CBSE Class 12 English Factual Passage Assignment Set 03

Passage

1. Over the last five years, more companies have been actively looking for intern profiles, according to a 2018-19 survey by an online internship and training platform. This survey reveals that India had 80% more internship applications — with 2.2 million applications received in 2018 compared to 1.27 million in the year before that. The trend was partly due to more industries looking to have fresh minds and ideas on existing projects for better productivity. What was originally seen as a Western concept, getting an internship before plunging into the job market, is fast gaining momentum at Indian workplaces.
2. According to the survey data, India’s National Capital Region has been the top provider of internships, with a total of 35% internship opportunities, followed by Mumbai and Bengaluru at 20% and 15%, respectively. This includes opportunities in startups, MNCs and even government entities. The survey also revealed popular fields to find internships in
3. There has been growing awareness among the students about the intern profiles sought by hiring companies that often look for people with real-time experience in management than school masters. The stipend has been an important factor influencing the choice of internships. The survey data reveals that the average stipend offered to interns was recorded as Rs. 7000 while the maximum stipend went up to Rs. 85,000.
4. According to statistics, a greater number of people considered virtual internships than in-office internships. Virtual internships got three times more applications than in-office, since a large chunk of students were the ones already enrolled in various courses, or preferred working from home.
5. Internship portals have sprung up in the last three to four years and many of them already report healthy traffic per month. Reports suggest that on an average, an internship portal company has around 200,000-plus students and some 8,000 companies registered on it. It gets around two lakh visits online every month.
6. The Managing Director of a leading executive search firm says that though these web platforms are working as an effective bridge between the industry and students, most established companies are still reluctant to take too many interns on board for obvious reasons.

Question. Complete the following suitably. ............... are reluctant to take too many interns on board.
Answer: most established companies

Question. Select the correct inference with reference to the following. Over the last five years, more companies have been actively looking for intern profiles,
(a) The past five years have seen active applications by interns to several companies.
(b) The activity for intern profiling by the companies has reached a gradual downslide over the past five years.
(c) There were lesser companies searching for intern profiles earlier, as compared to those in the recent five years.
(d) Several companies have initiated intern profiling five times a year in the recent past.
Answer: (c) There were lesser companies searching for intern profiles earlier, as compared to those in the recent five years.

Question. State a reason for an increase in internship applications?
Answer: More industries are looking for fresh minds and ideas on existing projects for better productivity, and students want real-time experience before entering the job market.

Question. Select the option which is not true in regard with internship portals.
(a) They have sprung up in the last three to four years.
(b) Many of them do not report a healthy traffic every month.
(c) On an average, an internship portal has 2,00,000 students and 8,000 companies.
(d) None of the options
Answer: (b) Many of them do not report a healthy traffic every month.

Question. The survey statistics mention the average stipend, indicating that
(a) 50% interns were offered Rs. 85,000.
(b) Rs. 7,000 was the lowest and Rs. 85,000 was the highest.
(c) most interns were offered around Rs. 7,000.
(d) no intern was offered more than Rs. 7,000.
Answer: (c) most interns were offered around Rs. 7,000.

Question. Why is virtual internship preferred?
Answer: Virtual internships are preferred because they allow students to work from home while being enrolled in other courses, offering flexibility and convenience.

Question. Why do you think companies do not prefer taking many interns?
Answer: Established companies may be reluctant due to the resources required for training and supervision, and the potential impact on data security and workflow stability.

Question. Complete the sentence appropriately. There was an increase of ......... internship applications received in 2018 as compared to the year before.
(a) 60%
(b) 57.7%
(c) 56%
(d) 58.1%
Answer: (b) 57.7%

