Avinash Kaur Barot

Valsad

CBSE 9 COMPREHENSION PASSAGE

Class 09 - English Lang & Lit. (184)

Discursive Passage
1. Read the passage given below: [10]
1. "The great model of affection of love in human beings is the sentiment which subsists
between parents and children." As time goes by, things change. What was popular, and
normal, in the 70's has changed. The older generation always wonders what has gone wrong

UR
with the younger generation and the younger generation also wonders why parents can`t
understand their needs. They don`t know how to deal with the differences between each
other and that has led to a gap between parents and children. The interests, food, habits,
slang, entertainment, and way of thinking of the younger generation differ from those of the
KA
older generation. These changes are indicative of progress. The difference in the ways of

S
thinking and perception of the people of two different generations, which results in
behavioural differences and sometimes conflict among them is usually called the generation
AL
TU SH

gap. The generation gap between parents and their children is generally seen in the family. It
is not only because of the age gap but also because of the way parents react to a particular
RI
situation. Children, being very young and immature, do not understand the way of thinking
of their parents. In many cases, the parents, even if they are mature, do not empathize with
A

the changing values and thinking patterns of the modern world. This creates a
TO
IN

communication gap between these two generations.

2. Parents themselves mostly cause a generation gap between parents and children. They do
not talk openly to their children and take part in solving their problems. This behaviour gives
AV

the impression of parents being authoritative persons because they only dictate without
understanding the problems faced by their children. As a result, the children become
mentally isolated from their parents. Some parents become so busy with their work that
they don't spend quality time with their family, which makes them completely unaware of
how their children are growing, what kind of mentality is being developed in them, and so
on. This ultimately creates a gap between them. They only realize it when it is too late.
3. Changes in technology have led to the generation gap in this modern world. Children tend to
spend most of their time with their digital devices and are so busy with social media, that
they do not discuss their problems with their parents. The internet provides solutions to
most of the worldly problems. So children, instead of contacting their own parents, use the
help of the internet in case of any problem, thus again reducing communication, leading to a
generation gap between them.
4. The generation gap has greatly increased these days because the time is changing fast and
people find it difficult to cope with this change. To overcome this problem, parents should
show interest in all matters of their children and deal with them positively instead of just

1 / 16
Valsad
 scolding them and leaving them alone to deal with their problems. Giving time to the
children, having open communication, and allowing the child to feel free and not under any
kind of pressure, will eventually reduce the generation gap to a tolerable extent.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
I. In paragraph 1, what does the phrase ‘The interests, food, habits, slang, entertainment, and way
of thinking of the younger generation differ from those of the older generation’ emphasise? (1
Mark)
II. Complete the following with the correct option from the two given. (1 Mark)
The generation gap is primarily caused because ________.
(a) the younger generation is immature and doesn’t understand the older generation’s
thinking.
(b) the differences in values and perceptions of the two generations create conflicts.

UR
(paragraph 1)
III. Support the writer’s idea that the generation gap is worsened by the lack of communication
between parents and children. (paragraph 2) (2 Marks)
IV. Select the option that best reflects the concept of ‘technology’s role in increasing the generation
KA
gap’. (paragraph 3) (1 Mark)

S
V. State whether the following statement is True or False. (paragraph 2) (1 Mark)
“Parents often unintentionally create a generation gap by neglecting to spend quality time with
AL
TU SH
their children.”
VI. The writer mentions ‘coping with fast-changing times’ in paragraph 4.
RI
Which of the following strategies can help bridge the generation gap? (1 Mark)
(a) Scolding children to ensure they conform to traditional values.
A

(b) Encouraging children to abandon modern technology completely.

TO
IN

(c) Engaging in open and positive communication with children.

(d) Avoiding involvement in the personal matters of children.
VII. List any two causes of the generation gap as mentioned in the passage. (paragraphs 2 & 3) (2
AV

Marks)
VIII. Fill in the blank with the correct option from those given. (paragraph 4) (1 Mark)
In the phrase ‘dealing with them positively’, the word ‘positively’ refers to ________.
(a) Approaching children’s problems with understanding and empathy.
(b) Enforcing strict rules to guide children’s behaviour.
(c) Ignoring modern influences on children.
(d) Giving children the freedom to make their own decisions without parental involvement.
2. Read the following text : [10]
1. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is now high on the international agenda and
ESD is seen as a way to encourage greater sustainable consumption and production, to
counter the effects of climate change, address threats to biodiversity and provide more
effective disaster risk reduction. Education for Sustainable Development is seen by UN as a
lifelong process from early childhood to higher and adult education and goes beyond formal
education. As values, lifestyles and attitudes are established from an early age, the role of
education is of particular importance for children! ESD has often been associated with

