Reading Skills

Discursive Passages
Discursive writing expresses opinion on issues. It can be argumentative. It may give reasons, explanations or
explores cause and effect relationship.

Solved question bank

1. Read the following passage carefully.
1. Born on Jan 12, 1863 in an affluent Bengali family, Help Box
Narendra Natha Datta was a precocious child who was
what we call nowadays, an all-rounder, excelling in affluent – abundance of wealth
music, studies and athletics. His father Vishwanatha
precocious – mature before age
Datta was a well-known attorney. However, he took
the spiritual route instead and introduced Hinduism cordial – warm, friendly
to the world in 1893 when he spoke at the World’s persecuted – oppressed
Parliament of Religion (probably one of the most remnant – remains, leftovers
epic things any Indian has done abroad!). The
shattered – shocked and upset
historic speech was given on September 11, 1893 by
Swami Vivekananda. Here’s the text of his address: fostering – to encourage the
2. Sisters and Brothers of America, development of
something
It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in
response to the warm and cordial welcome which you
have given us. I thank you in the name of the most ancient order of monks in the world; I thank
you in the name of the mother of religions, and I thank you in the name of millions and millions
of Hindu people of all classes and sects.
3. My thanks, also, to some of the speakers on this platform who, referring to the delegates from the
Orient, have told you that these men from far-off nations may well claim the honor of bearing to
different lands the idea of toleration. I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world
both tolerance and universal acceptance.
4. We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true. I am proud to belong
to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of
the earth. I am proud to tell you that we have gathered in our bosom the purest remnant of the
Israelites, who came to Southern India and took refuge with us in the very year in which their holy
temple was shattered to pieces by Roman tyranny. I am proud to belong to the religion which has
sheltered and is still fostering the remnant of the grand Zoroastrian nation. I will quote to you,
brethren, a few lines from a hymn which I remember to have repeated from my earliest boyhood,
which is every day repeated by millions of human beings: “As the different streams having their
sources in different paths which men take through different tendencies, various though they
appear, crooked or straight, all lead to Thee.”
18 Together with® English Communicative—9
5. The present convention, which is one of the most august assemblies ever held, is in itself a
vindication, a declaration to the world of the wonderful doctrine preached in the Gita: “Whosoever
comes to me, through whatsoever form, I reach him; all men are struggling through paths which
in the end lead to me.” Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long
possessed this beautiful earth. (MCB : People)

On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions.
(a) What type of child was Narendra Nath Datta? (Paragraph 1)
(i) Narendra Nath Datta was an indisciplined child.
(ii) Narendra Nath Datta was an irreligious child.
(iii) Narendra Nath Datta was a precocious child.
(iv) Narendra Nath Datta was a stupid child.
Ans. (iii) Narendra Nath Datta was a precocious child.
(b) Select the option that displays what the writer projects with reference to the following.
We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true. (Paragraph 4)
(i) doubt (ii) caution (iii) conviction (iv) denial
Ans. (iii) conviction
(c) What type of response did Vivekananda get in the World’s Parliament of Religion in 1893?
1. warm 2. cold 3. cordial 4. passive
5. no response
(i) 1 and 2 (ii) 1 and 3 (iii) 4 and 5 (iv) 2 and 4
Ans. (ii) 1 and 3
(d) Complete the following with a phrase from paragraph 1.
Opinion Reason
tremendous thing
Ans. most epic thing
(e) Evaluate the Inappropriate reason for the religion which has taught the world both
tolerance and universal acceptance.
(i) Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam (ii) Honesty and integrity
(iii) Parochialism (iv) Live and let live
Ans. (iii) Parochialism
(f) Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/phrase from paragraph 3.
recall : remember : : .................................. : omnipresent
Ans. universal
(g) List any two points that accept all religions as true.
Ans. (i) Universal acceptance (ii) Toleration
(h) In what respect was the speech of Vivekananda historic?
Ans. Because it was one of the most epic things any Indian had done abroad.
