CBSE Class 12 English Descriptive Passage Worksheet Set B

Read the passage given below:

1. The analysis of handwriting has a long history—some say it goes back to Roman times. Modern graphology began early in the 19th century when French churchman Jean Hippolyte Michon created the first graphological “catalogue” examining, for example, where letters fall on the line, their shape and the pressure exerted. Allan Conway, a professional graphologist for 12 years says, “Handwriting says more about you than many chosen words, simply because you cannot hide yourself in your handwriting—it’s not really your hand that’s writing, but your brain. It’s your personality frozen in ink.”

2. Despite public skepticism, graphology plays a covert role in British management. Many companies use it for executive recruitment and analysis. Graphology tells them about the candidates’ temperaments, highlighting both weaknesses and strengths.
There are about 300 movements on an unlined A4 page of writing and students must find and interpret them all. He also needs to know three things about the writers: their sex, their age and if they are left or right-handed. Then he looks for 16 dominant elements, including the size of the writing, the pressure, the speed and slant of the words, how connected the characters are as well as the form of the connections, the proportions of the “middle zone” (covered by small letters such as “o” and “n”) and “upper” and “lower” zones (where letters extend up or down, as with “d” or “p”), and the rhythm and regularity of writing. “But there is one golden rule,” Rees says, “No single sign on its own must ever be taken to mean anything.”

3. The principles, according to Conway, are straightforward. The baseline—whether the writing goes straight across the page or slants up and down—helps to determine the writer’s state of mind. A very upward baseline shows a creative, ambitious and outgoing person. A slightly downward one can reveal dissatisfaction or unhappiness though it could simply be a sign of fatigue. “A sharp downward baseline usually indicates serious problems or illness, probably emotional”, says Conway, “while a straight one is an excellent sign of emotional stability. An irregular baseline can mean an excitable writer with poor self discipline.” The way letters are formed and connected is important: a writer with angular letters, for example, is often persistent and decisive.

4. Arched letters suggest the writer is reluctant to express emotions freely and may appear cold. Where the bottoms of letters are curved like a cup the writer is likely to be open to the world and at ease. And writing with letters threaded—connected together as if by a length of cotton—can indicate speed or laziness. The more connected the letters, the more co-ordinated the patterns of thought. Character size can also be significant. Larger letters tend to suggest vitality, enterprise and self reliance, while small letters can reveal a lack of self-confidence, but are also found in fields of research where concentration and exactness are necessary. The slant of a person’s writing indicates their emotional make-up. Where all the letters are vertical the writer is likely to be someone uncomfortable in groups. For right-handers, left-word slant shows introversion while rightward slant reveals someone outgoing, friendly and ambitious. A constantly varying slant betrays an unpredictable personality.

5. The spacing between words points to the writer’s organizational abilities: wide spacing suggests individuality, extravagance, self-confidence and sociability. Even the colour of ink a person chooses can be telling. Blue may indicate someone with no desire to be exceptional or pretentious, green likes to impress and red to shock. Brown is often used by people who work in high-security jobs, able to keep secrets, while black shows a demanding or forceful character who wants to make an impression.
— Geoffrey Wansell

On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer ANY TEN of the questions given below:

Question. 1. The upward baseline proves that the person is ....................
(a) creative
(b) ambitious
(c) outgoing
(d) all of these
Answer.  (d) all of these

Question. 2. The letters small in size reveal that the writer may be ....................
(a) a researcher
(b) confident
(c) arrogant
(d) humble
Answer. (a) a researcher

Question. 3. The black colour of ink indicates .................... character.
Answer. forceful

Question. 4. The spacing between words indicates the writer’s ....................
(a) forceful character
(b) exceptional talents
(c) organisational abilities
(d) oratorical abilities
Answer. (c) organisational abilities

Question. 5. Your personality is embedded in handwriting. (True/False)
Answer. True

Question. 6. Which of these words is not an ANTONYM of ‘reluctant’ (para 4)?
(a) Willing
(b) Eage
(c) Hesitant
(d) Ready
Answer.  (c) Hesitant

Question. 7. Why do you remember Jean Hippolyte Michon?
Answer.  Jean Hippolyte Michon was a French Churchman He had created the first graphological catalogue in the 19th century.

