Passage 3

1.Mankind's fascination with gold is as old as civilisation itself. The ancient Egyptians held gold in high
esteem. Gold had religious significance for them and King Tutankhamen was buried in a solid gold coffin
3300 years ago. The wandering Israelites worshipped a golden calf and the legendary King Midas asked
that whatever he touched be turned into gold.

2. Not only is gold beautiful, but it is virtually indestructible It will not rust or corrode. Gold coins and
products fabricated from the metal have survived undamaged for centuries. Gold is extremely easy to
work with. One ounce, which is about the size of a cube of sugar, can be beaten into a sheet nearly 100
square feet in size and becomes so thin that light can pass through it. An ounce of gold can also be
stretched into a wire 50 miles long. Gold conducts electricity better than any other substance except
copper and silver and it is particularly important in modern electronic industry.

3. People have always longed to possess gold. Unfortunately, this longing has also brought out the worst
in human character. The Spanish conquerors robbed palaces, temples and graves and killed thousands
of people in their ruthless search for gold. Even today, the economy of South Africa's gold mines depend
largely on the employment of black labourers who are paid about 40 pounds a month, plus boarding and
lodging. They work in conditions that can only be described as cruel. About 400 miners die in South
Africa each year.

4. Much of the gold's value lies in its scarcity. Only about 80,000 tons have been mined in the history of
the world. All of it can be stored in a vault 60 feet square, or a super tanker. Great Britain was the first
country to adopt the gold standard, when the Master of the Mint, Sir Issac Newton, established a fixed
price for gold in 1717. The discovery of gold in the last half of the nineteenth century in California,
(1848) and later in Australia and South Africa changed everything. Before the discovery, there wasn't
enough gold around for all the trading nations to link their currencies to the precious metal

5. An out-of-work prospector named George Harrison launched South Africa into the gold age in 1886
when he discovered the metal in a farm near what is now Johannesburg. Harrison was given a 12
pounds reward by the farmer. He then disappeared and was eaten by a lion.

6. One of the biggest gold mining areas in the Soviet Union is the Kolyma River region, once infamous for
its prison camp. The camp has gone, but in a way nothing has changed. Many ex-prisoners have stayed
on to work in the mines and are supervised by ex-guards
7. Despite the current rush to buy gold, 75 percent of the metal goes into making jewellery. Italy is the
biggest consumer of gold for this purpose, and many Italian jewellers even tear up their wooden floors
and burn them to recover the tiny flecks of gold. Historically, the desire to hoard gold at home has been
primarily an occupation of the working and peasant classes, who have had no faith in paper money.
George Bernard Shaw defended their instincts eloquently, "You have to choose between trusting the
natural stability of the honesty and intelligence of the members of the government," he said "and with
due respect to these gentlemen, I advise to vote for gold."

Questions

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.

1. When was King Tutankhamen buried?

(a) 1717

(b) 1886

(c) 3300 years ago

(d) 1848

2. Why did Egyptians hold gold in great esteem?

(a) Because it is a good conductor of electricity.

(b) Because of its religious significance.

(c) For lovely gold ornaments

(d) Because it is indestructible.

3. According to the passage, which of the following statements is not true?

(a) Gold is the best conductor of electricity

(b) Apart from gold, copper and silver are good conductors of electricity.

(c) Gold can be easily beaten, hence it is easy to work with.

(d) Gold plays an important role in the modern electronics industry

4. Select the option that displays what the writer projects, with reference to the following.

The wandering Israelites worshipped a golden calf

(a) importance of religion

(b) importance of the metal

(c) good conductor

(d) can replace money

5. How were the black labourers exploited?

6. Complete the following with the phrase from Paragraph 1.

Opinion

Reason

King Tutankhamen was buried in a solid gold coffin 3300 years ago.

7. Based on your reading of the text, list 2 reasons why the writer says that,

Not only is gold beautiful but it is virtually indestructible.

8. Who launched South Africa into the gold age?

(a) Issac Newton

(b) George Harrison

(c) George Bernard Shaw

(d) A farmer

9. Select the option that corresponds to the relationship between the underlined words is the following
sentence.

The ancient Egyptians and the modern electronic industry both hold gold in high esteem.

(a) The hardworking student came first because of his diligent practice

(b) Honesty is underrated whereas strategy is appreciated

(c) The vibrant colours made the interiors look luminosas

(d) The steaming food was both appetising and tasty

10. Supply one point to justify the following. The desire to hoard gold at home has been primarily an
occupation of the working and peasant classes.

Passage 4

1. If you're like most kids, you may love snow. Not only can it get you out of school, but it's also fun to
play with. Who doesn't love to sled and build snowmen? Snow can also be dangerous, too you may have
heard your parents talk about how difficult it can be to drive in snow. Car accidents aren't the only
dangers created by snow. If you're ever skiing in the mountains, you'll want to be aware of avalanches.
An avalanche is a sudden flow of snow down a slope, such as a mountain. The amount of snow in an
avalanche will vary based on many things, but it can be such a huge pile that it can bury the bottom of a
slope in dozens of feet of snow.

