CBSE Class 12 English Factual Passage Worksheet Set 04

Passage 1

1. In the heart of a bustling city, amidst the cacophony of traffic and the incessant buzz of urban life, there lies a sanctuary of tranquility — a sprawling public park that offers a respite from the daily grind. This park, with its verdant lawns and serene water features, attracts visitors from all walks of life, seeking solace and rejuvenation.

2. A public park is an area of open space owned and maintained by the local government, providing recreational opportunities for citizens. Public parks are places of leisure integrated into the community and are generally considered safe places. They provide essential environmental, aesthetic, and recreational benefits to our cities.

3. As the Sun rises, joggers and fitness enthusiasts can be seen navigating the winding paths, their faces set with determination. Meanwhile, yoga practitioners find their own quiet corners, their movements graceful and meditative. The air is filled with the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves, creating a natural symphony that soothes the soul.

4. By midday, the park transforms into a lively gathering spot. Families spread out picnic blankets, sharing meals and laughter, while children chase each other across the grass, their joyous shouts echoing through the trees. Elderly couples sit on benches, reminiscing about days gone by as they watch the world go by.

5. As dusk approaches, the park takes on a magical quality. The setting sun casts a golden hue over the landscape, and the water features glisten in the fading light. Street performers and musicians add to the enchantment, drawing crowds with their captivating acts. The park, now aglow with lanterns, becomes a haven for stargazers and dreamers alike.

6. In this urban oasis, people find a connection with nature and one another, a reminder that amidst the chaos of modern life, moments of peace and tranquility are still within reach. Especially in cities, parks encourage native flora and fauna to thrive. 

Question. Why does the writer refer to the park as a ‘sanctuary of tranquility’ in Paragraph 1?
Answer: The writer refers to the park as a 'sanctuary of tranquility' because it provides a peaceful respite and solace from the cacophony of traffic and the incessant buzz of urban life in the heart of a bustling city.

Question. Why is it important for governments to set up public parks?
Answer: It is important for governments to set up public parks because they provide essential environmental, aesthetic, and recreational benefits, offering safe places for leisure and recreational opportunities for citizens within the community.

Question. According to the passage, what activities can be observed in the park during the early morning hours?
Answer: During the early morning hours, joggers and fitness enthusiasts can be seen on winding paths, yoga practitioners perform graceful movements in quiet corners, and one can experience the natural sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves.

Question. Describe the transformation of the park by midday.
Answer: By midday, the park transforms into a lively gathering spot where families have picnics, children play and chase each other, and elderly couples sit on benches reminiscing while watching the world go by.

Question. Complete the following suitably. The park at dusk is described as taking on a magical quality because of ............
(a) the setting Sun casting a golden hue and water features glistening
(b) the bustling activities of joggers and fitness enthusiasts
(c) the lively gathering of families and children playing
(d) the quiet solitude and meditation of yoga practitioners
Answer: (a) the setting Sun casting a golden hue and water features glistening

Question. Provide one textual evidence with reference to Paragraph 4 to prove the following. Elderly couples feel a sense of nostalgia.
Answer: The textual evidence is: "Elderly couples sit on benches, reminiscing about days gone by as they watch the world go by."

Question. In the line “The park, now aglow with lanterns, becomes a haven for stargazers and dreamers alike,” what does the phrase ‘haven for stargazers and dreamers’ refer to? (Paragraph 5)
Answer: The phrase refers to the park being a peaceful, safe, and enchanting space at night where people can look at the stars and let their imaginations wander away from urban distractions.

Question. Complete the analogy with one word from Paragraph 6. urban life : chaos :: park : ............
(a) connection
(b) reminder
(c) tranquility
(d) oasis
Answer: (c) tranquility

Question. Why is it fair to say that the statement “In this urban oasis, people find a connection with nature and one another” from Paragraph 6 is significant?
(a) It highlights the park’s role in promoting physical activities,
(b) It emphasises the park’s importance as a social and natural retreat,
(c) It mocks the idea of nature within a bustling city,
(d) It underplays the park’s significance in modern life,
Answer: (b) It emphasises the park’s importance as a social and natural retreat,

Question. Assess the potential benefits of an urban park.
Answer: Potential benefits include providing a respite from urban stress, offering recreational and fitness opportunities, promoting community integration through social gatherings, enhancing environmental quality, and encouraging the growth of native flora and fauna.

