education is undeniable. From increased flexibility and personalized learning to the ability to collaborate and access a wide range of resources, technology has transformed the way we learn and has opened up new possibilities for students and teachers alike.

3. Before I move on to make my main point, I would like to ask you what you think of the paragraphs that you have read thus far. Are they clear? Do they make a coherent argument? If you answered “yes” then you will be as surprised as I am that it was written entirely by the free online chat program by OpenAI’s GPT-3. I simply typed the command “write a 500 word essay on the positive impact of technology on education”, and it generated those paragraphs automatically in about a minute! I ran the essay through an online free plagiarism check software and it showed the content to be 100% unique! What do such advancements in technology mean for the field of education? For one, it forces us to review the prioritization of our current schooling goals. Should we continue spending a majority of school time on learning mechanical skills like handwriting that are essentially redundant in a world where collaboration and communication are almost entirely tech driven? Should it continue to be learning a vast disconnected set of facts about the world and lower order procedural thinking skills that can be more efficiently and effectively done by a growing market of artificial intelligence programs? The Brookings Universal Centre for Education predicts that a substantial percentage of jobs that schooling is preparing students for today will be redundant by the time they complete school. Our world has been steadily reorganizing from an industrial economy to a knowledge economy, but has schooling responded to this change? How then should we best invest the precious and limited time that students have at school? Of course, we should spend some time teaching foundational academics, but this can no longer be treated as an END in the learning journey at school. Instead, such knowledge and skills should be treated as a MEANS or tools that student are trained to utilize and apply towards developing competencies that actually matter for their success in the 21st century, which as per the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell includes “creativity, innovation, empathy, problem solving, team work, strategic thinking, entrepreneurship as well as learning to accept failures as a part of one’s development process”. Instead of teaching students to compete with AI, we should teach them to leverage the capabilities of AI and redirect their cognitive bandwidth more strategically towards the highest order thinking processes and creative problem solving that is only capable by the human mind.

[The impact of technology on education: A closer look (indiatimes.com)]February 8, 2023]

1. The above article can be categorized as

1. Descriptive

2. Argumentative

3. Cause and Effect

4. Critical

A. 1 and 2

B. 2 and 3

C. 3 and 4

D. 2 and 4

2. What is the primary query posed in the sentence "Do they make a coherent argument?" (Para 3)

A. Is the argument comprehensive?

B. Are the paragraphs debating effectively?

C. Do the paragraphs present conflicting ideas?

D. Are the paragraphs divided logically?

3. Complete the notes prepared on the benefits of technology in education as mentioned in the passage:

1. Benefits

1.1 Access to vast information & resources

1.2 Freedom to choose time & place of learning

1.3 _________________________

1.4 More engaged and motivated students

1.5 Teachers’ collaboration and resource sharing, time & efforts saving

1.6 Teachers stay up-to-date

1.7 _________________________

4. The statement “Our world has been steadily reorganizing from an industrial economy to a knowledge economy . . .” suggests a need for:

A. Greater emphasis on traditional teaching methods

B. Integration of vocational training in schools

C. Alignment of education with evolving economy

D. Making students accustomed to manual labor

5. Why might someone choose to utilize plagiarism check software for an essay?

A. To improve the essay's formatting and structure

B. To determine the essay's publication potential and success

C. To detect unauthorized use of another person's work in the essay

D. To increase the essay's word count

6. Complete the notes prepared on the solutions to the challenges posed by technology in education as mentioned in the passage:

1. Solutions

1.1 Prioritizing foundational academics

1.2 ___________________________

1.3 Advancing cognitive development to highest level

1.4 Nurturing creative problem-solving skills

7. What is the closest meaning of the term "diverse" in the context of the statement?

A. Uniform

B. Variable

C. Similar

D. Consistent

[ANSWERS]

Reading Passage 10

Medium of Instruction in Higher Education

By Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank

1. Indian languages have never got the importance they deserve in the higher education system. Teaching and learning have largely been in a foreign language. But a change is in the offing, with the advent of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi recently tweeted: “Taking inspiration from the National Education Policy, it will now be tried to teach all technical courses including medical, engineering in mother tongue.”

2. It is time we focused on the use of the mother tongue or regional language as a medium of instruction in higher education. The discussion on the use of the mother tongue in education goes back to the time of Lord Macaulay. This debate continued in post-independent India with the release of the Radhakrishnan Committee report of 1948-49, known as the Report of the University Education Commission. It recommended that English be replaced by an Indian language as the medium of instruction for higher education as early as practicable. This was followed by the Official Language Commission, Emotional Integration Committee, NEP (1968), NEP (1986/1992) and NEP 2020.

3. Each report also pronounced that Indian languages are a sine qua non for educational and cultural development since they strengthened equity in education.

