CBSE Class 12 English Unseen Passage Assignment Set 01

PASSAGE 

1. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a range of psychological conditions characterised by abnormalities in social interaction, behaviour, interests and communication. The five forms of ASD include Classical autism, Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Rett Syndrome, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Although the number of reported cases of ASD has experienced a dramatic increase in the past 25 years, the majority of doctors agree that this increase is due to changes in diagnostic practices and advances in the understanding of psychiatric health.

2. While there is no general consensus among medical professionals about the underlying causes of ASD, theories range from genetic inheritance to environmental factors. One of the most controversial theories to have emerged in recent times is the hypothesis that ASD could be caused by the MMR vaccine, which is an immunisation against measles, mumps and rubella that was first developed in the 1960s. The vaccine is a mixture of three live viruses and is administered via injection to children when they are one year old. By the late 1990s, this vaccination had led to the near-eradication of measles in countries that employed widespread inoculation. However, a combination of spurious scientific data and alarmist media attention led to an entirely preventable resurgence in measles cases in the early 21st century.

3. The first claims of a connection between the MMR vaccine and autism were made in 1998, when an article in The Lancet, a respected British medical journal, reported on eight cases of autism that could possibly be traced back to the administration of an MMR vaccine. The parents of the children in this study contended that the symptoms of autism in their children developed within days of vaccination. During a press conference, Andrew Wakefield, one of the authors of the article, called on British doctors to stop giving combined MMR vaccines, instead advocating for individual inoculations against measles, mumps, and rubella.

4. Following the publication of this article, Wakefield published several follow-up papers that further questioned the safety of the MMR vaccine. An onslaught of media coverage then began. Parents appeared on television sharing anecdotal evidence linking their child’s inoculation to the onset of ASD. The popular press quickly seized upon this story; in 2002, over 1200 articles were written about the link between MMR vaccines and ASD. Less than 30% of these articles mentioned that an overwhelming amount of scientific evidence suggested that these vaccinations were completely safe.

5. Since the initial panic, fears that MMR vaccines cause ASD have generally subsided. A survey completed in 2004 showed that only 2% of people in the United Kingdom thought that there was a legitimate link between MMR vaccines and ASD. Fears were most likely allayed when, in 2004, an investigative reporter discovered that Andrew Wakefield had received a large sum of money from lawyers seeking evidence to use in cases against vaccine manufacturers. It was then discovered that Wakefield had applied for patents on an alternate MMR vaccine.

6. These severe conflicts of interest damaged the credibility of Wakefield’s study beyond repair. In 2010, Wakefield was tried by Britain’s General Medical Council under allegations that he had falsified data and manipulated test results. The Council found that Wakefield had acted ‘dishonestly and irresponsibly’, and consequently The Lancet officially retracted Wakefield’s 1998 article.

7. The anti-MMR vaccine panic that arose immediately after Wakefield’s article was published had a significant negative effect on the health of thousands of children. Once the controversy began, the number of parents in the United Kingdom who inoculated their children with the MMR vaccine experienced a sharp decline.

8. Not surprisingly, the number of reported cases of measles increased: while there were only 56 confirmed cases of measles in the UK in 1998, in 2008 there were over 1300. Between 2002 and 2008, there were outbreaks of measles throughout Europe and North America. These outbreaks cost millions of dollars in health care and resulted in the deaths of dozens of children and adults with compromised immune systems.

9. Who is to blame for these deaths? It is easy to hold Andrew Wakefield accountable, but the media must also bear some of the responsibility. The media’s appetite for a sensational medical story overshadowed the fact that there was very little scientific evidence behind Wakefield’s claim. Although Wakefield is certainly not the first person to publish fraudulent scientific findings in a respected medical journal, the magnitude of this event was anomalous, as most medical hoaxes are discredited before they can reach the popular media. While The Lancet should not have published Wakefield’s article without checking it thoroughly, the popular media should not have blown the study out of proportion without fully considering the consequences.