2 / 16
Valsad
 curriculum projects linked with recycling; energy and water conservation; pollution reduction
and sustainable consumption - all developed to contribute towards achieving a more
sustainable future.
2. Research from developmental psychology, longitudinal studies, social-cultural analysis, and
neuroscience have all shown that it is in the early years that children have the greatest
capacity to learn, and it is in these years that many of our fundamental attitudes and values
are first put into place. Children are already investigating issues related to recycling, energy
conservation, waste disposal and changes in their local environment. ESD in Early Childhood
Care and Education (ECCE) is of great significance. The development of ESD and ECCE
requires more than just curriculum development. It provides the possibility of a
transformational reconstruction.
3. UNICEF reports show that children under the age of eight represent the highest percentage
of affected population in today's global emergencies. A UNESCO survey has shown that the

UR
ministries of education, environment and sustainable development in 97 UN member states
identify poverty as the highest priority area to be addressed in achieving sustainable
development. In fact, reductions in poverty and inequality are widely recognised as the
KA
priority in efforts to create a more sustainable world. At a global level, millions of children
start school carrying the handicap that comes with the experience of malnutrition, ill-health

S
and poverty. Yet, equitable access to high-quality pre-school programmes remain a problem

AL
in both rich and poor countries. Sustainable development projects that enable rapid
TU SH

progress in maternal health, child nutrition and survival already exist, even in some of the
world's poorest countries. Linking health and education agenda has been recognised as
RI
extremely important.
A

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above :

TO
IN

I. Complete the following with a suitable explanation with reference to paragraph (1). (1 Mark)
ESD is now high on the international agenda because _______.
II. Based on the given passage, How does UN view ESD as a lifelong process? What are the
AV

critical areas of emphasis? (Paragraph 1) (2 Marks)

III. List two curriculum projects that ESD (Education for Sustainable Development) has been
linked with. (Paragraph 1) (1 Mark)
IV. Complete the following suitably : (Paragraph 2) (2 Marks)
Many of our fundamental attitudes and values are put into plan in the early years as
_________.
V. Substitute the underlined word with the correct word from paragraph (2) : (1 Mark)
ESD in Early Childhood Care and Education provides the possibility of transformational
reconstruction.
(A) positive change
(B) power to reform
(C) negative impact
(D) creative
VI. What do UNICEF reports reveal about the vulnerability of children under the age of eight
during global emergencies? (Paragraph 3) (1 Mark)

3 / 16
Valsad
 (A) UNICEF reports highlight the resilience of children under the age of eight during global
emergencies.
(B) UNICEF reports indicate that children under the age of eight are rarely affected by global
emergencies.
(C) UNICEF reports show that children under the age of eight represent the highest
percentage of affected population in global emergencies.
(D) UNICEF reports suggest that children under the age of eight are primarily responsible for
responding to global emergencies.
VII. What remains a problem in both rich and poor countries? What has been recognised as
crucial ? (Paragraph 3) (1 Mark)
VIII. Complete the sentence with the correct response : The writer's tone in the passage is
________. (1 Mark)
3. Read the following text : [10]

UR
1. Creativity is our most precious resource and the most inexhaustible one. As anyone who has
ever spent any time with children knows, every single human being is born creative; every
human being is innately endowed with the ability to combine data and perceptions,
KA
materials and ideas and devise new ways of thinking and doing. What fosters creativity ?

S
More than anything else : the presence of other creative people, contrary to that creativity is
the province of great individual geniuses. In fact creativity is a social process. Our biggest
AL
TU SH
creative breakthrough comes when people learn from, compete with, and collaborate with
other people.
RI
2. Cities are centres of creativity. With their diverse populations, dense social networks and
public spaces, people can meet spontaneously and spark or catalyse new ideas. With their
A

infrastructure for finance, organization and trade, they allow the idea to swiftly reach its
TO
IN

destination.
3. A study tracking the decline of unconventional thinking ability as children age, states that
while 98 percent of 3 to 5 years olds exhibited creative thinking, this dwindled to 10 percent
AV

among 13 to 15 years olds and a mere 2 percent among 25 years olds. Thus, adulthood
witnesses the erosion of innate creativity. There is a variance in creative vitality across cities.
Although all cities harbour creative individuals by default, some are saturated with leaders,
institutions, and people that inhibit creativity.
4. Creativity (or the lack of it) follows the same general contours of the great socio-economic
divide - our rising inequality - that plagues us. According to estimates, roughly one-third
people are able to do work which engages our creative faculties to some extent, whether as
artists, musicians, writers, techies, innovators, entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, journalists or
educators. That leaves a group termed "the other 66 percent", in which their creativity is
subjugated, ignored or wasted.
5. Creativity itself is not in danger. It is flourishing all around us - in science and technology, arts
and culture, in our rapidly revitalizing cities. But we still have a long way to go if we want to
build a truly creative society that supports and rewards creativity of each one of us.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above :

