WBBSE 10th Class English Solutions – Reading Comprehension
WBBSE 10th Class English Solutions – Reading Comprehension
West Bengal Board 10th Class English Solutions – Reading Comprehension
WBBSE 10th Class English Solutions
WORKED-OUT EXAMPLES
PASSAGE – 1
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
So finally, It’s Bagbazar, and not Pahala. The Bengali rosogolla epitomised by the creative toils of Bagbazar’s Nobin Chandra Das in 1868-got a Geographical Indications (GI) tag on Tuesday, which proves beyond doubt that the sweet is a product of Bengal. All claims by Pahala, the Odisha town that produces another, heavier variety, to being the father of the rosogolla can now be consigned to the dustbin of history.
Tuesday’s victory didn’t come easy though. Bengalis have always considered the rosogolla to be their own-much like mishti doi and sandesh-but it was in July 2015 when the Odisha government had quietly filed for Gl registration for the Pahala rosogolla. Though the application got rejected, the descendants of Nobin Chandra Das decided it was time to gather proof that the sweet belongs to Kolkata and Bengal.
Dhiman Das, the great-great-grandson of Nobin Chandra das, took the help of food historian Haripada Bhowmik, who had written a book on the history of Kolkata sweets back in 2006. The State Government of West Bengal move supported the move.
Haripada was thrilled at the opportunity. The initial search was for the oldest reference to the rosogolla in ancient Bengal texts. “Since rosogolla is made with chhana, I had to trace the origin of Indian cottage cheese,” he added. He found references to it in Chaitanya Charitamrita, one of the primary biographies detailing the life and teachings of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu from the 15th century. “Since milk is curdled to produce chhana, it is not thought fit to be offered to the gods as bhog. It was only during the time of Sri Chaitanya that chhana became part of regular food in Bengal. But it was still seen with suspicion in the rest of the country,” said Haripada.
The Odisha government claims that the rosogolla has been served as bhog at the Jagannath temple for centuries “Sri Chaitanya went to Odisha and introduced chhana there. A sweet named kheermohan used to be offered to Lord Jagannath, but that has a completely different recipe,” added Haripada.
Mahua Homchowdhury, senior scientist at the Patent Information Centre, said that apart from the documents, the state government had to do a chemical analysis of the rosogolla to understand the making of it. “It was a hectic job, but the dispute has finally been settled,” she said.
(Adapted from The Times of India, November 15, 2017)
Write the correct alternative to complete the following sentences:
1. Odisha’s rosogolla-like sweet is usually produced in-
A. Rosogolla
B. Pantua
C. Kheermohan
D. Pahala
2. Nobin Chandra Das made rosogolla for the first time in-
A. 2006
B. 2015
C. 1868
D. 1968
3. Haripada Bhowmik is a-
A. historian
B. chemist
C. globe-trotter
C. scientist
4. To produce chhana, milk is to be-
A. boiled
B. curdled
C. refrigerated
D. sweetened
5. Chhana became part of regular food in Bengal only in-
A. the 21st century
B. the 20th century
C. the 15th century
D. the 16th century
6. Odisha government filed for GI registration of their rosogolla-like sweet in-
A. 2015
B. 2014
C. 2013
D. 2000
True or False
1. Nobin Chandra Das lived in Bagbazar, Kolkata.
Ans. True
2. Rosogolla has never been served as bhog at the Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha.
Ans. True
3. Chaitanya Charitamrita is a primary biography of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
Ans. True
Answer the following questions:
1. What do Mahua Homchowdhury do?
Ans. Mahua Homchowdhury is a senior scientist at the Patent Information Centre.
2. How is Dhiman Das related with the inventor of rosogolla?
Ans. Dhiman Das is the great-great-grandson of Nobin Chandra Das, the inventor of rosogolla.
3. Why was any product made with chhana not offerred to any Indian god as bhog?
Ans. Since milk is curdled to produce chhana, it is not thought fit to be offered to the gods as bhog.
4. Tick the most appropriate title for the passage:
(i) Settlement of a Dispute
(ii) Bengal Vs. Odisha
(iii) Rosogolla Belongs to Bengal
(iv) History of Bengal and Odisha
Ans. (iii) Rosogolla Belongs to Bengal
PASSAGE – 2
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
New Delhi: Khichdi, a traditional Indian dish made of rice, lentils and spices, will be promoted as “Brand India Food” globally. The dish will be unveiled as an Indian “super food” at the global food show, World Food India, which is being organised by the ministry of food processing industries along with Cll.
In a bid to popularize Indian cuisine internationally, Great India Food Street shall attempt to create a world record of “Brand India Khichdi” at the event on November 4. Over 800 kg of khichdi will be cooked live in an attempt to create the record. A giant ‘kadhai’ (frying pan) 7 feet in diameter and with a capacity of 1,000 litres will be used for slow steam-cooking.
Renowned chef Sanjeev Kapoor, who has been roped in as brand ambassador of the Great India Food Street for the three-day event, will lead the show with the help of over 50 people.
The khichdi prepared will be distributed to ambassadors and other dignitaries at the Conference. It shall also be distributed to the heads of foreign missions in India along with its recipe.
“Khichdi is the wonder staple food of India and is considered the healthiest prepared food in India. It is consumed across the length and breadth of the country by the rich and the poor alike and by all Indians regardless of caste, creed, colour, faith or religion,” said Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal.
