UP Board Solutions Class 9 English Chapter 18 Comprehension Unseen

Solved Exercises Based On Text Book

1. Read the following passage carefully and on the basis of your reading answer the questions given below it :
There is a lovely story of a tree and a little boy who used to play in its shade. They had become friends. One day, the boy sat leaning against the trunk of the tree, crying. He was hungry, "Eat my fruit”, said the kind tree bending down one of its branches. The boy ate the fruit and was happy. The boy grew up. One day, he sat under the tree with an anxious look on his face. "What is the matter"? asked the tree. “I am going to marry and I want a house to live in.” said the young man.”Cut down my branches and build your house"; said the tree. The young man built a house with the branches of the tree. The young man became a sailor. One day, he sat under the tree with a worried look. “What is the matter?" asked the tree. “My Captain is a cruel fellow. I want a ship of my own,” said the sailor. "Cut down my trunk and build a ship." The sailor lost his ship and returned home as a helpless old man. On a cold winter's day, he stood where the tree once was leaning on his stick, and trembling with cold. “Make a fire of me,” said the stump of the tree, and warm yourself,” The stump of the unselfish tree burnt in the fire, softy humming a tune”.
Difficult Words: lovely story = सुन्दर कहानी, shade = छाया, trunk = तना, hungry = भूखा, bending down = झुकते हुए, branches = शाखाएँ, grew-up = बढ़ा हुआ, anxious = आतुर, बेचैन, worried = दुःखी, cruel = निर्दयी, own = अपना, sailor = नाविक, returned = लौट आया, trembling = काँपते हुए, stump = ठूंठ, unselfish = बिना स्वार्थ का, burn = जला दिया।
Questions.
Question 1. What was the boy doing, leaning against the trunk of the tree?
Answer: The boy was crying because he was hungry.
In simple words: The boy was upset and crying due to hunger while resting against the tree.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the core reason for the character's action directly from the passage for precise answers.

Question 2. What did the kind tree say to the little boy?
Answer: The tree asked the boy to eat the fruit which is offered to him.
In simple words: The kind tree offered its fruit to the hungry boy.

🎯 Exam Tip: Direct quotes or clear paraphrasing of dialogues from the passage are key for questions about what characters said.

Question 3. Why did the boy sit under the tree, one day, with an anxious look on his face?
Answer: The boy looked worried because he was going to marry while he had no house to live in.
In simple words: He was anxious because he planned to marry and needed a house.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to emotional cues and their stated causes in the narrative for "why" questions.

Question 4. How were the tree and the little boy related to each other?
Answer: The tree and the boy became close friends due to their long mutual company and association.
In simple words: They were close friends who shared a long history together.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for descriptive words or phrases that define relationships in the passage.

Question 5. Explain the italicized words in the passage.
Answer:
bending down - bringing one of its branches close to the boy.
worried look - sight reflecting the anxieties or worries of the mind.
In simple words: "Bending down" means lowering a branch, and a "worried look" shows signs of anxiety on someone's face.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define italicized words based on their context within the passage, providing a clear and concise meaning.

Question 6. Give a suitable title to the above passage.
Answer: Best Friend
In simple words: The story highlights the selfless friendship of the tree, making "Best Friend" an appropriate title.

🎯 Exam Tip: A good title should encapsulate the main theme or central relationship of the passage in a few words.

(2) Read the following passage carefully and on the basis of your reading answer the questions given below it :
A man was kept in jail without any fault. When the King visited the jail, he told him that he was innocent. The King found out that this was true. He gave him a sum of money and set him free. He went straight to the market, where some birds were kept for sale. He purchased all the birds from the shopkeeper and set them free. At this, the shopkeeper was surprised. Then the man said to him, “If you had been in prison like me for no fault, you would have done the same.”
Difficult Words: kept = रखा, fault = त्रुटि या दोष, innocent = भोला-भाला, found = पाना, true = सत्य, set him free = स्वतंत्र कर दिया, straight = सीधा, market = बाजार, purchased = खरीदा, surprised = आश्चर्य में पड़ गया, prison = जेल ।
Questions.
Question 1. What did the king do when he found out the prisoner innocent?
Answer: The king gave the innocent prisoner a sum of money and released him from jail.
In simple words: The king gave the innocent man money and released him.

🎯 Exam Tip: List all actions taken by a character in response to a specific event as mentioned in the passage.

Question 2. Where did the prisoner go after he was set free by the king?
Answer: After his release from the jail, the man went straight to the market, where some birds were kept for sale.
In simple words: He went directly to the market where birds were sold.

🎯 Exam Tip: Follow the sequence of events carefully to identify the character's immediate next action or destination.

Question 3. Why was the shopkeeper surprised?
Answer: The shopkeeper was surprised because the man set all the birds free which he had purchased.
In simple words: The shopkeeper was surprised when the man freed all the birds he just bought.

🎯 Exam Tip: The reason for a character's emotion is often explicitly stated or clearly implied immediately after the event.

Question 4. What did the man say to the shopkeeper?
Answer: The man told the shopkeeper that he too would have done the same thing if he had been in prison like him for no fault.
In simple words: The man explained that anyone wrongly imprisoned would understand his desire to free the birds.