Passage 2

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 Nescafe Classic or Bru Gold, which they consider premium coffee. I 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 intended to. The chemical might have averted a few pest attacks, but attracted far greater threat - human beings. The plant I am talking about is coffee and 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 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 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. CBSE 2023

Question. 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
Answer: (b) were not aware of different forms of coffee

Question. Comment on the writer’s reference to the unique feature of coffee plant. (Paragraph 2)
Answer: The writer refers to the plant's unique ability to create caffeine as a natural pest repellent, which ironically backfired by attracting human beings, a far greater threat.

Question. List the reason why the author refers to humans as ‘great threat to coffee’ plants,
Answer: Humans are a great threat because we consume the plant's seeds (beans) for the caffeine it produced for self-protection, leading to massive harvesting and consumption.

Question. Select an option that conveys the same meaning as ‘energiser’ from words used in Paragraph 3.
(a) Bland
(b) Mature
(c) Antioxidant
(d) Stimulants
Answer: (d) Stimulants

Question. Complete the given sentence with an appropriate inference with respect to the following. Fats and carbohydrates turn into essential oils leading to ............
Answer: the characteristic taste and aroma of the coffee bean.

Question. Comment on the writer’s reference to the interesting phenomenon in Paragraph 4.
Answer: The "interesting phenomenon" refers to the transformation of a bland green bean into a flavorful coffee bean through the chemical process of roasting, where heat turns fats and carbohydrates into essential oils.

Question. Over-extraction does not give a stronger coffee. Based on your understanding of Paragraph 6, list one method to get stronger coffee,
Answer: According to the paragraph, to get a stronger coffee, one has to use more coffee powder rather than over-extracting.

Question. The writer would not agree with the given statements based on Paragraph 5, 
(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,
Answer: (a) The burr grinder grinds coffee beans uniformly.

Question. Why is it fair to say that the right degree of extraction of coffee is important?
Answer: It is important because incorrect extraction ruins the taste; under-extraction results in a sour taste, while over-extraction makes the coffee taste bitter.

Question. 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
Answer: (a) The Art of Coffee Making

Passage 3

1. In recent years, air pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental and public health issues in India. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru often record Air Quality Indices (AQI) that fall into the ‘hazardous’ category, posing several health risks to their inhabitants. The thick blanket of smog that shrouds these urban areas is composed of harmful pollutants such as particulate material (PM 2-5 and PM 10), nitrogen dioxide (\( NO_{2} \)) and sulphur dioxide (\( SO_{2} \)). These pollutants originate from various sources including vehicular emissions, industrial activities and construction dust.

2. The constant emission of pollutants from vehicles, industrial activities and construction works exacerbate the problem. Residents of these cities are often seen wearing masks and using air purifiers in a desperate attempt to mitigate the effects of polluted air. The ‘urban haze’ not only affects physical health but also impacts mental well-being. Studies indicate that prolonged exposure to high pollution levels can lead to respiratory issues, such as cardiovascular diseases and even cognitive decline.

3. Furthermore, children and the elderly are the most vulnerable groups. Children, with their developing respiratory systems, and the elderly, often with pre-existing health conditions face the brunt of this environmental crisis. Schools frequently shut down during peak pollution periods, disrupting education and daily life. The economic cost of air pollution is staggering, with increased healthcare expenses and lost labour productivity. Businesses also suffer as employees’ health issues lead to increased absenteeism and decreased efficiency.

4. Government initiatives, such as the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aim at reducing air pollution levels across the country. However, these measures require robust implementation and public cooperation to be effective. Simple actions like reducing vehicle use, promoting public transportation and adopting cleaner technologies can significantly alleviate the situation. Additionally, the enforcement of stricter emission norms for industries and vehicles is crucial. Public awareness campaigns can play a pivotal role in encouraging others to adopt environmentally friendly practices.