4 / 16
Valsad
 I. The central idea of this passage is that : (1 Mark)
(A) social interaction is necessary to nurture creativity.
(B) creativity and ideas are gradually declining in all societies.
(C) the creativity divide is widening in societies in line with socioeconomic trends.
(D) more people should work in jobs that engage their creative faculties.
II. Select the option that is true for the assertion and reason given below : (1 Mark)
Assertion : Creativity is the province of great individual genius is not true.
Reason : Creativity is a social process.
(A) Both the Assertion and Reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation and
assertion.
(B) Both the Assertion and Reason are true but the reason is not the correct explanation of
the assertion.
(C) The Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.

UR
(D) The Assertion is false, but the Reason is true.
III. Identify the word in paragraph 1 which means something that cannot be used-up or
depleted. (1 Mark)
KA
IV. What important trends does a study tracking the decline in creative thinking ability in
children reveal? Answer in about 40 words. (2 Marks)

S
V. Read the given prompt and select the correct option in the brackets to fill in the blank. (1
Mark)
AL
TU SH

Our biggest creative breakthrough comes when people learn from, compete with, and
collaborate with other people.
RI
Creativity is thus a ________ (economic, industrial, social) process.
A

VI. According to the passage, where does creativity thrive apart from arts and culture? (1 Mark)
TO
IN

VII. Complete the following with a suitable reason: (1 Mark)

About thirty-three percent citizens engage their creative faculties in tasks that use ________.
VIII. In the context of the last paragraph, explain how does the passage view the future of
AV

creativity in society. (2 Marks)

4. Read the passage given below: [10]
1. During our growing-up years, we as children were taught both at home and school-to
worship the photos and idols of the gods of our respective religions. When we grow a little
older, we were to read holy books like the Bhagwad Gita, Bible and Quran; we were told that
there are a lot of life lessons to be learnt from these holy books. We were then introduced to
stories from our mythologies which taught us about ethics and morality-what is good and
what is bad. I also learnt to be respectful towards my parents who made my life comfortable
with their hard work and love and care, and my teachers who guided me to become a good
student and a responsible citizen.
2. Much later in life, I realised that though we learn much from our respective holy books, there
is a lot to learn from our surroundings. This realisation dawned upon me when I learnt to
inquire and explore. Everything around us-the sun, the moon, the stars, rain, rivers, stones,
rocks, birds, plants and animals-teach us many valuable life lessons. No wonder that besides
the scriptures, in many cultures nature is also worshipped.

5 / 16
Valsad
 3. The message that we get is to save our environment and maintain ecological balance. People
are taught to live in harmony with nature and recognize that there is God in all aspects of
nature. Nature is a great teacher. A river never stops flowing. If it finds an obstacle in its way
in the form of heavy rock, the river water fights to remove it from its path or finds an
alternative path to move ahead. This teaches us to be progressive in life, and keep the
fighting spirit alive.
4. Snakes are worshipped as they eat insects in the field that can hurt our crops, thus
protecting the grains for us. In fact, whatever we worship is our helper and makes our lives
easy for us. There are many such examples in nature but are not ready to learn a lesson.
Overcome with greed, we are destroying nature. As a result, we face natural disasters like
drought, flood, and landslides. We don't know that nature is angry with us. However, it is
never too late to learn. If we learn to respect nature the quality of our life will improve.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

UR
I. In paragraph 1, what does the phrase ‘there are a lot of life lessons to be learnt from these holy
books’ emphasise? (1 Mark)
II. Complete the following with the correct option from the two given. (1 Mark)
KA
The passage highlights that nature teaches us valuable lessons because ________.