🎯 Exam Tip: Quote or paraphrase the exact statement made by the character in response to a situation.

Question 5. Explain the italicized words in the passage.
Answer:
Set him free = released him.
surprised = astonished.
In simple words: "Set him free" means to release someone, and "surprised" means to be astonished or amazed.

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide concise synonyms or clear definitions that accurately capture the meaning of the italicized words in context.

Question 6. Give a suitable title to the above passage.
Answer: Change of heart.
In simple words: The passage depicts a profound act of compassion stemming from the man's own experience of wrongful captivity.

🎯 Exam Tip: Choose a title that reflects the central moral lesson or the most impactful event of the story.

(3) Read the following passage carefully and on the basis of your reading answer the questions given below it :
Good deeds may be done by anyone in any walk of life-by the soldier in barracks or on the battle field, by the woman in the home, the nurse in the hospital, the businessman in his office, the boy at school or the inventor in the workshop. The actual performance of a good deed is the happiness both of the doer and of those for whom it is done. The memory of a good deed excites love and gratitude renews men's belief in their minds and inspires others to go and do likewise. It is an incentive to them to live purely, act uprightly and deal justly with their fellow men.
Difficult Words: good deeds = अच्छे कार्य, battle = युद्ध, business-man = व्यापारी, office = दफ्तर, inventor = अन्वेषक, workshop = कार्यशाला, performance = कृत्य, memory = स्मृति, excites = उत्तेजित होना, gratitude = कृतज्ञता, incentive = प्रोत्साहन ।
Questions.
Question 1. Should good deeds be done by a chosen few?
Answer: No, good deeds may be done by all the people wherever they are the places of their work.
In simple words: Good deeds are for everyone, not just a select few, and can be performed by anyone in any profession.

🎯 Exam Tip: When a question asks "Should," derive the answer from the passage's stated principles about inclusivity or universality.

Question 2. Where does the performance of a good deed lead to?
Answer: The performance of a good deed leads to happiness of both the doer and those for whom it is done.
In simple words: Doing good deeds brings happiness to both the person performing the deed and the recipient.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the direct consequences or outcomes mentioned in the passage when asked about where an action "leads to."

Question 3. What does the memory of a good deed do?
Answer: The memory of a good deed excites love and gratitude and motivates to do good deeds.
In simple words: Remembering a good deed fosters love, gratitude, and inspires more good actions.

🎯 Exam Tip: List all effects or influences attributed to a specific memory or concept in the text.

Question 4. What is the incentive to the doers of the good deed?
Answer: The example of good deeds proves to be an incentive that inspires the people to live purely, act uprightly and deal justly with their fellow men.
In simple words: The incentive for doing good deeds is the inspiration to live righteously and treat others fairly.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand "incentive" as the motivation or encouragement driving the actions described.

Question 5. Explain the italicized words in the passage.
Answer:
The actual performance = the real level of doing things.
Incentive = a kind of encouragement or motivation.
In simple words: "The actual performance" refers to the genuine execution of tasks, and "incentive" is something that encourages or motivates action.

🎯 Exam Tip: Break down compound phrases into their core meaning and provide a clear, concise definition for each italicized term.

Question 6. Give a suitable title to the above passage.
Answer: Good Deeds.
In simple words: The passage's central theme is the widespread importance and positive impact of good deeds.

🎯 Exam Tip: Select a title that is broad enough to cover the main subject but specific enough to reflect the passage's focus.

(4) Read the following passage carefully and on the basis of your reading answer the questions given below it :
At Shantiniketan, classes are held in the open air. The students sit on the ground under the trees and listen to their teachers. They often act plays, they have written themselves and very often they act those written by Rabindranath Tagore, the great poet who founded Shantiniketan. The place fills anyone with peace and quiet. The meaning of the word 'Shantiniketan' is abode of peace. It is one of the best places of learning in India. Many of our greatest leaders were educated at Shantiniketan.
Difficult Words: listen = सुनना, often = प्रायः, plays = नाटक, great poet = महान कवि, peace - शान्ति, founded = स्थापित किया, best = सबसे अच्छा, educated = शिक्षित हुए।
Questions.
Question 1. How is Shantiniketan different from other places of learning?
Answer: Shantiniketan is different from other institutions in the sense that its way of working is unique, such as classes in the open air, acting of plays written by students themselves etc.
In simple words: Shantiniketan is unique because classes are held outdoors, and students perform plays they write themselves.

🎯 Exam Tip: List distinguishing features mentioned in the passage that set the subject apart from others.

Question 2. Who is the founder of Shantiniketan?
Answer: Rabindranath Tagore is the founder of Shantiniketan.
In simple words: Rabindranath Tagore founded Shantiniketan.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for explicit statements identifying key figures and their roles within the passage.

Question 3. Who was Rabindranath Tagore?
Answer: Rabindranath Tagore was the great poet of India.
In simple words: Rabindranath Tagore was a renowned Indian poet.

🎯 Exam Tip: Extract descriptive titles or roles associated with names mentioned in the text.

Question 4. What does the word 'Shantiniketan' mean?
Answer: The word 'Shantiniketan' means the abode of peace.
In simple words: 'Shantiniketan' translates to "abode of peace."