4. The current NEP recommends that higher education institutions should use the mother tongue/local language as a medium of instruction, and/or offer bilingual programmes. This will help provide quality teaching to more students and thus increase Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education. It will also promote the strength, usage, and vibrancy of all Indian languages. This way, private institutions too will be motivated to use Indian languages as a medium of instruction and/or offer bilingual programmes. This will ensure that there is no difference between government and private institutions.

5. The teachers’ training programme, the four-year Bachelor of Education dual degree, will also be bilingual. This will facilitate the training of cadres of teachers across subjects. Science and math teachers will also adopt the bilingual approach to teaching.

6. To translate recommendations into action, high-quality learning and print material in Indian languages, including textbooks, workbooks, videos, plays, poems, novels and magazines, will be developed. This will be done by creating quality programmes in translation and interpretation. To this end, an Indian Institute of Translation and Interpretation (IITI) will be established. This will employ numerous scholars in Indian languages, subject experts as well as experts in translation and interpretation. Technology will be used to aid in these translation and interpretation efforts.

7. Teaching in the mother tongue/ regional language will help in building an equitable education system. The ministry of education will work to develop an equitable system based on the principles of fairness and inclusion. For the system to be fair, we should ensure that the personal and social circumstances of students should in no way be obstacles to realizing their full academic potential. At the same time, to ensure inclusion through the use of the mother tongue/ regional language, we should set up a basic minimum standard of education which eliminates all disparity.

8. While it is necessary to strengthen Indian languages as medium of instruction while enhancing the principle of equity in education to improve educational standards, it is equally imperative for students to have a good command over the English language since they are global natives in the 21st century. But this cannot be at the cost of Indian languages as a medium of instruction. Indian languages must be supplemented by English. It is heartening to note that institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology, Kharagpur and Roorkee, and Banaras Hindu University, among others, have come forward to promote the use of Indian languages. These initiatives will prepare students to live in a local, national and global society utilizing a harmonious blend of Indian languages and English as recommended by NEP.

[Link: In higher education, it is time to prioritise Indian languages - Hindustan Times, 

Dec 02, 2020]

Answer the following questions:

1. “sine qua non” used in the passage is a Latin term. Which word in the options means the same:

a) Meaningless 

b) Essential 

c) Harmful 

d) Adequate

2. Replace the underlined phrase in the sentence without changing its meaning.

But a change is in the offing, with the advent of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

3. Based on the passage select the option that is true for the Assertion (A) and Reason (R).

(A) NEP 2020 recommends that education should be imparted in the mother tongue or local language.

(R) Giving importance to local languages does not mean undermining the importance of English. 

a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) Both A and R are false.

4. The passage includes advantages of using mother tongue as a medium of instruction in higher education, EXCEPT:

1. It will decrease the gap between institutions.

2. Indian languages will regain their due importance.

3. Better understanding and retention of the concepts.

4. More students will pursue higher education.

5. Improved teacher-student relationship.

6. Language and subject experts will get employment.

a) 3, 4, 6

b) 1, 3, 5

c) 3, 5

d) 4, 5

5. Elucidate the difference between ‘Equality’ and ‘Equity’.

[ANSWERS]

Reading Passage 9

[CBSE, Delhi, 2023]

Read the passage given below:

Declining Reading Habit

(1) News - If you can't remember the last time, you saw a teenager reading a book, newspaper or magazine, you're not alone. In recent years, less than 20 percent of teens report reading a book, magazine or newspaper daily for pleasure. More than 80 percent say they use social media every day, according to a research published by the World Psychological Association.

(2) "Compared with previous generations, teens in the 2010s spent more time online and less time with traditional media, such as books, magazines and television," said lead author of the book yGen and professor of psychology at ABC University. "Time on digital media has displaced the time that was once spent enjoying a book or watching TV."

(3) Swaner and her colleagues analyses data concluded from an ongoing study of a nationally representative sample of approximately 50,000 eighth, tenth and twelfth grade students annually. They looked at survey results from 1976 to 2016, representing more than 1 million teenagers. While the study started with only twelfth - graders in the 1970s, eighth and tenth - graders were added in 1991.

(4) Use of digital media increased substantially from 2006 to 2016. Among twelfth-graders, internet use during leisure time doubled from one to two hours per day during that period. It also increased 75 percent for tenth-graders and 68 percent for eighth-graders.

(5) "In the mid- 2010s, the average twelfth-grader reported spending approximately two hours a day texting, just over two hours a day on the internet - which included gaming - and just under two hours a day on social media," said Swaner. That's a total of about six hours per day on just three digital media activities during their leisure time."

(6) In comparison, tenth-graders reported a total of five hours per day and eighth-graders reported four hours per day on those three digital activities. Consequently the spent time in the digital world is seriously degrading the time they spend on more traditional media such as print book and newspapers.

