CBSE Class 12 English Factual Passage Worksheet Set 03

Factual, Discursive & Literary Passages

Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Passage 1 (Factual)

1. World Conservation Day is celebrated internationally to increase awareness about the best practices needed to protect our natural resources. The Earth is supplied with a limited amount of resources that we all rely upon, like water, air, soil and trees. The World Nature Conservation Movement is a great opportunity to celebrate the progress we’ve made and determine to take action, wherever needed. It is time to remind ourselves that we need to give back to nature instead of just using resources without thinking about conservation. There is a need to replenish and recycle the resources we consume from nature.
2. Our forests, rivers, oceans and soils provide us with the food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we irrigate our crops with. We also rely on them for numerous other goods and services. We depend on them for our health, happiness and prosperity. We have a cycle of biodiversity which needs proper conservation.
3. The population explosion remains one of the major reasons why natural resources are getting depleted at a very fast rate. Technological advancement and luxurious lifestyles have led to several environmental problems like global warming, ozone layer depletion, river water pollution and deforestation which threaten the planet’s future.
4. Humans, animals, marine creatures and the environment, all need to be protected and conserved for the planet’s future well-being. There are many examples of conservation. One is a programme to try to preserve wetlands, or a programme to try and save old buildings. Another example is of an attempt to minimise the amount of electricity used by turning off lights when leaving a room, or an attempt to turn off the running tap to avoid wastage of water. There are lots of examples like these which need implementation.
5. Following these small steps in our daily lives we can help to maintain the balance of nature, thereby saving humankind from the kinds of natural disasters we may face in the near future.
6. Nature also has a profound impact on our minds and our behaviour, helping reduce anxiety, brooding, and stress and increase our attention, capacity, creativity and ability to connect with other people. So there is a need to save nature if we want to save life as the two are interconnected and need each other. If we hurt or destroy the environment, surely we will be ruined. We must create awareness among family members, and try and practise a sustainable lifestyle to protect and conserve nature. 

Question. Complete the sentence by choosing the correct option. There is an urgent need to conserve our natural resources because .............
(a) we are aimlessly using the natural resources and not replenishing them
(b) they will be replaced by manmade resources
(c) serious efforts are needed to cut down the consumption of these resources
(d) we must become alert before it is too late
Answer: (a) we are aimlessly using the natural resources and not replenishing them

Question. In the opinion of the writer, which are the primary natural resources without which our life is not possible?
Answer: According to the writer, the primary natural resources without which our life is not possible are water, air, soil and trees.

Question. In Paragraph 1, the writer talks about ‘celebrating the progress’. Explain in context.
Answer: In paragraph 1, the writer talks about ‘celebrating the progress’ in the context of the World Nature Conservation Movement. This day provides an opportunity to celebrate the progress made in protecting natural resources and determine to take action wherever needed.

Question. The writer would not agree with the given statements based on Paragraph 6.
(a) Stress can be relieved by working overtime,
(b) Nature can affect man’s emotional well-being,
(c) Lifestyle cannot be changed permanently,
(d) Destruction of the environment is a temporary measure undertaken by man.
Answer: (b) Nature can affect man’s emotional well-being

Question. In the context of the given passage, what is the synonym of ‘replenish’ in Paragraph 1? Choose the correct option.
(a) Scarcity
(b) Restore
(c) Reconcile
(d) Minimise
Answer: (b) Restore

Question. List two ways in which forests and rivers help mankind.
Answer: Two ways in which forests and rivers help mankind are:
● They provide us with food, air and water that are necessary for our survival.
● They play a significant role in maintaining the balance of nature by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, controlling floods and preventing soil erosion.

Question. How can the solutions suggested in Paragraph 4 be best described?
(a) Unrealistic
(b) Short term
(c) Practical
(d) Challenging
Answer: (c) Practical

Question. Why is it fair to say that population explosion remains one of the major reasons why natural resources are getting depleted rapidly?
Answer: It is fair to say that population explosion remains one of the major reasons why natural resources are getting depleted rapidly because an increasing population leads to higher demand for resources, which puts a strain on the environment and leads to their depletion.

Question. Complete the given sentence with an appropriate reference with respect to the following. The writer quotes the example of family awareness in order to ............
Answer: create awareness among family members and try to practice a sustainable lifestyle to protect and conserve nature.

