CBSE Class 12 English Unseen Passage C

CBSE Class 12 English Unseen Passage C. Students should do unseen passages for class 12 English which will help them to get better marks in English class tests and exams. Unseen passages are really scoring and practicing them on regular basis will be very useful. Refer to the unseen passage below with answers.

Unseen Passage for Class 12 with answers

1. Read the passage given below:
(1) Royal Bengal Tiger is the largest, fiercest, and powerful member of the Big Cat family in India. Royal Bengal Tigers, also known as Indian Tiger and Bengal Tiger, constitute a large population of the tiger family in the world. It is the National animal of India and is found mostly in India, China, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Burma.
(2) The biological name of this Big Cat is Panthera Tigris, which comes under the Felidae family under Mammalia category.
(3) No two Bengal tigers look alike! Every Bengal Tigers has a unique stripe pattern. Their colour ranges from yellow to light orange, with stripes from dark brown to black. Some of the Bengal Tigers are white in colour. The tail is orange in colour with black rings. Unlike the other White Tigers that have blue eyes, Bengal Tigers have yellow irises.
They live for 10 to 15 years.
(4) Being fierce in nature, Royal Bengal Tigers are not much friendly in nature and live a solitary life, except in winters when they can be seen in a group of 3 or 4. Bengal tigers are fast runners and good swimmers. Tigers attack their prey in a stealth mode. They are usually spotted in swamps, mangroves, and grasslands.
(5) Royal Bengal Tigers have very sharp memory; they never forget the faces. Their memory is sharper than humans and other animals.
(6) We can find the largest population of Royal Bengal Tigers in India. As per the latest tiger census report 2017, there are 3,786 Royal Bengal Tigers in India. India has more than 75% of the total tiger population in the world. Along with India, neighbouring countries to India holds a somewhat decent population of Royal Bengal Tiger in the world.
The latest census of the tigers in India and neighbouring countries are shown in the table.
(7) To know about the latest tiger population is always government’s concern, as they want to save this majestic animal from getting extinct. India has lost 97% of its Royal Bengal Tigers population in the last century. The main reason is Hunting, Poaching, Urbanization, Habitat loss and Illegal Wildlife Trade. Poaching means to illegally trade the tiger made products like tiger skin, tiger made jewellery, etc. These skin and jewellery are sold for millions in the international market. Poaching has reduced the number of tigers to just 3,800 from 1,00,000 in the starting of the 20th century.
Based on your understanding of the above passage, answer any six of the questions given below by choosing the most appropriate option:

Question. The number of tigers in ______________ ranges from 80 to 460.
(a) Bangladesh
(b) Bhutan
(c) China
(d) Nepal
Answer: B

Question. Pick the right word which is similar in meaning as ‘Solitary’.
(a) Accompanied
(b) Lonesome
(c) Sociable
(d) Gregarious
Answer: B

Question. Which pair of countries has approximately same number of maximum tigers?
(a) Nepal and Bangladesh
(b) Bhutan and Bangladesh
(c) China and Nepal
(d) Bangladesh and India
Answer: B

Question. Pick out the option(s) that correctly state the reason for reduction in the population of the tigers?
(a) Poaching
(b) Epidemic
(c) Climatic changes
(d) Soil erosion
Answer: A

Question. The biological name of Bengal Tiger is Panthera _____________.
(a) Tiger
(b) Tigress
(c) Tigris
(d) Tigers
Answer: C

Question. When was the latest survey of tigers conducted according to the passage?
(a) 2010
(b) 2017
(c) 2019
(d) 2020
Answer: B

Question. Pick out the characteristic(s) of Bengal Tigers.
(a) Fast runners
(b) Attack in stealth mode
(c) Good swimmers
(d) All of these
Answer: D

2. Read the passage given below:
(1) Whaling is the hunting of whales for food and oil. Whaling was once conducted around the world by seafaring nations in pursuit of the giant animals that seemed as limitless as the oceans in which they swam. However, since the mid-20th century, when whale population began to drop catastrophically, whaling has been conducted on a very limited scale. It is now the subject of great scrutiny, both by formal regulatory bodies and by non-governmental organizations.
(2) Whaling has been documented in many sources—from Neolithic cave art to present-day annual reports of the International Whaling Commission. Prehistoric inhabitants of far northern coastal regions, lacking adequate agriculture, developed successful whaling techniques using Stone Age weapons. By the time the Inuit (Eskimo) of eastern and western North America were first encountered by Europeans, they had already mastered whale hunting, and many Inuit methods were used as recently as 1900. For the Inuit, a captured whale supplied food, fuel, and light; sinews provided cordage, and bones were used for tools and construction. Not until the 20th century, when floating factory ships came into use, did other civilizations succeed in the same efficient use of the whole carcass. Elsewhere, from the first intensive hunting of whales in the early 17th century to the early 20th century, little more than blubber and baleen was used, and the remainder of the animal was discarded. Each successive discovery of new whaling grounds resulted in the near disappearance of a particular species. The efficiency of modern hunting methods hastened this trend.
(3) International whaling developed in stages that were determined by changing demand, diminishing stocks, and advancing technology. A lengthy primitive stage eventually led to commercial whaling; new markets and technical and chemical advances then produced modern whaling, which led to virtual extinction of the quarry and a return to a primitive stage. The commercial stages were dominated overwhelmingly by Northern Europeans and Americans—first the Dutch, then the British and Americans, and finally the Norwegians and British. Only at the very end, when Europeans no longer found the trade profitable, did they surrender the remaining whales to the Russians and Japanese.
Based on your understanding of the above passage, answer any six of the questions given below by choosing the most appropriate option: 

Question. Who are Inuits?
(a) The whales predominantly found in Antarctica.
(b) The people predominantly found in Antarctica.
(c) The people living in cold areas of Eastern and Western North America.
(d) The people living in cold areas of Siberian desert in Russia.
Answer: C

Question. In the year 1985, the difference between the number of Minke whales hunted and Sei whales hunted was ______.
(a) 1000
(b) 15000
(c) 16000
(d) 14000
Answer: D

Question. The range of the time period of the survey is
(a) A decade
(b) A century
(c) Quarter of a century
(d) Quarter of a decade
Answer: C

Question. Who started the commercial whaling?
(a) Dutch
(b) British
(c) Russians
(d) Japanese
Answer: A

Question. Around when did the whale population start dropping largely?
(a) Beginning of 19th century
(b) Mid 20th century
(c) Early 21st century
(d) Just recently
Answer: B

Question. What is the earliest documented source of whaling?
(a) Paleolithic cave art
(b) Mesolithic cave art
(c) Neolithic cave art
(d) Monolithic cave art
Answer: C

3. Read the passage given below:
(1) A new dimension of women in politics emerged in recent years all over the world. More and more women have now been entering into politics. Conventional politics reflected male concerns and hence women were notably absent in politics.
(2) Welfare policies had been constructed and reinforced women’s traditional position as wives and mothers.
Women have struggled over issues affecting them, especially their rights to property and vote in the 19th century.
(3) In India, reform movements before and after Independence has helped the women to gain some power in politics also. After Independence they have achieved an unprecedented political break-through with the reservation of seats for them in panchayats and other public bodies.
(4) It is heartening to note that Indian women were among the earliest to get their political rights (right to vote) without any political movement like in The United States and many Western countries. They were among the foremost to take active part in politics even in Pre-Independence times.
(5) Indian women have a distinction to become UNO Secretary (Vijay Laxmi Pandit), Prime Minister (Indira Gandhi), Chief Minister (Sucheta Kripalani, Jayalalitha, Uma Bharti, Mayawati and Vasundhara Raje) and even President (Pratibha Patil).
(6) A recent study was conducted to understand the status of women in politics across the world. The graph below proves that even in the 21st century, the status of women is not equal to that of men when it comes to occupying high positions in various occupations.
Based on your understanding of the above passage, answer any six of the questions given below by choosing the most appropriate option: 

Question. Which traditional positions of women have been reinforced?
(a) Mother
(b) Wife
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Neither (a) nor (b)
Answer: C

Question. Where have the seats been reserved for the women after the Independence?
(a) Panchayats
(b) Schools
(c) Colleges
(d) All of these
Answer: A

Question. Name the only woman Prime Minister of India.
(a) Mayawati
(b) Indira Gandhi
(c) Uma Bharti
(d) Pratibha Patil
Answer: B

Question. What is the theme of the passage?
(a) Women empowerment
(b) Involvement of women in politics
(c) Involvement of women in employment opportunities
(d) Gender inequality
Answer: A

Question. Pick the option which is not the correct meaning of the word ‘Foremost’.
(a) Leading
(b) Principal
(c) Top
(d) Secondary
Answer: D

Question. Pick out the right of women which was a question of struggle in the 19th century.
(a) Right to vote
(b) Right to worship
(c) Right to work
(d) None of these
Answer: A

Question. _______politics reflected male concerns.
(a) Conventional
(b) Modern
(c) Neo-modern
(d) None of these
Answer: A

Question. Which prestigious post was held by Vijay Laxmi Pandit?
(a) Prime Minister of India
(b) President of India
(c) WHO Secretary
(d) UNO Secretary
Answer: D