(7) The decline in reading print media was especially steep. In the early 1990s, 33 percent of tenth-graders said they read a newspaper almost every day. By 2016, that number was only 2 percent. In the late 1970s, 60 percent of twelfth-graders said they read a book or a magazine almost every day; by 2016, only 16 percent did. Twelfth-graders also reported reading fewer books each year in 2016 compared to how much they read in 1976 and approximately one-third did not read a book (including e-books) for pleasure in the year prior to the 2016 survey.

(8) There's no lack of intelligence among young people. However due to over dependence on digital media they find it difficult to focus for long periods of time and to read long-form text. Subsequently they find it challenging to understand complex issues and develop critical thinking skills.

On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below: 10 × 1 = 10

(i) Does the following statement agree with the information given in paragraph 1 ?

The writer believes that very few teens indulge in reading as a pleasurable activity.

Select from the following:

a) True : if the statement agrees with the information.

b) False: if the statement contradicts the information.

c) Not given : if there is no information on this.

(ii) Select the option that displays the most likely reason for this research.

In order to find out.......

(a) reading choices of teenagers.

(b) digital competency of teenagers.

(c) speed of reading text.

(d) the decline of time spent on traditional media.

(iii) Complete the statement based on the following statement:

Traditional media has been replaced by digital media.

We can say this because _______

(iv) Do you think that the researchers of study added tenth and eighth graders to the survey deliberately? Support your answer with reference to the text.

(v) Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate option:

The concluding sentence of the text makes a clear case for _______by listing it as a core competency for analysis and application.

(a) following social media

(b) reading long texts

(c) building focus and concentration

(d) developing constructive habits

(vi) Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate option:

The digital activities that the twelfth-graders indulge in are _______.

(a) texting, gaming, television

(b) texting, gaming, social media

(c) newspaper, books, magazine

(d) television, books, gaming

(vii) Complete the sentence appropriately with one/two words:

Teens today hardly read print media for _______.

(viii) Based on the reading of the text, state a point to challenge the given statement.

"Time on digital media has displaced time once spent enjoying a book or watching T.V."

(ix) What does the author mean by degrading the time in para B?

(a) spending less time

(b) waste of time

(c) consuming more time

(d) saving time

(x) As per Fig.1, the percentage of people above 50 yrs is _____the percentage of teenagers using social media.

(a) greater than

(b) less than

(c) equal to

(d) negligible to

ANSWERS

Reading Passage 8

TOP HEALTHY FOODS AND FITNESS TERMS

The 2010s will go down in history as a decade of a renaissance of healthy trends across the globe. The decade saw the rise and fall of numerous health and fitness trends worldwide. Past ten years were all about fermented food to non-dairy milk alternatives and numerous path breaking discoveries in the medical world. But some health trends took over the world by storm and will have lasting effects on the coming generations. Here we have compiled a list of the top 8 health terms that gained wide popularity in the fitness world for its promising health benefits and something that is going to stay in the coming decade.

Gluten-free

The world witnessed the burgeoning popularity of gluten-free food products among men and women wanting to stay healthy and fit. Gluten is a protein found in most grains and as per some studies, following a gluten-free diet helps to manage the signs and symptoms of celiac disease and other medical conditions. The major source of this protein is wheat, barley and rye. Today, a plethora of gluten-free staples, frozen meals and snacks can be found in the supermarket that we even didn't know about years ago.

Detox

Detoxification or detox was a favorite buzzword this decade and as its popularity goes, it is here to stay for a while. A detox diet is an easy way to get rid of your body of toxins, which improves your health and promotes weight loss. The process of detoxification also includes making some small lifestyle tweaks.

[Source: Reader’s Digest]

1. What do you understand by ‘a renaissance of healthy trends’? 

a.) A new age of organic health products

b.) New methods of obesity control

c.) An age of new practices to keep healthy 

d.) An age of path-breaking discoveries

2. ‘But some health trends took over the world by storm.’ What does ‘took over the world by storm’ imply here?

a.) These health trends confused the masses

b.) The popularity of these health trends spread like fire

c.) These healthy trends became widely recognized and will remain so far for generations 

d.) Both b and c

3. What are the benefits of detoxification or detox process?

4. What is the importance of a healthy body to you?

Answers

Reading Passage 7

 

BREATHING EASY

CLEAR THE AIR OF INDOOR TOXICS

As the problem of air pollution reaches catastrophic proportions, each of us becomes an involuntary stakeholder. According to the latest report by the World Health Organization, over one lakh children below five years of age died in India due to both ambient and household air pollution in 2016. Here are some ways to keep yourself and your family safe.

There’s no good smoke

Limit the use of candles and agarbattis. Even if they are labelled as being herbal, studies have shown that they emit toxic gases and PM2.5. If you must use them, place them near windows.