Question. 8. How is a sharp downward baseline different from a straight baseline?
Answer. Allan Conway thinks that a sharp downward baseline indicates emotional problems of the writer when a straight baseline is linked to an excellent sign of emotional stability.

Question. 9. What helps to determine the writer’s state of mind and how?
Answer.  The study of baseline whether straight or slanted indicates the various mental conditions of the writer.

Question. 10. How can we learn one’s emotions and patterns of thought through handwriting?
Answer.  We can learn of one’s emotions from the way letters are formed and connected.

Question. 11. What secret of the writer is revealed by using large letters?
Answer.  The large letters are the significant aspect of a writer’s personality. They point out that the writer is very important, enterprising and full of self confidence.

Question. 12. Find the word in para 5 similar in meaning to ‘profligacy’.
Answer.  Extravagance

Read the passage given below:

1. Do you know the difference between a submarine and a submersible? A submarine is a watercraft that is capable of independent operation under the sea. Submarines do not require support ships because submarines can renew their air and power supplies independently. Submersibles also submerge and operate underwater, but they need the support of a larger vessel. Submersibles cannot renew their air and power supplies without support. For this reason, submersibles are usually smaller and cannot spend as much time underwater as submarines.

2. The first documented submersible was constructed in 1620 by Cornelius Drebbel. It was powered by rowing oars underwater. In 1648 Bishop John Wilkins wrote, “It may be of great advantages against a Navy of enemies, who by this may be undermined in the water and blown up.” Over one-hundred years later, the first military submarine was ready to be deployed. The Turtle was the world’s first submarine used in combat. Designed by David Bushnell in 1775, it was deployed by the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.

3. Another notable submarine originally designed for war was Julius H. Kroehl’s Sub Marine Explorer. Built between 1863 and 1866, this submarine was created for the North during the American Civil War but the war ended before it went into use. After the war it was used commercially to harvest pearls in Panamanian waters during the late 1860s. Unfortunately, the dangers of decompression sickness (a condition that occurs when divers rise to the water’s surface too quickly) were not understood. While experimenting with the Sub Marine Explorer in 1867, Kroehl himself perished from decompression sickness. In 1869 a new engineer put the Sub Marine Explorer back to the task of harvesting pearls. Tragically, use of the Sub Marine Explorer was discontinued after the entire crew died from decompression sickness.

4. Submarine use increased greatly during World War I. Due to innovations in engineering, such as a dual power system using both diesel and electric sources, submarines had finally developed into effective war machines like the U-Boat. Modern submarines are now powered by a nuclear reactor. The nuclear reactor generates a tremendous amount of power which allows submarines to operate at high speeds for long durations. The only factor limiting the amount of time that an advanced submarine can remain submerged is the amount of food and water that it can carry.

On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer ANY TEN of the questions given below:

Question. 1. For what purpose were submersibles originally designed?
(a) Transporting passengers underwater without the threat of storms.
(b) Exploring under the sea.
(c) Smuggling weapons and outlawed materials.
(d) Attacking ships on the surface of the water.
Answer. (b) Exploring under the sea

Question. 2. Why was the Submarine Explorer originally created?
(a) To assist the North in the Civil War.
(b) To harvest pearls.
(c) To explore undersea.
(d) To experiment with decompression sickness.
Answer. (a) To assist the North in the Civil War.

Question. 3. What is most likely to limit the amount of time a modern submarine can remain submerged?
(a) The amount of fuel in the submarine.
(b) The air supply in the submarine.
(c) The amount of food and water aboard the submarine.
(d) There is no limit to the amount of time a modern submarine can remain submerged.
Answer.   (c) The amount of food and water aboard the submarine.

Question. 4. How were U-Boats powered? (a) Hand crank (b) Diesel (c) Electricity (d) Both (b) and (c).
Answer.  (d) Both (b) and (c).