4. Read the passage given below:
(1) Technology has advanced tremendously and has taken control of our daily lives. Every household has at least one television set, a laptop or desktop. It is not an uncommon sight to see kids playing with smartphones or tablets nowadays. We cannot deny how much technology has helped us, but are we exposing ourselves and our children to too much of it?
(2) There has been much research and plenty of debate among educators, policy-makers, paediatricians and parents on the benefits and disadvantages of technology over the years. The kids are able to talk to friends and family who are far away. They enhance your child’s curiosity and encourages him to explore from the safety of your home.
Pushing keys and using the mouse help in fine-tuning your child’s fine motor skills, which enhances their eye-hand coordination. Studies carried out by independent researchers have found that the use of technologies could support home learning.
(3) However, technological interactivity can never replace human interaction as current technology cannot replace the human element of interaction between parent and child. The technology may affect preschoolers’ developing cognitive and social skills. The extensive use of tablet computers does not encourage innovative learning. It also increases aggressive responses from playing violent video games. As mentally stimulating as they are, technological devices do not promote physical stimulation as much as physical activity.
(4) The responses received from parents and teachers during the survey conducted have been depicted in the form of pie diagram.
Based on your understanding of the above passage, answer any six of the questions given below by choosing the most appropriate option:

Question. Who among these have participated in the debate on advantages and disadvantages of technology for kids?
(a) Kids
(b) Computer vendors
(c) Smartphone dealers
(d) Paediatricians
Answer: D

Question. Which of these helps in fine tuning the motor skills of the child?
(a) Pushing keys
(b) Using mouse
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Neither (a) nor (b)
Answer: C

Question. What was the status of the researchers conducting the studies?
(a) Politically motivated
(b) Education policy makers
(c) Independent
(d) Computer manufacturers
Answer: C

Question. Which of these skills of preschoolers can be hampered by over exposure to technology?
(a) Physiological
(b) Cognitive
(c) Physical
(d) Emotional
Answer: B

Question. What do kids play on nowadays?
(a) Television
(b) Smartphone
(c) Laptop
(d) All of these
Answer: D

Question. What is the most important question faced by the parents and teachers today?
(a) Has technology helped us?
(b) Has technology advanced tremendously?
(c) Are we over exposing our kids to the technology?
(d) Do we need to conduct on research on pros and cons of technology?
Answer: C

Question. Which is the least selected response from the following?
(a) Access to many sites
(b) Cause eye skew
(c) Increases knowledge
(d) Reduces outdoor activity
Answer: B

Question. Which of these statements is correct?
(a) Technological interactivity can never replace human intervention.
(b) Technological interactivity can surely replace human intervention.
(c) Technological interactivity is better than human intervention.
(d) Technological interactivity is miles ahead of human intervention.
Answer: A

5. Read the passage given below:
(1) Indian Rhinoceros, (Rhinoceros unicornis), also called greater one-horned Rhinoceros, the largest of the three Asian Rhinoceroses. The Indian Rhinoceros weighs between 1,800 and 2,700 kg. It stands 2 meters high at the shoulder and is 3.5 meters long. The Indian Rhinoceros is more or less equivalent in size to the White Rhinoceros of Africa and is distinguishable from the Javan Rhinoceros by its greater size, the presence of a large horn, tubercles on its skin, and a different arrangement of skin folds.
(2) The Indian Rhinoceros occupies the world’s tallest grasslands, where at the end of the summer monsoon in October grasses reach 7 meters tall. They are primarily grazers, except during the winter when they consume a larger proportion of browse. The Indian Rhinoceros fights with its razor-sharp lower outer incisor teeth, not with its horn.
Such teeth, or tusks, can reach 13 cm in length.
(3) The Indian Rhinoceros previously occupied an extensive range across northern India and Nepal from Assam state in the east to the Indus River valley in the west. Today this species is restricted to about 11 reserves in India and Nepal. Nearly 2,300 individuals of breeding age remain in the wild, and only one population, that of Kaziranga National Park in Assam state, contains more than 500 individuals.
(4) The Indian Rhinoceroses’ dung piles, or middens, are of interest not only as places where scent is deposited and as communication posts but also as sites for the establishment of plants. Indian Rhinoceroses can deposit as much as 25 kg in a single defecation. The Indian Rhinoceroses’ dung piles support interesting collections of over 25 species of plants whose seeds are ingested by Rhinoceroses and germinate in the nutrient-rich dung.
(5) A survey was conducted on the population of Rhinoceros unicornis between 1910 to 2005 and the result was interpreted in the form of a line graph.
Based on your understanding of the above passage, answer any six of the questions given below by choosing the most appropriate option: 

Question. Which of these Rhinoceros is equivalent in size to Indian Rhinoceros?
(a) African White Rhinoceros
(b) Javan Rhinoceros
(c) Asian Rhinoceros
(d) All of these
Answer: A

Question. Which of these statements is correct?
(a) The Indian Rhinoceros previously occupied an intensive range across southern India and Sri Lanka from Tamil Nadu state in the south to Himachal Pradesh in the north.
(b) The Indian Rhinoceros previously occupied an intensive range across northern India and Nepal from Assam state in the east to the Indus River valley in the west.
(c) The Indian Rhinoceros previously occupied an extensive range across southern India and Sri Lanka from Tamil Nadu state in the south to Himachal Pradesh in the north.
(d) The Indian Rhinoceros previously occupied an extensive range across northern India and Nepal from Assam state in the east to the Indus River valley in the west.
Answer: D

Question. Pick the option(s) that state the features used to distinguish Indian Rhinoceros and Javan Rhinoceros.
(a) Large horn
(b) Skin tubercles
(c) Skin fold arrangement
(d) All of these
Answer: D

Question. Which teeth are used by the Indian Rhinoceros for fighting?
(a) Lower outer incisor
(b) Lower inner canine
(c) Upper outer molars
(d) Upper inner premolars
Answer: A

Question. What is the scientific name of the Indian Rhinoceros?
(a) Rhinoceros Indian
(b) Rhinoceros Unicornis
(c) Rhinoceros Asia
(d) All of these
Answer: B

Question. Which teeth are used by the Indian Rhinoceros for fighting?
(a) Lower outer incisor
(b) Lower inner canine
(c) Upper outer molars
(d) Upper inner premolars
Answer: A

Question. What is the weight range of Indian Rhinoceros?
(a) 1800-2700 kg
(b) 2-3.5 meters
(c) 25-50 inches
(d) None of these
Answer: A

6. Read the passage given below:
(1) Parents of teenagers or preteens should realize the normal struggles with fads, music and other efforts of independence occur in every family. Once they know that, they can relax more and worry less about how their children are “turning out”. Chances are they will be just fine, and the challenging teen will grow up to be a responsible adult.
(2) In the early years of children’s lives, parents are the most important figures in their world. Their approval, love and support are critical to children. Consequently, much of what children do and say is aimed at maintaining that love and approval. As children get older and have more contact with people other than their parents, their behaviour and attitude will be influenced by other people.
(3) When children are young, many parents maintain control over most aspects of their child’s life. These parents choose their child’s clothes, friends, hobbies and so on. As children grow older, they realize they can never grow into adults without having control of their lives. Consequently, teens begin to fight for control.
(4) For teens, this struggle for adulthood is terribly risky because they risk losing the most important thing in their lives — the love of parents. At the same time, parents may feel rejected, hurt and anxious about teens’ abilities to care for themselves. Their struggle is stressful because everyone cares so greatly about each other.
(5) A common complaint from teens is that parents “want me to be the way they want me to be.” In other words, many parents want a certain career, appearance or college for their teen. These parents experience varying amounts of disappointment and sometimes anger because their children fail to live up to the parents’ expectations.
(6) Accepting teens as individuals who will have to make their own decisions about how to be an adult in the world can be extremely hard to do. But the healthy teen will grow up and do just that. Parents who reject their teen for failing to follow the parents’ plans or who reject some aspect of their teen’s life may find themselves painfully alienated from this person who they care about so much.
(7) A survey was conducted where 500 teenagers were asked a question “What is the one thing your parents can do to make you happier?”. The responses of the teenagers were presented in the form a pie chart.
Based on your understanding of the above passage, answer any six of the questions given below by choosing the most appropriate option: 

Question. What is the challenging teen likely to grow up into?
(a) A responsible citizen
(b) A responsible adult
(c) A responsible lawyer
(d) A responsible social worker
Answer: B

Question. Which of these statements is correct?
(a) Teens begin to fight for respect.
(b) Teens begin to fight for trust.
(c) Teens begin to fight for money.
(d) Teens begin to fight for control.
Answer: D

Question. What are the normal struggles between parents and teenagers?
(a) Efforts of independence
(b) Efforts of dependence
(c) Efforts of pre-dependence
(d) Efforts of affection
Answer: A

Question. Which word in the passage means same as ‘isolate’ (used in para 6)?
(a) Reject
(b) Accept
(c) Alienate
(d) Grow
Answer: C

Question. What can the parents do when they know how their children are turning out?
(a) Sing
(b) Dance
(c) Clap
(d) Relax
Answer: D