Passage

1. The term Internet Addiction (IA) was first introduced in 1996 by Goldberg, who related it to substance dependence. IA can be defined as the maladaptive pattern of internet use which is time-consuming and leads to clinically significant impairment or distress. The symptoms of IA include tolerance, withdrawal and lack of control, relapse, and a large amount of time spent online. Internet Addiction generally consists of four elements namely, excessive use, withdrawal, tolerance and negative social repercussions.
2. Considering the recent report on the addiction of internet in India, in 2018, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) claimed that the number of people visiting with the complaints of internet addiction has almost doubled since the launch of the facility two years ago. It is not only about the internet but is the symptomatic expression of other psychological problems such as anger, low self-esteem, isolation and depression. World Health Organisation (WHO) in June 2018 classified gaming disorder as a mental health condition, thus, establishing the concern for the technology-oriented era on people. Further, as per the news, a London Hospital is also preparing to launch the first-ever internet addiction centre for young people and adults funded by the National Health Service (NHS).
3. Smartphones represent the edge of the evolution of information technology. As per the New Zoom’s Global Market Report 2018, smartphone penetration in India is 28.5%, which constitutes 386,934,000 smartphone users.
4. The survey indicated the presence of addiction for 1.3% for internet (2% males and 0.6% females) and mobile phone overuse (4.1% — 2.5% males and 1.5% females).
5. Recent researches have shown a positive correlation between internet addiction and frequent use of smartphones, indicating a higher frequency of internet-based use of smartphone applications, priority being social networking sites and gaming applications.
6. As more and more people are getting involved in the internet and are getting addicted; thus, they have adopted the practice of ‘Internet fasting’ by deliberately spending time offline. Internet fasting can be defined as the re-evaluation of one’s lifestyle to learn appropriate ways to use the internet by maintaining the distance from digital life.

Question. Complete the following sentence appropriately. The concluding paragraph conveys the message that ............
Answer: people are adopting 'Internet fasting' to maintain a distance from digital life and re-evaluate their lifestyles.

Question. According to the author of the passage, the outcome of the advent of smartphones in the market is that
(a) it marked the evolution of information technology.
(b) the number of smartphone users exploded in the recent years.
(c) it triggered an increase in the number of people suffering from internet addiction.
(d) it encouraged more people to become tech-savvy.
Answer: (c) it triggered an increase in the number of people suffering from internet addiction.

Question. How would you define internet addiction?
Answer: Internet addiction is a maladaptive pattern of internet use that is time-consuming and leads to clinically significant impairment, distress, and negative social repercussions.

Question. Read the following statements and state which is True. 1. Social networking sites and gaming applications are the root cause of Internet Addiction. 2. Internet addiction can save people from many psychological problems.
Answer: Statement 1 is True.

Question. WHO in June 2018 classified gaming disorder as a mental health condition. The above statement indicates that
(a) WHO is against the use of Internet.
(b) gaming disorder is a recognised global health issue.
(c) there is a need for ban on mobile games.
(d) there is a need to dissuade people from using smartphones.
Answer: (b) gaming disorder is a recognised global health issue.

Question. How many smartphone users recorded in India?
Answer: There were 386,934,000 smartphone users recorded in India as per the 2018 report.

Question. London Hospital is preparing to launch the internet addiction centre. What does this statement mean?
Answer: It means that the prevalence of internet addiction has reached a level that requires dedicated clinical intervention and professional treatment facilities funded by the health service.

Question. State True or False. Twitter is more popular than instagram among people.
Answer: Not Given

Passage

1. Virtual Reality (VR) technology has witnessed significant growth and adoption across various sectors worldwide. As of 2023, the global VR market size is estimated to be around $7.5 billion, with projections indicating substantial expansion in the coming years.
2. One of the primary drivers of VR adoption is the gaming and entertainment industry, which accounts for a significant portion of VR usage. In 2022, the global revenue from VR gaming alone amounted to approximately $4.5 billion. Popular VR gaming platforms like Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Playstation VR have amassed large user bases, with an increasing number of immersive gaming experiences being developed.
3. Beyond gaming, VR is making inroads in areas such as education, healthcare, and training. In education, VR enables immersive learning experiences, allowing students to explore historical sites, conduct virtual dissections, and engage in interactive simulations. Healthcare professionals utilise VR for medical training, surgical simulations, and therapeutic interventions.
4. Moreover, VR is revolutionising the way businesses conduct training and simulations. Companies are leveraging VR technology to train employees in realistic virtual environments, reducing costs and minimising risks associated with traditional training methods.
5. The adoption of VR is also driven by advancements in hardware technology, with more affordable and accessible VR devices entering the market. As of 2023, there are approximately 171 million active VR users worldwide, a number expected to grow as VR technology becomes more mainstream and diversified across industries.

Question. Complete the following sentence with correct facts from the passage. As of 2023, the global VR market size is estimated to be around ............
Answer: $7.5 billion.

Question. Which industry is the primary driver of VR adoption?
(a) Education
(b) Healthcare
(c) Business
(d) Gaming and entertainment
Answer: (d) Gaming and entertainment

Question. How is VR utilised in healthcare, and what are the benefits of using VR in business training?
Answer: In healthcare, VR is used for medical training, surgical simulations, and therapeutic interventions. In business training, it allows for realistic simulations in virtual environments, which reduces costs and minimises risks associated with traditional methods.