Question. The main purpose of the passage is to ............
(a) warn parents about the dangers of not vaccinating their children against measles
(b) blame parents who believed alarmist media reports
(c) provide an overview of the MMR vaccine controversy
(d) criticise The Lancet for publishing Wakefield's article
Answer: (c) provide an overview of the MMR vaccine controversy

Question. The increase in reported cases of ASD over the past 25 years is ............
(a) due to parents becoming more likely to have their young children inoculated against MMR
(b) due to parents becoming less likely to have their young children inoculated against MMR
(c) due to drastic changes in our environment during this period
(d) the result of an increased understanding of how to recognise ASD
Answer: (d) the result of an increased understanding of how to recognise ASD

Question. The information in para 3 and 4 that ............ does not support the claim that popular media is partially responsible for creating unnecessary panic.
(a) parents informed viewers on television about the links between their child's inoculation and the onset of ASD
(b) an article published in The Lancet reported on eight cases of autism traceable to the administration of an MMR vaccine
(c) in 2002, over 1200 articles were written about the link between MMR vaccines and ASD
(d) None of the options
Answer: (b) an article published in The Lancet reported on eight cases of autism traceable to the administration of an MMR vaccine

Question. The fact that ............ strengthens the author's argument in para 9.
(a) most parents in the UK deciding not to immunise their children against measles did so against their doctor's advice
(b) about 1.4 million measles deaths are averted each year due to MMR immunisation
(c) in the USA, over 60% of children not immunised against MMR never get infected by measles
(d) Andrew Wakefield sued the investigative reporter who accused him of fraud
Answer: (b) about 1.4 million measles deaths are averted each year due to MMR immunisation

Question. The phrase 'conflicts of interest' used in para 6 most nearly means ............
(a) falsification of data and manipulation of test results
(b) interests that are not in tune with those of the media
(c) personal interests that threaten official objectivity
(d) gain financially through illegal means
Answer: (c) personal interests that threaten official objectivity

Question. What abnormalities are observed in children with ASD?
Answer: Children with ASD exhibit abnormalities in social interaction, behaviour, interests, and communication.

Question. What major reason do doctors attribute to the steep increase in ASD cases reported during the last 25 years?
Answer: Doctors attribute the increase to changes in diagnostic practices and advances in the understanding of psychiatric health.

Question. What was the positive effect of the invention of the MMR vaccine?
Answer: By the late 1990s, the vaccine had led to the near-eradication of measles in countries that employed widespread inoculation.

Question. In his press conference, what did Andrew Wakefield suggest as an alternative to the MMR vaccine?
Answer: He suggested that doctors stop giving combined MMR vaccines and instead advocated for individual inoculations against measles, mumps, and rubella.

Question. What statistic mentioned in para 5 confirms that fears of MMR vaccines causing ASD have generally subsided?
Answer: A survey completed in 2004 showed that only 2% of people in the United Kingdom thought there was a legitimate link between MMR vaccines and ASD.

Question. What was the result of outbreaks of measles throughout Europe and North America?
Answer: The outbreaks cost millions of dollars in health care and resulted in the deaths of dozens of children and adults with compromised immune systems.

Question. Find the words in the given passage which convey the meaning similar to fraudulent (para 2) and enormous (para 4)
Answer:

• spurious (para 2)
• overwhelming (para 4)

PASSAGE 

1. It is not uncommon for close synonyms to be understood to share the same meaning. For instance, the difference between words such as ‘hard’ and ‘difficult’ goes tragically unnoticed. One may employ one or the other with complete indifference, postulating no discrepancy between them. In general this is well and good; most people lack the excessive concern to quibble over such trifles. Nevertheless, for those of us with ample compulsiveness (and time), it is of significant value to comprehend such nuances.

2. For instance, take the following sentences :
(a) The test was hard. (b) The test was difficult.
Is the difference between these synonyms readily apparent? Is there a noticeable difference between them at all? Indeed, these questions are valid and warrant an answer. For, what would be the point of having multiple words with exactly the same meaning? No, that would be superfluous, the English language being far too economical.

3. While many close synonyms share similar, if not the same, dictionary definitions, the feeling, or mood, they convey is utterly singular. Although a dictionary can provide information about word meanings, pronunciations, etymologies, inflected forms, derived forms etc, it cannot communicate how it feels to use a word.

4. So, if there is indeed a difference between words such as ‘hard’ and ‘difficult’, what is it? To begin with, ‘hard’ is pragmatic and realistic, firmly grounded in reality. It is a utilitarian word that gets the job done and doesn't apologise for its brusque, uncouth nature. On the other hand, ‘difficult’ is eloquent and refined. It is civilised, willing to expend the effort necessary to appear urbane. Why, the mere difference in sonic quality between them is striking enough. ‘Hard’ makes a quick, unassuming sound, having a single syllable (voiced under certain inflections, it can even come across as harsh), while ‘difficult’ is more lengthy and melodic, its number of syllables totalling three times that of its counterpart.