Brand India Food Khichdi symbolizes India’s great culture of unity in diversity at its best. Khichdi is a food that is prepared in all states of India alike and it unites India. And what better way to send out a message of unity to the world than the Brand India Khichdi from World Food India, a statement released by the food processing ministry said. Brand India Khichdi, its ingredients and recipe shall be popularized by India foreign missions throughout the world and the ministry of food processing industries shall ensure that it gets added to the ‘a la carte’ menu in restaurants and kitchens around the world.
(Adapted from The Times of India, November 2, 2017)
Write the correct alternative to complete the following sentences:
1. Khichdi is made of-
A. only rice
B. only lentils
C. rice, lentils and spices
D. rice and vegetables
2. Venue of ‘World Food India’ is-
A. Kolkata
B. Chennai
C. Mumbai
D. Delhi
3. Sanjeev Kapoor is by profession, a-
A. politician
B. chief
C. writer
D. TV anchor
4. India’s present Food Processing Minister is-
A. Sanjeev Kapoor
B. Harsimrat Kaur Badal
C. N. V. Bedi
D. Arun Jaitley
5. Brand Ambassador of the Great India Food Street is-
A. Sanjeev Kapoor
B. Harsimrat Kaur Badal
C. N. V. Bedi
D. Arun Jaitley
6. Over 800 kg of khichdi is going to be cooked for-
A. distributing among the poor
B. feeding the orphan children
C. creating a world record
D. projecting India’s unity as a nation
PASSAGE – 3
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
London: The Indian women’s cricket team let slip a historic title triumph with nerves getting the better of it in a tense summit clash against England, leaving Mithali Raj’s giant-slaying side with the runners-up tag for a second time in the ICC World Cup on Sunday.
It was an anti-climactic result for India since they were well on course for a memorable triumph, sitting pretty at 191 for three in 42.5 before a batting collapse saw them bowled out for 219 in 48.4 overs.
Needing just 38 runs off 43 balls, the Indian lower middle order committed hara-kiri losing seven wickets for 28 runs in 5.5 overs.
Opener Punam Raut (86) and Harmanpreet Kaur’s (51) steady half centuries had set the platform but once they departed it was far from a smooth ride as England’s consistent strikes turned it into a cliff-hanger.
Veda Krishnamurthy (35 off 34 balls), Sushma Verma (0) and Jhulan Goswami (0) were dismissed in space of nine balls. Krishnamurthy had raised hopes with a cameo but her sloppy shot selection off Anya Shrubsole in the 45th over changed the script as it exposed the tail enders to a pressure situation which they could not cope with.
Nevertheless, Indian women team emerged as a force in world cricket with some inspiring performances such as Harmanpreet Kaur’s fearless stroke play.
However, it was one last chance for captain Mithali and veteran Jhulan Goswami to have a World title in their cupboards. India were making their second appearance in a World Cup final. They lost their previous final, against Australia in Centurion, by 98 runs in 2005.
A proven performer for far too long, Jhulan delivered with three wickets in the most widely watched game in the history of women’s cricket as India restricted the hosts to 228 for seven.
Earlier, the coin landed in the opponent’s favour at the toss was hardly a deterrent as India went about the task in a professional manner.
Leading the show was the redoubtable Goswami, who scythed through the English middle order.
The highlight of the lanky Bengali’s outing was the back-toback dismissals of Sarah Taylor and Fran Wilson, which pegged England back.
Taylor is a legend of the women’s game and Sciver entered the marquee match on the back of two centuries, and Jhulan had them caught behind and trapped in front of the wicket.
In what could be her last match, Taylor walked off to an ovation from the almost sold-out Lord’s crowd after scoring 45 off 62 balls. The veteran English batswoman, surprisingly, could not hit a boundary in her innings.
A former ICC Player of the Year, Jhulan finished her spell with impressive figures of 3/23 in the allotted 10 overs, which included three maidens.
After Jhulan, leg-spinner Poonam Yadav was the most impressive bowler, finishing with 2/36 in her quota of 10 overs.
(Adapted from The Times of India, July 24, 2017)
Write the correct alternative to complete the following sentences:
1. The given extract is a/an-
A story
B. newspaper report
C. excerpt of a novel
D. autobiography
2. The captain of the Indian Women’s cricket team was-
A. Harmanpreet Kaur
B. Jhulan Goswami
C. Poonam Yadav
D. Mithali Raj
3. In the ICC World Cup final, Veda Krishnamurthy’s score was-
A. 86 runs
B. 34 runs
C. 35 runs
D. 98 runs
4. The bowler who got Veda Krishnamurthy out in the final, was-
A. Arya Shrubsole
B. Sciver
C. Taylor
D. Fran Wilson
5. The ICC World Cup final was held on-
A. Monday
B. Wednesday
C. Friday
D. Sunday
6. In the final, England’s total score was-
A. 219 for all
B. 220 for seven
C. 228 for seven
D. 191 for three
True or False
1. England defeated India in the ICC World Cup for Women by runs.
Ans. True
2. ICC World Cup for Women in 2017 was held in the Lord’s stadium, England.
Ans. True
3. India won the toss in the final match.
Ans. False
PASSAGE – 4
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
Hyderabad: Badminton star Kidambi Srikanth, who became the first Indian to lift four Super Series titles when he won his maiden French Open title, on Tuesday expressed his delight over the way he performed in last couple of days.
On Sunday, Srikanth continued his rich vein of form as he defeated Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto 21-14, 21-13 in the finals of the French Open to become the first Indian and only fourth male shuttler in history to lift four Super Series titles in a calender year.
When quizzed about his performance, the 23-year-old said that he just gave his 100 percent and did not think about winning or breaking any records.
“I am very happy with the way it (French Open Super Series) has been for me. I wasn’t really thinking of winning. When I went there, I was just thinking to play well and give my best. I was not really thinking about the records,” Srikanth said.