Question. Select the most suitable title for the above passage.
(a) Ways to Save the Environment
(b) Save Nature Save Life
(c) Nature-A Pharmacy
(d) Nature-A Food Factory
Answer: (b) Save Nature Save Life

Passage 2 (Discursive)

1. In a room filled with people, each face illuminated by the soft glow of their smartphones, moments drift away like autumn leaves in the wind. The constant hum of notifications fills the air, punctuating conversations like an incessant drumbeat. Every vibration or ping sends fingers flying to screens, a response ingrained by years of digital conditioning. The once-reliable tick-tock of analog timepieces has been overshadowed by the constant flicker of notifications on the wrist watch, blurring the boundaries between the virtual and the real.
2. Anxiety gnaws at the edges of consciousness when the phone is out of reach, a phantom limb syndrome that leaves us feeling incomplete without our digital appendage. The fear of missing out permeates every moment spent away from the screen, driving us to constantly check for updates and notifications.
3. Thumbs move with the speed and precision of skillful pianists, tapping out messages and scrolling through feeds with practiced ease. Yet amidst the flurry of activity, the true rhythm of life remains unheard, drowned out by the dissonance of digital noise. The weight of constant connectivity forms a hunch upon our shoulders, a physical manifestation of the burden we carry in an age of information overload. Our minds are perpetually on high alert, scanning for the next wave of excitement that comes with each like, share, or comment.
4. And yet, for all our efforts to stay connected, we find ourselves increasingly isolated in a sea of digital faces. Genuine connections are fleeting, drowned out by the constant clamour for attention. In the pursuit of digital validation, we sacrifice the wealth of lived experience, trading meaningful moments for fleeting glimpses of connection. The true essence of life lies not in the pixels on a screen, but in the depth of human connection and the richness of shared experiences.
5. As we navigate this brave new world of constant connectivity, let us not forget the value of presence and the beauty of being fully engaged in the moments that matter most. For in the end, it is not the number of likes or followers that defines us, but the depth of our connections and the richness of our experiences that truly matter. 

Question. According to Paragraph 1, what effect do smartphone notifications have on the people in the room?
Answer: According to the passage, smartphone notifications lead to constant disturbances in between conversations.

Question. How does the author use the metaphor of ‘autumn leaves in the wind’ to interpret the passing of time in the setting? Described.
Answer: The author uses the metaphor of ‘autumn leaves in the wind’ with respect to the passing of time to illustrate how moments, especially significant moments go unnoticed, due to technology and the distractions of digital interactions.

Question. Read and complete the following sentence suitably. The phrase ‘a phantom limb syndrome that leaves us feeling incomplete without our digital appendage’ suggests that just as an amputee might feel pain in a limb they no longer have, individuals can feel a sense of loss or incompleteness when they are separated from their digital devices. Choose the correct response from the two options to complete the sentence. The concern this analogy points towards is about .......................
(a) a deep (psychological) dependence on technology for a sense of wholeness or connection
(b) excessive physical damage that can be caused due to constant use of digital devices
Answer: (a) a deep (psychological) dependence on technology for a sense of wholeness or connection

Question. Complete the following suitably with one advantage, with reference to Paragraph 2. Designating specific hours each day to intentionally avoid checking digital devices can help
Answer: reduce the anxiety associated with the need to constantly be connected

Question. Why does the writer refer to digital noise as ‘dissonance’ in Paragraph 3?
(a) It creates a jarring and chaotic environment that disrupts focus,
(b) It contributes to a sense of overload, overwhelming the senses.
(c) It interferes with our ability to engage with meaningful aspects of our life,
(d) It induces stress by interrupting with regular updates about the device.
Answer: (c) It interferes with our ability to engage with meaningful aspects of our life.

Question. Provide one textual evidence with reference to Paragraph 3, to prove the following. The need to be perpetually engaged with digital notifications manifests in the body.
Answer: The sentence from Paragraph 3 which proves the given statement is “The weight of constant connectivity forms a hunch upon our shoulders, a physical manifestation of the burden we carry in an age of information overload.”

Question. In the line, ‘Yet amidst the flurry of activity, the true rhythm of life remains unheard...,’ what does the phrase ‘true rhythm of life’ refer to? 
Answer: The ‘true rhythm of life’ refers to the genuine, meaningful and often quieter moments that make up human existence and relationships. These moments occur away from the digital chaos in simple life experiences, such as face-to-face conversations, quiet contemplation, enjoying nature and real-world interactions. According to the writer, these moments are overlooked or drowned out by the constant noise of digital activity.

Question. Complete the analogy with one word from Paragraph 4. Whisper : Quietly :: ....................... : Loudly
(a) Validation
(b) Fleeting
(c) Essence
(d) Clamour
Answer: (d) Clamour

Question. Why is it fair to say that the statement ‘And yet, for all our efforts to stay connected, we find ourselves increasingly isolated in a sea of digital faces’ from Paragraph 4, employs irony?
(a) Despite the intent to connect more effectively, the result is the opposite,
(b) The writer mocks the seriousness with which people approach digital connectivity,
(c) The writer exaggerates the effects of digital connectivity to highlight its impact,
(d) Use of ‘a sea of digital faces’ to symbolically represent digital platforms.
Answer: (a) Despite the intent to connect more effectively, the result is the opposite.