Question. 5. Which of the following best describes why the author most likely wrote this text?
(a) To entertain his audience with stories about submarines.
(b) To educate his readers about how submarines work.
(c) To inform his readers about the evolution of submarines.
(d) To convince his audience to purchase a submarine.
Answer. (d) To convince his audience to purchase a submarine

Question. 6. Which word is incorrect with reference to the meaning of tragically’ (para 3)?
(a) Unfortunately
(b) Regrettably
(c) Forcibly
(d) Sadly
Answer. (c) Forcibly

Question. 7. What is the most likely reason why the author wrote the first paragraph?
Answer.  The author wrote the first paragraph to explain a concept that would be referenced throughout the text.

Question. 8. Write an appropriate title for this passage.
Answer.  evolution of Submarines

Question. 9. The first paragraph compares and contrasts between submersibles and submarines. (True/False)
Answer.  True

Question. 10. What was the main reason behind the use of submarines to a great extent in World War I?
Answer.  In the First World War, submarines war effective machines due to their dual power system having diesel as well as electric sources.

Question. 11. How are modern submarines now powered by a nuclear reactor?
Answer. The nuclear reactor generates a huge amount of water that enables submarines to operate at high speeds for long duration.

Question. 12. Find the word in para 4 which is the synonym of ‘sophisticated’.
Answer.  Advanced.

Read the passage given below:

1. International day of yoga is also called as the World Yoga Day. United Nations General Assembly declared 21st of June International Yoga Day on the 11th of December in 2014. Yoga in India is considered to be around 5,000 year old mental, physical and spiritual practice. Yoga originated in India in ancient times when people used to do meditation to transform their body and mind. Launching a particular date of practising yoga all across the world and celebrating it as Yoga Day was initiated by the Indian Prime Minister. The World Yoga Day or International Day of Yoga was celebrated by the people throughout the world second time on 21st June in 2016.

2. Yoga is essentially a spiritual discipline, focusses on bringing harmony between body and mind. It is an art and science of healthy living. Yoga is very necessary and beneficial for all human beings if it is practised by all on daily basis in the early morning. Official name of this day is UN International Yoga Day and is also called as Yoga Day. It is a worldwide event celebrated by the people of all countries through practising yoga, meditation, debates, meetings, discussions, variety of cultural performances, etc.

3. Yoga is a practice of controlled body part movements and control of breath. It enhances the inner and outer body and mind strength by connecting both to the nature. It is not a physical practice only as it makes a human able to get control over mental, emotional, and spiritual thoughts. It can be practised by people at any age during childhood, teenage, adult or old age. It needs only safe, slow and controlled movements of body with controlled breathing. Yoga can be practised by anyone as it is irrespective of age, religion, or health circumstances. It improves the discipline and sense of power as well as provides a chance to live healthy life without physical and mental problems.

4. Yoga is very safe, easy and healthy way to get fit whole life without any problems. It just needs regular practice in right way of body movements and breathing. It regularizes the connection between three components of our body such as body, mind and soul. It regularises the functioning of the all body organs and prevents the body and mind to get disturbed because of some bad situations and unhealthy lifestyle. It helps in maintaining health, knowledge and inner peace. By providing good health it fulfils our physical needs, through knowledge it fulfils our psychological needs and through inner peace it fulfils the spiritual need. Thus it helps in maintaining harmony among all.

5. Regular practice of yoga in the morning provides outer and inner relief by keeping away the countless ailments at the physical and mental level. Practising postures or asana strengthens the body and mind as well as creates the feeling of well-being. It sharpens the human mind, improves intelligence and helps in high level of concentration by steadying the emotions and feelings. The feeling of well-being creates helping nature within us and thus enhances the social well-being. Improved concentration level helps in meditating and provides calming effect and inner peace to the mind. Yoga is like a practical philosophy which develops self-discipline and self-awareness within us through regular practice.

6. We cannot count the benefits of yoga, we can understand it only as a miracle which can be experienced by doing it regularly. It maintains physical fitness, reduces stress, controls emotions, feelings, controls negative thoughts, feelings of general wellbeing, improves mental clarity, enhances self-understanding and connects to the nature.

On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer ANY TEN of the questions given below.

Question. 1. Every year World Yoga Day is celebrated on 21st June because .................. .
(a) it originated and initiated in India
(b) it initiates mental, physical and spiritual practice
(c) it initiates transformation of body and mind
(d) it was initiated by the Indian P.M.
Answer. (d) it was initiated by the Indian P.M.