(i) List one point how Swami Vivekananda thanked the world leaders for?
Ans. Swami Vivekananda thanked the world leaders for the warm response that he got in the name
of the mother of religions.
(j) What is repeated everyday by millions of human beings?
Ans. The different streams having their sources in different paths which men take through different
tendencies, crooked or straight, all lead to thee.
 Reading Skills 19
2. Read the following passage carefully.
1. The Amazon is the world’s largest tropical rainforest. It is roughly the size of the continent of
Australia and covers an area of nearly 2.8 million square miles. The Amazon rainforest gets its
life from the majestic Amazon River which runs through the heart of the region. Amazon is also
the second largest river in the world. The rainforest is simply the drainage basin for the river
and its many tributaries. The vast forest consists of
four layers, each featuring its own ecosystems and Help Box
specially adapted plants and animals.
2. The forest floor is the lowest region. Since only rainforest – an area of tall mostly
two per cent of the sunlight can filter through evergreen trees
the top layers to the understory, very few plants tributaries – a branch that flows
grow there. The forest floor, however, is rich with into the main stream
rotting vegetation and bodies of dead animals which adapted – conformed,
quickly break down and get integrated into the soil accustomed to
as nutrients. Tree roots stay close to these available
nutrients and decomposers such as millipedes and understory – a layer of vegetation
earth worms use these nutrients for food. below the main
canopy of a forest
3. The understory is the layer above the forest floor.
Much like the forest floor, only about 2 to 5 per cent millipedes – small insects
of the sunlight reaches this shadowy realm. Many of
the plants in the understory have large, broad leaves to collect as much sunlight as possible. The
understory is so thick that there is very little air movement. As a result, plants rely on insects and
animals to pollinate their flowers.
4. The layer above the understory is the canopy. This is where much of the action in the rainforest
occurs. Many plants growing in this layer have specially adapted leaves with drip tips. Drip tips
allow water to flow off the leaves and thus prevent mosses, fungi and lichens from infecting
the leaves. Leaves in the canopy are very dense and filter about 80 per cent of the sunlight.
The canopy is where the wealth of the rainforest’s fruits and flowers grow. Bromeliads, cup-like
plants, provide drinking pools for animals and breeding locations for tree frogs.
 (MCB : Environment)
On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions.
(a) Why is the Amazon rainforest called the world’s largest rainforest? (Paragraph 1)
(i) Because rainfall happens here frequently.
(ii) Because it covers an area of nearly 2.8 million square miles.
(iii) Because there is intense heat here throughout the year.
(iv) Because it is a thickly populated area.
Ans. (ii) Because it covers an area of nearly 2.8 million square miles.
(b) Select the option that displays what the writer projects with reference to the following.
‘Only two per cent of the sunlight filters through the top layers of the understorey, very few
plants grow here’. (Paragraph 2)
(i) denial (ii) doubt (iii) caution (iv) truth
Ans. (iv) truth
(c) Why is very little air movement in the understory?
(i) Because it is very long. (ii) Because it is very thin.
(iii) Because it is very thick. (iv) Because it is warm.
Ans. (iii) Because it is very thick.
20 Together with® English Communicative—9
(d) Complete the following with a phrase from paragraph 1.
Opinion Reason
to carry out

Ans. ring through
(e) Choose the correct option that suits best according to the passage.
(i) The Amazon is the world’s smallest tropical rainforest.
(ii) The Amazon is famous for its biodiversity.
(iii) There is no occurrence of much of the rain in the rainforest.
(iv) Leaves in the canopy filter about 10% of the sunlight.
Ans. (ii) The Amazon is famous for its biodiversity.
(f) Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/phrase from paragraph 3.
combined : integrated : : ........................... : breed

Ans. pollinate
(g) How important is the Amazon for Amazon rainforests? Supply one point.
Ans. The Amazon rainforest gets its life from the majestic Amazon river which runs directly through
the heart of the region.
(h) What does drip tips allow?