Question. Who are the most important figure in the world in the early years of children’s lives?
(a) Parents
(b) Siblings
(c) Friends
(d) Teachers
Answer: A

Question. Why is the struggle for adulthood terrible risky?
(a) They risk losing the bond of friends.
(b) They risk losing the trust of siblings.
(c) They risk losing the love of parents.
(d) They risk losing the respect for teachers.
Answer: C

I. Read the passage and answer the questions given below :
(1) The present generation is well updated with the use of internet and computers. The rapid development in computer technology and increase in accessibility of the internet for academic purposes has changed the face of education for everyone associated with it. Let’s look at the data arising out of a recent survey that was done to ascertain the time spent on utilisation of the computer and internet:
(2) At present, many schools and universities have been implementing internet-based learning, as it supplements the conventional teaching methods. The internet provides a wide variety of references and information to academics as well as scientific researchers. Students often turn to it to do their academic assignments and projects.
(3) However, research on Internet is very different from traditional library research, and the differences can cause problems. The Internet is a tremendous resource, but it must be used carefully and critically.
(4) According to a 2018 Academic Student e-book Experience Survey, conducted by LJ’s research department and sponsored by EBSCO, when reading for pleasure, almost 74% of respondents said they preferred print books for leisure whereas, 45 % of respondents chose e-books rather than the printed versions, for research or assignments.
(5) When asked what e-book features make them their favourite for research, the respondents were clear. Having page numbers to use in citations, topped the list (75%); followed by the ability to resize text to fit a device’s screen (67%); the ability to bookmark pages, highlight text, or take notes for later reference (60%); downloading the entire e-book
(57%); and allowing content to be transferred between devices (43%) were the varied responses.
Based on your understanding of the above passage, answer any six of the questions given below by choosing the most appropriate option:

Question. Based on the given graphical chart, pick the option that lists the area of zero response from respondents.
(a) Never using the internet for work and leisure
(b) Daily use of the computer for academic activities
(c) Writing and receiving emails once a week
(d) Using the internet for personal tasks once a month
Answer: A

Question. Based on the given graphical representation of data in the passage, choose the option that lists the statements that are TRUE with respect to the usage of email.
1. The everyday usage of email is more than the everyday usage of computer for personal use.
2. About 18% people use email once a week.
3. There are a smaller number of email users using it 2-3 times a week than the ones using it once a month.
4. Less than 5% of people never use the email.
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 3 and 4
Answer: B

Question. In the cartoon, the student’s reaction reveals that he is ______________.
(a) indignant
(b) apologetic
(c) obedient
(d) inquisitive
Answer: A

Question. “… but it must be used carefully and critically.” The idea of being careful and critical while using the internet, is mainly a reference to
(a) hardware malfunction.
(b) plagiarism.
(c) troubleshooting.
(d) virus threats.
Answer: B

Question. The word ‘tremendous’, as used in paragraph 3, means the same as
(a) expensive
(b) renowned
(c) Innovative
(d) incredible
Answer: D

Question. Based on the graphical chart in the passage, choose the option that correctly states the depiction of internet usage for work and for leisure, for once a month.
(a) Option (1)
(b) Option (2)
(c) Option (3)
(d) Option (4)
Answer: D

Question. Which of the following statements is NOT substantiated by information in paragraph 4?
(a) About three-quarters of the respondents preferred print books for recreational reading.
(b) A little less than a 50% of the respondents voted for e-books for research or assignments.
(c) More than 50% respondents stated enjoying both versions of books for leisure reading.
(d) The survey was intended for understanding the e-book experience among students.
Answer: C

Question. Arrange the given e-book features preferred for research from the least favourite to the most favourite–
1. downloading the entire e-book
2. choosing page numbers in citations
3. highlighting text
4. resizing text to fit screen
(a) 1, 3, 4, 2
(b) 3, 2, 1, 4
(c) 2, 4, 3, 1
(d) 4, 1, 2, 3
Answer: A

II. Read the passage given below:
(1) Andy Dehart is a shark expert and TV presenter who lives in the United States of America. He has had a lifelong interest in sharks and is always trying to look for ways to educate the public about them. Many people think that sharks have little or no intelligence, but Andy points out that recent studies have shown that many shark species possess powerful problem-solving abilities and social skills. “Sharks do not want to attack humans,” he asserts. “There is no shark species that eats humans as part of its regular diet. In most shark attack cases, sharks leave after realising that it has mistakenly bitten a human and not its intended prey.”
(2) In Andy’s opinion, all shark fishing should be stopped until the shark populations have had time to grow again. We then need to do a better job of managing the fishing of sharks. However, even if the direct fishing of sharks is stopped, many will still be killed when they are caught up in the nets of boats fishing for other species of fish.
(3) When Andy was a boy, his father worked for a national oceanic organisation, and Andy travelled with him all over the Caribbean. He grew up by the coast and he has been connected with the sea for as long as he can remember.
He also lived near one of the best aquariums in America. Andy then went on to build a career working with sharks in an aquarium environment. More recently, he has been involved with television and the making of programmes about the sharks.
(4) Andy and his wife had their first child two years ago. They were amused and amazed to see what extent their work with animals has proved to be useful in bringing up their daughter. They know how to observe her behaviour and teach her how to do things by rewarding her.
(5) Andy loves sharks and is very passionate about their survival and protection. He feels extremely lucky to have had opportunities working at the National Aquarium and the television station which presents the Nature Channel.
He never wastes a moment in either place that could be spent educating people about sharks. He does admit that it is probably not possible for everyone to love sharks as he does. However, he does hope to persuade people personally or through the media to respect sharks and the critical role they play in our environment. His main objective is to keep
spreading awareness that sharks are not dangerous man-eaters but essential creatures in our oceans, as they provide ecological balance and help to control other species.
Based on your understanding of the above passage, answer any six of the questions given below by choosing the most appropriate option:

Question. How did Andy’s work help him when bringing up his daughter?
(a) They knew how to teach her things by rewarding her.
(b) They taught her by reprimanding her.
(c) They taught her to observe behaviour of others.
(d) Connection of animals to the daughter’s keenness.
Answer: A

Question. Why does Andy believe that sharks only attack humans by mistake?
(a) They don’t eat humans as a part of their diet.
(b) They leave after realising that it has mistakenly bit humans.
(c) Human is not its intended prey.
(d) All of these
Answer: D

Question. Even after the ascending trend, in which year the number of sharks caught remained the same?
(a) 1970
(b) 1975
(c) 1980
(d) 1985
Answer: A

Question. According to the graph, how many sharks were caught in 1990?
(a) 650,000
(b) 700,000
(c) 750,000
(d) 800,000
Answer: B

Question. Realize : Realization :: Grow: ?
(a) Growing
(b) Growth
(c) Grown
(d) Grew
Answer: B

Question. How does Andy hope to educate people about sharks?
(a) Through his work at the National Aquarium.
(b) Through the media.
(c) Through the Nature Challenge.
(d) All of these.
Answer: D

Question. In the graph given, over the period of five decades, how much increase do we find in the number of sharks caught?
(a) 460,000
(b) 560,000
(c) 260,000
(d) 860,000
Answer: B

Question. How can it be proved that many shark species are intelligent?
(a) Their problem solving and social skills
(b) Their social skills
(c) Eating humans and their immediate realization
(d) Their oceanic organisation
Answer: A

III. Read the passage given below:
(1) A survey was conducted on student preferences with respect to the most popular means of communication among them. Surprisingly, the students didn’t seem much interested in traditional means of communication. Only 7% were interested in writing letters to their friends or kins as compared to those who preferred e-mails.
(2) However, the chief competition is between users of Instant Messenger and those of Emails. The users of fax line as a medium of communication are only marginal. There are supporters of text messaging also. Overall, the survey had a mixed response from the students.
(3) The students informed that out of the choices given in the survey questionnaire, they have indicated the most preferred option. But, most of the students are of the view that video calling needs to be mentioned in the questionnaire as it is the most effective and most popular means of communication. Further, voice messages are the second most preferred means of communication.
Based on your understanding of the above passage, answer any six of the questions given below by choosing the most appropriate option: 

Question. What is the overall response of the students to the survey?
(a) Biased
(b) Unbiased
(c) Mixed
(d) None of these
Answer: C

Question. What is the correct order of the medium of communication in decreasing order of preference?
(a) Voice message, Text message, Instant Messenger, Fax
(b) Text message, Instant Messenger, Voice message, Fax
(c) Instant Messenger, Fax, Voice message, Text message
(d) Text message, Instant Messenger, Fax, Voice message
Answer: A

Question. Which means of communication is liked by exactly one-tenth of the students?
(a) Letter
(b) Fax
(c) E-mail
(d) Letters
Answer: B

Question. Pick out the word or phrase from the passage which means opposite to ‘gradual’ (used in Para 2).
(a) Chief
(b) Instant
(c) Marginal
(d) Mixed
Answer: B

Question. Which means of communication is liked by more than one-fourth of the students?
(a) Telephone
(b) Text message
(c) E-mail
(d) Fax
Answer: A