🎯 Exam Tip: Directly quote the meaning provided in the passage for specific terms.

Question 5. Explain the italicized words in the passage.
Answer:
are held = are organised or conducted.
abode of peace = a place where peace or quiet prevails.
In simple words: "Are held" means to be organized, and "abode of peace" refers to a place where tranquility exists.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define each phrase individually, ensuring the explanation accurately reflects its usage in the text.

Question 6. Give a suitable title to the above passage.
Answer: Shantiniketan – A Unique Centre of Learning.
In simple words: The passage describes Shantiniketan as a distinctive educational institution, making "A Unique Centre of Learning" a fitting title.

🎯 Exam Tip: A strong title should summarize the main subject and its most prominent characteristic.

(5) Read the following passage carefully and on the basis of your reading answer the questions given below it :
Sardar Patel was a strict man. People call him the 'Iron Man of India'. He was, no doubt, an iron man in the sense that he was an efficient administrator. But as a man to those who had the good fortune of coming into close contact with him, he was kind and gentle. At times, he even became emotional, when his personal friends and followers were concerned. However, it goes without saying that the Sardar had the great skill for organising affairs. He knew the art of selecting proper men for proper posts. Once he judged the man and found him correct, he trusted him fully and got him to do anything he wanted.
*Difficult Words: strict = कठोर, iron man = लौह पुरुष, efficient = कुशल, administrator = प्रशासक, contact = सम्पर्क, emotional = भावुक, organising = संगठित करने में, affairs = कार्य, art = कला, found = पाया, correct = ठीक, trusted = विश्वास किया।
Questions.
Question 1. What was the main quality of Sardar Patel?
Answer: The main quality of Sardar Patel was his capacity of efficient administration.
In simple words: Sardar Patel's primary quality was his efficient administrative capability.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for explicit statements regarding a character's defining characteristic, often found at the beginning of their description.

Question 2. Why do people call him ‘The Iron Man of India'?
Answer: People call Sardar Patel 'The Iron Man of India' because he was a strict man and had an efficiency of managing the affairs well.
In simple words: He was called 'The Iron Man of India' due to his strictness and highly efficient management skills.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect titles or nicknames to the specific traits or actions that earned them, as described in the text.

Question 3. When did he become emotional?
Answer: Sardar Patel became emotional particularly when his personal friends and followers were concerned.
In simple words: He showed emotion when issues concerned his personal friends and followers.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify specific conditions or situations that trigger a character's described emotional response.

Question 4. How do you know that the Sardar Patel had the great skill of organising affairs?
Answer: It is well-known that Sardar Patel was an excellent administrator and he knew the art of selecting proper men for proper posts.
In simple words: His excellent administration and skill in placing the right people in suitable roles demonstrated his organizational ability.

🎯 Exam Tip: Support claims about a character's skills with specific examples or descriptions of their actions from the passage.

Question 5. Explain the italicized words in the passage.
Answer:
Emotional - sentimental, full of strong feelings.
Concerned - the matter related to someone.
In simple words: "Emotional" means being deeply affected by feelings, and "concerned" indicates involvement or worry about a specific matter or person.

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide concise and accurate definitions for italicized words, reflecting their meaning within the context of the passage.

Question 6. Give a suitable title to the above passage.
Answer: Sardar Patel - The Iron Man of India.
In simple words: The title reflects Sardar Patel's iconic status and his defining characteristics as described in the passage.

🎯 Exam Tip: A suitable title should be memorable and clearly indicate the central figure and their key attribute discussed.

(6) Read the following passage carefully and on the basis of your reading answer the questions given below it :
A good transport system is very essential in the world today. The word transport means carrying of people and goods from place to place. Millions of people travel from town to town, country to country and continent to continent. They travel over the land, on the water, through the air, under the ground and even into the space. People travel for service, business, sight seeing and to meet other people. A good transport system is very important for the progress of agriculture, mining and industry. It is also very important during the war, floods or famine. All means of transport have made travel easy, comfortable and fast.
Difficult Words: essential = आवश्यक, goods = सामान, travel = यात्रा, continent = महाद्वीप, land = भूमि, space = अन्तरिक्ष, important = महत्त्वपूर्ण, progress = प्रगति, उन्नति, agriculture = कृषि, floods = बाढ़, famine = अकाल, easy = आसान, comfortable = सुविधाजनक, fast = तेज।
Questions.
Question 1. What does the word 'Transport' mean?
Answer: The word 'Transport' means carrying of people and goods from place to place.
In simple words: 'Transport' means moving people and goods from one location to another.

🎯 Exam Tip: Directly extract the definition of key terms provided in the passage.

Question 2. Where do people travel all over the world?
Answer: The people travel from town to town, country to country and continent to continent. They include their travel over the land, on the water, through the air, under the ground and even into the space.
In simple words: People travel across towns, countries, and continents, using land, water, air, underground, and even space.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be exhaustive in listing all modes and geographical spans of travel mentioned in the passage.

Question 3. What are the reasons for travel?
Answer: People have travel because of services, business, sight seeing and to meet other people.
In simple words: People travel for work, business, tourism, and social interactions.