Question. Assess the potential challenges or benefits of relying on survey outcomes for designing health interventions, as outlined in Paragraph 5.
Answer: The benefits of relying on survey outcomes for designing health interventions are
● They can offer a detailed understanding of the specific needs and preferences of various demographic groups. This can help enhance the effectiveness of health interventions by making them more targeted and relevant.
● Using data-driven insights can foster a sense of collaboration among stakeholders, promoting a unified approach towards health and sustainability.
The challenges of relying on survey outcomes for designing health interventions are
● Relying on survey outcomes may present challenges such as the risk of biases in the data collection process, which can twist results and lead to ineffective interventions.
● There’s also the issue of survey fatigue among participants, potentially reducing engagement and the accuracy of the data gathered.
● Further, translating survey findings into practical interventions requires resources and continuous stakeholder commitment, which might not always be feasible.

Passage 3 (Literary)

1. “Who doesn’t know how to cook rice? Cooking rice hardly takes time.” said my father. So, I challenged myself. I switched from news to YouTube and typed “How to cook rice?” I took one and a half cups of rice. Since I didn’t have access to a rice cooker, I put the rice in a big pot. First, the rice has to be washed to get rid of dust and starch. I thought I won’t be able to drain the rice and that it will fall out of the pot. I observed the chef as I swirled the rice around and used my dexterous hands to drain it, not once, not twice, but three times. I looked down at the sink and saw less than 50 grains that made their way out of the pot. Suffice to say, I was up to the mark.
2. The video stated that the key to perfect rice is equal amounts of rice and water. I have heard that professionals don’t need to measure everything; they just know what the right amount is. But as this was my first time in the kitchen, I decided to experiment by not measuring the water needed for boiling the rice. I wanted the rice to be firm when bitten, just like pasta. I don’t enjoy the texture of mushy rice. It has to have that chutzpah; it has to resist my biting power just for a bit before disintegrating.
3. After what seemed like 10 minutes, all the water disappeared. I went in to give it a good stir. To my surprise, some of the rice had got stuck to the pot. I tried to scrape it off but to no avail. At the same time, there was a burning smell coming from it. I quickly turned the stove off. “What have you done to the kitchen?” shouted Mother, while coming towards the kitchen. I managed to ward her off.
4. Finally, when the time came to taste my creation, I was surprised! It wasn’t bad at all. The rice had the desired consistency. Sure, a little more salt would’ve been better, but I just added that while eating. The experience was fairly rewarding and memorable. It taught me a new sense of respect for those who cook food on a regular basis at home or engage in gourmet creations professionally.

Question. State the author’s reaction and thoughts while eating rice.
Answer: The author thought that the rice was surprisingly not bad and he/she wasn’t a bad cook. He/She thought of the experience as fairly rewarding and memorable and that it taught him/her a new sense of respect for those who cook.

Question. Mention the steps taken by the author to prepare the rice to be cooked.
Answer: The steps taken by the author to prepare the rice to be cooked are
● Take the rice in a utensil
● Wash the rice using water
● Swirl the water in and around the rice
● Drain the water
● Repeat the process three times

Question. Complete the sentence by choosing an appropriate option. Father’s question to the author, about knowing how to cook rice, was intended to .............
(a) criticise the author’s lack of abilities
(b) make the process sound simple
Answer: (b) make the process sound simple

Question. Complete the sentence appropriately. According to the passage, the fact that the author risked experimentation, on his/her maiden attempt in the kitchen, shows .............
Answer: that he/she was experimental

Question. Select the option that conveys the opposite of ‘dexterous’.
(a) Uncomfortable
(b) Clumsy
(c) Unclear
(d) Clueless
Answer: (b) Clumsy

Question. What does the author say about the professionals who cook?
Answer: The author says that cooking professionals don’t need to measure everything and thus just know the right amount of everything while cooking.

Question. Provide one textual evidence with reference to Paragraph 3, to prove the following. The writer was not a regular cook but could become one with practice.
Answer: The fact that while the rice that the writer was cooking had got stuck to the pot and there was a burning smell coming from it indicates that the writer was not a regular cook. However, even with the burnt rice, the writer seems to find it tasty. The rice has a good consistency and just lacked some salt.

Question. Complete the analogy with one word from Paragraph 4. Literature : Critic :: Food : .......................
(a) Respect
(b) Cook
(c) Mushy
(d) Gourmet
Answer: (d) Gourmet

Question. Which option represents the correct ratio of water to rice for cooking ‘perfect rice’?
(a) 50% water, 50% rice
(b) 70% water, 30% rice
(c) 25% water, 75% rice
(d) 45% water, 55% rice
Answer: (a) 50% water, 50% rice

Question. Assess the usage of Chutzpah in the passage with reference to the author’s cooking experiment.
Answer: The word ‘chutzpah’ literally means courage, boldness or guts. However, in the context of the passage, the writer uses the word to indicate the perfect texture and consistency of the rice. In other words, the rice needed to have a particular texture for it to be tasty enough for the writer.

