READING COMPREHENSION

PASSAGE 1 Read the following text.

1.Despite their great educational achievements, this is a complicated cultural issue. Eye specialists believe that
focusing too much on education and neglecting other activities, like spending time outdoors, can harm children’s
eye health.
2. In countries with lower incomes, like Bangladesh and India, fewer adults have myopia (nearsightedness), with
rates around 20-30%. However, this is changing. In Africa, where myopia used to be rare, the number of children
with myopia has been increasing rapidly in the last decade. As literacy rates rise, this problem could get worse
unless there is a stronger focus on providing eye tests and glasses.
3. School itself isn’t the main cause of myopia, as shown during the Covid-19 lockdowns. The real issue is staying
indoors. During the pandemic, schools closed worldwide, but children’s eye health became even worse. They
stayed indoors and spent hours looking at screens for schoolwork or entertainment, which replaced other ways of
learning and having fun.
4. This issue-myopia as a negative side effect of positive trends like education and income-appears in other areas
as well. A higher income is generally good for children’s well-being, but not for their eye health. The wealthier we
get, the more we protect our children from going outside because they have more things to do indoors, like learning
music, playing video games, and watching TV.
5. Is there a solution? In China, experiments have been done in classrooms that simulate outdoor learning. Both
children and teachers liked the bright classrooms that look like greenhouses, more than traditional classrooms.
However, in the summer and on sunny days, the brightness reached the limit of what could be used for learning.
Plus, these bright classrooms are twice as expensive to build as regular ones because of the materials and cooling
systems they need.
6. The best way to prevent myopia is actually very simple and works for all countries, no matter how rich or
poor : spend more time outdoors. Researchers are still figuring out exactly why natural light helps prevent
myopia, but the most important thing they’ve found so far is that it does. The challenge now is to ensure that
children spend enough time outdoors to benefit from this natural protection.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
i. In paragraph 1, what do eye specialists believe is harming children’s eye health? 1
ii. Complete the following with the correct option : 1
Eye specialists are concerned that focusing too much on education and :
(a) Spending time outdoors will lead to poor eye health.
(b) Neglecting outdoor activities is bad for eye health.(paragraph 1)
iii. How has the increase in literacy rates in low-income countries like Bangladesh and India affected
myopia rates? 2
iv. Select the option that best explains why myopia is linked to higher income levels : 1
(a) Children in wealthier families spend more time outdoors.
(b) Wealthier families tend to keep children indoors with more activities like video games, TV, and
music.(paragraph 4)
v. State whether the following statement is True or False. 1
The Covid-19 lockdowns improved children’s eye health by keeping them indoors.(paragraph 3)
vi. The writer mentions in paragraph 5 that classrooms in China were designed to mimic outdoor
learning. What was the problem with these classrooms?
1
 (A) They were too expensive and too bright for learning during sunny days.
(B) They were not bright enough to simulate outdoor learning.
(C) Teachers and students disliked the bright environment.
(D) They were too small for the number of students.
vii. List two simple ways to help prevent myopia, according to paragraph 6. 2
viii. Fill in the blank with the correct option : 1
According to researchers, the most important conclusion about myopia prevention is :
(A) Myopia cannot be prevented
(B) Spending more time outdoors in natural light helps prevent myopia.
(C) Indoor activities are better for preventing myopia.
(D) Only expensive classrooms can help prevent myopia. (paragraph 6)
PASSAGE 2 Read the following text
(1) It is now being increasingly realised that sports contribute to the physical, psychological and emotional well-
being of an individual. Sports play a significant role in healthy social development and interaction. It helps people
learn how to set and achieve goals through discipline and hard work. It nurtures the development of decision-
making and leadership abilities, while teaching people to manage both success and failure.
(2) Sports today, face the pressures of modern society and new challenges. When sports events like Olympic
Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games or those related to cricket, football, volleyball, tennis, hockey or
badminton take place, millions of spectators, viewers on television, the internet or listeners on radio become
intensely engaged, even though only a select few participate. Along with emotions, a large amount of money
too rides on the performance of sportspersons.
(3) Perhaps that is why, in this highly competitive sports environment, we quite often hear about unethical
behaviour, which includes doping, abuse of food additives, physical and verbal violence, harassment, sexual
abuse and trafficking of young sports persons, discrimination, exploitation, unequal opportunities, unethical
sports practices, unfair means, excessive commercialisation and corruption. In this context, ethics occupy a
critical place.
(4) Ethics, morals and values are used interchangeably in everyday language, though these terms are not
synonymous. The concept of ethics is technically understood as a branch of philosophy that defines what is good
for the individual and society and establishes the nature of obligations, or duties, that people owe themselves
and one another. But without going into the complexities of this concept, it is relevant to understand ethics as
the practice of making principled choices between right and wrong: a code of conduct that guides human
behaviour, norms or laws by which attitudes and actions are determined to be either “right or wrong”.
(5) The fundamental problem of ethics is determining what constitutes proper conduct. It is important to figure
out an answer because it defines how individuals, professionals in different fields, organisations, associations,
federations and corporations choose to interact with one another.
On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer the questions given below (10×1 = 10)
(1) Spending large amount of money on the performances of the sportspersons is intended to:
(a) To enhance their performance of players (b) Compensate the player for his abilities
(c) Boost the morale of the player (d) Help the player earn more money