5. Furthermore, ‘hard’ is more likely to be used in casual, informal circumstances, or to communicate an idea ‘on the go’ or simply to ‘get it out’ as the sayings go. It is used without pretence, and does not maintain a feeling of being overly concerned. In terms of daily usage, ‘hard’ may be employed by an exhausted brick mason when posed with the question, “How was your day?” Conversely, ‘difficult’ may be used by a military General upon explaining to his or her superior the progression of a particularly taxing campaign.

6. Similar to ‘hard’ and ‘difficult’, the words ‘weird’ and ‘strange’ are also close synonyms, and may seemingly be used interchangeably. Take, for instance, the following sentences:
(a) Sea monkeys are weird.
(b) Sea monkeys are strange.
Contrary to popular belief, these sentences are not tautologous. So how do they differ? Their dictionary definitions are nearly identical, so the difference does not lie there. Rather, the difference involves the feeling, or mood, that these words convey. Notice that while ‘weird’ and ‘strange’ both have only one syllable, the latter has a remarkably distinguished feel. Similar to ‘hard’, ‘weird’ conveys a more basic, a more crude, sentiment. Something ‘weird’ is crass or gross, and is typically undesirable. No one wants to be associated with something ‘weird’. If trying to impress someone, one probably doesn't want to be categorised among the ‘weird’.

7. On the other hand, if something is labelled as ‘strange’, it is not necessarily bad. Rather, something ‘strange’ is simply abnormal, or unusual, a deviation from what is expected. This distinction between ‘weird’ and ‘strange’ is so pronounced that the latter can be used as a euphemism for the former in certain situations. For instance, notice how a simple substitution is able to make the following sentence less offensive: "Your mother's cookies taste weird." compared to "Your mother's cookies taste strange." In the former sentence, the speaker sounds as though he or she is insulting your mother's cookies, stating that they taste bad. In the latter sentence, however, the speaker sounds as though the cookies simply taste different, or unusual, compared to what he or she is used to, the difference owing to the innocuous addition of too much flour, perhaps.

8. Granted, the notion that close synonyms can be used interchangeably is prevalent among English speakers. And alas, the dictionary, the text purported to be responsible for clarifying such issues, is of little assistance. In the end, it is left to us, the speakers of the language, those actively responsible for maintaining its sustenance and generation, to understand how these words make us feel and what mood we are inclined to attach to them. Using the examples and insights described above, one may come to recognise these subtle, yet crucial, differences.

Question. The word 'hard' is more likely to be used ............
(a) to communicate an idea ‘on the go'
(b) to convey the feeling of not being much concerned
(c) in casual, informal circumstances
(d) All of the options
Answer: (d) All of the options

Question. The word 'hard' is ............
(a) pragmatic and realistic
(b) eloquent and refined
(c) lengthy and melodic
(d) All of the options
Answer: (a) pragmatic and realistic

Question. The difference between the words 'weird' and 'strange' is ............
(a) the number of syllables they have
(b) the commonality of their usage
(c) the number of letters each word has
(d) the feeling, or mood, that these words convey
Answer: (d) the feeling, or mood, that these words convey

Question. The word 'weird' conveys the sentiment of ............
(a) deviating from the expected
(b) something basic, crude and undesirable
(c) being unusual
(d) None of the options
Answer: (b) something basic, crude and undesirable

Question. The sentence, "............" conveys the simple feeling that the cake tastes different, or unusual, from what the speaker is used to eating.
(a) The cake tastes weird.
(b) The cake has a weird taste.
(c) The cake tastes strange.
(d) The cake tastes eerie.
Answer: (c) The cake tastes strange.

Question. What is the common understanding about close synonyms?
Answer: The common understanding is that they share exactly the same meaning and can be used interchangeably.

Question. Why should two words not have exactly the same meaning?
Answer: Multiple words with exactly the same meaning would be superfluous, as the English language is economical.

Question. What is the difference in sonic quality between the words ‘hard’ and ‘difficult’?
Answer: ‘Hard’ makes a quick, unassuming sound with a single syllable, while ‘difficult’ is melodic and lengthy with three syllables.