Vacuum thoroughly

Firstly, clean your house regularly with a vacuum cleaner so that you get rid of dust more efficiently. If you suffer from asthma or allergies, invest in a cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter which will retain particles measuring 0.3 microns and larger, instead of blowing it back into the air.

Don’t take it to the cleaners

Perchloroethylene is a liquid solvent used to dry-clean clothes. It is a serious air pollutant and long-term exposure can even cause cancer. Avoid hanging your dry-cleaned clothes in the closet as soon as you get them home. Instead, air them outdoors for a day or two.

Air purifiers

Though affordable ones may not be as efficient as high-end air purifiers, they will still help bring down dust, PM levels and other pollutants. Make sure you invest in one that doesn’t emit formaldehyde and ozone as by-products, which further contribute to air pollution.

Ventilate

When running your air purifier, keep your windows and doors shut so that you don’t overuse the filter. However, an air purifier doesn’t produce oxygen or reduce carbon dioxide, whose level increases the longer you stay in a room. Hence, it’s important to ventilate your rooms so that you are not constantly breathing in exhaled air. Plus, it’s the only way to get rid of mould and fungi that thrive in closed, damp spaces.

[Based on the book How to Grow Fresh Air, by Kamal Meattle and Barun Aggarwal, published by Juggernaut in November 2018]

Source: Readers digest

1. What Does the author intend to convey through the above text? Choose the best option

a) Agarbathis and Candles do not pollute the air

b) Dry cleaning the clothes will prevent pollution

c) Vacuum cleaners can be dangerous

d) Clear the air of indoor toxics

2. According to the latest report presented by WHO, what are the causes for the death of over one lakh children in India?

3. The age group of the children mentioned in the WHO report is ……….

4. Fill in the blanks using the list of products and its effects in the table given below:

PRODUCT	EFFECT
i) Air Purifier	a)     Formal dehyde and Ozone
ii) Agarbathis and candles	b)      ………………………….
iii) Dry cleaners	c)     ………………………….
iv) Ventilators	d)     …………………………..

5.  The author says ‘As the problem of air pollution reaches catastrophic proportion, each of us becomes an involuntary stakeholder. In the light of the statement what measures will you take to keep yourself and your family safe? Mention any three measures.

ANSWERS

Reading Passage 6

 The Breakaway

Read the passage carefully and answer the questions.

1. As far as Justin knew, there was only one way out of his neighborhood: basketball. So he ran with the ball like the hounds were chasing him. He could drop any of the older guys at the court in a blaze of crossovers, fade aways, and finger rolls, and the younger guys didn’t stand a chance. Justin saw his way out and he ran for it. But the world has a funny way of changing right when you think you’ve got things figured out, and that’s just what happened to Justin.  

2. One day when Justin was shooting around at the local court, some guys from another block ran up and asked to play.  The big one in the middle said that he had heard that Justin was the best and he wanted to see if it was true.  Justin said, “Nah, Man, I’m just shooting around with my cousin, I ain’t trying to get all sweaty right now.”  But the big guy was insistent, and Justin’s cousin was bugging, “C’mon, Justin, drop this guy.”  So Justin figured that he’d just do what everyone wanted and play.  

3. Justin was running all over the big guy and making his shots while he did it.  But just as the outcome of the game seemed certain, the big guy shoved Justin as he went for a lay up.  Justin went flying in just such a way that he managed to tear up his right knee.  The doctor said Justin might never play again, and if he did play, he wouldn’t play the same.  Justin was devastated.  

4. The first six weeks, Justin just laid in bed with his leg in a long cast feeling like a broomstick.  He watched three reruns of The Simpsons every day and ate potato chips until the bag was empty, and then he’d dig the salt and grease out of the corner with his index finger.  Justin blew up like a balloon as watched his once bright future fadeway.  Right when he reached the bottom of the pit of despair, Justin’s sister, Kiki came home from the university. 

5. She came in the house like a whirl of sunshine, bringing exciting tales of a far away land called college.  Justin was amazed and intrigued by the dorm room dramas and campus craziness that Kiki told, but he could hardly believe any of it.  It was as if she were telling him about some fantasy land high above the clouds.  Justin gazed off dreamily as she spoke.  

6. “Justin!”  She interrupted his day dream.  “Let me see your progress report.”  Justin was ashamed.  His grades had really slumped since his injury.  “Oh no, this won’t do, J,” she said.  “We’re going to have to get these up.”  Well, Justin was a pretty stubborn guy, but his older sister had a way of getting him to do things that nobody else could.  So, while she was home on break, they studied together, and they talked, and they worked, and Justin felt better than he ever had before.  