Question. Select the correct antonyms for ‘leverage’ as used in the following context.
Companies are leveraging VR technology to train employees in realistic virtual environments, reducing costs and minimising risks associated with traditional training methods.
I. Advantage
II. Weakness
III. Rank
IV. Disadvantage
Choose the correct option
(a) I and II
(b) III and IV
(c) II and III
(d) II and IV
Answer: (d) II and IV

Question. The passage mentions the various uses of VR. Classify the following uses as Business and Medicine.
Statement 1 Training
Statement 2 Therapy
Answer: Statement 1 belongs to Business, and Statement 2 belongs to Medicine.

Question. Why is the adoption of VR technology expected to grow in the coming years?
Answer: It is expected to grow due to advancements in hardware technology making devices more affordable and accessible, and its expansion into more sectors like education, healthcare, and business.

Question. From “VR is making inroads in areas such as education, healthcare, and training,” what can be inferred about the versatility of VR technology? What does “immersive learning experiences” mean in the context of VR in education?
Answer: It can be inferred that VR is highly versatile as it can be adapted for diverse purposes beyond gaming. "Immersive learning experiences" refers to an educational environment where students feel physically present in a simulated world, allowing for deep engagement and exploration.

Question. Which of the following is not a VR gaming platform?
(a) Oculus Rift
(b) HTC Vive
(c) Playstation VR
(d) Xbox
Answer: (d) Xbox

Passage 

1. In 2024, the tech sector witnessed a significant phenomenon termed “brain drain”, where skilled professionals migrated from one region to another, predominantly from developing countries to developed ones.
2. The tech industry, known for its rapid advancements and lucrative opportunities, became a magnet for talented individuals worldwide. However, disparities in economic opportunities, political instability, and limited career growth prospects in their home countries prompted many skilled workers to seek greener pastures abroad. For instance, countries like India and Nigeria experienced a notable exodus of tech talent to tech hubs such as Silicon Valley and Singapore.
3. This migration of skilled workers had multifaceted repercussions. While destination countries benefited from a diverse talent pool and enhanced innovation, source countries faced a depletion of their intellectual capital, hindering their own technological advancement and economic growth. Additionally, the brain drain widened the global technology gap, exacerbating inequalities between developed and developing nations.
4. Furthermore, the departure of skilled workers often resulted in a loss of investment in education and training, as governments and private sectors struggled to retain talent and foster innovation domestically. 1.8 million Indians will be spending close to $85 billion on studying abroad by the year 2024. This perpetuated a cycle of underdevelopment in source countries, exacerbating socio-economic inequalities and impeding progress towards sustainable development goals.
5. In conclusion, the phenomenon of brain drain in the tech sector in 2024 underscored the urgent need for global cooperation and equitable policies to mitigate its adverse effects on both source and destination countries. Efforts to address the root causes of brain drain, such as improving economic opportunities and promoting inclusive growth, are essential for fostering a more balanced and sustainable global tech ecosystem.

Question. Complete the following sentence with correct facts and figures from the table. US granted majority H1B visas to Indian skilled workers, the number was as high as ............ In FY 2020.
Answer: 319,494

Question. What multifaceted repercussions did the migration of skilled workers have, according to the passage?
(a) Enhanced innovation in destination countries
(b) Depletion of intellectual capital in source countries
(c) Widened global technology gap
(d) All of the options
Answer: (d) All of the options

Question. After reading the passage, give a brief explanation on how brain drain has impacted the education industry in India. Give statistics.
Answer: Brain drain leads to a loss of investment in education as trained professionals leave the country. Statistically, it is noted that 1.8 million Indians are expected to spend nearly $85 billion on studying abroad by 2024, which represents a massive outflow of capital and talent from the domestic educational ecosystem.

Question. The given passage presents the causes and the result of brain drain. Classify the following statements as such.
Statement 1 depletion of intellectual capital
Statement 2 political instability
Answer: Statement 1 is a result of brain drain, whereas Statement 2 is a cause.

Question. Who is more likely to leave his/her country for better opportunities?
(a) Joseph from Canada
(b) Moana from Brazil
(c) Shivanya from India
(d) Jay from China
Answer: (c) Shivanya from India

Question. In what way did the brain drain phenomenon impact source countries?
Answer: Source countries faced a depletion of their intellectual capital, hindering their own technological advancement and economic growth, while also resulting in a loss of investment in education and training.

Question. What is the writer referring to by the phrase ‘greener pastures’?
Answer: The writer refers to developed countries where skilled workers seek better economic opportunities, superior career growth prospects, and more stable living conditions.