Question. What is the main purpose of a dictionary?
Answer: A dictionary provides information about word meanings, pronunciations, etymologies, and inflected or derived forms.

Question. Who may employ the word ‘hard’ to describe a very tiring day at work, as given in the passage?
Answer: An exhausted brick mason might employ the word ‘hard’.

Question. What notion is prevalent among English speakers?
Answer: The prevalent notion is that close synonyms can be used interchangeably.

Question. Find the words in the given passage which convey the meaning similar to origins and developments of words (para 3) and having the same meaning (para 6)
Answer:

• etymologies (para 3)
• tautologous (para 6)

PASSAGE 

1. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe anxiety disorder that affects millions of people around the world. Individuals can develop PTSD after experiencing any event that results in psychological trauma. Symptoms of PTSD involve flashbacks to the traumatic event, nightmares, obsessive behaviour, anger, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, and hyper-vigilance.

2. Individuals who suffer from PTSD can experience significant difficulties in social relationships, have lower self-esteem, and have trouble maintaining employment. People with PTSD experience a higher risk of committing suicide, developing a drug addiction, and suffering from alcoholism. Although PTSD can affect any individual, military veterans are especially susceptible to this debilitating affliction. Furthermore, within this population, women are more than twice as likely as men to develop PTSD. Studies have also shown that former service women who do develop PTSD experience more severe symptoms than their male counterparts. Recent changes made by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs have improved treatment options for female veterans living with PTSD, but there is still more that needs to be done.

3. Although studies investigating precisely why women are more likely than men to experience PTSD have not yet been completed, some experts have theorised that low unit cohesion is a major factor. Unit cohesion, defined as the mutual bonds of friendship and support among members of a military unit, is thought to be helpful in reducing the incidence of developing PTSD.

4. According to recent surveys compiled by US Army researchers, increased unit cohesion emerged as the most important factor determining whether soldiers developed suicidal thoughts. Women are more likely than men to experience low unit cohesion for a variety of reasons. One of the most obvious factors is the relative paucity of females in the military; currently, women make up only 20% of the armed forces. Pervasive male prejudice against women is another factor that can diminish unit cohesion for female soldiers. Because women are less likely than men to experience unit cohesion while serving in the military, women are less likely to develop the social support structures that will help prevent them from developing PTSD, depression, or other serious mental health problems.

5. Another issue at play is the stigma amongst military personnel that asking for help for mental health issues makes one ‘weak’. A recent Department of Defence study of returning combat troops shows that only 1 in 6 veterans acknowledged themselves to be suffering from symptoms of PTSD, and 3 out of 5 veterans were convinced that their comrades and commanding officers would lose confidence in them if they sought treatment for mental health issues.

6. For women, this hesitation to self-identify as a sufferer of PTSD could be even greater; historically, female soldiers have struggled to be counted as equals to men on the battlefield. Women, stereotypically considered to possess less emotional fortitude than men, may be unwilling to admit that they are suffering from PTSD lest they appear to conform to this stereotype. Unfortunately for those who do not seek help, when PTSD goes untreated, it is very likely to worsen over time.

7. Another challenge is that until very recently, treatment for PTSD has been more difficult for women than men to obtain. Before rule changes were enacted in 2010, only veterans who encountered direct combat experience qualified to receive disability payments for PTSD. Because very few women are placed on the front lines, very few were eligible to receive free treatment for PTSD. However, recent regulation changes have ended these stipulations, allowing women who serve in any capacity to be eligible for benefits.

8. Even if female veterans are eligible for these benefits, the quality of the care a wartime PTSD sufferer receives can vary widely. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pays disability benefits to service men and women who have been diagnosed with PTSD and also provides these individuals with free health care.

9. But while mental health counselling that comes directly from VA doctors is completely free to veterans, there are often long waiting lists for those who need to be evaluated or treated. Therapy provided by non-VA professionals may not be covered by health insurance. Access to mental health professionals who have been specially trained to treat wartime PTSD is often difficult for those not living near major urban centres.

10. Perhaps the biggest impediment to achieving quality treatment for women suffering from wartime PTSD is a lack of research. While both the VA and independent agencies have completed hundreds of studies researching the prevention of and treatment for PTSD amongst general military populations, there have been no studies completed that solely target women.

11. Before adequate care can be provided, there must be greater understanding about the root causes of this issue as it affects women specifically. On both the research level and the policy level, more must be done to help the women who have sacrificed so much for their country.