5. The role of technology in combating air pollution is also noteworthy. Innovative solutions such as air quality monitoring systems, green buildings and electric vehicles are gaining attraction. These technologies not only help in reducing pollution but also promote sustainable development. Urban planning that incorporates green spaces can also mitigate the effects of pollution by improving air quality and providing residents with a healthier living environment.

6. As we navigate this challenge, it is imperative to remember that the solution lies not just in policy changes but also in the behavioural shifts of individuals. Embracing a lifestyle that prioritises environmental health will pave the way for a cleaner, healthier India. Collective efforts and sustained commitments are crucial for ensuring breathable air for future generations. It is a shared responsibility that requires action from every segment of society from policy makers to ordinary citizens. CBSE 2025

Question. According to Paragraph 1, what components make up the ‘urban haze’ that envelops Indian cities?
Answer: The 'urban haze' is composed of harmful pollutants such as particulate material (PM 2-5 and PM 10), nitrogen dioxide (\( NO_{2} \)), and sulphur dioxide (\( SO_{2} \)).

Question. The writer refers to air pollution as a ‘public health issue’ in Paragraph 1 because
(a) it is a threat to the physical well-being of the people,
(b) it disrupts the daily activities of urban inhabitants,
(c) it leads to the closure of schools during peak pollution periods,
(d) it disrupts industrial activities and construction works,
Answer: (a) it is a threat to the physical well-being of the people,

Question. Complete the analogy with one word from Paragraph 2. blanket : cover :: extended : ............
(a) composed
(b) attempted
(c) declined
(d) prolonged
Answer: (d) prolonged

Question. Complete the following sentence suitably Paragraph 2. “The prolonged exposure to high pollution levels lends to cognitive decline’ indicates that it impacts ............
(a) mental health
(b) economic development
(c) respiratory functions
(d) mobility
Answer: (a) mental health

Question. Provide one textual evidence with reference to Paragraph 3, to prove the following; “Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable groups affected by air pollution.”
Answer: The textual evidence is: "Children, with their developing respiratory systems, and the elderly, often with pre-existing health conditions face the brunt of this environmental crisis."

Question. Complete the following suitably with one advantage with reference to Paragraph 4. Implementing stricter emission norms for vehicles can help to ............
Answer: significantly alleviate the situation and reduce air pollution levels.

Question. Assess the potential challenges and benefits of promoting public transportation as a solution to air pollution, as outlined in Paragraph 4.
Answer: Challenges include the need for robust implementation and public cooperation. Benefits include a significant reduction in pollution levels and the promotion of environmentally friendly practices.

Question. What is the significance of urban planning in mitigating air pollution according to Paragraph 5?
Answer: Urban planning is significant because by incorporating green spaces, it can improve air quality and provide residents with a healthier living environment.

Question. How does technology help in resolving the problem of air pollution?
Answer: Technology helps through innovative solutions such as air quality monitoring systems, green buildings, and electric vehicles, which reduce pollution and promote sustainable development.

Question. Why does the author say that just the policy change is not the solution?
Answer: The author believes that policy change must be accompanied by behavioral shifts in individuals and collective, sustained commitment from all segments of society to be effective.

Passage 4

1. A World Bank Group report found that globally, women earn just 77 cents for every dollar paid to men. This difference has been cited in the past as an example of the ‘gender pay gap’ - women earning less than men on average. Different figures have also been given over the years across various reports, with some critics even disputing the existence of such a gap. The International Labour Organisation terms the gender pay gap as a ‘measurable indicator’ of inequality between women and men.

2. According to the ILO, the gender pay gap is defined as the gap between the average wage level of all women and all men working in the labour market for a monthly salary, hourly or daily wage. This gap is not the wage gap between a man and a woman with the same observable characteristics, doing the same work; it is the difference between the average wage levels of all working women and men. Therefore, it is distinct from the concept of ‘equal pay for equal work’.