Question. Efforts to address the root causes of ............, such as improving economic opportunities and promoting inclusive growth, are essential for ............ a more balanced and sustainable global tech ecosystem.
(a) brain drain, fostering
(b) economising, favourable
(c) studying, no
(d) exodus, many
Answer: (a) brain drain, fostering

Passage 

1. ‘Lifestyle’ is a way used by people, groups and nations and is formed in specific geographical, economic, political, cultural and religious text. Lifestyle is referred to as the characteristics of inhabitants of a region in special time and place. It includes day to day behaviours and functions of individuals in job, activities, fun and diet.
2. In recent decades, lifestyle as an important factor of health is more interested by researchers. According to WHO, 60% of related factors to individual health and quality of life are correlated to lifestyle. Millions of people follow an unhealthy lifestyle. Hence, they encounter illness, disability and even death. Problems like metabolic diseases, joint and skeletal problems, cardio-vascular diseases, hypertension, overweight, violence and so on, can be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle. The relationship of lifestyle and health should be important considered.
3. Today, wide changes have occurred in life of many people. Malnutrition, unhealthy diet, smoking, alcohol consuming, drug abuse, stress and so on, are the representations of unhealthy lifestyle that are used as the dominant form of lifestyle. Besides, the lives of citizens face new challenges. For instance, emerging new technologies within IT, such as the internet and virtual communication networks, lead our world to a major challenge that threatens the physical and mental health of people. The challenge is to control the overuse and misuse of the technology.
4. Therefore, according to the existing studies, it can be said that: a person’s lifestyle has a significant influence on their physical and mental health. There are different forms of such influences. Consanguinity in some ethnicity is a dominant form of lifestyle that leads to the genetic disorders. Reformation of this unhealthy lifestyle is a preventing factor for decreasing the rate of genetic diseases. In some countries, the overuse of drugs is a major unhealthy lifestyle. Iran is one of the 20 countries using the most medication. They prefer medication to other intervention. Furthermore, in 15-40% of cases they use medications without prescription. Pain relievers, eye drops and antibiotics have the most usage in Iran. While self-medications such as antibiotics have a negative effect on the immune system, if the individual would be affected by infection, antibiotics will not be effective in treatment. Overall, 10 per cent of those who are self-medicated will experience severe complications such as drug resistance. Sometimes drug allergy is so severe that it can cause death.

Question. Paragraph 4 states Iran is one of the countries using most medication. Justify.
Answer: Paragraph 4 mentions that Iran is one of the top 20 countries using the most medication, with 15-40% of cases involving medication use without a prescription. People there prefer medication over other interventions, and pain relievers, eye drops, and antibiotics are the most commonly used drugs in the country.

Question. How would you relate health and lifestyle on the basis of your reading of the passage?
Answer: According to the passage, health and lifestyle are deeply interconnected. WHO statistics suggest that 60% of factors related to individual health and quality of life are correlated with lifestyle. An unhealthy lifestyle characterized by poor diet, lack of activity, smoking, or drug abuse can lead to severe illnesses like metabolic diseases, cardio-vascular issues, disability, and even death.

Question. Problems like metabolic diseases, joint and skeletal problems, cardio-vascular diseases cannot be caused if
(a) we eat lots of fruits, green vegetables and dairy products daily,
(b) we avoid malnutrition, unhealthy diet, smoking, alcohol consuming, drug abuse, stress, etc.
Answer: (b) we avoid malnutrition, unhealthy diet, smoking, alcohol consuming, drug abuse, stress, etc.

Question. Complete the sentence appropriately. According to WHO, 60% of health factors are related to .................
Answer: individual health and quality of life.

Question. Assonance refers to the resemblance of sound in nearby words or syllables. It is a figure of speech. From the given options, choose a phrase from the above passage that can be an example of assonance.
(a) “the overuse and misuse”
(b) “it can be said”
(c) “health and quality of life”
(d) “referred to the characteristics of inhabitants”
Answer: (a) “the overuse and misuse”

Question. Do you think that Iran is medically careless? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer: Yes, it can be argued that there is a degree of medical carelessness in Iran because 15-40% of medication use occurs without prescriptions. Such widespread self-medication, especially with antibiotics, can lead to negative effects on the immune system, drug resistance, and severe, potentially fatal complications like severe drug allergies.

Question. What is a preventing factor for decreasing the rate of genetic diseases?
Answer: According to the passage, the reformation of unhealthy lifestyles, such as addressing consanguinity within certain ethnicities, is a preventing factor for decreasing the rate of genetic diseases.