Question. The primary purpose of the passage is to ............
(a) inform readers about the likely warning signs of PTSD among military veterans
(b) persuade government officials to increase funding for PTSD treatment centres in non-urban areas
(c) explain why military veterans are more likely than civilians to develop PTSD
(d) educate readers about the problem of insufficient treatment available for female veterans with PTSD
Answer: (d) educate readers about the problem of insufficient treatment available for female veterans with PTSD

Question. Females develop PTSD more frequently than males because ............
(a) women may face negative stereotypes in the military
(b) women experience lower unit cohesion than men
(c) males tend to develop stronger social bonds during their service time
(d) All of the options
Answer: (d) All of the options

Question. The statement that ............ gives the author's correct opinion about the status of mental health care provided for female veterans.
(a) although the VA has not done enough, state and independent agencies have made up for government deficiencies
(b) the amount of care provided has improved over the past few years, but it is still insufficient
(c) The VA and other government agencies have tried to provide mental health care for female veterans, but most of them refuse to seek treatment
(d) the US government has done almost nothing to help
Answer: (b) the amount of care provided has improved over the past few years, but it is still insufficient

Question. The quality of the care a wartime PTSD sufferer receives is difficult ............
(a) because suitably trained professionals are available
(b) the root causes of this issue are well-known and researched
(c) for those not living near major urban centres
(d) All of the options
Answer: (c) for those not living near major urban centres

Question. Based on information in the passage, it can be concluded that the author ............
(a) believes that advocating for a cause can lead to change
(b) has conducted studies on PTSD among veterans
(c) is a mental health care professional
(d) does not believe women should be allowed to serve in the military
Answer: (a) believes that advocating for a cause can lead to change

Question. What are the symptoms of PTSD?
Answer: Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, obsessive behaviour, anger, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, and hyper-vigilance.

Question. What is 'unit cohesion'?
Answer: Unit cohesion is defined as the mutual bonds of friendship and support among members of a military unit.

Question. What was the most important factor determining whether soldiers developed suicidal thoughts, according to US Army researchers?
Answer: Increased unit cohesion was the most important factor.

Question. What is the stigma amongst military personnel mentioned in the passage?
Answer: The stigma is that asking for help for mental health issues makes one appear ‘weak’.

Question. What happens to patients if their PTSD goes untreated?
Answer: Untreated PTSD is very likely to worsen over time.

Question. Why were very few women eligible to receive free treatment for PTSD prior to 2010?
Answer: Prior to 2010, only veterans with direct combat experience qualified, and very few women were placed on the front lines.

Question. Find the words in the given passage which convey the meaning similar to scarcity (para 4) and courage when facing trouble (para 6)
Answer:

• paucity (para 4)
• fortitude (para 6)

PASSAGE 

1. Meet Nirakar, who dreams of sculpting a fellowship of one lakh trees before he exits. The play of names has almost a touch of a fable here: Nirakar, the formless one, regenerating the primal form of a forest that had passed into the mist. For the last 20 years, Nirakar Mallick, a small farmer in Odisha’s Kendrapara district, has been greening a coastal landscape that had of late been experiencing more of brown. Droughts, as they are wont to be, are cruel in this part of the country also. At other times, it is excess water that is the bane. Nirakar’s latest project, the revival of a forest on a two-hectare stretch circling the river Brahmani near his village, came after the green patch was denuded in the devastating super cyclone of 1999.

2. The tidal waves that had swamped Odisha’s coasts during the 1999 super cyclone had led to heavy soil erosion, rendering these villages forever vulnerable to floods. But now, thanks to Nirakar’s efforts, over 5000 trees of sundry varieties are covering the area. This has not only helped restore the local ecosystem but has also provided a potential source of income to the community.

3. People, however, were sceptical of Nirakar’s efforts in the beginning. They were losing out on grazing ground for cattle. Some were also suspicious of Nirakar’s motives, fearing he was out to grab government land. But once the trees began shooting up and the entire village looked rejuvenated, everybody was won over. Nirakar, for one, never made any bid to corner the fruits of his labour.

4. So now there are fruit-bearing trees in the forest-jackfruit, mango, guava, coconut-as well as timber-rich ones such as teak, casuarina and eucalyptus. Not all of the 7000 seedlings he’d planted, and looked after as if they were his own offspring, survived the elements. This fact didn’t deter him, and Nirakar proudly says that, as long as he is alive, no one from the area would ever harm a tree.