S
(a) everything in nature reflects persistence, resilience, and interconnectedness.
(b) nature’s beauty inspires humans to worship it without exploring its teachings. (paragraph
AL
TU SH
2)
III. Support the writer's idea that “a river teaches us to be progressive in life and keep the fighting
RI
spirit alive”. (paragraph 4) (2 Marks)
IV. Select the option that best reflects the concept of ‘living in harmony with nature’ in the context
A

of reducing human impact on the environment. (paragraph 3) (1 Mark)

TO
IN

V. State whether the following statement is True or False. (paragraph 4) (1 Mark)

“Snakes are worshipped because they harm crops, making them unworthy of respect.”
VI. The writer mentions ‘maintaining ecological balance’ in paragraph 3. Which of the following
AV

actions promotes ecological balance? (1 Mark)

(a) Overusing water resources to meet growing demands.
(b) Protecting wildlife habitats and reducing pollution.
(c) Expanding urban areas by clearing forests.
(d) Hunting animals for sport to maintain population control.
VII. List any two ways the writer suggests humans are destroying nature due to greed.
(paragraph 5) (2 Marks)
VIII. Fill in the blank with the correct option from those given. (paragraph 5) (1 Mark)
In the phrase ‘respecting nature improves the quality of life’, the word ‘respect’ refers to ________.
(a) Acknowledging nature’s importance and conserving it.
(b) Worshipping nature solely to gain its favor.
(c) Ignoring human progress to prioritize natural resources.
(d) Learning only from religious scriptures.
5. Read the following passage carefully : [10]

6 / 16
Valsad
1. With the growing focus on sustainable living, the importance of kitchen gardens in urban
regions has garnered greater acknowledgement. One significance of kitchen gardens in
urban areas is their role in promoting food security. Rapid urbanization has led to increased
distances between food production centres and urban settlements, resulting in longer food
supply chains and a decrease in the freshness and nutritional value of food.
2. By having a kitchen garden, urban dwellers can grow their own fresh produce at home,
making good use of empty tins, old utensils, and clay flower pots, ensuring a constant supply
of nutritious food for themselves and their families. This activity not only saves money and
time but can also provide a healthy, practical, and environmentally friendly hobby for the
whole family.
3. Not only do kitchen gardens contribute to food security, but they also play a crucial role in
environmental sustainability. Traditional agricultural practices often involve the use of
synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and intensive irrigation methods, which may have adverse

UR
effects on the environment. However, kitchen gardens promote organic farming, reducing
the use of harmful chemicals and preserving soil health.
4. In addition to fostering a sustainable environment, kitchen gardens provide numerous
KA
health benefits to urban dwellers. The availability of fresh and organic produce from the
garden ensures a higher intake of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, promoting

S
better overall health and well-being.

AL
5. Furthermore, kitchen gardens have proven to be an effective tool for education and
TU SH

community development. They provide an opportunity for individuals to reconnect with

nature and learn about the basics of agriculture. Besides providing fruits and vegetables,
RI
gardening provides an aesthetic and therapeutic exercise that helps relieve stress. The
A

physical activity involved in tending to a garden helps individuals stay active, reducing the
TO
IN

risk of obesity and related health issues.

6. By involving children in gardening activities, they can develop an appreciation for the
environment and learn essential life skills. Moreover, kitchen gardens can also serve as a
AV

platform for community engagement, fostering social interactions and promoting a sense of
belonging among urban residents.
7. Despite the numerous benefits of kitchen gardens, establishing and maintaining one in
urban areas can be challenging. Limited space, lack of sunlight, and soil quality issues are
common obstacles that urban gardeners face. However, innovative solutions such as vertical
gardening, hydroponics, and rooftop gardens have emerged to overcome these challenges.
8. It is imperative to provide support and resources to encourage urban gardening initiatives as
this can transform urban areas into sustainable havens where residents not only live but
thrive in harmony with nature.
Answer the following questions, based on the above passage :
I. What does the writer's use of phrases like 'in urban regions kitchen gardens have garnered
great acknowledgement' suggest about kitchen gardening today? (Paragraph 1) (1 Mark)
(A) It has reduced inflation.
(B) It is an expensive hobby.

7 / 16
Valsad
 (C) It provides nutritious food.
(D) It does not minimize adverse effects on the environment.
II. Complete the following with a suitable explanation. (1 Mark)
Growing a kitchen garden is cost effective because _________ . (Paragraph 2)
III. Identify two differences between the methods adopted in traditional farming and kitchen
gardens. (Paragraph 3) (2 Marks)
IV. Substitute the underlined word with the correct word from Paragraph 4. (1 Mark)
The local residents' nurturing of their surrounding flora and fauna helps to create awareness
about civic responsibilities.
V. Tending to a kitchen garden has many health benefits. Explain in about 40 words.
(Paragraphs 4 and 5) (2 Marks)
VI. Select the option that best reflects the concept that kitchen gardening is an effective
educational tool for children. (Paragraph 5) (1 Mark)

UR
(A) It contributes to effective community development.
(B) It helps develop sensitivity and appreciation for nature.
VII. What hurdles do kitchen gardeners face ? Mention any two. (Paragraph 7) (1 Mark)
KA
VIII. State whether the following statement is True or False : (1 Mark)
Kitchen gardening should be practised by everyone living in the cities.