7. After spending those weeks with his sister, Justin realized that he didn’t want to feel bad for himself any more, and he didn’t want to quit.  Basketball used to be his thing, and he was good at it, but now there was only school, so he had to get good at that.  Justin passed through all his classes like a half-court trap.  By the time he got to senior year in high school, his GPA was hovering in the slam-dunk position.  The last thing that Justin had to do to get into the college of his choice was score well on the ACT.   Well wouldn’t you know it?  Using the study skills Justin had acquired from his sister, Justin scored a 24 on the ACT.  That’s not the highest score a person can get, but it was high enough for Justin.  Now he had his academic game together.  

8. Though the recruiters never came to Justin’s door, every university that he applied to accepted him; and when the fall came, Justin had his choice in colleges.  Though he’d miss his family, Justin decided to enroll in the sunniest university in Hawaii, and nobody could say that Justin made a bad choice.

1. How did Justin handle older players on the basketball court?

a) He avoided playing against them.

b) He challenged them to a dunk contest.

c) He used impressive moves to outplay them.

d) He formed a team with them.

2. Why did Justin decide to play basketball with the big guy from the other block?

a) Because his cousin encouraged him to play.

b) Because he wanted to prove that he was the best player.

c) Because he wanted to show off his shooting skills.

d) Because he was bored and had nothing else to do.

3. How was Justin performing in the basketball game against the big guy?

a) He was struggling to keep up.

b) He was missing most of his shots.

c) He was focused on passing the ball to his teammates.

d) He was dominating and making shots while moving around. 

4. How did Justin's physical condition change during his recovery period?

a) He became incredibly thin.

b) He gained weight significantly. 

c) He remained the same weight.

d) He developed muscle strength.

5. In what way did Justin react to Kiki's descriptions of college life?

a) He engaged in animated discussions and shared his own experiences.

b) He questioned her extensively to verify the details of her stories.

c) He listened with a dreamy expression, captivated by her words.

d) He challenged her narratives and provided alternative perspectives.

6. How did Justin's sister manage to influence him to improve his grades?

a) She used her unique persuasive skills. .

b) She bribed him with gifts.

c) She scolded and punished him

d) She hired a tutor for him.

7. What does the phrase "Now he had his academic game together" imply?

a) He was now a professional athlete.

b) He had a perfect understanding of video games.

c) He had improved his performance in school.

d) He had become a competitive gamer.

8. Replace the underlined word in the sentence without change in the meaning: (Para 6)

"His grades had really slumped since his injury," 

9. Replace the underlined phrase with a word/phrase to change the meaning of the sentence to just opposite. (Para 7)

By the time he got to senior year in high school, his GPA was hovering in the slam-dunk position.

CCT Based Questions

10. What purpose did the author have while writing this?

(a) Entertain

(b) Inform 

(c) Persuade 

(d) Instruct

11. To what subgenre does this text belong?

(a) Autobiography      

(b) Realistic Fiction

(c) Fable    

(d) Informational writing

12. What is the conflict in the text?
13. What constitute to be the turning point in the story?
14. With what resolution does the story end?

15. In the sentence "She came in the house like a whirl of sunshine," what emotional atmosphere does the phrase "whirl of sunshine" primarily create?

ANSWERS

 

Reading Passage 5

 

[Courtesy: India Today, May 2019]

1. How old was Saurav when he decided to quit?

2. When did Saurav win the world top 10 title in squash?
a) May 2019
b) May 2018
c) June 2018
d) April 2019

3. “Ghosal’s progress will likely boost Indian squash.” What is the relevance of this statement with reference to the game’s current scenario in India?

4. How can Saurab create history?

5. Saurab feels squash should be an Olympic event because
a) He has topped it at an early age
b) It is very disappointing not to have it
c) Squash meets the Olympic ideals
d) It was ticked on the Olympic list

Answers

Reading Passage 4

  

Coffee

[CBSE, Dehli 2023]

Read the passage carefully: 

(1) I know many friends of mine who drink coffee regularly but do not know that coffee exists in different forms other than instant coffee. There are many who swear by Flora cafe classic or Coco gold, which they consider as premium coffee. It may sound offensive but instant coffee is not the only way; in fact it's a very bad way of making coffee! Instant coffee cannot match up to brewed coffee's flavour nor does it have Arabica beans. It uses Robusta beans that are lower in flavour. Don't know the difference ? ! Read on...

(2) That plant might be a genius! It created a chemical that would keep pests away. Fortunately for us and unfortunately for the plant - that plan did not work the way it was intended to. The chemical might have averted a few pest attacks, but attracted a far greater threat - human beings. The plant I am talking about is coffee and the chemical is caffeine.

(3) To begin from the beginning - coffee is from a more mature part of the tree - the seed - unlike other stimulants. The ripe berry is picked and de-pulped leaving us with a seed called 'green bean' or 'green coffee'. Green bean is uncharacteristically bland with a taste nowhere close to that of coffee, but it is valued for its higher antioxidant levels.