🎯 Exam Tip: Enumerate all purposes of travel explicitly stated in the passage.

Question 4. Why is a good transport system so important?
Answer: A good transport system, is very important for the progress of agriculture, mining and industry. It is also very useful during war, floods and famine.
In simple words: A good transport system is vital for economic development (agriculture, mining, industry) and critical during emergencies like war or natural disasters.

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide a comprehensive list of all benefits and critical uses of a good transport system as described.

Question 5. Explain the italicized words in the passage.
Answer:
essential - necessary progress - development.
In simple words: "Essential" means absolutely necessary, while "progress" refers to development or advancement.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define each italicized word clearly and concisely, focusing on its core meaning.

Question 6. Give a suitable title to the above passage.
Answer: Importance of Good Transport System.
In simple words: The passage discusses the various critical roles and benefits of an efficient transport network.

🎯 Exam Tip: A good title should reflect the main subject and the primary point being made about it.

(7) Read the following passage carefully and on the basis of your reading answer the questions given below it :
Prince Gautam was married to a beautiful princess named Yashodhara at the early age of twenty. But Gautam from his very childhood was of a contemplative mind. The sight of disease, old age and death filled him with sorrow and he found no peace of mind. He passed ten years of his married life in this way, till at the age of thirty, a son was born to him. The birth of a child set him at thinking and he was afraid of that of this new tie should bind him to the varieties of the world beyond hope of release. Accordingly, one night he secretly left the palace leaving everything behind him, his wealth and riches, his wife and baby and his royal home.
Difficult Words: prince = राजकुमार, married = विवाह किया, beautiful = सुंदर, princess = राजकुमारी, early = जल्दी, childhood = बचपना, contemplative = ध्यान में लीन, disease = रोग, बीमारी, sorrow = अत्यधिक दुःख, peace of mind = मन की शान्ति, afraid = भयभीत, varieties = प्रकार, secretly = छिपकर, palace = महल, royal = राजसी ।
Questions.
Question 1. How old was Prince Gautam when he got married?
Answer: Prince Gautam got married when he was twenty years old.
In simple words: Prince Gautam married at the age of twenty.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for specific age references directly stated in the passage.

Question 2. Why did Gautam find no peace of mind?
Answer: From the very childhood Gautam of a contemplative mind and he became sad at the sight of people suffering from disease, old age and facing death.
In simple words: Gautam had no peace because the suffering caused by disease, old age, and death deeply troubled his contemplative mind.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the specific observations or experiences that led to the character's emotional state.

Question 3. What did he begin to think when a son was born to him?
Answer: When a son was born to Gautam, he began to think that it (the birth of a son) was a new tie binding him to worldly life which would make his release more difficult.
In simple words: He worried that his son's birth would further tie him to worldly life, hindering his path to spiritual freedom.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note the character's internal thoughts and fears, especially when a significant life event occurs.

Question 4. What did he do secretly one night?
Answer: One night he secretly left the palace leaving everything behind him, his wealth and riches, his wife and baby and his royal life.
In simple words: One night, he secretly abandoned his palace, wealth, wife, and child.

🎯 Exam Tip: Detail the actions taken by the character, including the circumstances (e.g., "secretly one night").

Question 5. Explain the italicized words in the passage.
Answer:
Contemplative mind - temperament of deep thinking.
Peace of mind - the state of mind when it is calm and quiet.
In simple words: A "contemplative mind" is one given to deep thought, while "peace of mind" describes a state of inner calm.

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide clear and distinct explanations for each italicized phrase, focusing on their psychological or emotional meanings.

Question 6. Give a suitable title to the above passage.
Answer: Renunciation of Gautam.
In simple words: The passage centers on Prince Gautam's decision to abandon worldly life in pursuit of spiritual truth.

🎯 Exam Tip: A strong title encapsulates the main theme or the most significant event in the narrative.

(8) Read the following passage carefully and on the basis of your reading answer the questions given below it :
About five hundred years ago, a town called Hamelin, in north Germany was over-run with rats. The rats were so big that they used to fight the dogs and kill the cats and bite the babies in the cradles. At last, all the people came to the town hall to see the Mayor, who was the chief man of the town. They begged him to do something to rid them of the rats. The next day, the Mayor held a meeting. A tall man wearing long coat from heel to head entered the hall. He went up to the table and said, "I can rid your town of rats, if you pay me one thousand pieces of gold.” “We shall be glad to give you much more than that, to be rid of the rats", said the Mayor.
Difficult Words: ago = पहले, chief = मुख्य, to rid = छोड़ना, heel to head = सिर से पैर तक, entered = प्रवेश किया, went = गया, town = शहर, gold = सोना, glad = खुश।
Questions.
Question 1. Where was Hamelin?
Answer: A town called Hamelin was in north Germany.
In simple words: Hamelin was a town located in north Germany.

🎯 Exam Tip: Directly state geographical locations as provided in the introductory sentences of the passage.

Question 2. Why were the people of Hamelin afraid of rats?
Answer: The town was over-run with rats. The people were afraid of rats because they were so big that they used to fight the dogs, kill the cats and bite the babies in cradles.
In simple words: They were afraid because the huge rats fought dogs, killed cats, and bit babies.