Question. Choose the correct option for Competition : Compete.
(a) Competition - Noun / Compete - Adjective
(b) Competition - Adverb / Compete - Verb
(c) Competition - Noun / Compete - Verb
(d) Competition - Adverb / Compete - Noun
Answer: C

Question. Pick out the word or phrase from the passage which means the same as ‘study’ (used in Para 1).
(a) Survey
(b) Popular
(c) Communication
(d) Kins
Answer: A

IV. Read the passage given below:
(1) Human life changes constantly over time. Mobile phones were previously seen only among few high-class people and were considered as something lavish. Then slowly, even the average or the common men on the street, like a cobbler or vegetable vendor, could be seen having a cell-phone. In the world today, even young kids and school going children are found busily chatting away on their mobile phones. Now kids as young as seven and eight too have started owning a mobile phone. Welcome to the new age world!
(2) Studies recommend that mobile phones should only be given to children above sixteen years of age. Children below the age of sixteen should not be given mobile phones since their brain is too sensitive to withstand the effects of mobile radiation. Since the tissues in the brain and body are still developing, these radiations can cause cell damage.
Due to the absorption of radiation, children can have severe health issues. Although, adults also get affected by these radiations it will be more severe in children because of increased absorption of these radiation levels. Experts also believe there is a link between childhood cancer and mobile phone usage among children.
(3) A survey was conducted to get the views of the parents and teachers as to whether the children below sixteen years of age should be given mobiles or not was conducted. The responses received were formulated into a pie diagram as under:
Based on your understanding of the above passage, answer any six of the questions given below by choosing the most appropriate option:

Question. Which of these categories is represented by this pictorial representation?
(a) Yes, no restrictions
(b) Yes, but not during class hours
(c) Yes, but only in emergency
(d) No, never
Answer: C

Question. What percentage of parents and teachers are against giving mobile phones to students in any situation?
(a) 7%
(b) 20%
(c) 30%
(d) 43%
Answer: D

Question. Pick out the word or phrase from the passage which means the same as ‘extravagant’ (used in Para 1).
(a) High-class
(b) Lavish
(c) Vendor
(d) Busily
Answer: B

Question. Pick out the word or phrase from the passage which means opposite to ‘contracting’ (Para 2).
(a) Recommending
(b) Developing
(c) Absorbing
(d) Linking
Answer: B

Question. Pick the right option:
Statement-1: Mobile phones should be given to children above sixteen years of age.
Statement-2: The brain of Children below the age of sixteen is too sensitive to withstand the effects of mobile radiation.
(a) Statement 1 true AND statement 2 is false.
(b) Statement 1 is false and statement 2 is true.
(c) Statement 2 is the reason and statement 1 is the effect.
(d) Both of the statements can not be inferred.
Answer: C

Question. What is the minimum age prescribed by the studies to give mobile phones to children?
(a) Ten
(b) Twelve
(c) Fourteen
(d) Sixteen
Answer: D

Question. The word ‘conducted’ used in Para 3 here means:
(a) Steered
(b) Sold
(c) Planned
(d) Finalised
Answer: A

Question. Which of these diseases is linked to mobile phone usage?
(a) Childhood obesity
(b) Childhood retardation
(c) Childhood cancer
(d) All of these
Answer: C

V. Read the passage given below:
(1) Understanding how hibernators, including ground squirrels, marmots and bears, survive their long winter’s naps may one day offer solutions for problems such as heart disease, osteoporosis and muscular dystrophy.
(2) Nearly everything about the way an animal’s body works changes when it hibernates and preparations start from weeks or months in advance. The first order of business is to fatten up.
(3) “Fat is where it’s at for a hibernator,” says Matthew Andrews, a molecular biologist at the University of Minnesota Duluth who studies 13-lined ground squirrels. “You bring your own lunch with you”. Packing lunch is necessary because the animals go on the world’s strictest diet during the winter, surviving entirely off their white fat.
“They have their last supper in October; they don’t eat again until March,” Andrews says.
(4) Recent analyses revealed that Scandinavian brown bears spend the summer with plasma 69 cholesterol levels considered high for humans; those values then increase substantially for hibernation, Frobert and his colleagues reported. These “very, very fat” bears with high cholesterol also get zero exercise during hibernation. Lolling about in the den pinches off blood vessels, contributing to sluggish circulation. “That cocktail would not be advisable in humans,” Frobert says. It’s a recipe for hardened arteries, putting people at risk for heart attacks and strokes.
(5) Even healthy young adult humans can develop fatty streaks in their arteries that make the blood vessels less flexible, but the bears don’t build up such artery-hardening 69 streaks. “Our bears, they had nothing,” Frobert says. lt’s not yet clear how the bears keep their arteries flexible, but Fröbert hopes to find some protective molecule that could stave off hardened arteries in humans as well.
Based on your understanding of the above passage, answer any six of the questions given below by choosing the most appropriate option:

Question. What type of brown bears spend summer with plasma cholesterol levels?
(a) American
(b) Asian
(d) Armenian
(d) Scandinavian
Answer: D

Question. Study of hibernators are likely to offer solutions for problems like
(a) Osteoporosis
(b) Heart disease
(c) Muscular dystrophy
(d) All of these
Answer: D

Question. How much exercise is done by animals during hibernation?
(a) Zero
(b) Less than average
(c) Regular
(d) More than average
Answer: A

Question. What is the maximum desirable level of cholesterol for human beings?
(a) 0
(b) 200
(c) 232
(d) 356
Answer: C

Question. Which statement about the effect of hibernation on the bears is best supported by the graph?
(a) Only one of the bears did not experience an appreciable change in its total plasma cholesterol level.
(b) Only one of the bears experienced a significant increase in its total plasma cholesterol level.
(c) All of the bears achieved the desirable plasma cholesterol level for humans.
(d) The bear with the lowest total plasma cholesterol level in its active state had the highest total plasma cholesterol level during hibernation.
Answer: A

Question. It’s a recipe for hardened arteries, putting people at risk for heart attacks and strokes.?
Which recipe is good for humans?
(a) Nutritious Food but no work.
(b) Too much food and less work.
(c) Balanced diet and work.
(d) No food and too much work.
Answer: C

Question. How do animals survive during winters?
(a) Off their white fat.
(b) Hunting small animals.
(c) Eating plant leaves and fruits.
(d) Eating packed lunch.
Answer: A

VI. Read the passage given below:
(1) Most of us know that smoking causes cancer, lung disease, heart disease, can shorten life by 10 years or more and can cost a smoker thousands of rupees a year. So, why are people still smoking? The answer, in a word, is addiction.
(2) Smoking is a hard habit to break because tobacco contains the very addictive chemical nicotine. The body and mind quickly get used to the nicotine in cigarettes. Soon, a person needs to have it just to feel normal.
(3) People start smoking for different reasons. Some think it looks cool. Others start because their family members or friends smoke. Almost all adult tobacco users started before they were 18 years old. Most never expected to become addicted.
(4) Many of the chemicals in cigarettes, like nicotine and cyanide, are poisons that can kill in high doses. The body is smart. It goes on the defence when it’s being poisoned. First time smokers often feel pain or burning in their throat and lungs, and some even cough vigorously the first few times they try tobacco. Over time, smoking leads to health problems such as heart disease, stroke, lung damage and many types of cancer — including lung, throat, stomach, and bladder cancer.
(5) A survey was conducted to collect views of the people whether smoking should be allowed or not in public places. The results of the responses received have been depicted in the form of pie chart here.
Based on your understanding of the above passage, answer any six of the questions given below by choosing the most appropriate option: 

Question. Which of these is defence system that appears in first time smokers?
(a) Vomiting
(b) Burning in lungs
(c) Dizziness
(d) All of these
Answer: B

Question. Which of these can be caused by smoking?
(a) Heart disease
(b) Cancer
(c) Lung disease
(d) All of these
Answer: D

Question. Which of these types of cancers is likely to be caused by smoking?
(a) Lung cancer
(b) Blood cancer
(c) Breast cancer
(d) Bone cancer
Answer: A

Question. ________contains an additive substance called nicotine.
(a) Liquor
(b) Coffee
(c) Tobacco
(d) Fruit juice
Answer: C

Question. What is the meaning in which ‘cool’ has been used in Para 3 of the passage?
(a) Chill
(b) Unfriendly
(c) Calm
(d) Stylish
Answer: D

Question. What is the basic reason for continuing smoking even after knowing its harmful effects?
(a) Looking cool
(b) Keeping pace with the society
(c) Addiction
(d) None of these
Answer: C

Read the passage below:

Doing housework, taking care of children and carrying out assorted jobs for husbands are work just as much as is performing paid employment in an office or factory. To ignore this is to do a disservice to women in the labor force. The reality of housework is that women's work in the homes average 56 hours per week for full time homemaker and 26 hours per week for the employed wife/mother. Husbands and children barely increase their contribution to housework and child care when the wife/mother is in the labor force. As a result, the employed women give up most of her leisure to carry out the responsibilities of family life.