3. What explains this gender gap? First is the simple fact that women are not involved in paying jobs as much as men are, owing to notions about gender roles. The labour force participation rate gives an idea about this. It is the number of people looking for work or working already and above 15 years of age, divided by the total population. According to ILO, the current global labour force participation rate for women is just under 47%. For men, it is 72%. In India, as per the 2011 Census, the workforce participation rate for women is 25.51% against 53.26% for men.

4. The second factor is the type of jobs women are employed in, once they join the workforce. ILO’s Women in Business and Management report found that “Far fewer women than men are in management and leadership positions, especially at higher levels. When women are managers, they tend to be more concentrated in management support functions such as human resources and financial administration than in more strategic roles. This brings down the average salary of female managers compared to that of male managers.”

5. A 2013 survey from Georgetown University found that the top 10 most remunerative professions - mostly in engineering and computer science - were dominated by men, while the 10 least remunerative professions - in fields like arts and education - were dominated by women. Other institutional and socio-economic issues - the view that men should be breadwinners, lower investments in women’s education, and issues of safety in commute and at the workplace - also play a significant role.

6. Useful patterns can be found when one looks at employment data based on age, when men and women take career breaks, and so on. For instance, when women reach their mid-30s and 40s, it is found that their earnings dip compared with men in the same position and profession. Some critics say that the 77 percent statistic hides another interesting piece of data, that women who do not get married earn 95 cents or even more for every dollar a man makes. This is what has been called the “motherhood penalty”, meaning that women are unfairly punished in terms of their career growth when they take breaks to have and care for children. The pace with which the gender gap is reducing has varied over time, as policies such as maternity and paternity leaves, flexibility in work, etc. have been introduced, helping workers.

Question. What is the difference between ‘gender pay gap’ and ‘equal pay for equal work’?
Answer: The 'gender pay gap' is the difference between the average wage levels of all working women and all working men, whereas 'equal pay for equal work' refers to a man and a woman with the same characteristics being paid the same for the exact same job.

Question. Why are women still suffering from the gender pay gap? What are some probable reasons?
Answer: Reasons include lower labor force participation due to gender role notions, concentration in lower-paying support functions rather than strategic management roles, dominance in less remunerative professions like arts/education, and the "motherhood penalty."

Question. Complete the sentence suitably. The International Labour Organisation terms the gender pay gap as ............ for inequality.
(a) measurable indicator
(b) equal pay for equal work
Answer: (a) measurable indicator

Question. Complete the following sentence with an appropriate inference with respect to the following. The average salary of female managers is less as compared to male managers as ............
Answer: they tend to be concentrated in management support functions rather than more remunerative strategic roles.

Question. Select the option that conveys the meaning of the word ‘concentrated’ as used in Paragraph 4.
(a) Focused
(b) Threat
(c) Engaged
(d) Exposed
Answer: (a) Focused

Question. List two observations in the patterns of profession and employment which indicate that gender pay is a common issue.
Answer: 1. Men dominate the top 10 most remunerative professions (engineering/computer science) while women dominate the 10 least remunerative ones. 2. Women's earnings dip in their mid-30s and 40s compared to men in identical roles, often due to career breaks.

Question. Explain ‘motherhood penalty’ as used by the writer in Paragraph 6.
Answer: The "motherhood penalty" refers to the unfair disadvantage women face in their career growth and earnings when they take breaks from work to have and care for children.

Question. Unmarried women earn ............ cents for every dollar a man makes.
(a) 77
(b) 95
(c) 75
(d) None of the options
Answer: (b) 95

Question. The writer would agree with the following statements based on Paragraph 4 and 5, 
(a) Far fewer women than men are in management and leadership positions, especially at higher levels,
(b) The top 10 most remunerative professions, mostly in engineering and computer science, were dominated by women,
(c) Many institutional and socio-economic issues add to the gender pay gap.
(d) Women are active in administrative roles and not strategic ones which reduces their pay.
Answer: (b) The top 10 most remunerative professions, mostly in engineering and computer science, were dominated by women,

Question. What kind of policies are being introduced for reducing such a pay gap?
Answer: Policies being introduced include maternity and paternity leaves, and flexibility in work arrangements to help support workers.