S
Case Based Passage
6. AL
Read the following passage carefully: [10]
TU SH

1. Monsoon is the most delightful season: dark clouds adding drama to the skies, air fragrant
RI
with the unmatched scent of wet earth getting drenched in the rains.
2. This one is for nostalgia. Though recently a neighbouring small town called Mawsynram has
A

overtaken it, Cherrapunji is forever etched in our memories as the wettest place on earth. It
TO
IN

may be officially the second wettest place, but that's still a lot of rain to revel in ! The best
part about Sohra, as it is locally called, is that unlike other hill stations in the northeast, the
roads are in good condition and driving in the rain is not a hazard. There are several
AV

waterfalls and viewpoints, including the milky white Nohkalikai Falls, which at 340 metres, is
among the tallest waterfalls in the country.
3. Kochi in Kerala is the city that welcomes the monsoon into the country and is at its greenest
this time of the year. A nice breeze makes the walk around the old Fort Kochi area more
enjoyable. Slow boat rides on the backwaters become more magical when rain starts to fall
on the placid waters.
4. Gopalpur-on-Sea in Odisha, boasts of miles and miles of picturesque and unexplored
beaches. One may sit on the golden sand and watch the casuarinas sway in the cool
monsoon breeze.
Places in India with Highest Annual Rainfall (calculated in approximation)

Rainfall
S. No. Place State
in mm in inches

1 Mawsynram Meghalaya 11,871 467 ⋅ 4

2 Cherrapunji Meghalaya 11,777 463.7

8 / 16
Valsad
 3 Agumbe Karnataka 7,083 278.5

4 Mahe Puducherry 6,990 275 ⋅ 2

5 Tuticorin Tamil Nadu 6,492 255

6 Amboli Maharashtra 6,250 246

7 Mahabaleshwar Maharashtra 6,117 240 ⋅ 9

Answer the following questions, based on the above passage :

i. Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/phrase from Paragraph 1.
Golden : Sand : : ________ : Land (1)
ii. Based on the information given in the table, fill in the blanks :
________ is the wettest place in India and ________ officially stands next to it. (2)
iii. Infer the reason for the opinion provided below : (1)

UR
Opinion Reason

Driving in the

rain is not a KA
hazard in Sohra

S
iv. How can the beauty of Kochi be enjoyed during the monsoon? (Any two) (1)

AL
v. Based on the text, which of the following options sums up the theme of the text?(1)
TU SH

(A) Nostalgic about the places he has visited in India.

(B) Boastful about the picturesque beaches of Odisha.
RI
(C) Appreciative of monsoon as a delightful season.
A

(D) Critical of the hill stations situated in the northeast.

TO
IN

vi. In the line - 'It boasts of miles and miles of picturesque and unexplored beaches, what does
'picturesque' most nearly mean? (1)
(A) placid
AV

(B) attractive
(C) boastful
(D) serene
vii. Fill in the blank by selecting the correct option.
Nohkalikai Falls, which at 340 metres, is located in ________, which is the other name of
________. (2)
(A) Mawsynram, Cherrapunji
(B) Cherrapunji, Sohra
(C) Sohra, Mawsynram
(D) Mawsynram, Sohra
viii. Replace the word 'reminiscence' with one word similar in meaning in the following sentence
from Paragraph 2.
A wave of reminiscence swept over me when I saw my childhood home. (1)
7. Read the following passage carefully: [10]

9 / 16
Valsad
1. After more than two years of halted travel, India's tourism and hospitality industry is now
cautiously hopeful. Tourism constituted almost 3% of India's GDP and generated around 100
million jobs in 2019. But the sector was severely hit in India - like in other countries - in the
past two years.
2. Indians are now travelling with a vengeance - 'revenge travel', as the phenomenon is called.
And many, experts say, now prefer to travel within the country instead of flying to more
expensive destinations abroad. The industry is also benefitting from new trends borne of the
pandemic such as micro-holidays and workcations.
3. According to a survey, 51 percent of Indian travellers believed that international travel
remained an important means of expanding their horizons and connecting with other
cultures. Over two years, the survey said, Indian travellers are now dreaming about their
next international trip and more than 70 percent of Indians are excited about being able to
travel internationally.