Question. 2. Yoga enables us to get control over .................. .
(a) physical health of all individuals
(b) emotional well-being of people across the globe
(c) material needs of a person
(d) our mental, emotional and spiritual thoughts
Answer. (d) our mental, emotional and spiritual thoughts

Question. 3. Yoga can be practised by .................. .
(a) people at any age
(b) children upto a certain age
(c) teenage and sick people only
(d) old people only
Answer. (a) people at any age

Question. 4. Yoga regularizes the connection between .................. .
(a) mind and body of a person
(b) mind and soul of a person
(c) body, mind and soul of a person
(d) None of these.
Answer.  (c) body, mind and soul of a person

Question. 5. Yoga is a pragmatic reality which enhances our ability to .................. .
(a) control our emotions and know one’s character and feelings
(b) appear calm and know one’s feelings
(c) have a clear picture of one’s personality, character and feelings
(d) understand other people and know their character and feelings
Answer. (c) have a clear picture of one’s personality, character and feelings

Question. 6. Pick the option to show the meaning of ‘harmony’ NOT the same as it is used in paragraph 4.
(a) The harmony of two welfare policies is praiseworthy.
(b) Knowledge and experience bring harmony in ones daily life.
(c) My friend achieved a milestone due to harmony in his practice.
(d) Harmony in society is essential for its growth.
Answer. (b) Knowledge and experience bring harmony in ones daily life.

Question. 7. Choose the option that lists the statements that are NOT TRUE according to the passage. 1. The study of emotions and feelings is needed for a high level of concentration. 2. Our body and mind get disturbed by unhealthy lifestyle. 3. Yoga is an exercise of body part movements. 4. Yoga is a modern mental and physical practice.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 2 and 4
Answer.  (b) 2 and 3

Question. 8. Yoga practices make human being mentally, emotionally and spiritually strong. (True/False)
Answer.  True

Question. 9. According to the passage, one of the reasons for regular practice of yoga in the morning is ...................
Answer.  providing outer and inner relief from ailments at the physical and mental level.

Question. 10. What does Yoga lay emphasis on?
Answer. Yoga lays emphasis on bringing harmony between body and mind.

Question. 11. What is the best time of the day for practising yoga?
Answer.  Morning is the best time to practise yoga.

Question. 12. Find the word in para 6 which is similar in meaning to ‘wonder’.
Answer. Miracle

Read the passage given below:

1. The importance of sports and games in school encompasses more than just the benefit of physical activity. Increases in self-esteem and mental alertness makes school sports and games necessary for every schoolage child. Although the benefits of school sports abound with a diminishing economy, many schools are cutting out sports and physical education programmes to the detriment of students nationwide. According to Theodore Hesburgh, author of “The Importance of School Sports and Education,” it is imperative for school-age children to have access to sports and games. Not only does it empower youth and promote higher self-esteem, it also motivates students, enables them to earn better grades, especially in schools where obtaining certain grades is a prerequisite to staying in the team. Numerous physical benefits include maintaining a healthy weight, preventing chronic diseases and learning the skills necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle after graduating.

2. Promoting physical activity should start from the nursery room, according to Jean Zimmerman and Gil Reavill, authors of “Raising Our Athletic Daughters.” Promoting athletics as a parent is a crucial factor in determining whether your child will be interested in participating in sports. Playing with your child, whether throwing a football or baseball with your son, or teaching your daughter how to swim, teaches them the importance of being active. Encouraging your school-age children to participate in a sport of their choice may be the reason they continue to play when they enter school.

3. Some children do not consider themselves athletic and may prefer not to play organised school sports. They may be cut from the school team for lack of ability. For this group, there are intramural teams, which are sports for those not interested or able to play higher level athletics. It is important to remember in these cases not to make your children feel badly about not being a higher level athlete, but to remember the more important benefits of playing sports, and encourage them in this endeavor.

4. With a tough economy, many schools are cutting spending for sports and athletic programmes. Because of the many benefits of sports, it is imperative to continue the athletic programmes available to children. As a parent it may be necessary for you to become involved in the school board to have a say about keeping athletic programmes. Encouraging your children to speak up about their desire for athletics may also affect whether your school keeps their sports or cuts them out of the budget.