We realize that it may sound strange to hear women's activities in the home, called work. Since women, who do housework and take care of children receive no salary or wages; home-making is not considered 'work'. Economists have finally helped us to recognize the importance of women's work in the family by estimating the monetary value of home-making. These estimates range from $ 4,705 (1968) through $ 8200 (1972) to over $ 13,000 per year in 1973 depending on whether the work of the home-maker is considered equivalent to an unskilled, skilled or a professional worker, respectively. For example, is child care comparable to baby-sitting at $ 0.75 per hour, to a nursery school aid at $ 3 per hour, or to the care of a child psychologist at $ 30 per hour?

Some people have proposed that the solution to the problems of the employed housewife would be simply to pay women for being housewives. Hence, women with heavy family responsibilities would not have to enter the labor force in order to gain income for themselves and/or their families. This is not a solution for many reasons - wages provide income, but they do not remedy the isolating nature of the work itself nor the negative attitudes housewives themselves have towards housework (but not towards child care).

Wages for housework would reinforce occupational stereotyping by freezing women into their traditional roles. Unless women and men are paid equally in the labor force and there is no division of labor based on sex, women's work in the home will have no value.

Since it is not clear what constitutes housework, and we know that housework standards vary greatly, it would be difficult to know how to reward it. 

Pay for housework might place home makers (mainly wives) in the difficult position of having their work assessed by their husbands, while in the case of single home-makers, it is not clear who would does the assessing.

Wages for housework, derived from spouse payments overlook the contribution women make to the society by training children to be good citizens and assume that their work is only beneficial to their own families.

Finally, payment for housework does not address itself to the basic reason why women with family responsibilities work; to increase family income over that which the employed husband/father makes. Also, single women with family responsibilities work because they are the family bread winners.

It may seem puzzling that the hours of U.S. women's home activities have not declined because of the availability of many appliances (washing machines, gas and electric ranges, blenders etc.) and convenience products (prepared soaps, frozen foods, dried food etc.). The truth is that appliances tend to be energy-saving, rather than time-saving, and lead to a rise in the standard of house-keeping. Hence women today spend more time than their grandmothers, doing laundry, since family members demand more frequent changes of clothing today than in earlier generations. Husbands and children expect more varied meals. Advertising encourages women to devote an inordinate amount of time and money to waxing floors, creating rooms free of odour-causing germs and seeking to meet other extraordinary standards of cleanliness. Furthermore, the increasing concern with good nutrition means that many home-makers are now spending more time preparing foods that are not available in the market-place, or which are only available at great costs.

I. Read the passage carefully and choose the most appropriate option from those which are given below:

1.Whom of them barely increase their contribution to household works:
(a) Husbands and children
(b) Mother and father
(c) Friends
(d) Relatives

2.Work of the home maker is considered equivalent to:
(a) An unskilled worker
(b) A skilled worker
(c) A professional worker
(d) All of them

3.Single women with family responsibilities work because they are:
(a) Don't want to sit idle at home
(b) Earn money for the family
(c) Family bread winners
(d) Enjoy their work in offices

II (a) Answer the following questions briefly:

1.Why home making is not considered as work?

2.Why do single women work?

3.Home maker is considered equivalent to an ___________________

4.Wages for housework would _________________

(b) Fill in the blanks with one word only:

Wages for housework, derived from _______ payments overlook the contribution women make to the society by training ________ to be good _________ and assume that their work is only __________ to their own families.

III. Find words from the passage which mean the following:

(a) separating (Para 3)

(b) routine work (Para 4)

Suggested answers for the above questions: 

I.1) (a) Husbands and children

2) (d) All of them

3) (c) Family bread winners

II.(a) 1.Women who do housework and take care of children receive no salary or wages, home-making is not considered work.

2.Single women with family responsibilities work because they are the family bread winners.

3.an unskilled, skilled or a professional worker, respectively.

4.reinforce occupational stereotyping by freezing women into their traditional roles.

(b) (a) spouse

(b) children

(c) citizens

(d) beneficial

III) (a) isolating 

(b) stereotyping

More Unseen Passage for Class 12 English with Answers......

Discursive Passage for Class 12

Maharana Pratap ruled over Mewar only for 25 years. However, he accomplished so much grandeur during his reign that his glory surpassed the boundaries of countries and time turning him into an immortal personality. He along with his kingdom became a synonym for valour, sacrifice and patriotism. Mewar had been a leading Rajput kingdom even before Maharana Pratap occupied the throne. Kings of Mewar, with the cooperation of their nobles and subjects, had established such traditions in the kingdom, as augmented their magnificence despite the hurdles of having a smaller area under their command and less population. There did come a few thorny occasions when the flag of the kingdom seemed sliding down. Their flag once again heaved high in the sky thanks to the gallantry and brilliance of the people of Mewar.

The destiny of Mewar was good in the sense that barring a few kings, most of the rulers were competent and patriotic. This glorious tradition of the kingdom almost continued for 1500 years since its establishment, right from the reign of Bappa Rawal. In fact only 60 years before Maharana Pratap, Rana Sanga drove the kingdom to the pinnacle of fame. His reputation went beyond Rajasthan and reached Delhi. Two generations before him, Rana Kumbha had given a new stature to the kingdom through victories and developmental work. During his reign, literature and art also progressed extraordinarily. Rana himself was inclined towards writing and his works are read with reverence even today. The ambience of his kingdom was conducive to the creation of high quality work of art and literature. These accomplishments were the outcome of a longstanding tradition sustained by several generations.

The life of the people of Mewar must have been peaceful and prosperous during the long span of time; otherwise such extraordinary accomplishment in these fields would not have been possible. This is reflected in their art and literature as well as their loving nature. They compensate for lack of admirable physique by their firm but pleasant nature. The ambience of Mewar remains lovely thanks to the cheerful and liberal character of its people.

One may observe astonishing pieces of workmanship not only in the forts and palaces of Mewar but also a seat of art and culture. Amidst aggression and bloodshed, literature and in public utility buildings. Ruins of many structures which are still standing tall in their grandeur are testimony to the fact that Mewar was not only the land of the brave but also a seat of art and culture. Amidst aggression and bloodshed, literature and art flourished and creative pursuits of literature and artists did not suffer. Imagine, how glorious the period must have been when the Vijaya Stambha which is the sample of our great ancient architecture even today, was constructed. In the same fort, Kirti Stambha is standing high, reflecting how liberal the then administration was which allowed people from other communities and kingdoms to come and carry out construction work. It is useless to indulge in the debate whether the Vijaya Stambha was constructed first or the Kirti Stambha. The fact is that both the capitals are standing side by side and reveal the proximity between the king and the subjects of Mewar.

The cycle of time does not remain the same. Whereas the reign of Rana Sanga was crucial in raising the kingdom to the acme of glory, it also proved to be his nemesis. History took a turn. The fortune of Mewar-the land of the brave, started waning. Rana tried to save the day with his acumen which was running against the stream and the glorious traditions for sometime.

On the basis of your understanding of the above passage answer each of the questions given below with the help of the options that follows :

(a) Maharana Pratap became immortal because :

(i) he ruled Mewar for 25 years.

(ii) he added a lot grandeur to Mewar.

(iii) of his valour, sacrifice and patriotism.

(iv) both (ii) and (iii)

(b) Difficulties in the way of Mewar were :

(i) lack of cooperation of the nobility.

(ii) ancient traditions of the kingdom.

(iii) its small area and small population.

(iv) the poverty of the subjects.

(c) During thorny occasions :

(i) the flag of Mewar seemed to be lowered.

(ii) the flag of Mewar was hoisted high.

(iii) the people of Mewar showed gallantry.

(iv) most of the rulers heaved a sigh of relief.

(d) Mewar was lucky because :

(i) all of its rulers were competent.

(ii) most of its people were competent.

(iii) most of its rulers were competent.

(iv) only a few of its people were incompetent.

Answer the following questions briefly :

(e) Who is the earliest king of Mewar mentioned in the passage ?

(f) What was Rana Kumbha’s contribution to the glory of Mewar ?

(g) What does the writer find worth admiration in the people of Mewar ?

(h) How could art and literature flourish in Mewar ?

(i) How did the rulers show that they cared for their subjects ?

(j) What does the erection of Vijaya Stambha and More the same fort signify ?

(k) Find words from the passage which mean the same as each of the following :

(i) surprising (para 4)

(ii) evidence (para 4)

Suggested answers for the above passage:

(a)(ii), (b) (iii), (c) (i), (d) (iii)

(e) Bappa Rawal was the earliest King of Mewar as mentioned in the passage.

(f) Rana Kumbha gave a new stature to the kingdom through victories and developmental work. During his reign, literature and art also progressed extraordinarily.

(g) According to the writer, the pleasant, loving and the cheerful nature of the people of Mewar is worth admiration.

(h) The art and literature could flourish in Mewar as it was the land of brave, and the peaceful and prosperous life of people there made it possible.

(i) The rulers were very liberal and allowed people from other communities and kingdoms to come and carry out construction work.

(j) The erection of Vijaya Stambha and Kirti Stambha in the same fort signifies the closeness between the King and the subjects of Mewar.