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide specific details about the threat that caused the fear, as described in the passage.

Question 3. Why did the people of the town go to the town hall?
Answer: The people went to the town hall to request the Major to do something to rid them of the rats.
In simple words: They went to the town hall to ask the Mayor for help with the rat infestation.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the purpose or motivation behind a collective action by the townspeople.

Question 4. What did they do to get rid of the rats?
Answer: The people agreed to pay stall man more than he demanded as he assured them to rid their town of rats.
In simple words: They agreed to pay a man a large sum of gold to get rid of the rats.

🎯 Exam Tip: Describe the solution or plan of action devised to address the problem in the narrative.

Question 5. Explain the italicized words in the passage.
Answer:
to rid them - free them from.
from heel to head - from top to bottom.
In simple words: "To rid them" means to free them from something, and "from heel to head" means covering the entire body, from bottom to top.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define each phrase clearly, ensuring the explanation matches its contextual meaning in the passage.

Question 6. Give a suitable title to the above passage.
Answer: Riddance of Hamelin of rats.
In simple words: The central conflict and resolution of the passage revolve around the removal of rats from Hamelin.

🎯 Exam Tip: A strong title should summarize the main problem and its eventual solution, if applicable, in the narrative.

(9) Read the following passage carefully and on the basis of your reading answer the questions given below it :
Can man fly like birds? No, he can't. But a man can sit in an aeroplane and fly. An aeroplane is like a bird. Birds can move their tails from one side to the other and they can also move their wings up and down. An aeroplane has two wings and a tail. It can move its tail, but cannot move its wings. Some aeroplanes are big and some are small. Big aeroplanes have four engines and they travel long distances in a short time. Small aeroplanes have only one or two engines and they don't travel very fast. Some big aeroplanes have seats for a hundred or a hundred and fifty passengers. A very big aeroplane carries four to five hundred people. Do you want to fly? You can't fly with wings. But you can become a pilot and fly an aeroplane.
Difficult Words: aeroplane = हवाई जहाज, wings = पंखे, travel = यात्रा, distance = दूरी, short time = कम समय, very fast = बहुत तेज, passenger = यात्री, carries = ले जाना, fly = उड़ना।
Questions.
Question 1. Can a man fly like birds? Why?
Answer: No, man cannot fly like birds. Birds have wings and they fly with their help but man does not have wings.
In simple words: No, humans cannot fly like birds because they lack natural wings.

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide a direct "yes/no" answer, then clearly state the reason given in the text.

Question 2. Can a man fly? How?
Answer: Yes, man can fly. He can sit in an aeroplane and fly.
In simple words: Yes, a man can fly by using an aeroplane.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between natural ability and technological assistance when answering questions about human capabilities.

Question 3. Is an aeroplane different from a bird? How?
Answer: Yes, an aeroplane is different from a bird. An aeroplane has two wings and a tail, it can move its tail but it cannot move its wings. That is the difference.”
In simple words: Yes, an aeroplane differs from a bird because while it has wings and a tail, only its tail moves, not its wings.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight specific anatomical or functional differences when comparing two similar entities.

Question 4. What are the differences between a big aeroplane and a small aeroplane?
Answer: A big aeroplane has four engines and it can travel long distances in a short interval of time. A small aeroplane has only one or two engines and it does not travel very fast.
In simple words: Big aeroplanes have four engines, travel fast and far, while small ones have fewer engines and are slower.

🎯 Exam Tip: Organize comparative information into clear distinctions for better clarity.

Question 5. Explain the italicized words in the passage.
Answer:
long distances - places of destination located very far away.
Passengers - travellers.
In simple words: "Long distances" refers to locations far away, and "passengers" are people who travel.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define each italicized term with a simple synonym or a brief descriptive phrase.

Question 6. Give a suitable title to the above passage.
Answer: Importance of Aeroplanes.
In simple words: The passage primarily describes aeroplanes and their capabilities, highlighting their role in travel.

🎯 Exam Tip: Choose a title that reflects the main subject being extensively described or discussed.

(10) Read the following passage carefully and on the basis of your reading answer the questions given below it :
Pratap took a vow that until Chittore was recovered, he would lead a hard life. He would not use gold and silver dishes at meal, he would use the leaves of trees instead. His bed would be of straw and he would not shave his beard. He ordered that no one should plough the fields and no crops should be grown in the country. He showed greatest valour in the battle of Haldighati. With a small body of twenty two thousand Rajputs, he fought against the huge army of the Mughal Emperor Akbar and made himself immortal. So he is honoured even today for his spirit and sacrifice.
Difficult Words: vow = प्रतिज्ञा, lead = व्यतीत करना, hard life = कठिन जीवन, leaves = पत्तियाँ, straw = चारा, beard = दाढ़ी, ordered = आज्ञा दिया, plough the field = खेत में हल चलाना, crop = फसल, battle = युद्ध, huge army = विशाल सेना, emperor = सम्राट, self = स्वयं, immortal = अमर, honoured = सम्मान किया, sacrifice = त्याग।
Questions.
Question 1. What vow did Pratap take?
Answer: Pratap took the vow that he would lead a hard life until Chittore was recovered. He would not use gold and silver dishes at meal. He would use bed of straw.
In simple words: Pratap vowed to live austerely until Chittore was recovered, using simple dishes and a straw bed.