On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer ANY TEN of the questions given below:

Question. 1. Sports and games help to .................. .
(a) increase self-esteem
(b) promote mental alertness
(c) stay in the team
(d) Both (a) and (b).
Answer.  (b) promote mental alertness

Question. 2. Intramural teams .................. .
(a) are organised within the walls of the school
(b) are meant for poor schools
(c) are meant for those not interested in higher level athletics
(d) Both (a) and (c).
Answer.  (c) are meant for those who are not interested in higher level athletics

Question. 3. Parental interest in sports may be the reason for the fact that.................. in school.
Answer.  children continue to play

Question. 4. Apart from empowering the youth and providing self-esteem, sports and games also ................ .
(a) are obstacles for school children
(b) motivate and enable students to get better grades
(c) disturb students to do their best
(d) are cutting out physical education programmes
Answer.  (b) motivate and enable students to get better grades

Question. 5. Sports provide children .................. .
(a) techniques to maintain healthy weight
(b) ways to protect themselves from getting hurt
(c) skills of a differing lifestyle
(d) all of these.
Answer.  (a) techniques to maintain healthy weight

Question. 6. Pick the option showing the CORRECT use of the word ‘ability’ as used in para-3
(a) A little warm up will increase your ability to do rigorous exercise.
(b) ‘Hamlet’ is the ability of all Shakespeare’s plays.
(c) The youth was charged with ability.
(d) Her smile was a great ability.
Answer.  (a) A little warm up will increase your ability to do rigorous exercise.

Question. 7. “With a tough economy, many schools are cutting spending on sports and athletic programmes.” Pick the option in which the meaning of ‘tough’ is NOT the same as it is used in the passage.
(a) It was a tough decision to make.
(b) She’s been having a tough time now.
(c) Don’t be too tough on her—she was only trying to help.
(d) He plays the tough guy in the movie.
Answer.  (c) Don’t be too tough on her—she was only trying to help.

Question. 8. Parents should help their sons/daughters develop interest in sports. They can do so by acting as a motivator. (True/False)
Answer.  True

Question. 9. Pick the option which should NOT be done to make a child become interested in sports.
(a) Playing with a child.
(b) Throwing a football or baseball with him/her.
(c) Teaching him/her the importance of being active.
(d) Scolding him/her for not participating in sports.
Answer.  (d) Scolding him/her for not participating in sports.

Question. 10. What message does the author want to convey in para 3?
Answer.  In para 3, the author wants to say that all school children should play sports organised by the schools.

Question. 11. What advice has the author given to schools in para 4?
Answer.  In para 4, the author has advised schools not to stop any athletic programme for children.

Question. 12. Find the word in para 1 which is synonym of ‘includes’.
Answer.  Encompasses

Read the passage given below:

1. June 26th is being observed as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. I wonder if this day is merely one for the service providers to gear themselves up and conduct a bunch of awareness and advocacy programmers among the general public. This day could be a time to review our commitment to be empathetic to those dependent on alcohol and other drugs. It could also be a warning bell to all those struggling with drugs; a time for quick self-evaluation. Besides, it could be seen as a gesture of the government to combat this menace by releasing some money to run a poster exhibition or a rally or a public meeting.

2. Something to show that it is in the fight against the evil as well, after making good revenue through liquor sales. This could be an eye-opener to parents on what their college-going children are exposed to now. As wide and diverse as the culture of India, so wide are the options of drugs available. They consist of stimulants (uppers), depressants (downers), cannabis, opioids and opiates, solvents and inhalants, hallucinogens and other psychedelic drugs and the more recent threats like roofies and ketamine. The long-term effects of these drugs are dangerous and fatal.

3. A drug welcoming/friendly/tolerant trend is permeating our culture today. We need to be warned that social use does not apply to illicit drugs. These drugs have a very high addictive potential. We’re talking about chemical substances that change not only the function and structure of the body but also one’s thinking, feelings, perception and behaviour. These changes occur due to the drug’s action on the brain.