The ace Indian shuttler further insisted that he was really happy with his recent performances and is now looking forward to take up the momentum in the upcoming tournaments.
“My aim was to play well and do the best, play my 100 percent. I am really happy with the way I played in last couple of days. There were good tournaments for me and there were quite a few tough matches and I am really happy with the way I played and pulled off those matches. In future, I have three more tournaments and I am planning to do well there too,” he said.
Srikanth has been in menacing form in the past few months, having already clinched the Denmark Open Super Series Premier, the Indonesia Open Super Series Premier and Australian Open Super Series earlier this year.
Now, Srikanth has overall six Super Series titles to his name, including China Open 2014 and India Open 2015. Earlier, the Badminton Association of India had also announced a cash reward of Rs 5 Lakh for Srikanth for his French Open Super Series win.
(Adapted from The Times of India, November 1, 2017)
Write the correct alternative to complete the following sentences:
1. Kidambi Srikanth is ………. years old-
A. 23
B. 24
C. 27
D. 21
2. In the French Open final, Kidambi’s opponent was a/an-
A. Australian
B. Chinese
C. Indonesian
D. Japanese
3. The amount of the cash award to be given by the Badminton Association is-
A. 7 lakh
B. 6 lakh
C. 5 lakh
D. 4 lakh
4. Kidambi Srikanth won the French Open title in 2017 for the-
A. second time
B. fourth time
C. first time
D. sixth time
5. Which of the following title has not yet been won by Kidambi Srikanth?
A. Indonesia Open Super Series Premier
B. Hong Kong Open
C. India Open
D. China Open
6. The French Open final was held on-
A. Sunday
B. Tuesday
C. Thursday
D. Saturday
PASSAGE – 5
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
New Delhi: Bringing back terrifying memories of last November’s apocalyptic smog, Delhi awoke to find itself shrouded in a toxic grey haze on Tuesday. Air quality fell to ‘severe’ levels, worse than post Diwali pollution in the city.
Roads wore a dystopian look with pollution masks everywhere as Delhiites complained of headaches, burning eyes, breathing discomfort, runny noses and a depressive mood. The Indian Medical Association described it as a public health emergency’.
The city’s air quality index (AQI) touched 448, as per CPCB, worse than the 403 reading Delhi had recorded a day after Diwali. On November 5 last year, the AQI was 485, with extremely poor visibility that meteorologists had described as a ‘smoke haze’. Delhiites had hoped they would never have to see such extreme smog again. But on Tuesday, at least 15 air quality stations were again in “severe” category.
Experts said the next few days are likely to be just as bad, as calm wind conditions and high humidity were leading to an accumulation of pollutants. Explaining the sudden drop in air quality, they said it was a deadly mix of crop-burning pollutants coming in from Punjab and Haryana and moisture entering the region from UP.
Under ‘severe’ conditions, exposure to polluted air outdoors can affect healthy people and seriously impact those with existing diseases’. Several studies have concluded that hospital admissions go up drastically during such severe air pollution episodes. The short-term impacts are related to respiratory and heart ailments. “What we know for sure from studies and otherwise is that during winter there is a strong correlation between pollution levels and hospital admissions,” said Anumita Roy Chowdhury, head of Centre for Science and Environment’s (CSE) clean air programme.
Despite experiencing the worst smog in 17 years last November, Delhi’s public transport infrastructure didn’t improve much. Delhi still has only about half the number of buses it needs to meet its demand. It didn’t do much to improve transport pedestrian and non-motorised infrastructure in the past year which could have discouraged use of polluting private vehicles. Though Delhi government blamed neighbouring states for most of the emissions, experts said Delhi has a lot to do still. A massive augmentation of public transport within and intercity is needed.
November 8 (Adapted from The Times of India, November 8, 2017)
Write the correct alternative complete the following sentences:
1. Smog shrouded Delhi also in-
A. November 2016
B. October 2016
C. May 2016
D. June 2017
2. Polluted winds entered Delhi from-
A. Kolkata and Chennai
B. Maharashtra and UP
C. Punjab, Haryana and UP
D. Rajasthan and Gujarat
3. The short-term effects of air pollution in Delhi are-
A. respiratory and heart diseases
B. psychological ailments
C. stomach disorder and running noses
D. fever and cancer
4. ‘CSE’ stands for-
A. Centre for Science and Environment
B. Centre for Students and Educationists
C. Centre for Skin and Ear
D. Centre for Stomach and Endocrinology
5. For emissions polluting the air, Delhi government blames-
A. the motorists
B. themselves
C. neighbouring states
D. neighbouring countries
6. Delhi’s air quality index on 08.11.2017-
A. 403
B. 448
C. 484
D. 430
True or False
1. The Indian Medical Association is not at all worried about Delhi’s air pollution level.
Ans. False
2. Stubble burning pollutants were mainly responsible for polluting Delhi’s air.
Ans. True
3. Delhi’s public transport infrastructure improved a lot during 2016-2017.
Ans. False
Answer the following questions:
1. What is ‘smoke haze’?
Ans. On November 5, 2016, the air quality index of Delhi was 485. Because of it, the visibility was extremely poor. The smog that caused it was described as a ‘smoke haze.
2. What are the accusations against Delhi’s public transport system regarding air pollution level?
Ans. Delhi’s public transport infrastructure did not improve despite worst air pollution in November 2016. Only half the number of buses, which Delhi needs, ply on its roads. Had the city’s infrastructure for the pedestrians. and non-motorised vehicles been improved then the use of polluting vehicles would have decreased. But Delhi government neglected it.