(k) (i) Astonishing (ii) Testimony

Unseen Passage with multiple choice questions for Class 12

Read the passage below:-

In this jet age, everyone is interested in making easy money. Thanks to the advancement in science and technology, these days life has become more easy and comfortable than earlier with a lot of domestic gadgets as well as instantaneous food recipes available in the market. This has resulted in making the people develop a mind-set to have anything immediately without waiting for-even at the traffic signals.

A piano teacher described an interesting encounter she had with a young lady who came to inquire about music lessons. The young lady asked her, "How long wills this course take? My father tells me that it is in fashion now to be able to play musical instruments and that I should learn one quickly. I want something that will be quick fast and easy like, like..." When the amused teacher explained that it would take a lifetime of meticulous practice to learn music, her face fell and, needless to say, she never came back.

The single most important factor that distinguishes those of us who succeed in any venture from those of us who don't is this 'instant coffee' attitude. Most of us want results quickly. We want to reach the top immediately and get worked up when things go wrong. Perseverance and patience are forgotten words. We get upset, frustrated and angry when a skill or activity requires us to put in a lot of effort and time. We get dejected and want to give it up. Things should be easy. Why should things take long? It is unfair.

Life is too short and there is not enough time to do all the things we want to. We tend to compare with others and get upset when they seem to be doing well- dismissing their achievement as pure luck-or think that they have support, help, and approach...that God is being too kind to them and not to us. And so we give up.

But such thinking serves no purpose. For it doesn't solve the problem. Life is tough for those with the ‘instant coffee' attitude.

Success, real success and happiness come to those who have a 'bread-making' attitude. Those who are willing to knead the dough, wait for hours for it to rise only to punch it down and knead some more, wait for another couple of hours for it to rise again, then bake it before it is ready to be eaten. Nothing is instantaneous. For every endeavour- whether in the area of career, academics, music, sports, relationships, physical fitness or even in spirituality-it is a long arduous journey.

Only if we are willing to spend time, put in painstaking effort and have faith, can we get results. If we don't accept this difficult but true fact of life, our lives will be far from being happy and fulfilling. For we may not make that extra effort which can change the course of life dramatically, for our benefit.

I often come across clients who have changed their doctors and do that even after they have spoken to me-because they are on the lookout for a doctor who will instantly give them relief from their problems. One who will ensure that by the time they reach home from the clinic they will have wonderfully fulfilling relationships with their families No wonder, most of us get bitter and disillusioned with life and ourselves and look for escape routes which seem to promise quick results.

The major problem with these ‘instant coffee' solutions is that they are invariably short-lived. If we stubbornly refuse to give up this search for quick solutions, all we do is end up on the wrong track. We never gain anything lasting from them. However, if we just pause to analyse what we are doing, we will realise how much time we are wasting searching for such magical solutions which simply do not exist. We actually save time when we stop this futile search and accept the proven methods of treading the straight and narrow path however difficult it may seem initially.

I.Read the passage carefully and choose the most appropriate option from those which are given below:

1.Because of the science and technology life has become:
(a) more easy and comfortable
(b) more complex
(c) more challenging
(d) more hectic and boring

2.Most of us wants results:
(a) late
(b) quickly
(c) swiftly
(d) before doing the work

3.People teds to do comparisons with others and:
(a) get upset when they do not do well.
(b) get happy when they do not do well.
(c) get happy when they do well.
(d) get upset when they do well.

II.(a) Answer the following questions briefly:

1.What’s the attitude of people regarding results?

2.What comes to who have read making attitude?

3.Life is too short and _______________

4.The major problem with instant coffee solutions is __________________

(b) Fill in the blanks with one word only:

I often come across clients who have changed their (a) _________ and do that even after they have (bii) ________ to me-because they are on the (c) ______ for a doctor who will instantly give them (d) _______ from their problems.

III. Pick out words from the passage which mean the following (2 x 1- 2 Marks)

(a) very careful (para 2)

(b) efforts (para 6)

Suggested Answers for the above passage:-

I.1. (a) more easy and comfortable

2.(b) quickly

3.(d) get upset when they do well.

II.(a) 1. Most of us want results quickly. We want to reach the top immediately and get worked up when things go wrong.

(b)Success, real success and happiness come to those who have a 'bread-making' attitude.

(c)there is not enough time to do all the things we want to.

(d)is that they are invariably short-lived.

(b) (a) doctors

(b) spoken

(c) lookout

(d) relief

III. (a) Meticulous

(b) Endeavour

More Unseen Passage for Class 12 English with Answers......

Unseen Passage for Class 12 with answers pdf

Read the passage given below : 

We often make all things around us the way we want them. Even during our pilgrimages we have begun to look for whatever makes our heart happy, gives comfort to our body and peace to the mind. It is as if external solutions will fulfil our needs, and we do not want to make any special efforts even in our spiritual search. Our mind is resourceful—it works to find shortcuts in simple and easy ways.

Even pilgrimages have been converted into tourism opportunities. Instead, we must awaken our conscience and souls and understand the truth. Let us not tamper with either our own nature or that of the Supreme.

All our cleverness is rendered ineffective when nature does a dance of destruction. Its fury can and will wash away all imperfections. Indian culture, based on Vedic treatises, assists in human evolution, but we are now using our entire energy in distorting these traditions according to our convenience instead of making efforts to make ourselves worthy of them.

The irony is that humans are not even aware of the complacent attitude they have allowed themselves to sink to. Nature is everyone’s Amma and her fierce blows will sooner or later corner us and force us to understand this truth. Earlier, pilgrimages to places of spiritual significance were rituals that were undertaken when people became free from their worldly duties. Even now some seekers take up this pious religious journey as a path to peace and knowledge. Anyone travelling with this attitude feels and travels with only a few essential items that his body can carry. Pilgrims traditionally travelled light, on foot, eating light, dried chickpeas and fruits, or whatever was available. Pilgrims of olden days did not feel the need to stay in special AC bedrooms, or travel by luxury cars or indulge themselves with delicious food and savouries.

Pilgrims traditionally moved ahead, creating a feeling of belonging towards all, conveying a message of brotherhood among all they came across whether in small caves, ashrams or local settlements. They received the blessings and congregations of yogis and mahatmas in return while conducting the dharma of their pilgrimage. A pilgrimage is like penance or sadhana to stay near nature and to experience a feeling of oneness with it, to keep the body healthy and fulfilled with the amount of food, while seeking freedom from attachments and yet remaining happy while staying away from relatives and associates.

This is how a pilgrimage should be rather than making it like a picnic by taking a large group along and living in comfort, packing in entertainment, and tampering with environment. What is worse is giving a boost to the ego of having had a special darshan. Now alms are distributed, charity done while they brag about their spiritual experiences!

We must embark on our spiritual journey by first understanding the grace and significance of a pilgrimage and following it up with the prescribed rules and rituals - this is what translates into the ultimate and beautiful medium of spiritual evolution. There is no justification for tampering with nature.

A pilgrimage is symbolic of contemplation and meditation and acceptance, and is a metaphor for the constant growth or movement and love for nature that we should hold in our hearts.

This is the truth !

On the basis of your understanding of the above passage answer the questions that follow with the help of given options :

(a) How can a pilgrim keep his body healthy ?
(i) By travelling light
(ii) By eating small amount of food
(iii) By keeping free from attachments
(iv) Both (i) and (ii)

(b) How do we satisfy our ego ?
(i) By having a special darshan
(ii) By distributing alms
(iii) By treating it like a picnic
(iv) Both (i) and (ii)

Answer the following as briefly as possible :

(c) What change has taken place in our attitude towards pilgrimages ?

(d) What happens when pilgrimages are turned into picnics ?

(e) Why are we complacent in our spiritual efforts ?

(f) How does nature respond when we try to be clever with it ?

(g) In olden days with what attitude did people go on a pilgrimage ?

(h) What message does the passage convey to the pilgrims ?

(i) Find words from the passage which mean the same as the following :

(i) made/turned (para 3)

(ii) very satisfied (para 4)

Suggested answers for the above questions:

(a) (iv) (b) (iv)

(c) Earlier pilgrimages were a penance to stay near nature and did not require luxury rooms or big cars to travel but now they have become more of a tourism opportunity where people go for a picnic.

(d) When pilgrimages turn into picnics, the significance of it as a sadhana is lost. It becomes more of a social gathering, a life of comfort and a boost to ego, where pilgrims brag about charity and their special darshan.

(e) We are complacent in our spiritual efforts because we think that external solutions will fulfil our need.

(f) Nature’s fierce blows will sooner or later corner us and force us to understand that she is the supreme one.

(g) In olden days, pilgrimages were more of a sadhana to love people, stay close to the nature, understand it, stay healthy and eat healthy. It was

also for seeking freedom from attachment. It was not to adhere to materialistic pleasure and live a luxurious life.

(h) A pilgrimage is symbolic of contemplation, meditation and acceptance and is a metaphor for the constant growth or movement and love for nature that we should hold in our hearts.