4. A youngster begins with experimenting alcohol and nicotine considered ‘gateway drugs.’ In the beginning, the consumption is within socially accepted or prescribed limits. For example, drinking some wine at a party. Slowly, one starts to misuse drugs, meaning unintentional or inappropriate use of prescribed or non-prescribed drugs. For instance, driving under the influence of alcohol or taking one sleeping pill over and above the prescribed dose. Eventually, one starts to abuse drugs wherein one deliberately uses chemical substances for reasons other than their intended medical purposes, resulting in serious physical, mental, emotional or social impairment. There are thin lines dividing drug use, misuse and abuse. We need to be accountable as a society. Now, if we are to talk about illicit drugs, there are suppliers, middlemen and traffickers because there is a huge demand.

5. The geographical location of India between the golden crescent and the golden triangle makes our country a pathway for drug trafficking through the borders. Governments can play a role here by framing laws and insisting on law enforcement, whether it be on trafficking in illicit drugs or minimum drinking age or server liability. A global problem like this calls for a collective effort.

On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer ANY TEN of the questions given below:

Question. 1. According to the writer, 26th of June is an important day .................. .
(a) as it is the day to be empathetic towards drug addicts
(b) to warn those who are drug addicts
(c) to create awareness among the people especially parents about the drug menace
(d) All of these.
Answer. (d) All of these

Question. 2. Choose the option that is TRUE about the ideal locations of India for border drug trafficking ...................
(a) strict rules imposed
(b) dense population in the area
(c) non-porous border areas
(d) smooth connection between two border areas
Answer.  (d) smooth connection between two border areas

Question. 3. Choose the option that lists the statements that are NOT TRUE about the gateway drugs.
1. the gateway drugs are hardly available in the market.
2. nicotine and alcohol being gateway drugs can be tried with others drugs.
3. the youngsters are very cautious about the gateway drugs.
4. the gateway drugs are seldom preferred by the common public.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 2 and 4
Answer. (a) 1 and 2

Question. 4. “We need to be accountable as a society.” The idea of being accountable as a society is mainly a reference to .................. .
(a) the college-going students be knowledgeable about drug use
(b) a society well aware of drug abuse
(c) the youngsters being victims of drug abuse
(d) rare availability of illicit drugs
Answer. (b) a society well aware of drug abuse

Question. 5. There are suppliers, middlemen and traffickers because .................. .
(a) there is a huge demand
(b) governments can only play a vital role in this way
(c) the global problem calls for a collective effort
(d) they are vital service providers
Answer. (a) there is a huge demand

Question. 6. The awareness programmes about the drug menace will help parents know about .................. among college-going students.
Answer.  range and extent of drug exposure

Question. 7. What does the term ‘drug abuse’ mean?
Answer.  The term ‘drug abuse’ refers to the deliberate use of drugs for the purpose other than medicinal.

Question. 8. How does drug addiction usually start?
Answer.  Drug addiction usually starts with youngster’s experiments with alcohol and nicotine.

Question. 9. Why is drug addiction on the rise today?
Answer.  Drug addiction is on the rise today because people are more tolerant and welcoming of drugs today.

Question. 10. The drugs being called as ‘uppers’ has a reference to helping as energy givers. (True/False)
Answer.  False

Question. 11. What is the adverse impact of drugs on brain?
Answer.  Drugs badly affect our mental states, i.e. feelings and behaviour.

Question. 12. Find the word in para 4 which is opposite in meaning to ‘unknowingly’.
Answer.  deliberately

Passage 1 (Solved)

1. Mahesh Das or Raja Birbal, was a Hindu advisor in the court of the Mughal emperor, Akbar. Birbal was appointed by Akbar as a poet and singer in around 1560. He is mostly known in the Indian subcontinent for the folk tales which focus on his wit. In the local folk tales he is presented as a very clever person. These tales are popular in India. These tales involve him being smarter then or making fool of other courtiers and sometimes even Akbar, using only his intelligence and cunning. From the twentieth century onwards, plays, movies and books based on these folk tales were made. Some of these folk tales are in children's comics and school books.