(4) It's an interesting phenomenon to see how this bland green bean turns to a flavourful coffee bean. Coffee bean is a seed and like any other seed, it is rich in proteins, fats and all necessary ingredients for giving birth to a new plant. When exposed to heat, the fats and carbohydrates in the bean turn into essential oils, which give the characteristic taste and aroma to the coffee bean. The degree of roasting depends on the need or purpose of use.

(5) These beans are ground so that the surface area of the bean is increased, which makes extraction easier. The bean can be ground or crushed but making the particles uniform will ensure equal extraction or else the smaller particle will get over extracted and the larger one will remain under extracted. Hence, the burr grinder is used to ensure that the coffee bean gets ground in a uniform way in which all particles are of similar sizes.

(6) Does under extraction give a lighter coffee and over extraction a stronger one? No. For a lighter or stronger coffee less or more coffee powder has to be used. Why? Under extraction will not get all the flavours of the coffee as the water runs too quickly. It will not get what you want - it will taste sour. Over - extraction will bring out all unnecessary flavours rendering the taste bitter.

On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer the questions given below: 10 × 1 = 10

(i) Complete the sentence by choosing an appropriate option:

The author complained that his friends _______.

(a) consumed only Flora classics

(b) were not aware of different forms of coffee

(c) were severely addicted to drinking coffee

(d) considered Coco gold as premium coffee

(ii) Comment on the writer's reference to the unique feature of coffee plant. (Para 2)

(iii) List the reason why the author refers to humans as 'great threat to coffee' plants.

(iv) Select an option that conveys the same meaning as 'energiser' from words used in Paragraph 3.

(a) bland

(b) mature

(c) antioxidant

(d) stimulants

(v) Complete the given sentence with an appropriate inference with respect to the following:

Fats and carbohydrates turn into essential oils leading to ______.

(vi) Comment on the writer's reference to the interesting phenomenon in paragraph 4.

(vii) Over extraction does not give a stronger coffee. Based on your understanding of paragraph 6, list one method to get stronger coffee.

(viii) The writer would not agree with the given statements based on paragraph five EXCEPT.

(a) The burr grinder grinds coffee beans uniformly.

(b)Less surface area makes extraction easier.

(c) Grinding gives stronger aroma.

(d)Good coffee is a mix of smaller and bigger particles.

(ix) Why is it fair to say that the right degree of extraction of coffee is important?

(x) Select the most suitable title of the above passage.

(a) The Art of Coffee Making

(b) Benefits of Consuming Coffee

(c) Green Coffee - The perfect antioxidant

(d) The Coffee Addict

ANSWERS

Reading Passage 3

 

Difficulty Level: Every Easy

Deaths in Road Accidents: Report

Deaths by accidents on roads increased by almost 17 per cent in 2021 compared to 2020, indicating an increase in the rate of deaths per 1,000 vehicles in India, according to the latest NCRB report.

In 2021, 1.55 lakh people died in accidents on Indian roads, up from 1.33 lakh in 2020, when much of the year saw a nationwide lockdown.

Total road accidents reported was 4.03 lakh in 2021, up from 3.54 lakh the year before.

But the 2021 accident numbers were significantly lower than those in 2019, when 4.37 lakh mishaps had been recorded, killing 1.54 lakh people.

As in previous years, two-wheelers accounted for most deaths (44.5%). Buses accounted for 3% of deaths in accidents.

Speeding caused 87,000 deaths, accounting for over half of all deaths, while dangerous and careless driving was attributed as cause for 42,000 deaths, the report stated.

The maximum increase in number of traffic accident cases from 2020 to 2021 was reported in Tamil Nadu (from 46,443 to 57,090), followed by Madhya Pradesh (from 43,360 to 49,493), Uttar Pradesh (from 30,593 to 36,509), Maharashtra (from 24,908 to 30,086), and Kerala (from 27,998 to 33,051).

“These traffic accidents resulted in injuries to 3,73,884 people and 1,73,860 deaths during 2021. Uttar Pradesh (24,711 deaths) followed by Tamil Nadu (16,685 deaths) and Maharashtra (16,446 deaths) have reported maximum fatalities in traffic accidents in the country,” the report.

In Railways, 17,993 accidents were reported in 2021, up from 13,018 a year before, causing injuries to 1,852 persons and 16,431 deaths in 2021, the report mentioned.