3. How were the people of Delhi affected by the air pollution in November 2017?
Ans. Because of the rise in air pollution level, more and more people started suffering from respiratory and heart ailments and took admission in hospitals. Besides, people suffered from headaches, burning eyes, breathing discomfort, running noses and a depressive mood.
4. Tick the most appropriate title for the passage:
(i) Killer Air in Delhi
(ii) November Pollution
(iii) All is Not Well in Delhi
(iv) Clean Air Programme Failed in Delhi
Ans. (i) Killer Air in Delhi
PASSAGE – 6
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
New Delhi: MC Mary Kom won her fifth Asian Boxing Championship gold medal-first in the 48 kg category-by defeating Korea’s Kim Hyang Mi in the summit clash on Wednesday at Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. The five-time world champion and Olympic bronze-medallist won in a unanimous 5-0 verdict.
Having been away from the boxing ring for a long period, this was the first time in five years that Mary Kom returned to her favourite 48 kg category and emerged victorious. It was Mary Kom’s first international gold medal since the 2014 Asian Games and her first medal in more than a year.
In the semifinal on Tuesday, Mary Kom had started the day brightly for India, defeating Japan’s Tsubasa Komura, also in a unanimous 5-0 verdict to make the final for the fifth time in her six appearances at the event.
Ahead of the clash, Mary Kom had expressed her desire to return to India with a gold medal. “I always knew that if I could remain fit, a gold medal was always within my grasp. I have managed to maintain my fitness over the course of this tournament and I am feeling very confident of a good show in the final as well,” Mary had told TOI.
India’s Sonia Lather (57kg) will also feature in a final bout later in the day.
(Adapted from The Times of India, November 9, 2017)
Write the correct alternative to complete the following sentences:
1. Number of times Mary Kom took part in the Asian Boxing Championship is-
A. two
B. four
C. five
D. eight
2. The Asian Boxing Championship, 2017 was held in –
A. China
B. India
C. Japan
D. Vietnam
3. In the semifinal, Mary Kom’s opponent was a/an-
A. Indonesian
B. Chinese
C. Japanese
D. Korean
4. In the final, Mary Kom’s opponent was a/an-
A. Indonesian
B. Chinese
C. Japanese
D. Korean
5. Ho Chi Minh City is in-
A. India
B. Korea
C. Japan
D. Vietnam
6. Name of an Indian Boxer other than Mary Kom mentioned in the text is-
A. Kim Hyang Mi
B. Sonia Lather
C. Tsubasa Kamura
D. Vijender Singh
True or False
1. Mary Kom won Asian Boxing Championship gold medal for the first time in 2017.
Ans. False
2. Asian Boxing Championship gold medal in 2017 was the first gold medal since the 2014 Asian Games.
Ans. True
3. Before the final, Mary Kom was not at all confident about her victory.
Ans. False
Answer the following questions:
1. What medal did Mary Kom win in the Olympic Games?
Ans. Mary Kom won the bronze medal in the Olympics Games.
2. Both Mary Kom and Sonia Lather are boxers. But what is the difference between the two with respect to the Asian Boxing Championship, 2017?
Ans. In the finals of Asian Boxing Championship, 2017, Mary qualified herself in the 48 kg category while Sonia Lather made it to the 57 kg category.
3. Write in your own words what Mary Kom said about her performance just before the final.
Ans. Mary Kom expressed her desire to return to India with a gold medal. She felt that she would surely win if there would be no fitness problem. She was happy with her fitness.
4. Tick the most appropriate title for the passage:
(i) Mary Kom and Sonia Lather in Asian Boxing Championship Final
(ii) Mary’s First Gold Medal After the Asian Games 2014
(iii) Mary Kom Marks a Triumphant Return with Asian Championship Gold
Ans. (iii) Mary Kom Marks a Triumphant Return with Asian Championship Gold
PASSAGE – 7
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
Kolkata: Soumitra Chatterjee is going to be the first Bengali actor to receive the highest French civilian honour, the Legion d’Honneur.
Talking to TOI, the veteran actor said, “I don’t awards. They don’t inspire me creatively. When I work, I try to be honest to my craft. But I must say, it is prestigious to get a government award from a foreign country.
To be honoured in the same league as my mentor (Ray) is unbelievable. I can’t make any conjecture on how Ray would react if he was alive today to hear this news. I am not in a position to travel to France to accept the award. The Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler will be in Kolkata to present the honour. I don’t know when that will happen.”
Satyajit Ray had received this award exactly 30 years ago. Chatterjee said, “No comparisons can be drawn between me and Manikda. He is a titan and I am nowhere near him”
The actor first worked with Ray in ‘Apur Sansar’ in 1959, the third film of the Apu trilogy. He had also worked in Ray’s ‘Abhijan’ (1962), “Charulata’ (1964), ‘Aranyer Dinratri’ (1969), ‘Ashani Sanket’ (1973), ‘Sonar Kella’ (1974), ‘Joy Baba Felunath’ (1978), ‘Ghare Baire (1984) and ‘Ganashatru’ (1989), among others.
Congratulating the legend, chief minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted, “From Apur Sansar to Legion d Honour. The legendary Shri Soumitra Chattopadhyay, Hallmark of Indian and Bengali cinema. Tribute and honour to the great actor of Bengali cinema by France. This makes us very proud.”
Those from the Bengali film fraternity also congratulated Chatterjee. Prosenjit Chatterjee tweeted, “Kaku you are a true inspiration… Pronam for #Legion d’Honneur. Second person from our industry after Ray to be honoured. Respect.”