UR
4. There has also been an increase in the number of students going abroad to study. The
increasing desire to study overseas is credited to the pent-up demand from the pandemic's
two-year duration. This has got further pronounced because of growing aspirations and
KA
affordability among the middle-class students from Tier II and Tier III cities.
The table below shows foreign travel by Indians for different purposes from 2019 to 2022.

S
Purpose 2019 2020 2021 2022
AL
TU SH

Business 14.7 L 2.6 L 1.2 L 4.6 L

Job 25.2 L 7.1 L 8.3 L 21.4 L

RI
Residency 89.5 L 28.9 L 34.6 L 72.5 L
A
TO

Education 5.8 L 2.6 L 4.4 L 6.5 L

IN

Tourists 63.8 L 13.1 L 12.8 L 30.8 L

Visit 42.1 L 10.1 L 15.1 L 40.9 L

AV

Medical 1,448 390 545 1,253

Pilgrimage 8.8 L 1.1 L 4,139 4.6 L

Others 2.6 L 54,775 58,767 1.6 L

Total 2.5 Crore 66.2 L 77.2 L 1.8 Crore

Answer the following questions, based on the above passage:

I. Complete the following analogy appropriately, based on your understanding of paragraphs 1
and 2. (1 Mark)
We can say that the situation when people were travelling with a vengeance is comparable to
people going out to dine in hordes, because ________.
II. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option from those given in brackets, based on your
understanding of paragraph 1. (1 Mark)
The statement that, 'Tourism constituted almost 3% of India's GDP and generated around
100 million jobs in 2019', is a/an ________ (fact/opinion) because it is a/an ________ (subjective
judgement/objective detail).

10 / 16
Valsad
 III. Justify the following in about 40 words. (2 Marks)
After being cooped up inside their houses for more than two years, Indians are now excited
about being able to travel internationally.
IV. Based on the given table, for which 'purpose' did Indian foreign travel increase in 2022 as
compared to 2019? (1 Mark)
V. 'The industry is also benefitting from new trends borne of the pandemic such as micro-
holidays and workcations.' Which 'industry' is being talked about here? (1 Mark)
VI. As per the given table, for which purpose did maximum number of Indians undertake
foreign travel in 2019 and in 2022? (1 Mark)
State any one inference that can be drawn from this.
VII. Why are students today choosing to go abroad to study? (1 Mark)
VIII. Assertion (A): The tourism and hospitality industry in India is experiencing a recovery due to
domestic travel and new trends like micro-holidays and workcations. (1 Mark)

UR
Reason (R): The pandemic has created pent-up demand, with Indians eager for both
domestic and international travel opportunities, along with an increased interest in studying
abroad.
KA
A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

S
C. (A) is true, but (R) is false.

AL
D. (A) is false, but (R) is true.
TU SH

IX. What new travel trends have emerged in India’s tourism industry after the pandemic? (1
Mark)
RI
8. Read the following passage carefully: [10]
A

1. Rotation of crops is a universal phenomenon which is practised by most of the farmers of

TO
IN

the tropical and temperate countries. The main objective of rotation of crops is to obtain
higher agricultural returns on the one hand, and to maintain the soil fertility on the other.
2. In other words, the rotation of crops helps in making agriculture more sustainable. The
AV

importance of crop rotation is more in the areas where farmers grow two, or more than two
crops in the same field in a year. Irrigation facilities have also been appreciably developed in
the country during the last three decades. The availability of water to the arable land has
helped in the intensification of agriculture.
3. In the areas such as Punjab and Haryana, where the Green Revolution is a big success, one
soil exhaustive crop (rice) is followed by another soil exhaustive crop (wheat). Subsequently,
the field vacated by wheat is devoted to either rice or maize or cotton. Thus, in one year, the
farmers are harvesting three soil exhaustive crops from the same field. Such a rotation of
crops may fetch more income to the farmers, but depletes the soil fertility at a faster pace.
4. A number of field studies were conducted to assess the traditional crop rotation pattern.
One such field study about the changes in the rotation of crops was conducted in the village
Banhera (Tanda), Haridwar district. The main rotation of crops of the village is shown in the
table below.

Traditional Rotation of Crops (1960-65) in Banhera (Tanda)

Year Kharif (mid-June to Rabi (mid-October to Zaid (April No. of days land

11 / 16
Valsad
 mid-October) mid-April) to June) left fallow

1960 Millet/fodder/rice Gram Fallow 90

1961 Fallow Wheat Fallow 210

1962 Millet/fodder/rice Gram Fallow 90

1963 Fallow Wheat Fallow 210

Millet mixed with

1964 Gram Fallow 90
urad/fodder/rice

1965 Fallow Wheat Fallow 210

Answer the following questions, based on the above passage:

UR
I. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option from those given in brackets, based on your
understanding of para 2. (1 Mark)
One of the reasons that there has been an intensification of agriculture in the country is
the development of irrigation facilities is a/an _________ (fact/opinion) because it is a/an
KA
_________ (subjective judgement/objective detail).