2. Akbar-Birbal duo are very popular historical figures in India among Indian readers. Krishnadevaraya and Tenali Ramakrishna duo too is very familiar among Indians. Emperor Akbar was one of the greatest Mughal Emperors. During Emperor Akbar's Reign, there was a poor man in Agra. Who was thought to bring bad luck. People believed that if anyone looked at his face in the morning, they would have a bad day. “Get lost, you ugly fellow!” he would be called by one and all. “Hide your face before you kill someone with your Evil eye!” The emperor soon heard of this man's reputation and wanted to see him. The poor fellow, who had not harmed the single person in his life, was brought to Akbar. Akbar took a look at him and asked him to be brought back in the evening.

3. That particular day was an especially full and tiring day for the emperor and his courtiers. So many matters had to be attended to, that Akbar even forgot to eat. by the end of the day, the emperor was exhausted. To make matters worse, Akbar was informed that his favourite child, little prince Salim, had fallen ill. Then the emperor suddenly remembered that he had seen the face of the ‘unlucky’ man that morning. ‘That was it. it was the man's entire fault’, Akbar decided.

4. Akbar called his courtiers and told them that he was going to have the unlucky man executed. all of them agreed immediately. That is, all except Birbal. Instead, Birbal let-out a short laugh. “What’s the matter, Birbal?” of the Angry Emperor. “You seem to find something funny!” “Nothing, Your Majesty,” replied Birbal. “You say this man brings bad luck because you had to go without food ever since you saw him in the morning. Look at his luck. Yours was the first face he had seen sir today, and he has to die because of it.” Akbar immediately realised his folly and rewarded Birbal for his wisdom.

Question. 1. Which of the following is/ are not true in the context of the passage?
(A) Akbar worried too much after meeting the poor man.
(B) Akbar had his food with the poor man
(C) Akbar decided to execute the poor man
(a) Only A
(b) Both B and C
(c) All A, B and C
(d) Only C
Answer: D

Question. 2. Which of the following is true in the context of the passage?
(a) The poor man wanted to see the king.
(b) The poor man was well educated.
(c) The courtiers were sympathetic with the poor man.
(d) King Akbar wanted to see the so called unlucky- poor man.
Answer: D

Question. 3. What was Birbal's response when Akbar decided to execute the man believed to bring bad luck?
(a) Birbal immediately agreed with Akbar's decision and supported the execution.
(b) Birbal laughed and mocked Akbar for his belief, highlighting the irony in the situation.
(c) Birbal remained silent and did not express any opinion regarding the execution.
(d) Birbal tried to convince Akbar to postpone the execution and reconsider his decision.
Answer: B

Question. 4. Which of the following describes Birbal?
(a) He was a famous merchant
(b) He had lost his senses
(c) He was very poor
(d) He possessed good logical thinking
Answer: D

Question. 5. Why had the king not eaten his food?
(a) He was very busy that day.
(b) He had seen the face of the unlucky fellow.
(c) He was upset that his son was not feeling well.
(d) He had been invited by Birbal for lunch.
Answer: A

Question. 6. How did Birbal endeavour to elucidate to the emperor and the populace the irrationality of superstitions? Explain in about 40 words

Answer: Birbal used cleverness to show the emperor and the people that superstitions don't make sense. He explained that blaming a harmless man for bad luck was silly, helping them see the foolishness of believing in superstitions. / Any other relevant answer

Question. 7. Why did the king decide to execute the poor man?
(a) The poor man cursed the king and in fact he was very unlucky.
(b) The king had had a very bad day after seeing him.
(c) His attendants told him to do so.
(d) The poor man brought a luck for everyone.
Answer: B

Question. 8. Birbal was awarded because
(a) He was in agreement with the King's decision.
(b) He made the king realise his mistake.
(c) He brought the poor man to the king
(d) He wanted to teach a lesson to the poor man.
Answer: B

Question. 9. Which of the following is/are correct about the poor man?
A) The allegation against the poor man was logical and scientific, based on rationality.
B) The incidents of misfortune attributed to the poor man were coincidental, with no direct correlation to his presence or actions.
(a) Only A
(b) Only B
(c) Neither A nor B
(d) Both A and B
Answer: B

Question. 10. What does Akbar's reward for Birbal reveal about Akbar's personality and leadership approach?