Filmmaker Atanu Ghosh, who directed Chatterjee in several films in the past, posted: “Privileged that we got to live and work with him. Hearty congratulations to the living legend on being bestowed with the Legion d’Honneur.”
Chatterjee has previously been conferred with Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, France’s highest award for artistes.
(The Times of India, June 11, 2017)
Write the correct alternative to complete the following sentences:
1. The highest French civilian honour is-
A. Legion d’Honneur
B. Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres
C. Ordre de la Liberation
D. Ordre des Palmes academiques
2. Satyajit Ray was called-
A. Rayda
B. Satu
C. Jitbabu
D. Manikda
3. Soumitra Chatterjee’s first film with Satyajit Ray was-
A. Sonar Kella
B. Ghare Baire
C. Apur Sansar
D. Ashani Sanket
4. ‘Apur Sansar’ was the ……….. film of the Apu trilogy.
A. first
B. second
C. third
D. fourth
5. Prosenjit Chatterjee calls Soumitra Chatterjee-
A. Jethu
B. Manikda
C. Kaku
D. Guru
6. Atanu Ghosh is a-
A. filmstar
B. film director
C. novelist
D. poet
True or False
1. The President of France would come to Kolkata to present the honour to Soumitra Chatterjee.
Ans. False
2. The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee,. do not congratulate Soumitra Chatterjee for being honoured by the government of France.
Ans. False
3. Satyajit Ray was the first Bengali actor to receive the Legion d’Honneur.
Ans. False
Answer the following questions:
1. Name a few Bengali films directed by Satyajit in which Soumitra Chatterjee worked.
Ans. Soumitra Chatterjee worked in Ray’s ‘Apur Sansar, ‘Abhijan’, ‘Charulata’, ‘Arannyer Dinratri’, ‘Ashani Sanket, ‘Sonar Kella’, ‘Joy Baba Felunath, Ghare Baire, ‘Ganashatru’, etc.
2. Name the awards given by the government of France to Soumitra Chatterjee.
Ans. The government of France has given two honours to Soumitra Chatterjee, namely, the Legion d’Honneur and the Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
3. What did Soumitra Chatterjee say about getting the Legion d’Honneur?
Ans. Soumitra Chatterjee said that neither he worked for awards nor the awards inspired him creatively. However, he felt honoured by getting a prestigious government award from a foreign country.
4. Tick the most appropriate title for the passage:
(i) Soumitra Happy After Receiving the French Honour
(ii) 30 Years After Ray, French Honour for His Apu
(iii) A New Feather in the Bengali Film Industry’s Crown
(iv) From Apur Sansar to Legion d’Honneur
Ans. (ii) 30 Years After Ray, French Honour for His Apu
PASSAGE – 8
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday said Sister Nivedita had made India her life’s mission and was a pioneer in girls’ education and in providing health services to the poor, while paying tributes on the 150th birth anniversary of the social worker.
“Sister Nivedita’s original name was Margaret Noble. True to her name, she served India with nobility,” Kovind said. “She was a pioneer in girls’ education in India and in providing health services to the poor. She was a westerner who embraced India wholeheartedly, and lived and died with the well-being of India and Indians on her mind and in her heart.”
While addressing people at Ramakrishna Mission here, Kovind said that Sister Nivedita was part of this tradition, and came to India and to Swami Vivekananda for enlightenment.
“She did not come and learn a little and leave. She learnt a lot and stayed on. She made India her life’s mission. And though born in Ireland, she became an Indian nation builder,” Kovind said.
Nivedita was born in Ireland on October 28, 1867 and died on October 13, 1911.
Both Ireland and India were under colonial rule at that time when Nivedita visited India.
“There were many interactions between Irish and Indian political leaders in that period but the bond that connected Swamiji and Sister Nivedita was unique. They wrote letters to each other that showed their commitment to certain values, as well as to a dignified friendship between a guru and a disciple,” Kovind said.
He added that Swami Vivekananda was one of those who shaped our modern national consciousness and rediscovered Indian values for the world. “He was a true cultural ambassador, as became so apparent during his visit to Chicago in 1893 for the Parliament of Religions,” Kovind said.
(The Hindustan Times, October 29, 2017)
Write the correct alternative to complete the following sentences:
1. President of India who delivered the speech on Sister Nivedita’s 150th birth anniversary is-
A. APJ Abdul Kalam
B. Pranab Mukherjee
C. Ram Nath Kovind
D. Pratibha Patil
2. Sister Nivedita’s original name was-
A. Margaret Noble
B. Ole Bull
C. Josephine MacLeod
D. Sarala Ghoshal
3. President of India delivered his speech on Sister Nivedita’s 150th anniversary at-
A. Ramakrishna Mission, Belur
B. Ramakrishna Mission, Delhi
C. Ramakrishna Mission, Ireland
D. Vedant Research Institute, San Francisco
4. By birth, Sister Nivedita was an-
A. English
B. Indian
C. American
D. Irish
5. When sister Nivedita came to India, the country was-
A. free and sovereign
B. under colonial rule of the British
C. under the rule of America
D. under the rule of Ireland
6. The Parliament of Religions was held in Chicago in-
A. 1893
B. 1867
C. 1911
D. 2017
True or False
1. Sister Nivedita died at the age of 50. Supporting Sentence:
Ans. False
2. Swami Vivekananda was the guru of Sister Nivedita. Supporting Sentence:
Ans. True
3. When Sister Nivedita came to India, Ireland was a free country.
Ans. False
Answer the following questions:
1. Mention two major contributions made by Sister Nivedita to India.
Ans. Sister Nivedita was a pioneer in girls’ education and in providing health services to the poor.