Ans. Drip tips allow water to flow off the leaves which prevents mosses, fungi and lichens from
occupying the leaves.
(i) How are the bodies of dead organisms integrated into the soil?
Ans. The forest floor is rich with rotting vegetation and the bodies of dead organisms, which are
quickly broken down into nutrients and integrated into the soil.
(j) How are bromeliads useful for animals and tree-frogs?
Ans. Bromeliads provide drinking pools for animals and breeding locations for tree-frogs.
3. Read the following passage carefully.
1. Experts say that what customers buy in the name of herbal cosmetics is often the same synthetic
cosmetic with a herb or two added, which works to lure customers. A product that says it is
100% natural may be misleading in the sense that it’s difficult to stabilize a fully natural base
and is always quite expensive, requiring advanced technology. The desired shelf life of a product
is expected to be at least two years, but that of a purely herbal product would be restricted to
about six months. Also, the product won’t be aesthetically appealing as the synthetic product.
Hence, manufacturers of herbal products have to include synthetic base ingredients to balance
the formula.
2. Herbal ingredients might also cause allergies as they may contain a large number of constituents
which may be allergic to that user. Thus the concept of using ‘total extracts’ may be harmful,
because there are several other ingredients going into the product. Also, things like pH need to
be considered before using it.
3. According to the law experts, customers suing someone is considered extreme. Given the legal
system in India and the long-drawn litigation process, consumers tend to pursue legal action
against manufacturers/distributors in the event of any problem. However, with the dawn of
consumer forums and more effective laws protecting the interests of the consumers, the trend is
slowly moving towards this direction.
 Reading Skills 21
4. At times it is not just manipulative manufacturers and
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passive consumers but sometimes weak and absent
rules regarding the process of manufacturing can aesthetically – pleasure through
also get fake production licences. Also one cannot beauty
make a generalisation that synthetics are safe while
ingredients – components
naturals are harmful. I would say that the difference
suing – appealing,
is that if one is a known devil (synthetics) the other
pleading
is unknown. Unlike the case of synthetic cosmetic,
herbal cosmetics are still in a nascent stage. You dawn – (here) the
don’t have well-defined standards for the use of raw beginning
materials in the production of herbal cosmetics. manipulative – scheming
5. Finally, customers can also check out their cosmetics generalisation – a general
by using the ‘Cosmetics ingredient dictionary’, a statement based
database of 19,000 ingredients. It claims to help on few facts
users check out what chemical compounds they nascent – budding,
use daily. This App lets you feed the names of the developing
ingredients written on the container into the app
and then get the reading about it.
On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions.
(a) What does often appear as the same synthetic cosmetic with a herb or two added, which works
to lure customers? (Paragraph 1)
(i) Natural cosmetics (ii) Artificial cosmetics
(iii) Herbal cosmetics (iv) Home-made cosmetics
Ans. (iii) Herbal cosmetics
(b) Select the option that displays what the writer projects, with reference to the following.
Herbal ingredients might also cause allergies as they may contain a large number of constituents
which may be allergic to that user. (Paragraph 2)
(i) doubt (ii) caution (iii) conviction (d) denial
Ans. (ii) caution
(c) Choose the correct option that suits best according to the passage.
(i) A product that says it is 100% natural may be misleading.
(ii) A product that says it is 100% natural may be illegal.
(iii) A product that says it is 100% natural may be good.
(iv) A product that says it is 100% natural may be wonderful.
Ans. (i) A product that says it is 100% natural may be misleading.
(d) Complete the following with a phrase from paragraph 4.
Opinion Reason
developing stage

Ans. nascent stage
22 Together with® English Communicative—9
(e) Evaluate the Inappropriate reason for the concept of harmfulness of ‘total extracts’.
(i) Proper use of natural extracts (ii) Use of artificial ingredients
(iii) Use of various ingredients is harmful (iv) Use of various ingredients in proportion
Ans. (i) Proper use of natural extracts
(f) Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/phrase from paragraph 3.
modern : advance : : ................................... : steadily
Ans. slowly
(g) What do consumers do if any problem arises?