Answer: It reflects his humility and openness to diverse viewpoints, fostering an environment of intellectual exchange and growth. / Any other relevant answer

Passage 2 (Solved)

The intricate tapestry of human evolution is woven with the threads of two enigmatic species: the Neanderthals and Homo sapiens. Their coexistence, although separated by vast epochs of time, offers a glimpse into the diverse mosaic of our ancient past. Neanderthals, denizens of the Pleistocene epoch, roamed the rugged landscapes of Europe and parts of Asia during the frigid grip of the last Ice Age. Their robust physiques, marked by pronounced brow ridges and powerful musculature, epitomized adaptation to harsh environments. Contrasting with their Homo sapiens counterparts, Neanderthals crafted tools from raw materials with a finesse that echoed their mastery of survival in the wild. In stark contrast, Homo sapiens, emerging from the crucible of Africa's savannahs, heralded a new era of bravery, skill, and innovation. Their anatomically modern features, characterized by a high forehead and a pronounced chin, foreshadowed the dawn of civilization. Armed with a cognitive toolkit unmatched in the annals of prehistory, Homo sapiens forged ahead, fashioning intricate tools, fostering complex social structures, and leaving indelible marks on the canvas of human history. Despite their disparate trajectories, Neanderthals, and Homo sapiens shared common ground. Both species possessed an innate curiosity that spurred technological innovation and artistic expression. Archaeological sites reveal a rich tapestry of symbolic artefacts, hinting at shared cultural practices and rituals that transcended geographical boundaries. Yet, beneath the veneer of similarity lurked the spectre of difference. Neanderthals, with their brawny physique and stocky frame, thrived in the crucible of the Ice Age, a testament to their resilience in the face of adversity. Homo sapiens, conversely, embarked on a journey of exploration and expansion, traversing continents and conquering new frontiers with an insatiable thirst for knowledge and conquest. The enigma of Neanderthal extinction, shrouded in the mists of time, continues to elude definitive explanation. Some scholars put forward the spectre of environmental pressures, while others point to the inexorable march of Homo sapiens, whose ascendancy spelled doom for their archaic cousins.

Question. 1. Which of the following physical characteristics is characteristic of Neanderthals?
(a) High forehead
(b) Pronounced chin
(c) Robust physique
(d) Large brain size
Answer: (c) Robust physique

Question. 2. What is one significant cultural similarity between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens?
(a) Mastery of fire
(b) Development of agriculture
(c) Creation of art
(d) Establishment of complex political systems
Answer: (c) Creation of art

Question. 3. What evidence suggests cultural exchange between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens during prehistoric times?

Answer: Evidence of cultural exchange includes artefacts symbolising similar cultural practices and DNA evidence of interbreeding.

Question. 4. What are the primary hypotheses regarding the demise of the Neanderthals, and how do they differ in their explanations?

Answer: Hypotheses about Neanderthal extinction range from climate change to competition with Homo sapiens. (Environmental pressures and Ascendancy of homo Sapiens)

Question. 5. Neanderthals were well-adapted to the rigors of the Ice Age, demonstrating remarkable ________ in the face of environmental challenges.

Answer: Resilience/ physical stamina (any relevant answer)

Question. 6. How do Neanderthals and Homo sapiens differ in terms of their physical morphology and adaptation strategies?

Answer: Neanderthals had robust physiques and adapted to harsh environments, while Homo sapiens had modern features and were more innovative.

Question. 7. Where did both Neanderthals and Homo sapiens likely originate, according to the passage?
(a) Neanderthals originated in Europe, while Homo sapiens originated in Asia.
(b) Both Neanderthals and Homo sapiens originated in Africa, but Neanderthals later migrated to Europe and parts of Asia.
(c) Neanderthals originated in Africa, while Homo sapiens originated in Europe.
(d) Neanderthals originated in Asia, while Homo sapiens originated in Africa.
Answer: (b) 

Question. 8. The phrases "the mists of time" and "the labyrinthine corridors of prehistory" hint that our knowledge of ancient history ________________.

Answer: is obscure/ is mysterious /(or any relevant response)

Question. 9. Which of the following terms best describes Homo sapiens' expansion across different continents?
(a) Extermination
(b) Colonization
(c) Subjugation
(d) Isolation
Answer: (b)