2. How was the relation between Swami Vivekananda and Sister Nivedita?
Ans. Swami Vivekananda was the guru and Sister Nivedita was his disciple. They maintained a dignified friendship between them. Besides, both of them were committed to certain values. In a way, the bond between them was unique.
3. What role, according to President of India, did Swami Vivekananda play during his visit to Chicago in 1893?
Ans. According to Ram Nath Kovind, President of India, Swami Vivekananda played the role of a true cultural ambassador in the Parliament of religions, 1893.
4. Tick the most appropriate title for the passage:
(i) Swami Vivekandanda and Sister Nivedita
(ii) Ramakrishna Mission Celebrates Nivedita’s 150th Birth Anniversary
(iii) Sister Nivedita : A Great Social Worker
(iv) President Kovind Pays Tribute to Sister Nivedita
Ans. (iv) President Kovind Pays Tribute to Sister Nivedita
PASSAGE – 9
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
Kolkata: North Bengal and the northeastern states got totally cut off from the rest of the country via rail and road on Sunday as flash floods and landslides sent tracks and roads under water. At least two people were killed in a
Darjeeling landslide triggered by incessant rain. To make matters worse, the weather department predicts heavy to very heavy rain on Monday.
Thousands of passengers were left in the lurch as nearly all trains running towards North Bengal and the northeastern states got cancelled or short-terminated, stranding passengers at small stations without proper food, water and ventilation for several hours. Road connectivity between Bengal and the northeast was disrupted as floodwater inundated large portions of National Highway-31 between Cooch Behar and Toofangunj. Till late on Sunday, there was a breach in the embankment Atreyee river; the Torsha, Raidak, Mansai and Kaljani rivers are flowing above the danger level in Cooch Behar and an alert has been sounded.
Eastern Railway cancelled eight important trains, including Darjeeling Mail and Padatik Express, that were scheduled to start from Sealdah on Sunday. Several trains, including the Darjeeling Mail and Padatik Express that left Sealdah on Saturday evening, were terminated at small stations for several hours before efforts began to bring them back to Kolkata. But that was not before passengers suffered for several hours and demonstrated before railway authorities at different stations. The tracks at New Jalpaiguri and Kishangunj stations were completely submerged in rainwater. The worst affected districts are Alipurduar, where all six blocks have been affected, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar and North Dinajpur. Power supply in Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri and Siliguri was disrupted. Because of heavy rainfall in Bhutan, the water level has increased in Jaldhaka river too. Fourteen lock gates of the Gajoldoba barrage on the Teesta were opened to release more water downstream.
Passengers were found waiting on the road to catch buses or cars, while others flocked the railway enquiry stalls to get information of trains. At various stations, the local administration reached out to passengers later in the evening with food and water.
The Met office has predicted heavy to very heavy rain for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Malda, North and South Dinajpur on Monday and said the monsoon trough currently lies over the foothills of the Himalayas, which is triggering intense rain in North Bengal.
(Adapted from The Times of India, August 14, 2017)
Write the correct alternative to complete the following sentences:
1. Number of people killed in Darjeeling due to a landslide is-
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
2. The national highway connecting Cooch Behar and Toofangunj is-
A. NH 37
B. NH 42
C. NH 44
D. NH 31
3. Number of blocks in the district of Alipurduar is-
A. 3
B. 4
C. 5
D. 6
4. Water in the Jaldhaka rose due to heavy rainfall in-
A. Nepal
B Jalpaiguri
C. Bhutan
D. Bangladesh
5. The river on which the Gajoldoba barrage is situated is-
A. Torsha
B. Jaldhaka
C. Atreyee
D. Teesta
6. The tracks at New Jalpaiguri and Kishangunj stations were-
A. broken
B. in good condition
C. under water
D. unmaintained
Answer the following questions:
1. Name the rivers in Cooch Behar which were flowing above the danger lever.
Ans. The Torsha, Raidak, Mansai and Kaljani revers were flowing above the danger level in Cooch Behar.
2. State the reasons for North Bengal and the north-eastern states being totally cut off from the rest of the country.
Ans. Because of flash floods and landslides, railway tracks and roads were submerged. As a result, North Bengal and the northeastern states were totally cut off from the rest of the country.
3. What is the reason stated by the Met office for intense rain in North Bengal?
Ans. According to the Met Office, the monsoon trough lay over the foothills of the Himalayas and it caused intense rain in North Bengal.
4. Tick the most appropriate title for the passage:
(i) Train Services Disrupted Due to Floods
(ii) Flood Cuts off North Bengal, More Misery in Store
(iii) North Bengal Flood News
(iv) Serious Flood in West Bengal
Ans. (i) Flood Cuts off North Bengal, More Misery in Store.
PASSAGE – 10
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
Under 17 World Cup Football organized by FIFA, is taking place in India between 6th October and 28th October 2017. This is the first time that India is hosting a FIFA tournament. The matches are being played in six stadiums in host cities around the country, with the final taking place at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, West Bengal. Twentyfour teams, including India, will fight for the crown. The six venues selected for the tournament were given major renovations prior to the World Cup. All the stadiums were given new bucket seats, new dressing rooms, new evacuation exit for fans, new training grounds. General ticket sales officially began on 17th May 2017 at 19:11. The time was selected as a tribute to Mohun Bagan’s victory over East Yorkshire Regiment in the IFA Shield final in 1911, marking the first time an Indian football club defeated a British side in British India. The official emblem for the tournament was launched on 27th September, 2016 at Goa. According to FIFA, the emblem was designed as a celebration of the country’s richness and diversity of cultures with the main elements of the Indian Ocean, the banyan tree, kite and the star burst, which is an interpretation of the Ashoka Chakra, an integral part of the national identity. The official mascot of the tournament was revealed to be a clouded leopard called ‘Kheleo’.