[Source: NCRB report: Deaths in road accidents up by 17% | India News - The Indian Express]

1. What was the percentage increase in road accident-related deaths in India from 2020 to 2021?

a) 10%

b) 15%

c) 17%

d) 20%

2. In 2021, which Indian state exhibited the highest percentage increase in the number of traffic accident cases from the previous year?

a) Maharashtra

b) Uttar Pradesh

c) Tamil Nadu

d) Kerala

3. Among the causes cited for road accident deaths, which factor contributed to a larger proportion of fatalities?

a) Dangerous and careless driving

b) Speeding

c) Mechanical failures

d) Drunk driving

4. According to the information provided, which year had the highest number of reported road accidents?

a) 2020

b) 2021

c) 2019

d) 2018

5. What is the meaning of the word "attributed" as used in the passage?

a) Taken away

b) Credited or assigned

c) Ignored

d) Sought after

ANSWERS

Reading Passage 2

Impact of Pandemic on Students

Read the passage carefully:

There is every indication that the Canadian economy has largely recovered from the pandemic: economic activity is comparable to pre-pandemic levels and the job market is doing well. As the country emerges from crisis mode, attention will have to turn to other pressing issues if a resilient economy is to be achieved.
The past two years have seen a dramatic transformation in the education sector, with a massive shift to online learning (30 per cent of the school calendar between March 2020 and March 2022), extended school closures in some provinces and disruption of extracurricular activities.
The impact? Declines in achievement for many students and student disengagement. While the magnitude of the impacts may vary, we can expect to see similar findings in Canada as in the United States, where declines in reading and math in “pandemic” cohorts can be seen in grades three through eight. Those most impacted, compared with pre-pandemic cohorts, are marginalized and economically disadvantaged students, just as the lack of face-to-face education has been most detrimental to students with specific learning difficulties.
Working-age students must also carefully weigh the benefits associated with abandoning education for a current job market in which openings are high and wages are climbing due to a scarcity of labour. Choosing work could leave those individuals vulnerable down the road.
Prioritizing work over education is often not beneficial in the long term because of the many advantages associated with obtaining a diploma: increased employment rates, higher incomes (and the resulting increase in taxes paid), better health and greater civic engagement.
The return to normal must include renewed efforts to narrow achievement disparities among students and to support their educational perseverance and success. We also need to pay particular attention to the mental health of young people, which has suffered due to the pandemic.
In terms of health care, the pandemic has strained the system and exacerbated existing problems, such as limited hospital capacity, which in some cases has compounded the need for public health restrictions. Added to that, as we all know, is an aging population and the pressure it will put on health infrastructure. To prevent our hospitals from overflowing year after year, we would do well to improve access to decentralized front-line services by improving access to home services, for example. Let’s also hope that digital solutions put forward during the pandemic, such as telemedicine, will be among the technologies adopted.
A quick scan of our economy shows that many business sectors have yet to return to their pre-pandemic revenues. Two areas that have been especially hard hit are arts and entertainment, and accommodation and food services, which were shut down several times because they were considered less safe. As the risks decrease, it will be up to us as consumers to support them and prioritize local consumption of goods. Increasing Canadian economic nationalism would benefit all businesses in this country, particularly SMEs.
It will take courage, especially political courage, to meet all these challenges, while also investing in innovation, productivity and the energy transition. It requires vision and detailed planning in addition to adequate budgets. In sum, there is no shortage of priority issues that need tackling both at home and around the globe.

[The pandemic’s impact on students may have long-lasting effects (cpacanada.ca)]

Questions Based on the Passage:

1. Choose the statement that accurately reflects the passage's perspective on the Canadian economy's recovery from the pandemic.

a) The Canadian economy has fully recovered, with all sectors performing even better than before.
b) Despite some recovery, the Canadian economy is still struggling with the aftermath of the pandemic.
c) Economic activity and job market improvement suggest significant post-pandemic recovery.
d) The passage does not provide a clear stance on the Canadian economy's recovery.

2. Match the correct adverse effects to the respective challenges faced by the education sector during the pandemic.

Challenges		Adverse Effects
1	Massive shift to online learning.	A	Declines in student achievement.
2	Extended school closures.	B	Student disengagement.
3	Disruption of extracurricular activities.	C	Reduced employment opportunities.
		D	Marginalized students' success.

Match:

a) 1A, 2B, 3C
b) 1B, 2A, 3D
c) 1C, 2D, 3B
d) 1D, 2C, 3A

3. Select all the accurate statements regarding the impact of the pandemic on education, as mentioned in the passage.

1. Student achievement remained consistent throughout the pandemic.
2. Online learning caused an overall increase in student engagement.
3. Students with specific learning difficulties were disproportionately affected.
4. Economic advantages of a diploma include higher incomes and increased civic engagement.
5. The shift to online learning mainly benefited marginalized students.

a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3
c) 3 and 4
d) 4 and 5

4. In terms of health care challenges, choose the options that align with the passage's recommendations for improving the healthcare system.

a) Enhance hospital capacity to accommodate the aging population.
b) Focus on public health restrictions to manage hospital overflow.
c) Invest in telemedicine and decentralized front-line healthcare services.
d) Promote international collaboration to address healthcare issues.