Ans. If any problem arises, the consumers tend to pursue legal action against manufacturers/
distributors.
(h) Apart from manipulative manufacturers and passive consumers, how can fake production
licenses be got?
Ans. The weak and absent rules regarding the process of manufacturing can get fake production
licenses.
(i) What do the manufacturers of herbal products do to balance formula? Mention one point.
Ans. Manufacturers of herbal products include synthetic base ingredients to balance the formula.
(j) What does the Cosmetics ingredient dictionary claim?
Ans. The dictionary claims to help users check out what chemical compounds they use daily. It also
tells to feed the names of the ingredients written on the container into the App and then get the
reading about it.
4. Read the following passage carefully.
1. One of the great values of punctuality is that it gives Help Box
discipline to life. We have to get up in time. We have
to do things at the appointed time. All these entail entail – to involve
certain amount of sacrifice. It dispels laziness and something
removes our ‘take-it-easy attitude’. A disciplined dispels – to remove fears,
person always gets recognition and social acceptance. doubts, etc.
He is wanted and appreciated. Therefore, punctuality
can make us socially acceptable people. ample – sufficient
2. Another significant merit of punctuality is that it haphazardly – unplanned
provides ample time to do our work correctly and disastrous – terrible, harmful
properly. Doing things hurriedly or haphazardly can consequences – result
have disastrous consequences. When we do things in
time there is every chance that they end up as fine hallmark – emblem,
works. trademark
3. The virtue of punctuality is said to be the key to painstakingly – attentively,
success. Look at the great world leaders who have meticulously
achieved fame and success. Punctuality was their
hallmark. They kept their promises. Punctuality is a
virtue that is appreciated by all. Washington once took his secretary to task for being late. The
secretary laid the blame upon his watch. Washington reported: “Then, Sir either you must get a
new watch or I must get a new secretary.” People like them are ideals whom we should follow in
earnest.
4. When individuals are not punctual they cause a lot of inconvenience to others. People have to
wait for them and waste their valuable time. Want of punctuality reveals want of culture and is
discourteous to the person we fail.
 Reading Skills 23
Unpunctuality invites trouble and worry. History is full of cases which show that lack of
punctuality has caused defeat, loss of kingdom and golden opportunities. It is said that Napoleon
lost the battle of Waterloo in 1815 because one of his generals came late. Many people lose good
opportunities of job or promotion when they reach late for appointment.
5. All of us are not born with the virtue of punctuality. We have to cultivate it painstakingly. Only
constant vigil and practice can implant this virtue.
It calls for great deal of sacrifice. It calls for courage to root out laziness and the ‘take-it-easy
attitude’. It demands a disciplined life. That is why very few individuals have the virtue of
punctuality. But, know it for certain that it is the surest way to success.
On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions.
(a) What do you mean by the great value of punctuality? (Paragraph 1)
(i) It entails certain amount of sacrifices. (ii) It helps in getting up in time.
(iii) It gives discipline to life. (iv) It dispels laziness.
Ans. (iii) It gives discipline to life.
(b) Select the option that displays what the writer projects, with reference to the following.
Punctuality is a virtue that is appreciated by all. (Paragraph 3)
(i) doubt (ii) caution (iii) conviction (iv) denial
Ans. (iii) conviction
(c) Choose the option that best matches with the word ‘punctuality’ as used in the passage.
(i) Another significant merit of punctuality is that it provides ample time to do our work
correctly and properly.
(ii) Another significant merit of laziness is that it provides ample time to do our work correctly
and properly.
(iii) Another significant merit of entertainment is that it provides ample time to do our work
correctly and properly.
(iv) Another significant merit of time is that it provides ample time to do our work correctly
and properly.
Ans. (i) Another significant merit of punctuality is that it provides ample time to do our work
correctly and properly.
(d) Complete the following with a phrase from paragraph 4.