(Adapted from a report published in The Hindustan Times’)
Write the correct alternative to complete the following sentences:
1. Animal chosen as the mascot of-
A. a tiger
B. a bear
C. a leopard
D. a panda
2. The final of the tournament will be held in-
A. Kolkata
B. New Delhi
C. Guwahati
D. Bangalore
3. General ticket sales officially began on-
A. 27th September, 2016
B. 17th May, 2016
C. 6th October, 2017
D. 17th May, 2017
4. The tournament is being organized by-
A. AIFF
B. FIFA
C. AFC
D. None of the above
5. Mohun Bagan won the IFA Shield defeating East Yorkshire Regiment in-
A. 1911
B. 1910
C. 1912
D. 1913
6. According to FIFA, an integral part of the Indian national identity is the-
A. Shourya Chakra
B. Kirti Chakra
C. Ashoka Chakra
D. Parem Vir Chakra
True or False
1. This is the second time India is hosting a FIFA tournament. Supporting Sentence:
Ans. False
2. There are twenty-four teams in the held tournament. Supporting Sentence:
Ans. True
3. The final of the tournament will be held on 28th October. Supporting Sentence:
Ans. True
Answer the following questions:
1. What were the major renovations given to the six venues prior to the World Cup?
Ans. All the stadiums of the six venues were given new bucket seats, new dressing rooms, new evacuation exit for fans and new training grounds.
2. Why did the General ticket sales officially began at 19:11?
Ans. The general ticket sales officially began at 19:11 as a tribute to Mohun Bagan’s victory over East Yorkshire Regiment in the IFA Shield Final in 1911.
3. What is the name given to the official mascot of the tournament?
Ans. The name given to the official mascot of the tournament is ‘Kheleo’
4. Tick out the most appropriate title for the passage:
(i) History of World Cup Football.
(ii) India hosts Under 17 Football World Cup.
(iii) An interesting football atch.
Ans. (ii) India hosts Under 17 Football World Cup.
PASSAGE – 11
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
P. V. Sindhu, India’s latest badminton superstar, spoke freely and frankly to the press. She impressed everyone with her charming manner, infectious smile and friendly jokes. The Rio Olympics silver medalist is a lively 21-yearold with a sharp brain and fierce dedication to her work. She recalled her days at Gopichand’s Academy. She told the press that she started her training at. 4.30 a.m. everyday and she wished to continue to stick to that same schedule. She was full of praise for Gopichand’s Academy. “I can tell you,” she said with great excitement, “the infrastructure and everything has been perfect and we have been getting all the facilities. Whatever we have wanted has been there.”
When she was asked how she felt to be a woman achiever, she replied, “It’s really a great feeling.” She added that all the women participants from India performed really well, because she believed that coming to the Olympics itself was a very big achievement.
Sindhu was asked to comment on her feelings on the day of the final match. She said that she was confident and even her coach Gopichand believed that she could do it. On National Sports Day, 29th August, Sindhu along with Deepa Karmakar and Sakshi Malik received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award.
(Adapted from an interview published in The Times of India, dated 31st August, 2016)
Write the correct alternative to complete the following sentences:
1. P.V. Sindhu is the latest superstar in the field of-
A. table tennis
B. badminton
C. lawn tennis
D. hockey
2. P.V. Sindhu is-
A. 25 years old
B. 43 years old
C. 21 years old
D. 17 years old
3. Sindhu was trained at-
A. Gopichand’s Academy
B. Sports Authority of India
C. a local badminton club
D. National Sports Academy
4. Everyday Sindhu started her training-
A. in the afternoon
B. early in the morning
C. in the evening
D. at midday
5. National Sports Day is observed on-
A. 29th August
B. 15th August
C. 5th September
D. 2nd October
6. The above passage is an adaptation from-
A. a story
B. a report
C. an article
D. an interview
True or False
1. While speaking to the press Sindhu was nervous and shy. Supporting Sentence:
Ans. False
2. Sindhu was full of admiration for Gopichand’s academy. Supporting Sentence:
Ans. True
3. As a woman achiever she felt excited.
Ans. True
Answer the following questions:
1. How did Sindhu impress everyone?
Ans. Sindhu impressed everyone with her charming manner, infectious smile and friendly jokes.
2. Mention the two special qualities that Sindhu has.
Ans. A sharp brain and fierce dedication to work are the two special qualities of Sindhu.
3. What is Sindhu’s opinion about the women participants from India at the Rio Olympics?
Ans. According to Sindhu, the women participants of India performed really well at the Rio Olympics.
4. How did Sindhu feel on the day of the final match?
Ans. On the day of the final match Sindhu felt confident.
PASSAGE – 12
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
Tajamul Islam, hailing from an obscure village Tarakpora of Bandipora district, 65 km from Srinagar, is now a hero in her village and school- Army Goodwill School, Bandipora in J.K. In fact, kickboxing is not even her forte. But she excels in wushu and is also doing well in taekwondo. Her journey started in 2014 when she joined a local martial arts academy along with her two brothers and two sisters, run by Faisal Ali Dar who was impressed with Tajamul’s skills instantly.