🎯 Exam Tip: List all specific conditions and practices included in a vow as stated in the text.

Question 2. What orders did Pratap give?
Answer: Pratap gave the orders that no one should plough the fields and no crops should be grown in the country.
In simple words: Pratap ordered that no fields should be ploughed and no crops grown in the country.

🎯 Exam Tip: Precisely state the commands or instructions issued by the character, as found in the passage.

Question 3. With how many soldiers did he fight against the army of Akbar?
Answer: He fought against the huge army of Akbar with a small army of only twenty two thousand soldiers.
In simple words: He fought Akbar's vast army with only twenty-two thousand soldiers.

🎯 Exam Tip: Extract specific numerical details when a question asks for quantities or numbers.

Question 4. Why is Pratap honoured even today?
Answer: Pratap is honoured even today for his spirit of sacrifice and valour.
In simple words: He is honored today for his courage and willingness to sacrifice.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the core virtues or actions that earned lasting recognition for the character.

Question 5. Explain the italicized words in the passage.
Answer:
Valour - bravery
Spirit of sacrifice - the will to lose anything for honour's sake.
In simple words: "Valour" means bravery, and "spirit of sacrifice" refers to the readiness to give up something for honor.

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide clear synonyms or concise definitions that capture the essence of the italicized terms.

Question 6. Give a suitable title to the above passage.
Answer: Pratap's spirit of sacrifice.
In simple words: The passage's central theme highlights Pratap's unwavering dedication and willingness to sacrifice for his kingdom.

🎯 Exam Tip: A good title should reflect the predominant character trait or theme emphasized in the passage.

(11) Read the following passage carefully and on the basis of your reading answer the questions given below it :
Lions usually are among the foolest of creatures and by reason of their love of dead flesh and their habit of returning to their victims again and again after being driven away, they are fairly easy to poison when they become troublesome. Poison, therefore, is the most effective weapon to use against them. Man -eaters, as a rule, however, are extremely difficult to destroy by their method; their meeting with man seems to fill them with an unusual cunning. The most striking example I know of this cunning of a man-eater is connected with a panther, which was killed in the Garhwal district of the lower Himalayas, but not until it had terrorised the place for seven years and during this time had killed 125 persons. Every method which the skill of man could think of failed. This terrible man-eater was at last shot-dead by a European man, who sat up mightly for ten weeks till he got his chance.
Difficult Words: usually = सामान्यतः, creatures = जीव, reason = कारण, victims = शिकार, again and again = बार-बार, easy = आसान, poison = जहर, effective = प्रभावशाली, weapon = औजार, use = प्रयोग, extremely = अत्यधिक, difficult = कठिन, destroy = नष्ट करना, method = विधि, cunning = चालबाज, example = उदाहरण, district = जनपद, terrorised = आतंकित किया, terrible = भयानक।
Questions.
Question 1. Why are the lions the most foolish of creatures?
Answer: The lions are regarded the most foolish creatures they are habitual of returning to their victims again and again. So they are easy to poison.
In simple words: Lions are considered foolish because their habit of repeatedly returning to their victims makes them vulnerable to poisoning.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect the stated characteristic (foolishness) to the specific behavior described as its cause.

Question 2. Why do they return to their victim again and again?
Answer: The lions return to their victims again and again because of their love for dead flesh.
In simple words: They return repeatedly due to their preference for dead flesh.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the underlying motivation or natural inclination for a repeated action.

Question 3. What is the most effective weapon to get rid of a lion?
Answer: Poison is the most effective weapon to get rid of a troublesome lion.
In simple words: Poison is the most effective method for eliminating a problematic lion.

🎯 Exam Tip: State the explicitly mentioned most effective method for dealing with the problem.

Question 4. How many persons did the panther of Garhwal kill?
Answer: The panther of Garhwal killed 125 persons.
In simple words: The Garhwal panther killed 125 people.

🎯 Exam Tip: Extract precise numerical information when asked for a specific count.

Question 5. Explain the italicized words in the passage.
Answer:
Usually - most of ten
In simple words: "Usually" means most of the time or ordinarily.

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide a common synonym or a brief definition for the italicized adverb.

Question 6. Give a suitable title to the above passage.
Answer: The lions becoming man-eaters.
In simple words: The passage discusses the characteristics and dangers of man-eating lions and panthers.

🎯 Exam Tip: A good title should encompass the primary subject matter and any significant transformation or behavior discussed.