(i) (i) Evolution (ii) Complacent

Short Unseen Passage Class 12 with questions and answers

Read the passage below:-

In the democratic countries, intelligence is still free to ask whatever question it chooses. This freedom, it is almost certain, will not survive another war. Educationists should therefore, do all they can while there is yet time to build up in the mind of their charges, a habit of resistance to suggestion. If such resistance is not built up, the men and women of the next generation will be at the mercy of that skillful propagandist who contrives to seize the instruments of information and persuasion. Resistance to suggestion can be built up in two ways. First, children can be taught to rely on their own internal resources and not to depend on incessant stimulation from without. This is doubly important Reliance on external stimulation is bad for the character.

Moreover, such stimulation is the stuff with which propagandists bait there books, the jam in which dictators counsel their ideological pills. An individual who relies on external simulation there by exposes himself to the full force of whatever propaganda is being made in his neighbourhood. For majority of people in the west, purposeless reading, purposeless listening to radios, purposeless looking at films have become addiction, psychological equivalents of alcoholism and morphinism. Things have come to such a pitch that there are many millions of men and women who suffer real distress if they are cut-off for a few days or even a few hours from newspapers, radio and music or movie pictures. Like an addict to a drug, they have to indulge their vice not because their indulgence gives them any real pleasure but because, unless they indulge they feel painful, subnormal and incomplete. Even by intelligent people, it is now taken for granted that such psychological addictions are inevitable and even desirable, that there is nothing to be alarmed at in the fact that the majority of civilized men and women are now incapable of living on their own spiritual.

How can children be taught to rely upon their own spiritual resources and resist the temptation to become reading addicts, hearing addicts, seeing addicts? First of all they can be taught how to entertain themselves, by making things themselves, by playing musical instruments, by purposeful study, by scientific observation and by the practice of some art and so on. But such education of the hand and the intellect is not enough. Psychology has its Gresham's law, it is: that bad money that drives out the good. Most people tend to perform the actions that require less efforts, to think the thought that are easiest to fill, the emotions that are most vulgarly commonplace, to give rein to the desires that are most nearly animal. And they will tend to do this even if they possess the knowledge and skill to do otherwise. Along with the necessary knowledge and skill must be given the will to use them even under the pressure of incessant temptation to take the line of least resistance and become an addict to psychological drugs. Most people will not wish to resist these temptations unless they have a coherent philosophy of life, which makes it reasonable and right for them to do so. The other method of heightening resistance to suggestion is purely intellectual and consists in training young people to subject the diverse devices of the propagandists to critical analysis. The first thing that educators must do is to analyze the words currently used in newspapers, on platforms by preachers and broadcasters. Their critical analysis and constructive criticism should reach out to the children and the youth, with such clarity that they learn to react to forceful suggestions the right way at the right time.

What, for example, does the word 'nation' mean? To what extent are speakers and writers justified in talking of a nation as a person? In what sense can a nation be described as having a will or national interest? Are these interests and will, the interests and will of the entire population? Is it not only advisable but also essential to think in terms of all the above details so that meaningful progress is promoted, thus making democracy thrive better?

I.Read the passage carefully and choose the most appropriate option from those which are given below:

1.Reliance on external stimulation is:

(a) good for the character

(b) bad for the character

(c) swift for the character

(d)clumsy for the character

2.For the majority of people what has become addiction:

(a) purposeless reading

(b) purposeless listening to radio

(c) purposeless looking at films

(d) all of these

3.Majority of civilized men and women have become exactly dependent on:

(a) newspapers, radios and films

(b) external sources of entertainment

(c) constant stimulation from without

(d) their own spiritual resources

II.(a) Answer the following questions briefly:

1.What is the first thing that educator must do?

2.What should be done by educationalist?

3.Children can be taught to rely on _________ .

4.They will tend to do this even if they possess the________ .

(b) Fill in the blanks with one word only:

Critical analysis and (a) _________ criticism should reach out to the (b) ______ and the (c) ___________, with such clarity that they learn to react to (d) _________ suggestions the right way at the right time.

III. Find words from the passage which mean the following:

(a) allurement (para 1)

(b) addiction (para 1)

Suggested answers for the above questions:

I.1. (b) bad for the character

2.(d) all of these

3.(c) constant stimulation from without

II.(a) 1. First thing that educators must do is to analyze the words currently used in newspapers, on platforms by preachers and broadcasters.

2.Educationists should therefore, do all they can while there is yet time to build up in the mind of their charges, a habit of resistance to suggestion.

3.their own internal resources.

4.knowledge and skill to do otherwise.

(b) (a) constructive

(b) children

(c) youth

(d) forceful

III. (a) Temptation

(b) Indulgence

More Unseen Passage for Class 12 English with Answers......

Case based factual Passage for Class 12

For four days, I walked through the narrow lanes of the old city, enjoying the romance of being in a city where history still lives — in its cobblestone streets and in its people riding asses, carrying vine leaves and palm as they once did during the time of Christ.

This is Jerusalem, home to the sacred sites of Christianity, Islam and Judaism. This is the place that houses the church of the Holy Sepulchre, the place where Jesus was finally laid to rest. This is also the site of Christ’s crucifixion, burial and resurrection.

Built by the Roman Emperor Constantine at the site of an earlier temple to Aphrodite, it is the most venerated Christian shrine in the world. And justifiably so. Here, within the church, are the last five stations of the cross, the 10th station where Jesus was stripped of his clothes, the 11th where he was nailed to the cross, the 12th where he died on the cross, the 13th where the body was removed from the cross, and the 14th, his tomb.

For all this weighty tradition, the approach and entrance to the church is non-descript. You have to ask for directions. Even to the devout Christian pilgrims walking along the Via Dolorosa—the Way of Sorrows—first nine stations look clueless. Then a courtyard appears, hemmed in by other buildings and a doorway to one side. This leads to a vast area of huge stone architecture.

Immediately inside the entrance is your first stop. It’s the stone of anointing: this is the place, according to Greek tradition, where Christ was removed from the cross. The Roman Catholics, however, believe it to be the spot where Jesus’ body was prepared for burial by Joseph.

What happened next ? Jesus was buried. He was taken to a place outside the city of Jerusalem where other graves existed and there, he was buried in a cave. However, all that is long gone, destroyed by continued attacks and rebuilding; what remains is the massive—and impressive — Rotunda (a round building with a dome) that Emperor Constantine built. Under this, and right in the centre of the Rotunda, is the structure that contains the Holy Sepulchre.

“How do you know that this is Jesus’ tomb?” I asked one of the pilgrims standing next to me. He was clueless, more interested, like the rest of them, in the novelty of it all and in photographing it, than in its history or tradition.

At the start of the first century, the place was a disused quarry outside the city walls. According to the gospels, Jesus’ crucifixion occurred ‘at a place outside the city walls with graves nearby’. Archaeologists have discovered tombs from that era, so the site is compatible with the biblical period 

The structure at the site is a marble tomb built over the original burial chamber. It has two rooms, and you enter four at a time into the first of these, the Chapel of the Angel. Here the angel is supposed to have sat on a stone to recount Christ’s resurrection. A low door made of white marble, partly worn away by pilgrims’ hands, leads to a smaller chamber inside. This is the ‘room of the tomb’, the place

We entered in single file. On my right was a large marble slab that covered the original rock bench on which the body of Jesus was laid. A woman knelt and prayed. Her eyes were wet with tears. She pressed her face against the slab to hide them, but it only made it worse.

On the basis of your understanding of this passage answer the following questions with the help of given options:

(a) How does Jerusalem still retain the charm of ancient era ?

(i) There are narrow lanes.

(ii) Roads are paved with cobblestones.

(iii) People can be seen riding asses.

(iv) All of the above

(b) Holy Sepulchre is sacred to ______.

(i) Christianity (ii) Islam

(iii) Judaism (iv) Both (i) and (iii)

(c) Why does one have to constantly ask for directions to the church ?

(i) Its lanes are narrow.

(ii) Entrance to the church is non-descript.

(iii) People are not tourist-friendly.

(iv) Everyone is lost in enjoying the romance of the place.

(d) Where was Jesus buried ?

(i) In a cave

(ii) At a place outside the city

(iii) In the Holy Sepulchre

(iv) Both (i) and (ii)

Answer the following questions briefly :

(e) What is the Greek belief about the ‘stone of anointing’ ?

(f) Why did Emperor Constantine build the Rotunda ?

(g) What is the general attitude of the pilgrims ?

(h) How is the site compatible with the biblical period ?

(i) Why did the pilgrims enter the room of the tomb in a single file ?

(j) Why did ‘a woman’ try to hide her tears ?

(k) Find words from the passage which mean the same as :

(i) A large grave (para 3)

(ii) Having no interesting features/dull

(para 4)

Suggested answers for the above questions:

(a) (i) (b) (iv)

(c) The mother panther rarely delivers five cubs.

(d) If the panther cubs are not born blind, they might drift away from the place of safety.

(e) The ‘Mahout’ drove his elephant away as he spotted the tigress from the distance.

(f) The tigress spat at its cubs, as they made beeline to the kill.

(g) From the narrator’s observation, the nature of the tigress is caring and loving towards her cubs.

She even acts like a good teacher to her cubs.

(h) The panther does not face the risk of extinction because of the safety provided by the mother panther. It enjoys wider distribution because it procreates sufficiently profusely to ensure its continuity for all time to come.