Passage 

1. Ghost nets aren’t supernatural but they are legitimately scary. A ghost net is a fishing net that’s been lost or abandoned in the ocean. They are one particularly appalling part of the global ghost fishing problem, which includes fishing gear abandoned in the water. Any net or line left in the ocean can pose a threat to marine life. Just because a net is no longer used by fishers doesn’t mean it stops working. These nets continue to trap everything in their path, presenting a major problem for the health of our oceans and marine life.

2. Ghost nets entangle sea turtles, dolphins and porpoises, birds, sharks, seals and more, apart from catching fish. The nets keep animals from moving freely, cause injuries and keep mammals and birds from rising to the surface for air. Since hundreds of animals can be caught in a single net, this threat is monumental. The ghost nets harm coral reefs too-breaking corals, exposing them to disease and even blocking the reefs from needed sunlight.

3. Ghost nets are also a major contributor to the ocean plastics’ crisis. Most modern nets are made of nylon or other plastic compounds that can last for centuries. According to a 2018 study in Scientific Reports, ghost nets make up at least 46 percent of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Those abandoned fishing lines and nets that do breakdown never go away; they just become smaller pieces of plastic. Marine animals mistake this microplastic for food and eat it, which can harm internal organs, keep them from eating and expose them to toxic chemicals.

4. Exorcising ghost nets from our oceans will require commitment, cooperation and innovation. Many groups are working to remove ghost nets from the sea and are collaborating with local fishers and governments around the world to identify target areas and remove as many nets as possible. In 2015, a single World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF)-led mission in the Baltic Sea hauled up 268 tons of nets, ropes and other material.

5. To stop these nets from becoming ghosts in the first place, conservation organisations advocate for fishing gear that can be traced to its owner so anyone dumping nets can be fined and for refundable deposits on nets to encourage returning or recycling rather than littering. Tools like sonar reflectors that can make ghost nets easier to find and working with small-scale fisheries to develop more sustainable fishing gear and practices are other suggestions. It is only by attacking this problem from all sides, together with conservation partners, fishers and supporters, than we can banish ghost nets and protect our oceans.

Question. How are ghost nets a major environmental concern?
Answer: Ghost nets are a concern because they continue to trap and kill marine life indefinitely, harm coral reefs by blocking sunlight and causing disease, and contribute significantly to the ocean plastics crisis as they break down into microplastics.

Question. Why is it fair to say that commitment and innovation have to go hand-in-hand to rid the oceans of ghost nets?
Answer: It requires commitment from governments and fishers to remove existing nets and innovation to create traceable gear or tools like sonar reflectors to prevent future abandonment.

Question. Complete the sentence suitably. Ghost nets have been named so because they ............
(a) are not owned by anyone
(b) act as a snare for all animals in oceans
Answer: (b) act as a snare for all animals in oceans

Question. Complete the given sentence with an appropriate inference with respect to the following. The writer quotes the example of the WWF-led mission in the Baltic Sea Paragraph 4, in order to ............
Answer: demonstrate the massive scale of the problem and the effectiveness of targeted removal efforts.

Question. Select the option that conveys the opposite of ‘negligible’ from words used in Paragraph 2.
(a) Unimpressive
(b) Monumental
(c) Exposing
(d) Threat
Answer: (b) Monumental

Question. List the two ways being entangled in a ghost net is likely to impact a walrus,
Answer: 1. It would prevent the walrus from moving freely and potentially cause injuries. 2. It could prevent the walrus from rising to the surface for air, leading to drowning.

Question. Comment on the writer’s reference to the ghost nets in Paragraph 1 as a health problem for the oceans,
Answer: The writer views them as a "health problem" because they disrupt the ecosystem by killing marine life, damaging coral reefs, and introducing toxic plastic pollution into the food chain.

Question. How can the solutions, suggested in Paragraph 5, best be described?
(a) Practical
(b) Presentable
(c) Popular
(d) Prejudiced
Answer: (a) Practical

Question. The writer would agree with the following statements based on Paragraph 3, 
(a) Most ghost nets take a few years to completely disintegrate,
(b) Ghost nets contribute to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch,
(c) Most ghost nets provide nutrition to marine animals, upon disintegration,
(d) Ghost nets can curtail freedom of marine animals,
Answer: (c) Most ghost nets provide nutrition to marine animals, upon disintegration,

Question. Some records share that fishing nets used to be made of common rope using natural fibres, prior to the 1960s. Based on your understanding of Paragraph 3, list one major advantage that these had over the fishing nets being used in present times.
Answer: A major advantage is that natural fiber nets would biodegrade relatively quickly, whereas modern plastic nets last for centuries and turn into harmful microplastics.