(12) Read the following passage carefully and on the basis of your reading answer the questions given below it :
Gandhiji was not against machines. He believed that a machine is good if it serves man, but it is harmful when it seeks to master him. He was against the large scale use of machines, because he wanted to utilize the immense man power and cattle power of India. He was completely in favour of village and cottage industries so that people could employ their own resources to improve their economic condition. Gandhiji was a believer in self-dependence so that people might not rely upon a British and foreign aid for their prosperity. The revival of hand-spinning and hand weaving industry in our country shook the foundation of the British Empire. Another reason of Gandhiji's dislike for machines was that large scale production has the tendency of concentrating wealth in a few hands.
Difficult Words: believed = विश्वास किया, harmful = हानिकारक, scale = पैमाना, utilize = प्रयोग करना, immense = अत्यधिक, power = शक्ति, completely = पूर्णतया, favour = पक्ष, cottage = झोपड़ी, industries = उद्योग-धन्धे, resources = संसाधन, improve = सुधारना, prosperity = वैभव, foundation = आधार, production = उत्पादन, concentrating = इकट्ठा करना।
Questions.
Question 1. What was Gandhiji's belief about machines?
Answer: According to Gandhiji a machine is good if it serves man but it is harmful when it seeks to master him.
In simple words: Gandhiji believed machines are beneficial if they serve humanity, but detrimental if they control it.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state the two-sided perspective or condition for a belief, as expressed in the text.

Question 2. Why was Gandhiji against the large scale use of machines?
Answer: Gandhiji was against the large scale use of machines because he wanted to utilize the immense man power and cattle of India.
In simple words: He opposed large-scale machine use to promote employment and leverage India's vast human and animal labor.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the economic and social reasons Gandhiji had for his stance against widespread mechanization.

Question 3. Why was Gandhiji completely in favour of village and cottage industries?
Answer: Gandhiji was in favour of village and cottage industries so that people could employ their own resources to improve their economic condition.
In simple words: He favored them to enable people to use local resources for economic betterment.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the positive outcomes and empowerment aspects associated with his support for village industries.

Question 4. What shook the foundation of the British Empire?
Answer: The revival of hand-spinning and hand-weaving industry in our country shook the foundation of the British Empire.
In simple words: The resurgence of hand-spinning and hand-weaving industries weakened the British Empire.

🎯 Exam Tip: Extract the specific historical or economic event identified as having a significant impact.

Question 5. Explain the italicized words in the passage.
Answer:
Revival - the process of something being made popular again.
Concentrating - bringing something together at one place.
In simple words: "Revival" means making something popular again, and "concentrating" means gathering things in one place.

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide concise definitions for each italicized term, focusing on their process or action.

Question 6. Give a suitable title to the above passage.
Answer: Machines – Our Servants, Not Masters.
In simple words: The passage outlines Gandhiji's philosophy on machines, advocating their use as tools rather than masters.

🎯 Exam Tip: A thematic title should capture the core principle or philosophy discussed regarding the main subject.

(13) Read the following passage carefully and on the basis of your reading answer the questions given below it :
The Himalayas are beautiful mountains to the North India. They stretch for two thousands miles from Kashmir to Assam. Some of the world's highest peaks are in the Himalayas. The highest peak is Mount Everest. The tops of the mountains are covered with snow throughout the year. Therefore, we call them the Himalayas or 'the abode of snow'. There are many beautiful lakes and forests in the Himalayas. Many passages connect India with Tibet, Turkistan and Afghanistan. Many rivers, the Ganga, the Yamuna, the Brahmaputra and the Beas flow from these mountains. The climate and the scenery of these mountains are so charming that people have built many hill stations there. Many visitors go to the hill stations for pleasure and relaxation.
Difficult Words: beautiful = सुन्दर, mountain = पर्वत, stretch = फैलाना, highest peak = सबसे ऊँची चोटी, covered = ढका हुआ, the abode of snow = बर्फ का घर, lakes = झीलें, connect = जोड़ना, charming = सुन्दर, built = बनाया, visitors = दर्शक, pleasure = आनन्द, relaxation = राहत।
Questions.
Question 1. How far do the beautiful mountains of the Himalayas stretch?
Answer: The beautiful mountains of the Himalayas stretch for two thousand miles from Kashmir to Assam.
In simple words: The Himalayas extend two thousand miles from Kashmir to Assam.

🎯 Exam Tip: Extract specific numerical and geographical details when asked about extent or range.

Question 2. What other name is given to the mountains of the Himalayas?
Answer: The other name given to the mountains of the Himalayas is 'the abode of snow'.
In simple words: The Himalayas are also known as 'the abode of snow'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for alternative names or descriptive phrases explicitly used in the passage for the subject.

Question 3. What does the word 'Himalayas' stand for?
Answer: The word 'Himalayas' means the abode of snow.
In simple words: 'Himalayas' literally means "abode of snow."

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide the direct translation or meaning of the word as given in the text.

Question 4. Why do the visitors go to the hill stations?
Answer: The visitors go to hill stations for pleasure and relaxation. They enjoy the beautiful scenes of nature there.
In simple words: Visitors go to hill stations for enjoyment, relaxation, and to appreciate natural beauty.

🎯 Exam Tip: List all stated reasons for an action or destination, including both primary and secondary motivations.

Question 5. Explain the italicized words in the passage.
Answer:
Stretch - spread over
The abode of snow - the place of living or stay of snow.
In simple words: "Stretch" means to spread over an area, and "the abode of snow" refers to a place where snow resides or prevails.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define each italicized term or phrase with an equivalent simple meaning or description.

Question 6. Give a suitable title to the above passage.
Answer: The Himalayas.
In simple words: The passage comprehensively describes the Himalayas, covering their features and significance.