Question. Complete the analogy using one word from paragraph 4. Dominant : Superior :: Prevalent : ................
(a) Influence
(b) Existing
(c) Genetic
(d) Lifestyle
Answer: (d) Lifestyle

Question. Which of the following statements is not substantiated in Paragraph 4?
(a) Our lifestyle is responsible for our mental and physical health,
(b) Iran relies mostly on the medicines to cure most of the illnesses and diseases,
(c) Drug overdose causes allergy that becomes fatal sometimes,
(d) If any person is infected, it can only be treated by antibiotics,
Answer: (d) If any person is infected, it can only be treated by antibiotics,

Question. Which medication(s) has/have the most usage in Iran?
Answer: Pain relievers, eye drops, and antibiotics have the most usage in Iran.

Passage 

1. Forest fires have become a significant environmental concern in North India, particularly affecting states like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. These fires pose a serious threat to biodiversity, human health, and local economies. In recent years, the frequency and intensity of forest fires in this region have shown a worrying upward trend.
2. According to data from the Forest Survey of India (FSI), North India reported over 2,500 forest fire incidents in 2023 alone, with Uttarakhand accounting for nearly 1,200 of these incidents. The fires in Uttarakhand, often referred to as the “lungs of India” due to its extensive forest cover, have had devastating impacts. The 2023 fires burned over 4,000 hectares of forest land, causing significant loss of flora and fauna.
3. Several factors contribute to the increasing incidence of forest fires in North India. Rising temperatures and prolonged dry spells have created more favourable conditions for wildfires. The region has experienced an increase in average temperatures and reduced precipitation, exacerbating the dryness of forest floors and making them more susceptible to ignition.
4. Human-induced factors are a major cause of forest fires. These include agricultural practices like slash-and-burn (shifting cultivation), accidental fires from picnickers or trekkers, and intentional fires set by locals for land clearing or improving the growth of certain plant species. According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, around 60% of forest fires are caused by human activities.
5. Although less common, natural causes such as lightning strikes can also ignite forest fires. The rugged terrain and dense forest cover in the Himalayan region can make it difficult for natural fires to be quickly detected and controlled.
6. Inadequate forest management practices, including delayed response times and lack of proper firebreaks, contribute to the spread of fires. The FSI highlights the need for better early warning systems and increased investment in firefighting infrastructure and training.
7. The impact of these fires extends beyond the immediate destruction of forest cover. They lead to loss of wildlife habitat, reduced air quality due to smoke and particulate matter and increased carbon emissions, further exacerbating climate change. The economic cost is also significant, affecting tourism, agriculture, and local livelihoods dependent on forest resources.
8. Addressing forest fires in North India requires a multifaceted approach, including improving forest management practices, increasing public awareness and enhancing coordination between state and central agencies to mitigate and respond to fires effectively.

Question. Complete the following sentence appropriately. Rising temperatures and .................... have created more favourable conditions for wildfires.
Answer: prolonged dry spells

Question. According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change .................... percentage of forest fires in North India are caused by human activities.
(a) 30%
(b) 45%
(c) 60%
(d) 75%
Answer: (c) 60%

Question. What are the primary climatic and human-induced factors contributing to forest fires in North India?
Answer: The primary climatic factors contributing to forest fires are rising temperatures and prolonged dry spells. The primary human-induced factors include agricultural practices like slash-and-burn (shifting cultivation), accidental fires from picnickers or trekkers, and intentional fires set by locals for land clearing or improving plant growth.

Question. State whether the statement given below is True or False. Inadequate forest management practices do not contribute to the spread of forest fires in North India.
Answer: False

Question. Which state in North India reported the highest number of forest fire incidents in 2023?
(a) Uttarakhand
(b) Himachal Pradesh
(c) Jammu and Kashmir
(d) Punjab
Answer: (a) Uttarakhand

Question. How many forest fire incidents were reported in North India in 2023 according to the FSI?
Answer: According to the Forest Survey of India (FSI), North India reported over 2,500 forest fire incidents in 2023.

Question. What are the impacts of forest fires on the environment and local economies in North India?
Answer: The impacts on the environment include loss of wildlife habitat, reduced air quality due to smoke, and increased carbon emissions. The economic impacts include significant costs affecting tourism, agriculture, and the livelihoods of locals who depend on forest resources.

Question. What is a significant natural cause of forest fires in the Himalayan region?
(a) Lightning strikes
(b) Tourismz
(c) Cigarette butts
(d) Camping fires
Answer: (a) Lightning strikes