(i) (a) Drifting

    (b) Descended

Unseen Passage for Class 12 with answers

Read the Passage below:-

“We become brave by doing brave acts," observed Aristotle in the Nicomachean Ethics. Dispositions of character, virtues and vices, are progressively fixed in us through practice. Thus "by being habituated to despise things that are terrible and to stand our ground against them we become brave, and it is when we have become so that we shall be most able to stand our ground against them".

Standing ground against threatening things is not to be confused with fearlessness, however Being afraid is a perfectly appropriate emotion when confronted with fearful things. The great American novelist Herman Melville makes the Aristotelian point beautifully in a telling passage in Moby-Dick, where Starbuck, the chief mate of the Pequot, first addresses the crew, " 'I will have no man in my boat,' said Starbuck, 'who is not afraid of a whale. 'By this, he seemed to mean, not only that the most reliable and useful courage was that which arises from the fair estimation of the encountered peril, but that an utterly fearless man is a far more dangerous comrade than a coward."

The brave person is not one who is never afraid. That is rather the description of a rash or reckless person, someone who may be more harm than help in an emergency. It is hard to "educate" such a person on the spot. The coward, on the other hand, the one who characteristically lacks confidence and is disposed to be overtly fearful, may yet be susceptible to the encouragement of example.

The infectious nature of strikingly courageous behavior on the part of one person can inspire - and also in part can shame- a whole group. That was one key to the kind of courage inspired by Horatius at the bridge in ancient Rome and by Henry V at Agincourt. It was one key to the kind of courage displayed by those who silently suffered abuse when they joined ranks with Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., in acts of non-violent protest directed at rousing the public conscience against injustice.

Another key to their success, of course, was reason : practical reason delivered with the kind of eloquence that is informed by a real command of one's cultural heritage and that steels the will to take intelligent action. The mere inclination to do the right thing is not in itself enough. We have to know what the right thing to do is. We need wisdom often the wisdom of a wise leader-to give our courage determinate form, to give it intelligent direction. And we need that will, the motivating power that inspiring leaders can sometimes help us discover within ourselves, even when we are unable to find it readily on our own.

If Aristotle is right-and I think that he is – then courage is a settled disposition to feel appropriate degrees of fear and confidence in challenging situations (what is “appropriate" varying a good deal with the particular circumstances). It is also a settled disposition to stand one's ground, to advance or to retreat as wisdom dictates. Before such dispositions become settled, however, they need to be established in the first place. And that means practice, which in turn means facing fears and taking stands in advance of any settled disposition to do so: acting bravely when we don't really feel brave.

Fear of the dark is almost universal among young children, and it provides relatively safe opportunities for first lessons in courage. In families, older siblings are greatly assisted in cultivating their own dispositions in this respect by putting up a brave front before their younger brothers or sisters. "You see? There's really nothing to be afraid of”. This is excellent practice, and a fine place to begin. Occasions for being brave on behalf of others- for standing by them in challenging circumstances- are occasions for becoming brave ourselves ; that is, for learning how to handle our own confidence and fear, for figuring out the right thing to do, and for mustering the will to do it.

So, daring to do what is not good and beneficial for all is far more insidious than not daring to do something for a right cause. Naturally, bravery well nurtured and backed by moral courage alone is exemplary, and so, should be promoted. 

I.Read the passage carefully and choose the most appropriate option from those which are given below:

1.The brave person is not one who is:
(a) never cried
(b) never failed
(c) never afraid
(d) never fall

2.Fear of dark is universal among:
(a) men
(b) children
(c) women
(d) adults

3.People should have to know:
(a) what the right thing to do is.
(b) what is the right step.
(c) what is the right food to eat.
(d) what the right challenge is.

II. (a) Answer the following questions briefly:

1.How do the people become brave?

2.What was the key to success of Gandhi Ji or Martin Luther King?

3.Utterly fearless man is _________.

4.Daring to do what is _________.

(b) Fill in the blanks with one word only:

Fear of the dark is almost (a) ________ among young children, and it provides relatively safe (b) __________ for first lessons in courage. In families, older siblings are greatly assisted in cultivating their own (c) _________ in this respect by putting up a (d) ________ front before their younger brothers or sisters.

III.Find words from the passage which mean the opposite of each of the following:

(a) comrade (para 2)

(b) skillful use of language (para 5)

Suggested answers for the above questions:

I.1. (c) never afraid

2.(b) children

3.(a) what the right thing to do is.

II.(a) 1. People become brave by doing brave acts. Disposition of characters, virtues and vices are progressively fixed in us through practice.

2.The keys to success were kind of courage they have. The kind of eloquence that is informed by a real command of one’s cultural heritage and that steels the will to take intelligent actions.

3.a far more dangerous comrade than a coward.

4.not good and beneficial for all is far more insidious than not daring to do something for a right cause.

(b) (a) universal

(b) opportunities

(c) dispositions

(d) brave

III. (a) companion

(b) eloquence

More Unseen Passage for Class 12 English with Answers......

Unseen Passage for Class 12 with questions and answers pdf

To ensure its perpetuity, the ground is well held by the panther both in space and in time. It enjoys a much wider distribution over the globe than its bigger cousins, and procreates sufficiently profusely to ensure its continuity for all time to come.

There seems to be no particular breeding season of the panther, although its sawing and caterwauling is more frequently heard during winter and summer. The gestation period is about ninety to hundred days (Whipsnade, ninety-two days). The litter normally consists of four cubs, rarely five. Of these, generally two survive and not more than one reaches maturity. I have never come across more than two cubs at the heels of the mother. Likewise, graziers in the forest have generally found only two cubs hidden away among rocks, hollows of trees, and other impossible places.

Panther cubs are generally in evidence in March. They are born blind. This is a provision of Nature against their drifting away from the place of safety in which they are lodged by their mother, and exposing themselves to the danger of their being devoured by hyenas, jackals, and other predators. They generally open their eyes in about three to four weeks.

The mother alone rears its cubs in seclusion. It keeps them out of the reach of the impulsive and impatient male. As a matter of fact the mother separates from the male soon after mating and forgets all about their tumultuous union. The story that the male often looks in to find out how the mother is progressing with her cubs has no foundation except in what we wish it should do at least.

The mother carries its cubs about by holding them by the scruff of their neck in its mouth. It trains them to stalk, and teaches them how to deliver the bite of death to the prey. The cubs learn to treat all and sundry with suspicion at their mother’s heels. Instinctively the cubs seek seclusion, keep to cover and protect their flanks by walking along the edge of the forest.

I have never had an opportunity to watch mother panther train its cubs. But in Pilibhit forests, I once saw a tigress giving some lessons to its little ones. I was sitting over its kill at Mala. As the sun set, the tigress materialised in the twilight behind my machan. For about an hour, it scanned and surveyed the entire area looking and listening with the gravest concern. It even went to the road where my elephant was awaiting my signal. The mahout spotted it from a distance and drove the elephant away.

When darkness descended upon the scene and all was well and safe, the tigress called its cubs by emitting a low haa-oon. The cubs, two in number and bigger than a full-grown cat, soon responded. They came trotting up to their mother and hurried straight to the kill in indecent haste. The mother spitted at them so furiously that they doubled back to its heels immediately. Thereafter, the mother and its cubs sat under cover about 50 feet (15m) away from the kill to watch, wait, look and listen. After about half an hour’s patient and fidgetless vigil the mother seemed to say ‘paid for’. At this signal, the cubs cautiously advanced, covering their flanks, towards the kill. No longer did they make a beeline for it, as they had done before.

The mother sat watching its cubs eat, and mounted guard on them. She did not partake of the meal.

On the basis of your understanding of the passage complete the statements given below with the help of options that follow :

(a) To protect its cubs the mother panther hides them :

(i) among rocks

(ii) in the branches of the trees

(iii) behind the tree trunks

(iv) at its heels

(b) The male panther :

(ii) trains its cubs

(iii) watches the progress of the mother

(iv) is impulsive and impatient

Answer the following questions briefly :

(c) How many cubs does the mother panther rarely deliver ?

(d) What may happen if the panther cubs are not born blind ?

(e) Why did the mahout drive his elephant away ?

(f) Why did the tigress spit at its cubs ?

(g) From the narrator’s observation what do we learn about the nature of the tigress ?

(h) Why does the panther not face the risk of extinction ?

(i) Find words from the passage which mean the same as each of the following :

(a) moving aimlessly (para 3)

(b) came down/fell (para 7)

Suggested answers for the above passage:

(a) (i)

(b) (iv)

(c) The mother panther rarely delivers five cubs.

(d) If the panther cubs are not born blind, they might drift away from the place of safety.

(e) The ‘Mahout’ drove his elephant away as he spotted the tigress from the distance.

(f) The tigress spat at its cubs, as they made beeline to the kill.

(g) From the narrator’s observation, the nature of the tigress is caring and loving towards her cubs. She even acts like a good teacher to her cubs.

(h) The panther does not face the risk of extinction because of the safety provided by the mother panther. It enjoys wider distribution because it procreates sufficiently profusely to ensure its continuity for all time to come.

(i) (a) Drifting

(b) Descended