🎯 Exam Tip: Choose a title that directly names the primary subject of the entire passage.

(14) Read the following passage carefully and on the basis of your reading answer the questions given below it :
Of all the Mughal Emperors, Akbar is the most secular in the sense that while other Mughal emperors thought of their religion, sect or tribe, Akbar treated all the religions equally. To him, the Hindus were as dear as the Muslims. He initiated a religion by the name of “Deen-e-Elahi”. He had many Hindu kings as his friends. His 'nine jewels' are quite famous. Pandit Nehru has showered lavish praise on Akbar.
Difficult Words: emperor = सम्राट, secular = धर्म निरपेक्ष, religion = धर्म, equally = समान रूप से, dear = प्रिय, initiated = चलाया, many = बहुत, king = राजा, nine-jewels = नवरत्न, famous = प्रसिद्ध, praise = प्रशंसा।
Questions.
Question 1. In what sense was Akbar the most secular?
Answer: Akbar was the most secular Mughal Emperor in the sense that he treated all the religious equally while other Mughal Emperor thought of their own religion, sect or tribe.
In simple words: Akbar was secular because he treated all religions equally, unlike other emperors who favored their own.

🎯 Exam Tip: Directly quote or paraphrase the passage's explanation for a specific characteristic.

Question 2. Who has showered lavish praise on Akbar?
Answer: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru has showered lavish praise on Akbar.
In simple words: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru greatly praised Akbar.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the specific individual mentioned in connection with an action or sentiment.

Question 3. How did he treat the people of other religions?
Answer: He treated the followers of all the religious equally and there was no distinction of any type.
In simple words: He treated everyone from all religions equally, without any discrimination.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the aspects of equality and non-discrimination when describing treatment of different groups.

Question 4. Name the religion Akbar initiated.
Answer: Akbar initiated a new religion called "Deen-e-Elahi”.
In simple words: Akbar started a religion named "Deen-e-Elahi."

🎯 Exam Tip: Directly state the name of the entity or concept requested in the question.

Question 5. Explain the italicized words in the passage.
Answer:
Initiated - started
Nine jewels - nine distinguished courtiers.
In simple words: "Initiated" means started, and "Nine jewels" refers to nine distinguished courtiers.

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide concise synonyms or clear explanations for each italicized term, distinguishing between simple words and specific historical references.

Question 6. Give a suitable title to the above passage.
Answer: Akbar - The Most Secular Mughal Emperor.
In simple words: The passage primarily highlights Akbar's unique secular approach among Mughal emperors.

🎯 Exam Tip: The title should capture the main individual and their most distinguishing characteristic discussed in the text.

(15) Read the following passage carefully and on the basis of your reading answer the questions given below it :
A nation does not live by its big factories, dams or buildings. During the hundred years of foreign rule, our moral character was shaken. Now students are still in the process of training. It is their sacred duty to build up their character.They must learn from the very beginning the lessons of self help, self-reliance and self-sacrifice. These are the essential qualities of character which they must acquire. The time has come now when competition must give way to co-operation in every walk of life. Students must learn to co-operate with each-other in their class-rooms, on the playground and in other activities of life. For them, no duty is of greater importance than the development of character.
Difficult Words: buildings = इमारतें, foreign = विदेशी, character = चरित्र, process = प्रक्रिया, sacred = पवित्र, build = बनाना, self-reliance = आत्मनिर्भरता, self-sacrifice = आत्म-त्याग, qualities = गुणों, acquire = प्राप्त करना, competition = प्रतियोगिता, co-operation = सहयोग, activities = क्रियाकलाप, importance = महत्त्व, development = विकास ।
Questions.
Question 1. What makes a nation great?
Answer: Strong character of citizens make a nation great.
In simple words: A nation's greatness stems from the strong moral character of its citizens.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the intangible qualities emphasized as foundational for national strength, rather than material assets.

Question 2. Why was our moral character shaken during the last hundred years?
Answer: During the hundred years of foreign.
In simple words: The nation's moral character was weakened during a century of foreign rule.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the specific historical period or event cited as the cause for a societal change.

Question 3. Point out the main duty of the students.
Answer: The main duty of the students is to build up their character.
In simple words: The primary responsibility of students is to develop their character.

🎯 Exam Tip: Locate explicit statements in the passage that define the "sacred duty" or "main duty" of students.

Question 4. What should the students try to learn from the very beginning?
Answer: From the very beginning the students must learn the lessons of self-help, self-reliance and self sacrifice.
In simple words: Students should learn self-help, self-reliance, and self-sacrifice from an early age.

🎯 Exam Tip: List the specific virtues or principles that the passage emphasizes for early learning.

Question 5. Explain the italicized words in the passage.
Answer:
Shaken - upset, made unstable
Acquire - achieve.
In simple words: "Shaken" means to be upset or made unstable, and "acquire" means to achieve or obtain.

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide a synonym or a brief, context-appropriate definition for each italicized verb.

Question 6. Give a suitable title to the above passage.
Answer: Development of character.
In simple words: The passage strongly advocates for the cultivation of character as a foundational element for both individuals and the nation.

🎯 Exam Tip: A concise title should highlight the central theme, which in this case is the importance of character building.