S
II. Based on your understanding of paras 1 and 2, state whether the following statement is
true or false. (1 Mark)
AL
TU SH
If proper irrigation facility is provided, higher agricultural returns can be obtained by
making crop rotation more sustainable.
RI
III. Justify the following in about 40 words. (2 Marks)
Crop rotation may fetch more income to the farmers, but depletes the soil fertility at a
A

faster pace.
TO
IN

IV. Based on the table, mention the years when the land was left fallow for maximum
number of days. (1 Mark)
V. The study conducted in village Banhera (Tanda) reflects that during the years 1960 to
AV

1965, from April to June, the land was left fallow or uncultivated throughout. State any
one inference that can be drawn from this. (1 Mark)
VI. Select the option that correctly states the significance of crop rotation as given below: (1
Mark)
1. Crop rotation is done to obtain higher agricultural returns.
2. Higher agricultural returns can be obtained by harvesting soil exhaustive crops.
3. Crop rotation demands that land should be left fallow for a few months to increase the
fertility of soil.
4. Better irrigation facility to the arable land has helped in the intensification of
agriculture.
5. If crops to be harvested are chosen wisely, crop rotation can help in maintaining
fertility of soil.
Options:
A. (1), (2) and (4)
B. (1) only

12 / 16
Valsad
 C. (3) and (5)
D. (1) and (5)
VII. Crop rotation is helping in making agriculture more sustainable. Mention one benefit and
one drawback of crop rotation. (1 Mark)
VIII. Assertion (A): Crop rotation helps in maintaining soil fertility and making agriculture
more sustainable. (1 Mark)
Reason (R): In areas like Punjab and Haryana, growing multiple soil-exhaustive crops in
the same field depletes soil fertility rapidly despite higher income for farmers.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false, but (R) is true.
IX. What is the main objective of crop rotation? (1 Mark)

UR
9. Read the following passage: [10]
"Scouts and Guides Around the World."
1. Many young people aged between 6 and 25 belong to the Scout movement. It is a worldwide
KA
organization, which was set up to help young people achieve their full potential as they grow

S
up.
2. The organization was established in 1907 by a British general called Robert Baden-Powell.
AL
TU SH

While in the army, he wrote a publication about scouting (which means searching and
keeping watch) and how to survive in the wild, called 'Aids to Scouting'. He realized how
RI
popular this was, and the result was another book, 'Scouting for Boys', which had less
emphasis on the military. To test his ideas, he held a week-long camp for 21 boys from
A

various schools in London, Poole and Bournemouth. This took place in August 1907, on
TO
IN

Brownsea Island, in Southern England. These boys had the chance to enjoy outdoors, which
became another of the movement's objectives.
3. The Scout Movement quickly got established in Europe. It then spread throughout the world,
AV

starting in Chile in 1909. To begin with, the focus was on boys aged 11 to 18 . However, as
the movement grew, it was clear that younger boys, older boys and girls all wanted to be
involved. Baden-Powell's sister set up the Girl Guides in 1910, and in 1914 she started
Rosebuds, later renamed Brownies, for younger girls. The movement's intention to help
young people play useful roles in society applies equally to girls and boys. By 2010, there
were 32 million scouts, and by 2006 , there were 10 million guides around the world, from a
total of 216 different countries.
4. 2007 marked 100 years of the Scout Movement, and events took place around the world to
celebrate this centenary. To mark the occasion, a colourful badge was produced for scouts to
sew onto their uniforms or bags. The design included the official scout emblem, as well as
the phrase, 'one world one promise', and images of doves and the globe.

5. 2007 was also the 150th anniversary of Baden-Powell's birth. To honour both occasions, a
flame was lit at Baden-Powell's grave in Nyeri. This is the place in Kenya where he spent the
last few years of his life. The flame was then carried through several countries until it
reached the UK.

13 / 16
Valsad
 Country Membership Population Scouting Guiding
participation introduced introduced

India 41500000 0.3% 1909 1911

Indonesia 17100000 7.2% 1912 1912

Philippines 21500000 2.2% 1910 1918

Thailand 1300000 1.9% 1911 1957

United
7500000 2.4% 1910 1912
States

Answer the following questions based on your reading of the above passage:
i. Infer one reason for the following, based on the information given in paragraph 4: (1 Mark)
'Colourful badge was sewn on to the uniform and bags of the Scouts'.