5. Determine the accurate sequence of the economic sectors mentioned in the passage based on their recovery status from the pandemic, starting with the most adversely affected.

a) Arts and entertainment, accommodation and food services.
b) Accommodation and food services, arts and entertainment.
c) Arts and entertainment, health care.
d) Accommodation and food services, health care.

6. In the context of the passage's introduction, which word best describes the situation where the Canadian economy has returned to its previous state after the pandemic? (Para 1)

a) Resilient
b) Profound
c) Rebounded
d) Adverse

7. In paragraph 7, the passage discusses the need for political courage to tackle challenges and invest in innovation. What does the term "political courage" mean in this context?

a) Fear of political challenges
b) Willingness to embrace innovation
c) Daring to address issues despite difficulty
d) Support for political ideologies

ANSWERS 

Reading Passage 1

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions.

Need of Communication Skills

In today's rapidly evolving professional landscape, possessing strong communication skills has become a prerequisite for a successful career. Regardless of the field or industry, effective communication is a fundamental trait that can significantly influence one's trajectory towards success.

Firstly, communication skills are essential for building and maintaining relationships. The ability to convey thoughts, ideas, and information clearly and concisely fosters better connections with colleagues, clients, and superiors. Whether it's collaborating on a project, negotiating a deal, or simply interacting within a team, effective communication helps in establishing trust and rapport, leading to more fruitful collaborations.

Secondly, strong communication skills enhance one's problem-solving abilities. Clear communication facilitates the exchange of ideas, leading to better brainstorming sessions and discussions. When individuals can articulate their viewpoints and listen to others' perspectives, they can collectively identify innovative solutions and strategies.

Moreover, effective communication contributes to effective leadership. Leaders who can communicate their vision, goals, and expectations clearly inspire their teams and create a sense of direction. They can motivate, delegate tasks, and provide constructive feedback, ultimately fostering a more productive and engaged workforce.

In the age of digital communication, the importance of written communication cannot be understated. Clear and well-structured emails, reports, and documents are crucial for conveying professionalism and ensuring that information is comprehended accurately. Poorly written communication can lead to misunderstandings, wasted time, and even damage to one's reputation.

Additionally, communication skills play a pivotal role in career advancement. Employees who can articulate their achievements and skills are more likely to be recognized for their contributions. During interviews and presentations, effective communicators stand out by their ability to convey their qualifications and ideas confidently.

In conclusion, communication skills are indispensable for a successful career in today's dynamic world. They facilitate relationship-building, problem-solving, leadership, and advancement opportunities. As technology continues to reshape the way we work and interact, honing one's communication skills remains a constant and vital aspect of professional growth.

Based on the above passage answer the following questions: 

1.  According to the passage, why are effective communication skills considered crucial in the current professional landscape?

a) They guarantee immediate career success.
b) They help individuals adapt to evolving technologies.
c) They enable better relationships with colleagues.
d) They allow employees to work independently.

2. In the context of the passage, what is the potential consequence of poor written communication?

a) Improved rapport with colleagues.
b) Enhanced problem-solving abilities.
c) Wasted time and misunderstandings.
d) Increased recognition for contributions.

3. How do effective communication skills contribute to leadership, as mentioned in the passage?

a) By promoting a sense of isolation within teams.
b) By ensuring only one-way communication.
c) By creating a more engaged workforce.
d) By delegating all tasks to subordinates.

4. In what innovative ways could strong communication skills be used to enhance problem-solving, beyond what's mentioned in the passage?

a) Using humor to lighten tense discussions.
b) Conducting brainstorming sessions in virtual reality environments.
c) Avoiding discussions to let problems solve themselves.
d) Limiting communication to written forms only.

5. Imagine you're part of a team that has members from various cultural backgrounds. How could you creatively use communication to foster better connections among team members?

a) Only communicate through written documents to avoid misunderstandings.
b) Organize team-building exercises focused on competition.
c) Initiate regular video calls to share cultural insights.
d) Assign all tasks without soliciting input from team members.

6. In a futuristic work environment where artificial intelligence assists in tasks, propose a unique way to ensure effective communication skills remain relevant.

a) Develop AI systems that can communicate independently.
b) Integrate AI into communication training for employees.
c) Replace human communication with AI-generated messages.
d) Avoid any reliance on AI to maintain human communication skills.

7. In the context of the passage, what is the synonym for "trajectory"? (para 1)

a) Destination
b) Route
c) Pathway
d) Sequence

8. The passage emphasizes that effective communication can lead to better rapport with colleagues. What does "rapport" mean in this context? (para 2)

a) Disagreement
b) Distance
c) Connection
d) Competition

9. How might the absence of effective communication skills impact the dynamics of a diverse team working on a complex project?

10. Imagine a scenario where an individual possesses exceptional technical skills but lacks communication skills. Could this person still be an effective leader? Why or why not?

Answers