(2) “listeners on radio become intensely engaged…….” Pick the option in which the meaning of ‘engaged’ is NOT
the same as it is in the passage.
(a) He was pretty engaged in reading books in the free time.
 (b) Soniya is getting engaged this week.
(c) The mother is engaged in her new born baby these days.
(d) The school engages the students in various activities during summer.
(3) Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that lists the correct sequence of the
following descriptions:
(I) Determination of the fundamental problem of ethics
(II) The reality of pressures of modern society and new challenges that sports faces today
(III) The interchangeable usage of ethics, morals and values in everyday language
(IV) Realisation of the contribution of sport to the physical, psychological and emotional well-being of an
individual
(a) (IV), (II), (III), (I) (b) (I), (II), (III), (IV) (c) (III), (I), (II), (IV) (d) (I), (II), (IV), (III

(4) We quite often hear about unethical behaviour in sports. NOT BEING unethical means, being
(a) verbally violent (b) physically violent (c) morally correct (d) abusive

(5) The social significance of sports is____________________________________

(a) human interaction and development (b) physical wellbeing
(c) psychological amelioration (d) emotional wellbeing

(6) Why does ethics occupy a critical place in sports?

(a) It increases competition amongst players (b) It increases brotherhood amongst players
(c) It curbs unfair game practices (d) It hypes up the game

(7) The fact that the sportspersons are using methods like harassing and limiting other candidates’ opportunities,
shows that they are
(a) ethical (b) moral (c) unethical (d) righteous

(8) Pick the option showing the CORRECT use of the word ‘doping’
(a) The singer was bad at the start of the show but the way he ended it was dope.
(b) His father recently got to know about his habit of doping.
(c) Yesterday, she went to the dope party in the town.
(d) The counsellor was giving the listeners the dope advices.

(9) Pick the option that correctly states w.hat DOES NOT happen if the sportsperson is morally correct.
(a) He stops any sort of violence. (b) He stops playing on bets.
(c) He disturbs others and creates problems. (d) He gives opportunities to young players.

(10) The unethical behaviour in sports leads to:

(a) promotion of sportspersons in the team (b) success of sportsperson in the field
(c) contentment of sportsperson (d) destruction of sportsperson’s moral values

PASSAGE 3 Read the following text

(1) Giving soothes an individual with the vibration of joy. Unconditional giving is a natural principle and evident
everywhere in nature which gives us solids, liquids and minerals. Water gives itself away for our agriculture and
other uses. Trees give flowers, fruits and wood. Air gives us the very life-breath and the sun gives us light of life.
(2) Even the animals give us milk, egg, meat, skin and various services. But what do we humans contribute to
the cosmos in return? Isn't our role predominately selfish and destructive? We expand civilisation to disturb
ecological balance, spread pollution in the fresh natural atmosphere, indulge in ruthless deforestation, kill
animals even for sport and consume all natural resources for our own selfish interest.
(3) It is always great to make donations, but what about giving your own time? It's wonderful to drop off used
clothing, books and toys at a shelter for the homeless, but what about spending an hour each week reading and
playing with the deprived children? Come face to face with the person you are helping. It will make your giving
more meaningful.
(4) It is not about just the time that you give to the deprived children, but what you give to your family. Are you
there when they need you? Or, is it always you who demand help and cooperation from the rest of your family
members? How much do you care for the elderly who live with you or are far away from you? How do you utilize
your spare moments? Isn't it that you just sit before the television and keep on flipping the channels trying to
find something that suits your interest? Shut it down!... You can use these precious spare moments to make a
'Get Well Soon' card for your grandmother, or someone dear to you not in good spirits, or send a letter via the
Internet. Why be on 'Facebook' all the time chatting with your friends whom you already meet daily at school?
(5) The law of karma is a natural law whereby we are paid back in the same coin. We have added much to our
comforts, but we have not been able to attain peace and tranquillity. We are constantly haunted by excessive
greed for grabbing which is severely disturbing peaceful coexistence. We rarely do what we can for the
preservation of nature and even our own fellowmen. We have not moved much from the primitive selfish
mentality where self-preservation was the law for survival.
(6) What can we give back to the cosmos? We humans are predominantly gifted with mind and intellect. These
are very sharp instruments indeed which can be used as a surgeon's knife for healing or an instrument for killing.
Instead of nurturing anger, jealousy, hatred, selfishness and animosity, we can spread love, care, kindness and
benevolence to all and thereby transform the earthly vibration into a heavenly one. If not anything else, we can
at least pray for the happiness and well-being of all. We are here in the image of God. We have a divine
inheritance of love, wisdom and self-transformation. We may resolve to be engaged in divine enjoyment of
nature and
God's creation with love. Jesus said, "Those that give shall receive."
(7) Instead of always being at the receiving end, let us abide by the principle of giving by all means and see how
things change for humanity at large.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

(I) Choose the most appropriate option: ‘Unconditional giving is a natural principle that_____’
(A) gives us solids, liquids (B) solidifies nature and gives us minerals.
(C) liquefies nature into solids and minerals. (D) gives us solids, liquids and minerals.

(II) Choose the doable ways by which you can serve your family, without overexerting yourself. (1)
(A) Donate your spare moments towards the family.
(B) Making a 'get well soon' card for someone who is indisposed.
(C) Chatting on Facebook. (D) (a) and (b)

(III) What is the general consensus of opinion about civilisational growth and ecological balance? (2)
(IV) Complete the sentence appropriately. (1)
Human beings are predominantly gifted with____________________
(V) Select the antonym of the word 'ruthless'. (1)
(A) composite (B) compassionate (C) composure (D) callous
(VI) Mention how we can bring about a change in humanity by our actions. (1)
(VII) In the line "... We are constantly haunted by excessive greed for grabbing which is severely disturbing
peaceful existence." What does the word 'grabbing' mean here? (1)
(VIII) Based on your understanding of the text what are the prime responsibilities that make you a perfect
donor? (2)

PASSAGE 4 Read the following text.

(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 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 time once spent enjoying a book or watching
TV.”
(3) Swaner and her colleagues analysed 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 time spent in the digital world is seriously degrading
the time they spend on more traditional media such as print books 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.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage .
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 : (1)
True : if the statement agrees with the information.
False : if the statement contradicts the information.
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_______ (1)
(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 : (1)

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 ? (2)
Support your answer with reference to the text.

V. Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate option : (1)
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 : (1)
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 _________. (1)

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.” (1)

IX. What does the author mean by ‘degrading the time’ in para 6 ? (1)
(A) spending less time (B) waste of time (C) consuming more time (D) saving time

PASSAGE 5 Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow :
(1) Mankind’s fascination with gold is as old as civilization itself. The ancient Egyptians held gold in high esteem
gold had religious significance for them, and King Tutankhamen was buried in a solid gold coffin 3300 years ago.
The wandering Israelites worshipped a golden calf, and the legendary King Midas asked that whatever he
touched be turned into gold.
(2) Not only is gold beautiful, but it is virtually indestructible. It will not rust or corrode. Gold coins and products
fabricated from the metal have survived undamaged for centuries. Gold is extremely easy to work with. One
ounce, which is about the size of a cube of sugar, can be beaten into a sheet nearly 100 square feet in size, and
becomes so thin that light can pass through it. An ounce of gold can also be stretched into a wire 50 miles long.
Gold conducts electricity better than any other substance except copper and silver, and it is particularly
important in modern electronic industry.
(3) People have always longed to possess gold. Unfortunately, this longing has also brought out the worst in
human character. The Spanish conquerors robbed palaces, temples and graves and killed thousands of people
in their ruthless search for gold. Even today, the economy of South Africa’s gold mines depend largely on the
employment of black labourers who are paid about 40 pounds a month, plus boarding and lodging. They work
in conditions that can only be described as cruel. About 400 miners die in South Africa each year.
(4) Much of the gold’s value lies in its scarcity. Only about 80,000 tons have been mined in the history of the
world. All of it can be stored in a vault 60 feet square, or a super tanker. Great Britain was the first country to
adopt the gold standard, when the Master of the Mint, Sir Issac Newton, established a fixed price for gold in
1717. The discovery of gold in the last half of the nineteenth century in California, (1848) and later in Australia
and South Africa changed everything. Before the discovery, there wasn’t enough gold around for all the trading
nations to link their currencies to the precious metal.
(5) An out-of-work prospector named George Harrison launched South Africa into the gold age in 1886 when he
discovered the metal in a farm near what is now Johannesburg. Harrison was given 12 pounds as a reward by
the farmer. He then disappeared and was eaten by a lion.
(6) One of the biggest gold mining areas in the Soviet Union is the Kolyma River region, once infamous for its
prison camp. The camp has gone, but in a way nothing has changed. Many ex-prisoners have stayed on to work
in the mines and are supervised by ex-guards.
(7) Despite the current rush to buy gold, 75 percent of the metal goes into making jewellery. Italy is the biggest
consumer of gold for this purpose, and many Italian jewellers even tear up their wooden floors and burn them
to recover the tiny flecks of gold. Historically, the desire to hoard gold at home has been primarily an occupation
of the working and peasant classes, who have had no faith in paper money. George Bernard Shaw defended
their instincts eloquently, “You have to choose between trusting the natural stability of the honesty and
intelligence of the members of the government,” he said “and with due respect to these gentlemen, I advise to
vote for gold.”
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below. (10x1=10)
(i) When was King Tutankhamen buried ?
(a) 1717 (b) 1886 (c) 3300 years ago (d) 1848
(ii) Why did Egyptians hold gold in great esteem ?
(a) because it is a good conductor of electricity. (b) because of its religious significance.
(c) for lovely gold ornaments. (d) because it is indestructible.
(iii) According to the passage, which of the following statements isNOT true ?
(a) Gold is the best conductor of electricity.
(b) Apart from gold, copper and silver are good conductors ofelectricity.
(c) Gold can be easily beaten, hence it is easy to work with.
(d) Gold plays an important role in the modern electronics industry.
(iv) Select the option that displays what the writer projects, withreference to the following.
The wandering Israelites worshipped a golden calf _______.
(a) importance of religion (b) importance of the metal gold (c) good conductor (d) gold can replace money
(v) How were the black Labourers exploited?

(vi) Complete the following with the phrase from paragraph.

Opinion Reason
King Tutankhamen was buried in a solid gold coffin 3300 years ago.

(vii) Based on your reading of the text, list 2 reasons why the writer says that.
Not only is gold beautiful but it is virtually indestructible.
(viii) _____ launched South Africa into the gold age.
(a) Issac Newton (b) George Harrison (c) George Bernard Shaw (d) A farmer
(ix) Supply one point to justify the following :
The desire to hoard gold at home has been primarily an occupation of the working and peasant classes.
(x) Select the option that corresponds to the following.
The ancient Egyptians and the modern electronic industry both hold gold in high esteem.
(a) The hardworking student came first because of his diligent practice.
(b) Honesty is underrated whereas strategy is appreciated.
(c) The vibrant colours made the interiors look luminous.
(d) The steaming food was both appetizing and tasty.

PASSAGE 6 Read the following text

1. The present generation is well updated with the use of internet and computers. The rapid development in
computer technology and increase in accessibility of the internet for academic purposes has changed the face
of education for everyone associated with it. Let’s look at the data arising out of a recent survey that was done
to ascertain the time spent on utilisation of the computer and internet.

2. At present, many schools and universities have been implementing internet-based learning, as it supplements the
conventional teaching methods. The internet provides a vide variety of references and information to academics as well
as scientific researchers. Students often turn to it to do their academic assignments and projects.
3. However, research on Internet is very different from traditional library research, and the differences can cause problems.
The Internet is a tremendous resource, but it must be used carefully and critically.
4. According to a 2018 Academic Student e-book Experience Survey, conducted by LJ’s research department and sponsored
by EBSCO, when reading for pleasure, almost 74% of respondents said they preferred print books for leisure whereas, 45%
of respondents chose e-books rather than the printed versions, for research or assignments.
5. When asked what e-book features make them their favourite for research, the respondents were clear. Having page
numbers to use in citations, topped the list (75%); followed by the ability to resize text to fit a device’s screen (67%);
the ability to bookmark pages, highlight text, or take notes for later reference (60%); downloading the entire e-book
(57%); and allowing content to be transferred between devices (43%) were the varied responses.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
i. What does the use of the phrase “changed the face of education” by the writer, in paragraph 1, suggest
about the impact of computers and the internet on education?
(A) The writer believes that education has not been influenced by computers and the internet.
(B) The writer is emphasizing the significant transformation that computers and the internet have brought to
education.
(C) The writer feels that the internet has had little effect on education.
(D) The writer is indifferent to the influence of computers on education.

ii. Select the option that is true for the assertion and reason given below :
Assertion : Many schools and universities are using internet-based learning.
Reason : The internet provides a wide range of information and resources for academic assignments.
(A) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion.
(B) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason does not explain the assertion.
(C) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(D) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.

iii. Identify the year in which the Academic Student e-book Experience Survey mentioned in the passage was
conducted. iv. Based on the figure in the passage, which activity has the highest percentage of people using
computers for personal use every day?
v. Read the given prompt and select the correct option in the brackets to fill in the blank :
According to the survey, respondents favored e-books for academic research due to certain features that
enhanced their utility for assignments and citations.The respondents prefer e-books for research because they
offer the ability to _____. (resize text / cite page numbers / print content)
vi. What are some of the challenges associated with using the internet for research, as mentioned in the
passage?
vii. Complete the sentence suitably. 1The internet provides a wide range of information for students, but
_____.
viii. Complete the following with a suitable reason :
Experts believe that the preference for e-books in academic research will continue to grow because _____.
ix. In the context of paragraph 4, why do respondents prefer print books for leisure, despite their preference
for e-books in academic research? (2)

PASSAGE 7 Read the following text

1. Increasing traffic congestion every year is causing increasing air pollution, wasting time and productivity and
diverse respiratory diseases. Moreover, the cost of solving or reducing traffic congestion is enormous. However,
neglecting the traffic jam problem would increase the social problems among citizens.
2. The number of vehicles has increased considerably in the city in the past five years. Due to this increase, the
city roads witness frequent traffic congestions, but above all, the vehicles emitting pollutants are affecting the
environment adversely.
3. The Capital’s vehicular population saw an addition of more than five lakh vehicles last year, registering an
increase of over 4%, according to the Delhi Economic Survey 2020-21.
4. In spite of the largest road network, through metro and bus services in major cities the transport system is
not being able to keep pace with the growing demand. Consequently, more and more people use their private
vehicles, leading to increased congestion on the roads. In spite of these challenges people in India prefer road
travel over air and other means of travel. Citizens of Delhi/NCR have, time and again, pondered over the
possibilities of how to reduce the traffic congestion in the city, especially during the peak hours. People should
use public transport, the government must increase the facilities of public transport, people should avoid the
unnecessary collection of vehicles and should use carpool and vehicle sharing.
5. What is required is proper implementation of corrective measures by citizens to get an organized traffic
management system.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below: (10)
i. Infer one reason for the following, based on information in paragraph
1. Reducing traffic congestion is not easy. (1)
ii. Select the appropriate option to complete the following sentence.
The reasons for increased traffic congestion are ________. (1)
1. use of private vehicles
2. increase in demand for cars
3. inability to keep pace with population control
4. travelling by public transport
5. emission of pollutants
a. 4, 5 b. 1, 5 c. 1, 2 d. 2, 3
iii. Analyze the status of traffic between the years 2019-2022.

What is required to get an organized traffic management system?(2)

iv. Give the reasons for increase in vehicular congestion. (2)
v. Complete the following analogy correctly with a word / phrase from the paragraph 5.
organized : chaotic : : lowest : _______
Clue : Just as organized is an antonym of chaotic, lowest is an antonym of _______. (1)
vi. The vehicles emit pollutants which affect _______ badly (1)
vii. Complete the following sentence. Use of public transport will reduce ________. (1)
viii. Select the appropriate option to complete the following sentence.
The reasons for increased traffic congestion are ________. (1)
1. start car pooling
2. add electric buses
3. increase in public modes of transport
4. increase car collection points
5. increase taxation
6. a. 1, 4, 5 b. 3, 5 c. 2, 3, 4 d. 1, 3