5. Over the years, Nirakar has spent a small fortune out of his own hard-earned savings on greening missions. As a driver in the Odisha Lift Irrigation Corporation (OLIC), he’d get about Rupees 3000 a month as salary. From this, he would put aside Rupees 500 every month for planting trees. However, for the last two years he has not been receiving his salary from the defunct OLIC. He manages to make ends meet by working on his share of the one-acre farmland inherited from his father.

6. Nirakar was born in 1962 in a poor Harijan family in Aliha village. He inherited a feel for the soil and a green thumb from his father. Although he was a good student, he had to quit studies after Class 9 to take up a job. He joined the OLIC in 1982, and got married the same year. Today, he’s the father of three sons and a daughter.

7. Though officially a driver, Nirakar is a jack of all trades, doubling up as a mechanic, fitter, electrician and operator at Aliha’s lift irrigation project. For the area’s small farmers who depend on the water supplied through lift irrigation, he is nothing short of a hero.

8. He was an anti-hero too, for some, at a point of time. Traditionally, the Harijans of Aliha never planted coconuts. The Brahmins had told them that if they dared to plant the forbidden fruit, there would be death in the community. Nirakar broke this ‘divine’ taboo. He got about 100 fresh coconuts with husks from the district agricultural farm and distributed them among his people. Today almost every courtyard in Aliha village has half a dozen fruit-bearing coconut trees. And no one died.

9. Nirakar’s wife is an enthusiastic partner in his green ventures. His children also help. So now he has taken up plantation of 20000 seedlings along the three kilometre stretch from Manipatna to Singri in his block. Nirakar aims to plant at least one lakh trees before he dies.

10. Recognition has evaded him so far, but Nirakar is least bothered. His only regret is that the government has not taken over maintenance of the forest from him so that it can be preserved for posterity. He hopes that his good work is not lost after he is gone. He is, as you must have realised by now, crazy about his trees. "The trees speak to me", he says, "and God has paid me back richly in many ways. I need nothing more."

Question. For the last 20 years Nirakar Mallick has been ............
(a) planting trees
(b) painting green coastal landscapes
(c) living in Odisha’s Kendrapara district
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Answer: (d) Both (a) and (b)

Question. Nirakar has broken the 'divine taboo' by ............
(a) planting 7000 seedlings
(b) distributing agricultural land among Harijans
(c) successfully leading the greening campaign
(d) planting coconut trees
Answer: (d) planting coconut trees

Question. Nirakar's latest project is the ............
(a) planting of 7000 seedlings of timbre-rich and fruit-bearing trees
(b) planting of one lakh trees in his block
(c) revival of a forest on a two-hectare stretch near his village
(d) None of the options
Answer: (c) revival of a forest on a two-hectare stretch near his village

Question. For the area's small farmers who depend on the water supplied through lift irrigation, Nirakar is ............
(a) a God
(b) a jack of all trades
(c) one who is always ready to help out
(d) a hero
Answer: (d) a hero

Question. Nirakar's only regret is that ............
(a) his work has not been recognised
(b) the government has not taken over maintenance of the forest planted by him
(c) he has not been compensated for his expenses
(d) All of the options
Answer: (b) the government has not taken over maintenance of the forest planted by him

Question. What would be an appropriate title to the passage?
Answer: An appropriate title would be "Nirakar: The Tree Man of Odisha" or "Greening the Coast: One Man's Mission".

Question. Why did Nirakar quit his studies in childhood?
Answer: He had to quit studies after Class 9 to take up a job to support his poor Harijan family.

Question. What is Kendrapara district of Odisha prone to?
Answer: It is prone to droughts, excess water/floods, and super cyclones.

Question. What happened to the seven thousand seedlings planted by Nirakar?
Answer: Not all of the 7000 seedlings survived the elements.

Question. How has Nirakar been running his household for the last two years?
Answer: He has been working on his share of the one-acre farmland inherited from his father since his employer, OLIC, became defunct.

Question. Why is Nirakar considered as a 'jack of all trades'?
Answer: Although officially a driver, he doubles up as a mechanic, fitter, electrician, and operator.

Question. Find the words in the given passage which convey the meaning similar to exposed to being harmed (para 2) and discourage (para 4)
Answer:

• vulnerable (para 2)
• deter (para 4)