Opinion Reason
make little effort

Ans. take it easy
(e) Evaluate the INAPPROPRIATE reason which shows that lack of punctuality causes defeat.
(i) Unpunctuality invites trouble and worry.
(ii) Unpunctuality makes us socially acceptable.
(iii) Unpunctuality creates wrong impression.
(iv) Unpunctuality causes inconvenience to others.
Ans. (ii) Unpunctuality makes us socially acceptable.
(f) Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/phrase from paragraph 3.
important : significant : : ............................... : achievement
Ans. success
24 Together with® English Communicative—9
(g) What conclusion does the writer draw out about Unpunctuality? Supply one point.
Ans. Unpunctuality invites trouble and worry and also causes a lot of inconvenience to others.
(h) Why is it said that Napoleon lost the battle of Waterloo in 1815? Infer one point.
Ans. Napoleon lost the battle of Waterloo in 1815 because of unpunctuality. One of his generals came
late in the war.
(i) Washington once took his secretary to task. What did he tell him?
Ans. Washington once took his secretary to task for being late. He told him either to take a new watch
or he will get a new secretary.
(j) What does punctuality call for, according to paragraph 5?
Ans. Punctuality calls for great deal of sacrifice. It calls for courage to root out laziness and the
‘take‑it‑easy attitude’. It also demands a disciplined life.
5. Read the following passage carefully.
1. The apologists of terror tell us that the root cause Help Box
of terrorism is the deprivation of national and civic
rights, and that the way to stop terror is to redress the deprivation – destitution
supposed grievances that arise from this deprivation. redress – correct, rectify
2. But the root cause of terrorism, the deliberate targeting grievances – grudge,
of civilians, is not the deprivation of rights. If it were, complaint
then in the thousands of conflicts and struggles for deliberate – intentional,
national and civil rights in modern times we would calculated
see countless instances of terrorism. But we do not. eschewed – abandoned,
renounced
3. Mahatma Gandhi fought for the Independence of
India without resorting to terrorism. So too did the resorting to – making use of
people of Eastern Europe in their struggle to bring espouse – adopt, uphold
down the Berlin Wall and Martin Luther King’s encompassing – including,
campaign for equal rights for all Americans eschewed surrounding
all violence, much less terrorism. indiscriminately – aimlessly
4. If the deprivation of rights is indeed the root cause maim – dismember,
of terrorism, why did all these people pursue their disfigure
cause without resorting to terror? Put simply, because totalitarian – dictatorial,
they were democrats, not terrorists. They believed in autocratic
the sanctity of each human life, were committed to indoctrinate – inculcate, instill
the ideals of liberty, and championed the values of constraints – restraint,
democracy. pressure
5. But those who practise terrorism, do not believe in
these things. In fact, they believe in the very opposite. For them, the cause they espouse, is so all
encompassing, so total, that it justifies anything. It allows them to break any law, discard any moral
code and trample all human rights in the dust. In their eyes, it permits them to indiscriminately
murder and maim innocent men and women, and lets them blow up a bus full of children.
6. There is a name for the doctrine that produces this evil. It is called totalitarianism. Only a
totalitarian regime, by systemically brainwashing its subjects, can indoctrinate hordes of killers
to suspend all moral constraints for the sake of a twisted cause. That is why from its inception
totalitarianism has always been wedded to terrorism—from Lenin to Stalin to Hitler to the
Ayatollahs to Saddam Hussein, right down to Osama Bin Laden.
 Reading Skills 25
7. It is merely that the goals of terrorists do not justify the means they choose, it is that the means
they choose tell us what true goals are. Those who fight as terrorists, rule as terrorists. People
who deliberately target the innocent, never become leaders who protect freedom and human
rights. When terrorists seize power, they invariably set up the darkest of dictatorships—whether
in Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan or Arafatistan.
On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions.
(a) Who tells us that the root cause of terrorism is the deprivation of national and civic rights?
(Paragraph 1)
(i) Social workers (ii) Philanthropists (iii) