CBSE Class 12 English Descriptive Passage Worksheet Set 03

Discursive Passages

Passage 

1. Marketing is all about creativity and expression, so it must be an art, right? Not necessarily. While marketers once relied purely on instinct, they now rely on data-driven insights. On top of that, cutting-edge technologies and analytics have shifted the focus of marketing farther toward the science side of the spectrum. Armed with so much data, marketers can now track the impact of money spent on their bottom line.

2. In today’s world, the best approach to marketing combines both disciplines. And there’s a distinct balance to the craft- a strategic mix of interpersonal empathy and tactical analysis. Neither side of the mix can be isolated or ignored, or the results will not be encouraging. Psychologists believe the brain is separated into two distinct functions- the left-brain and the right-brain. The right side of the brain is responsible for creative thinking and artistic intuition.

3. As an art, marketing is all about understanding the nuances of human behaviour and determining how to make an emotional connection with the customer. More importantly, some level of art is needed to create brand standards for your company, including the logo, messaging, and overall visual identity for a brand.

4. Right-brained marketers focus on the creative the copy, graphics and emotions tied to the message. The science side of marketing tells us to let the data guide what strategies will be most effective. Marketers are now reporting the need for digital-first expertise including digital proficiency, data analysis, and data science. With science, marketers adopt an outcome-centric mindset that helps them curate smarter campaigns. Over the past few years, there has been an evolving prioritisation on data-savvy talent. In 2020 and beyond, brands will need to focus on recruiting talent that can understand the complexities of AI and machine technologies.

5. But when we reflect on earlier times, marketing was defined as the predominance of traditional advertising, like television, newspaper, and direct mail. Today, it ropes in digital channels, social media, mobile devices, and integrated, complex campaigns. And just as consumers today are more tech-savvy, employees should be able to match-and-exceed their expertise. It’s important that brands continue to prioritise creative, engaging campaign messages while also focusing on key insights and performance metrics for optimal results. CBSE 2025

Question. According to paragraph 1, how does the author describe the evolution of marketing?
Answer: The author describes the evolution of marketing as a shift from relying purely on instinct to relying on data-driven insights. This shift has been driven by cutting-edge technologies and analytics, moving the focus further toward the science side of the spectrum.

Question. Choose one of the following statements that aptly reflects the point of view of the writer.
(a) In the field of marketing, there is a conflict between Art and Science.
(b) Art and Science should work in tandem to do effective marketing.
Answer: (b) Art and Science should work in tandem to do effective marketing.

Question. Provide one textual evidence with reference to Paragraph 3 to support that marketing is an art.
Answer: Textual evidence includes: "some level of art is needed to create brand standards for your company, including the logo, messaging, and overall visual identity for a brand."

Question. Based on the passage, assess the way data and digital platforms have transformed the field of marketing and employment.
Answer: Data and digital platforms have enabled marketers to track the exact impact of spending on the bottom line. This has transformed employment by creating a demand for "digital-first expertise" such as data analysis, data science, and an understanding of AI and machine technologies.

Question. ............ cutting-edge technologies and analytics have shifted the focus of marketing. (Paragraph 1) By ‘cutting-edge technologies’, the writer refers to ............ .
Answer: AI and machine technologies.

Question. Complete the analogy with one word from Paragraph 2. included : incorporated :: ............ : secluded
(a) approach
(b) empathy
(c) isolated
(d) intuition
Answer: (c) isolated

Question. ‘Marketing is all about understanding the nuances of human behaviour. (Paragraph 3) The writer uses the word ‘nuances’ to denote
(a) man's appreciation for art.
(b) man's preference for branded clothes.
(c) the complexities of human character.
(d) human inclination for analytical approach.
Answer: (c) the complexities of human character.

Question. Complete the following based on your understanding of the above passage. According to the writer, modern marketing is built on both ............ and ............ .
Answer: creativity (Art) and data-driven insights (Science).

Question. ‘............ exceed their expertise’. (Paragraph 5) With reference to Paragraph 5, what skills do you think the employees should possess to match the demand of the consumers?
Answer: Employees should possess digital proficiency, skills in data analysis and data science, and the ability to handle integrated, complex campaigns across digital channels.

Question. What fascinating fact about the human brain is revealed by the writer in the above passage?
Answer: The writer reveals that the brain is separated into two distinct functions: the left-brain and the right-brain, with the right side being responsible for creative thinking and artistic intuition.

Passage 

1. Five enterprises received approval and grants for prototype development of sustainable educational toys.

2. The government authorities, educational institutions and EdTech start-ups are planning to introduce state-of-the-art, made-in-India educational toys that not only throw light on Indian values and civilisations, but also help in developing children’s critical thinking and decision-making skills.

3. One such enterprise is working on different types of projects that can teach children how electromagnets and magnetic fields work. These projects can resolve a lot of issues in many schools in tier two and three cities that don’t have proper infrastructure. Another is working on an excavation site to teach children about ancient Indian civilisations. It has implanted a few artifacts at the site, which the children will have to find so that they are able to learn how to preserve and label artifacts. Another start up has proposed to create miniaturised labs for schools in tier 2 and 3 cities where children can learn concepts of Physics. “We will ensure that these prototypes are developed within a year and then the production can be scaled up,” says the senior manager of the project talking about the importance of indigenously-built educational toys.

4. Playtime is vital for the cognitive development of children and toys are an essential component that helps enhance specific cognitive abilities and skill sets. “Well-designed toys ignite student’s curiosity, increase focus and can be very beneficial in helping them master a skill and enhance understanding. These can be in the form of visuals, auditory aids, kinesthetic, or a mixture of all three.” says HOD, Early Childhood Education.

5. Toys offer an engaging avenue to teach mathematical, verbal, problem-solving skills. “Toys that engage students in experiential learning enhance their special awareness and fine motor skills. Those designed for two or more players help students develop better social skills as they learn to negotiate, settle differences, etc. with their peers.”

6. Experiential gadgets and toys enable students to learn faster and retain lessons longer. A child’s interest is piqued when he is taught in a contextual framework as opposed to rote learning. The Indian education system has been witnessing several innovations with the development of toys and gadgets that can be used and felt in person or through VR platforms across subjects, be it Science, Technology, Math or Engineering. CBSE 2024

Question. By tier 2 and tier 3 cities, the author refers to
(a) metro cities
(b) cities with huge population
(c) underdeveloped cities
(d) cities with less population
Answer: (d) cities with less population

Question. Complete the sentence with evidence from the text. The made-in-India educational toys serves dual purpose of ............ .
Answer: throwing light on Indian values and civilisations, and helping in developing children’s critical thinking and decision-making skills.

Question. The author’s point of view that can be inferred from the above passage is that ............ .
(a) educational toys are the booming business
(b) educational toys are meant to entertain children
(c) educational toys will replace teachers
(d) educational toys will make education more pragmatic
Answer: (d) educational toys will make education more pragmatic

Question. Complete the following sentence appropriately. Educational toys enhance the personality of children by ............
Answer: igniting their curiosity, increasing focus, and helping them develop social skills like negotiation and settling differences.

Question. Read the five headlines (i) - (v), given below. (i) Sustainable Educational Toys are Developmentally Appropriate. (ii) Sustainable Educational Toys - Promote Free play. (iii) Sustainable Educational Toys - Free and Widespread. (iv) Sustainable Educational Toys - Experiential Learning. (v) Sustainable Educational Toys - Hinder Interaction with people. Identify the option that displays the headline that does/do not correspond with what the passage highlights.
(a) Only (v)
(b) (i) and (ii)
(c) (iii) and (v)
(d) Only (iv)
Answer: (c) (iii) and (v)

Question. What evidences do you gather from the passage to state that educational system is revolutionised by educational toys? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer: The passage states the Indian education system is moving away from rote learning toward experiential learning. Innovations include toys teaching electromagnetism, miniaturised labs for Physics, and gadgets used through VR platforms, enabling students to learn faster and retain lessons longer.

Question. Explain in about 40 words, how education at grassroot level is benefitted by these projects.
Answer: These projects provide schools in tier 2 and 3 cities, which often lack infrastructure, with access to miniaturised labs and tools that teach complex concepts like electromagnetism and archaeology, effectively bridging the educational gap at the grassroot level.

Question. As opposed to learning by heart, experiential toys
(a) ignite interest
(b) challenge the teachers
(c) replace textbooks
(d) confuse learners
Answer: (a) ignite interest

Question. Playing is usually considered a distraction. Is it justified on the part of the narrator to assert that playing is an important aspect of education? Write your answer in about 40 words.
Answer: Yes, it is justified as the narrator explains that playtime is vital for cognitive development. Well-designed toys ignite curiosity, enhance focus, and help students master skills through experiential learning while fostering essential social skills like negotiation.

Passage 

1. As a young adult, life can be stressful and overwhelming at times. Juggling among school, work social life and other responsibilities, it can be easy to feel alone and disconnected from the world around us. Dogs are the ultimate companions for anyone looking to alleviate stress and loneliness. We’ll explore many reasons why dogs make the best companions for young adults.

2. Unconditional love Dogs are known for their loyalty and love for their owners, no matter what. They don’t judge us, criticise us, or hold grudges against us. No matter how flawed or imperfect we may be, our dogs will always love us unconditionally. This kind of unwavering support and affection can be incredibly comforting for young adults struggling to find their place in the world.

3. Social connection Dogs are great ice-breakers and conversation starters. Whether you’re walking them in the park, taking them to the dog beach, or simply hanging out at home, dogs have a way of bringing people together. For young adults who may feel isolated or disconnected from their peers, having a dog by their side can be a great way to connect with others and form new friendships.

4. Increase physical activity Dogs require regular exercise in order to stay healthy and happy. This means that young adults who own dogs are more likely to engage in physical activity themselves. Whether its going for run playing frisbee, or simply taking a leisurely stroll, getting out with your dog can be a great way to boost your mood and energy levels.

5. Emotional support Dogs are also great emotional support animals for those struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Their presence alone can provide a sense of calm and comfort and their ability to sense their owner’s emotions can be incredibly comforting. For young adults dealing with mental health challenges, having a dog as a companion can be a life-changing experience.

6. Improve responsibility and self-care Owning a dog also comes with a great deal of responsibility and self-care. Dogs require regular feeding, grooming exercise and attention which can be a great way for young adults to develop a sense of responsibility and self-discipline. Additionally, having a dog as a companion can encourage young adults to take better care of themselves, such as making sure they get enough sleep, eat healthy and engage in regular exercise.

7. For all these reasons and more, dogs make fantastic companions for young adults. Whether you’re looking for emotional support, social connection, increasing physical activity, or simply someone to love and be loved by, a dog can provide all these things and more. So, the next time you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, consider finding a furry friend to take on the world with you. CBSE 2024

Question. What is the significance of owning a dog for a young adult who is striving for acceptance in society?
(a) It means increased physical activity
(b) It builds a sense of responsibility
(c) It helps young adults get more sleep
(d) It is a source of unconditional love
Answer: (d) It is a source of unconditional love

Question. Complete the given sentence appropriately, in about 40 words, with a characteristic or description. A dog can encourage its owner to lead a healthier life by ............
Answer: requiring regular exercise which prompts the owner to stay active, and by encouraging better self-care habits like maintaining a regular schedule for sleep, healthy eating, and physical activity.

Question. Share evidence from the text, in approximately 40 words to support the view that dogs provide a sense of calm and comfort to those struggling with mental health issues.
Answer: According to the text, dogs are "great emotional support animals" whose presence provides "a sense of calm and comfort." Their ability to sense their owner's emotions makes them life-changing companions for those dealing with anxiety and depression.

Question. Explain in about 40 words the statement that ‘dogs are great ice-breakers’.
Answer: Dogs serve as conversation starters in social settings like parks or beaches. They have a way of bringing people together, making it easier for isolated young adults to connect with others and form new friendships.

Question. Which of the following activities help(s) young adults, owning a dog build their sense of responsibility and self-discipline?
(a) Walking the dog daily
(b) Feeding it regularly
(c) Engaging the services of a dog trainer
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Answer: (d) Both (a) and (b)

Question. What does this article aim to do?
(a) Explain the benefits of owning a dog.
(b) Provide advice on how to get a dog.
(c) Discuss how to take proper care of a dog.
(d) Describe the experiences of dog owners.
Answer: (a) Explain the benefits of owning a dog.

Question. Select the option that is similar in meaning to the phrase ‘take on the world’.
(a) Travel the world
(b) Accept a responsibility
(c) To be pessimistic
(d) Have a global outlook
Answer: (b) Accept a responsibility

Question. What does the underlined part in the sentence “consider finding a furry friend take on the world with you” refer to?
Answer: It refers to finding a dog as a companion to help navigate and face the challenges of adult life together.

Question. What is the tone of the article?
(a) Critical but supportive
(b) Indifferent and bored
(c) Positive and informative
(d) Humorous and casual
Answer: (c) Positive and informative

Passage 

1. Very often, we do not take the first step towards a good cause because we say to ourselves, “The task is so big. What can I do alone?” So nothing gets done. There is much talk about environmental protection, air pollution and saving our forests. Do we really care? If we do, here are a few things we can do to make our surroundings more pleasant.

2. It is good to adopt a two-uses-attitude! By putting an article to a second use, we are giving it a longer lease of life and using up less raw material from nature. One of the worst things we do is the abuse of paper. The clean sides of envelopes can be used to write small notes, lists and reminders around the house. The more paper we use, the more trees will have to be cut down. For the same reason, we should avoid the use of paper napkins or paper plates. Cloth napkins are just as good, for they can be washed and used over and over again.

3. Another area which needs the most urgent attention is effective garbage disposal. People who are conscious about it follow rules and laws strictly. As a result, their neighbourhoods are clean and beautiful. Similarly, each one of us can contribute to a cleaner environment. All kitchen waste should be collected separately. Those of you who have green fingers can turn this into valuable manure. Dig a pit and put the kitchen waste into it. When the pit is a little over half full, cover it up with mud. Let nature do the rest. Within three or six months, we will have a good garden manure. It can also be done as a community project by digging a large pit in the colony. Do take help of all the members, for nothing succeeds like co-operation.

4. A lot of people don’t care about the environment because they don’t understand the adverse effect that society has on it. It is important to convince people to care about the environment. The first step would be to convince people to change by providing simple alternative solutions and ways of doing things. The internet is a powerful tool and a group on social media of like-minded people can be formed. People can share environmental stories and issues, as well as pool in solutions and alternatives to educate one another.

With the current state that our planet is in, it is imperative that people actively care about the environment and most importantly to act now. CBSE 2022 Term II

Question. Complete the sentence by choosing the correct option. According to the author, nothing gets done because ............
(a) we do not want to do any task
(b) we do not take the first step towards the task
(c) we feel that our actions are small
(d) we do not have time for many things
Answer: (c) we feel that our actions are small

Question. Comment on the writer’s statement that ‘we do not take the first step towards a good cause’.
Answer: The writer suggests that we often hesitate to act because the magnitude of environmental problems overwhelms us, making us feel that our individual effort is insignificant, which leads to inaction.

Question. What can we do to avoid the abuse of paper? (any two points)
Answer: 1. Use the clean sides of old envelopes for notes and reminders. 2. Replace disposable paper napkins and plates with reusable cloth alternatives.

Question. Select the option that conveys the opposite of ‘beneficial’, from the words used in Paragraph 4.
(a) Adverse
(b) Alternative
(c) Imperative
(d) Issue
Answer: (a) Adverse

Question. The writer would agree with the following statements, 
(a) Awareness is the key towards change.
(b) We need to follow the 3R’s- Reuse, Reduce and Recycle.
(c) Paper use needs to be significantly reduced.
(d) Individual actions triumphs community actions.
Answer: (d) Individual actions triumphs community actions.

Question. What procedure can one adopt for kitchen waste? How long does it take to make good garden manure?
Answer: One can collect kitchen waste separately and bury it in a pit covered with mud. It takes approximately three to six months for nature to turn it into good garden manure.

Question. How can making of garden manure be done as community project?
Answer: It can be done by digging a large collective pit in a colony and seeking the cooperation and help of all members to manage the kitchen waste disposal.

Question. Complete the given sentence appropriately. An effective garbage disposal ensures ............ .
Answer: clean and beautiful neighbourhoods and contributes to a healthier environment.

Question. Select the option that states the purpose of the passage.
(a) To warn
(b) To suggest
(c) To motivate
(d) To give information
Answer: (c) To motivate

Question. Which of the following will be the most appropriate title for the passage.
(a) Change Starts with 'I'
(b) Need for Environment Conservations
(c) How to Bring Environmental Awareness
(d) Becoming Environment Conscious
Answer: (a) Change Starts with 'I'

Question. Select the option that defines the two-uses-attitude.
(a) Finding a multipurpose product
(b) Using a product only two times
(c) Finding two different usages of a product
(d) Reselling a product for further use
Answer: (c) Finding two different usages of a product

Question. List the ways in which the internet can be used towards the cause of the environment.
Answer: The internet can be used to form social media groups of like-minded people, share environmental stories, pool in solutions, and educate one another about sustainability.

Passage

1. Too many parents these days can’t say no. As a result, they find themselves raising ‘children’ who respond greedily to the advertisements aimed right at them. Even getting what they want doesn’t satisfy some kids; they only want more. Now, a growing number of psychologists, educators and parents think it’s time to stop the madness and start teaching kids about what’s really important: values like hard work, contentment, honesty and compassion. The struggle to set limits has never been tougher—and the stakes have never been higher. One recent study of adults who were overindulged as children, paints a discouraging picture of their future: when given too much too soon, they grow up to be adults who have difficulty coping with life’s disappointments. They also have distorted sense of entitlement that gets in the way of success in the work place and in relationships.

2. Psychologists say that parents who overindulge their kids, set them up to be more vulnerable to future anxiety and depression. Today’s parents themselves raised on values of thrift and self-sacrifice, grew up in a culture where ‘no’ was a household word. Today’s kids want much more, partly because there is so much more to want. The oldest members of this generation were born in the late 1980s, just as PCs and video games were making their assault on the family room. They think of MP3 players and flat screen TV as essential utilities, and they have developed strategies to get them. One survey of teenagers found that when they crave for something new, most expect to ask nine times before their parents give in. By every measure, parents are shelling out record amounts. In the heat of this buying blitz, even parents who desperately need to say no find themselves reaching for their credit cards.

3. What parents need to find, is a balance between the advantages of an affluent society and the critical life lessons that come from waiting, saving and working hard to achieve goals. That search for balance has to start early. Children need limits on their behaviour because they feel better and more secure when they live within a secured structure.

4. Older children learn self-control by watching how others, especially parents act. Learning how to overcome challenges is essential to becoming a successful adult. Few parents ask kids to do chores. They think their kids are already overburdened by social and academic pressures. Every individual can be of service to others, and life has meaning beyond one’s own immediate happiness. That means parents eager to teach values have to take a long, hard look at their own.

Question. What is the balance which the parents need to have in today’s world?
Answer: Parents need to find a balance between the advantages of an affluent society and teaching critical life lessons that come from waiting, saving, and working hard to achieve goals.

Question. How do older children learn self-control?
Answer: Older children learn self-control by observing the actions and behaviors of others, particularly their parents.

Question. Complete the sentence suitably. Children who are overindulged by their parents come out to be ............
(a) unhealthy, psychotic and short tempered
(b) vulnerable, anxious and depressed
Answer: (b) vulnerable, anxious and depressed

Question. Complete the given sentence appropriately. Today’s children want much more because ............ .
Answer: there is simply so much more available to want, and they have been conditioned by a culture of immediate gratification and targeted advertising.

Question. Select the option that conveys the meaning of ‘wealthy’, from the words used in Paragraph 3.
(a) Critical
(b) Affluent
(c) Secure
(d) Saving
Answer: (b) Affluent

Question. What do the psychologists, educators and parents want to teach the children?
Answer: They want to teach children values such as hard work, contentment, honesty, and compassion.

Question. What are the results of giving the children too much too soon?
Answer: It results in adults who have difficulty coping with disappointments, possess a distorted sense of entitlement, and struggle with success in work and relationships.

Question. What is essential to become a successful adult?
(a) Values of honesty, hardwork and security
(b) Learning how to overcome challenges
(c) Learning to be satisfied with what they have
(d) Practical skills and worldly knowledge
Answer: (b) Learning how to overcome challenges

Question. Complete the sentence by choosing the correct option. Why do parents not ask their children to do chores because ............
(a) they feel that they should not burdened the children
(b) they do not want their children to work
(c) they do not want their children to resent them
(d) they feel that their children are already over-burdened
Answer: (d) they feel that their children are already over-burdened

Question. How are the children of the present times different from their parents?
Answer: Unlike their parents who were raised on values of thrift and "no" as a household word, present-day children are raised in an era of technological abundance and immediate consumption where limits are rarely set.