2. Avalanches can be caused by many things. Some of them are natural. For example, new snow or rain
can cause built up snow to loosen and fall down the side of a mountain Earthquakes and the movement
of animals have also been known to cause avalanches. Artificial triggers can also cause avalanches. For
example, snowmobiles, skiers, gunshots and explosives have all been known to cause avalanches.
Avalanches usually occur during the winter and spring, when snowfall is greatest. As they are dangerous
to any living beings in their path, avalanches have destroyed forests, roads railroads and even entire
town.

3. Warning signs exist that allow experts to predict-and often prevent avalanches from occurring. When
over a foot of fresh snow falls experts known to be on the lookout for avalanches. Explosives can be
used in places with massive snow build-up to trigger smaller avalanches that don't pose a danger to
persons or property. When deadly avalanches do occur, the moving snow can quickly reach over 80
miles per hour. Skiers caught in such avalanches can be buried under dozens of feet of snow. While it's
possible dig out of such avalanches, not all are able to escape.

4. If you get tossed about by an avalanche and find yourself buried under many feet of snow, you might
not have a true sense of which way is up and which way out, only to find that they were upside down
and digging themselves farther under the snow rather than to the top. Experts suggest that people
caught in an avalanche try to 'swim' to the top of the moving snow to stay close to the surface. Once the
avalanche stops, do your best to dig around you to create a space for air. so you can breathe easier.
Then, do your best to figure out which way is up and dig in that direction to reach the surface and signal
rescuers.
CBSE 2023

Questions

Based on your understanding to the passage, answer the questions given below.

1. Complete the sentence by choosing an appropriate option.

Avalanche can be caused by

(a) new snow or rain

(b) heavy winds

(c) high altitude

(d) global warming

2. Comment on warning signs exist which allow experts to predict avalanches in two sentences.

3. Mention two reasons which destroyed the natural scenery.

4. Select the option that conveys the opposite of 'massive'.

(a) Tiny

(b) Lengthy

(c) Bulky

(d) Extensive

5. The writer will agree with which of the given statements (Paragraph 4)?

(a) People caught in the Avalanche can try to swim to the top.

(b) Put on an oxygen Mask.

(c) Digging in not possible.

(d) Should not come close to the surface.

6. Select the option that corresponds to the following relation below. Competency Based

You may not have an idea of which way is up and which way is down.

(a) The crowd will gather at Gate No. 1 and dispetas from Gate No.2

(b) Due to the torrential rain, there was a heavy flooding

(c) The guest felt uneasy and uncomfortable watching the child's performance.

(d) The mors the effort, the bigger the gain

7. Which of the following causes do not trigger an avalanche?

(a) Earthquakes

(b) Snow fall

(c) Rain

(d) Plastic waste

8. Explosives can be used in places (Complete the sentence.)

9. The world deadly' in the Paragraph 3 most nearly means

(a) likely to cause death

(b) harmful

(c) vary boring

(d) scary

10. Select the most suitable title for the above passage.

(a) Avalanches

(c) Ice Games

(b) Adventure with Snow

(d) Calamity
PASSAGE 5

1. Organic food is very popular these days. It can also be very expensive. Some organic food costs twice
as much as non-organic food. Parents of young children and even some pet owners, will pay high prices
for organic food if they think it is healthier. But many others think organic food is just a waste of money.

2. There is one main difference between organic and non-organic food. Organic farms do not use
agricultural chemicals such as pesticides that stop insects from damaging crops. In many countries,
foods that claim to be organic must have special labels that guarantee they're grown organically.

3. Some people think organic also means 'locally grown' and originally it was indeed true. But over a
period of time organic farming has become a big business, with many organic foods now being grown by
large agricultural companies that sell their products far from where they're grown. Processed food made
with organic ingredients has also become more popular. At first, only small companies produced these
products. But as demand overtook supply, big food companies that had been selling non-organic
products for many years also began selling organic products.

4. Is organic food safer and more nutritious? This is an important part of the debate. Many farmers and
consumers believe it is safer and more nutritious. They think agricultural chemicals can cause serious
illnesses such as cancer but there isn't much evidence proving this is true. However, recent studies have
shown that eating organically-grown produce reduces your chances of developing heart diseases. Many
doctors think it is more important to stop dangerous bacteria from contaminating foods. These bacteria
can contaminate both organic and non-organic fruits and vegetables, and doctors recommend washing
produce carefully before eating it. Meat, fish and chicken can also become contaminated so washing
your hands before handling these foods is also very important.

CBSE 2023

Questions

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.

1. People are willing to pay high prices for organic food because

(a) it is not easily available

(b) it helps in weight loss.

(c) it is produced by small companies.

(d) it does not contain agricultural chemicals

2. Select the option that displays what the writer

projects with reference to the following. Is organic food safer and more nutritious? This is an Important
part of the debate.
(a) Denial

(b) Confirmation

(c) Caution

(d) Acceptance

3. Complete the following with a phrase from paragraph 3.

Opinion

Big food companies have started selling organic food products.

Reason

4. The writer contrasts organic food to non-organic food.

State one point of comparison between the two.

5. Based on your reading of the text, list one benefit of eating organic food.

6. What connect does the writer draw between contamination of food and washing hands?

7. The writer says that people believe that it is safer and more nutritious to eat organic food. Select the
reason for his skeptical view.

Competency Based

(a) The price decides the popularity.

(b) There is no confirmed evidence.

(c) It is tastier.

(d) It is marketed by big food companies.

8. Supply one point to justify the following.

Some people think organic also means 'locally grown'.

9. Supply one method of how we can control the contamination of organic and non-organic food.

10. List one factor that certifies food to be organic.

The Question Paper contains THREE sections

Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.

Section A: READING SKILLS

(READING COMPREHENSION THROUGH UNSEEN PASSAGES)

Read the passage carefully.

1. Hobbies help us grow as a person. The best way to have a new hobby is to try something new. All of
us are unique, and that is why our hobbies and interests are different. Once we find an activity we are
passionate about, we can explore that activity more. When you get hooked, you will realize that your
hobby has become an integral part of your life. Having a hobby that we enjoy brings us joy and refreshes
us. Hobbies help us to manage our leisure and unplanned time more productively. It also affords you the
opportunity to learn new skills in your work. But these are not the only benefits of having a hobby.

2. It feels great to be skilled and good at something, doesn't it? And this is what that makes you
confident. It can take some time to develop your hobby so that you may be able to tell that you are
skilled. But, the journey of experiencing your hobby is very rewarding in itself. With the exposure to
different types of activities these days, it doesn't matter which activity you choose. Whether you are
pursuing a craft, sports, puzzles, or skill development, your hobby should be a diversion and a passion.
Simultaneously, if your hobby gives you a sense of purpose, then you will be more confident about
challenging yourself in your hobby and help you prepare for learning new things at work. 3. Hobbies give
you an opportunity to enhance your life. Hobbies allow you to de-stress yourself while remaining
mentally productive. Having hobbies promotes better health and may lower the risk of having high
blood pressure. Enjoying a few hours of your hobby a week can also reduce the risk of depression and
dementia. Hobbies refocus your mind on to something that you enjoy doing. Hobbies that include
physical activities create chemical changes. in your body that help to reduce stress.

4. Even if it doesn't involve physical activities, you can still reap the benefits of having a hobby. Getting a
short break from work and doing something you are passionate about can rejuvenate your mind and
help prepare you to handle challenges in the future in a better way.

5. Hobbies may provide an opportunity for you to socialize with people and that can be an additional
benefit for your overall well-being. You can connect with people who enjoy doing the same things that
you do. You can meet new people, discuss your hobby and get connected to a bigger circle that may
even help you turn your hobby into your profession. The internet provides numerous groups and forums
to connect with people that enjoy doing the same things you want to do.

6. Some hobbies require creativity and if you develop creativity through your hobby, it can be beneficial.
Creativity can help you experience new things at school and work. The skill of being creative is essential
in today's world.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions that follow. (a) Which of the
following statements is a way through which hobbies enhance your life?

() May lower the risk of having high blood pressure

(ii) Reduce the risk of depression and dementia

(ii) Distract the mind from other useless problems

(iv) Promote better stamina to fight

(b) What are, according to the author, benefits of having hobbies?

(c) Complete the following sentence appropriately.

If your hobby provides you

in your hobby and help you prepare for learning new things at work.

1487 words

then you will be more confident about challenging yourself

(iv) Captivated

(d) Choose an option from (i) to (iv), that is clearly a synonym of the word 'hooked".

(i) Opposed

(ii) Indifferent

(iv) Willing

(e) Complete the following sentence appropriately.

We can say that the skill of being

(f) What does a person realize when he gets hooked on a hobby?

Practice Tests 221

is essential in today's world.

(g) What is realized by Roshan when he gets hooked on his hobby? Roshan realizes that:

(i) Hobby has become an integral part of our life.

(ii) Hobby has much more benefits than we realized.

(iii) It is much more enjoyable to have a hobby.

(iv) It is quite essential for us to learn some skills through our hobbies.

(h) No matter which sort of hobby you are pursuing, be it a craft, sports, puzzles or skill development!
Your hobby should be........

(i) useful for you in the long run

(ii) a skill that improves your present circumstances

(iii) a diversion and a passion

(iv) followed through till the end