Tajamul Islam was declared the best fighter of Jammu and Kashmir after she bagged gold medal in the state level championship. The chief coach at the championship, Kuldip Handu, impressed with her skills, pitted her against a competitor weighing eight kg more than her. The lean but agile Tajamul weighing just 25 kg at that time, got the better of her opponent. She was 13 years old but that did not deter 7 year-old Tajamul as she knocked her down in just 15 minutes and became the youngest girl to win a national medal in Delhi.
Applauding Tajamul’s father Gholam Mohammad Lone, a driver for construction company for raising her so well, Gholam Nabi Tantry, Vice President, ‘Kickboxing Federation of India’ said that the girl has shown ultimate fortitude, considering her tender age and this is because of her parents who supported her in every possible way.
(Adaptated from the Hindustan Times)
Write correct alternative to complete the following sentences:
1. Tajamul Islam, a kickboxer of Jammu and Kashmir, is-
A. 13 years old
B. 15 years old
C. 7 years old
D. 8 years old
2. The name of Tajamul Islam’s father is-
A. Gholam Nabi Tantry
B. Faisal Ali Dar
C. Kuldip Handu
D. Gholam Mohammad Lone
3. The opponent, whom Tajamul Islam knocked down, weighs-
A. seven kg more than Tajamul
B. eight kg more than Tajamul
C. thirteen kg more than Tajamul
D. twenty-five kg more than Tajamul
4. Tajamul Islam, state champion in kickboxing, knocked her opponent down in just-
A. 13 minutes
B. 7 minutes
C. 15 minutes
D. 25 minutes
5. Tajamul Islam’s father works in-
A. Army Goodwill School
B. Kickboxing Federation of India
C. a construction company
D. Kickboxing Federation of J.K.
6. Tajamul Islam hails from-
A. Srinagar
B. Bandipora Village
C. Tarakpora village
D. Delhi
True or False
1. The chief coach of Kickboxing Federation of India’ applauded Tajamul’s parents.
Ans. False
2. Tarakpora, Tajamul Islam’s village is located 25 km away from Srinagar.
Ans. False
3. Tajamul Islam studies in Army Goodwill School situated in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Ans. True
Answer the following questions:
1. What did Tajamul Islam win in the state level championship?
Ans. Tajamul Islam won gold medal in the state level championship.
2. Why was Kuldip Handu impressed with Tajamul?
Ans. Seeing her skills Kuldip Handu was impressed with Tajamul.
3. How did Gholam Nabi Tantry compliment Tajamul’s father?
Ans. Gholam Nabi Tantry complimented Tajamul’s father by saying that he had raised his daughter very well and supported her in every possible way.
4. Tick out the most appropriate title for the passage:
(i) Tajamul Islam and Her Extraordinary Skills
(ii) Tajamul Islam An Extraordinary Kickboxer of Jammu and Kashmir
(iii) Tajamul Islam: Her Story
Ans. (ii) Tajamul Islam: An Extraordinary Kickboxer of Jammu and Kashmir
PASSAGE – 13
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
The former President, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, widely acclaimed as the People’s President’, passed away after collapsing during a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) at Shillong, on Monday. The topic of his lecture was ‘Making the World more Livable’.
Dr Kalam, 83, who was the President of India between 2002 and 2007, took the lead in India’s nuclear tests in May, 1998 and was later fielded as the most respected candidate by the National Democratic Alliance. Dr Kalam, the country’s 11th President, was one of India’s most eminent scientists, and had the unique honour of receiving honorary doctorates from 30 universities and institutions.
“He has been awarded the coveted civilian awards: the Padma Bhushan (1981) and the Padma Vibhushan (1990) and the highest civilian award Bharat Ratna (1997). He is a recipient of several other awards and Fellow of many professional institutions,” an official said.
Apart from leading the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) satellite launch programme, he headed the country’s guided missile programme for many years.
As scientific advisor to the Defence Minister from July 1992 to December 1999, the former President led the “weaponisation of strategic missile systems and the Pakhran-Il nuclear tests in collaboration with Department of Atomic Energy.”
Write the correct alternative to complete the following sentences:
1. Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam was praised and respected widely for being-
A. the President of India
B. the Prime Minister of India
C. the Defence Minister of India
D. the Finance Minister of India.
2. Dr. Kalam died at the age of-
A. 80
B. 82
C. 84
D. 83
3. Dr A.P.J Kalam visited Shillong to deliver a lecture at-
A. IIT
B. NIT
C. IIM
D. ISI
4. Dr. Kalam served his office for-
A. 4 years
B. 5 years
C. 6 years
D. 4 and half years
5. Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam received the civilian award ‘Padma Vibhushan’ in the year-
A. 1989
B. 1988
C. 1990
D. 1991
6. From thirty institutions, he received the degree of-
A. Ph.d
B. B.Ed.
C. M.Sc.
D. honorary doctorates
True or False
1. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam first became the President of India and then a renowned scientist.
Ans. False
2. Dr Kalam received four civilian awards for his contribution to the field of science and technology.
Ans. False
3. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam breathed his last in his early-eighties. Supporting Sentence:
Ans. True
Answer the following questions:
1. Why had Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam visited Shillong?
Ans. Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam had visited Shillong to deliver a lecture on Making the World more Livable’ at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM).
2. When did Dr Kalam breathe his last?
Ans. Dr Kalam breathed his last, at the age of 83, after collapsing during a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) at Shillong.
3. Which civilian awards did he receive in his lifetime?
Ans. Dr Kalam received the Padma Bhushan (1981), the Padma Vibhushan (1990), and the Bharat Ratna (1997).
4. Which unique honour did Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam have?
Ans. Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam had the unique honour of receiving honorary doctorates from thirty universities and institutions.
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