UR
ii. From paragraph 1, we can infer that Scout Movement was set up ________. (1 Mark)
iii. Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/phrase from paragraph 4. (1 Mark)
10 years: decade:: 100 years: ________
KA
iv. After reading the passage, bring a contrast between the books 'Aids to Scouting' and

S
'Scouting for Boys'. (1 Mark)
v. What does the writer mean by the following phrase? (1 Mark)

AL
'One world one promise.'
TU SH

vi. According to the chart, which country took maximum time to introduce 'Guiding' after
'Scouting'? Choose your answer from the options given below: (1 Mark)
RI
A. India
A

B. Indonesia
TO
IN

C. Thailand
D. Philippines
vii. List two reasons why a flame was lit at Baden-Powell's grave in 2007. (2 Marks)
AV

a. ________
b. ________
viii. Assertion (A): The Scout Movement was established to help young people achieve their full
potential and play useful roles in society. (1 Mark)
Reason (R): The movement was started in 1907 by Robert Baden-Powell after the success of
his book 'Aids to Scouting' and a camp held on Brownsea Island.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false, but (R) is true.
ix. Who founded the Scout Movement and in which year? (1 Mark)
10. Read the following passage: [10]
1. In today's contemporary online shopping landscape, a perfect storm of choice engulfs
consumers. Research consistently indicates that individuals presented with a limited

14 / 16
Valsad
 selection tend to make more confident and efficient decisions compared to those confronted
with overwhelming choices.
2. Consequently, assisting consumers in navigating the vast expanse of options available online
has evolved into a thriving industry on a global scale. Many brands and retailers now employ
marketing strategies revolving around the aspects given in the table below:

Aspect Description

Industry Helping consumers decide what to buy online.

Marketing
Selecting, differentiation and discovery.
tools

Data Digital advertising, cataloging people by gender, income level, personal

utilization interests and more.

UR
Retail
Algorithms, influencers and ad tech.
Assistance

Challenge Choice fatigue due to the overwhelming volume of consumer choices.

Solution
KA
Lifestyle influencers on Instagram providing aspirational content and

S
product recommendations.

AL
3. For a relatively new breed of consumer product startups, a different approach emerges
TU SH

entirely. Rather than attempting to navigate the existing sea of products, these companies
claim to revolutionize conventional consumer choices. Some brands offer limited, functional,
RI
mid-priced products, instilling customer confidence and breaking the cycle of consumerism.
A

4. The global product abundance could be more equitable. Unfortunately, creators often
TO

prioritize wealthier consumers.

IN

5. For startups promising accessible simplicity, their very structure may eventually lead them
back to an overwhelming array of choices. Most of these companies rely on hundreds of
millions of dollars in venture capital funding, and their inventors typically expect rapid
AV

growth.
(Adapted for academic usage)
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above:
i. What does the use of the phrase 'a perfect storm of choice', by the writer, in paragraph 1, tell
us about their feelings? (1 Mark)
(A) The consumers are elated
(B) The consumers are confused
(C) The consumers are confident
(D) The consumers are decisive
ii. Identify the word in paragraph 2, that indicates that the writer feels assisting consumers has
become a profitable industry. (1 Mark)
iii. Based on the aspects mentioned in the table, mention the marketing approach that is
primarily concerned with understanding consumers based on various factors. (1 Mark)
iv. Complete the following analogy approximately, based on your understanding of the table: (1
Mark)

15 / 16
Valsad
 Cataloging people by gender, income level, personal interests etc. is to Data utilization as
Algorithms, influencers, and ad tech are to ________.
v. Which aspect in the table pertains to presenting consumers with carefully selected choices to
assist decision-making? (1 Mark)
(A) Challenge
(B) Data utilization
(C) Marketing trends
(D) Retail assistance
vi. Based on your understanding, fill the blank with the appropriate option from those given in
brackets: (1 Mark)
The solution to combat choice fatigue to ________ (follow/employ/recommend) lifestyle
influencers on Instagram who provide self-improving content and product references.
vii. Complete the sentence suitably: (1 Mark)

UR
The different approach to revolutionise consumer choices is to ________.
viii. Complete the following with a suitable reason: (1 Mark)
The writer believes that the global product abundance cannot be equitable because ________.
KA
ix. In the context of the last paragraph though the startups promise simplicity of access, what
are the drawbacks of such a structure? (2 Mark)

S
AL
TU SH
RI
A
TO
IN
AV

16 / 16
Valsad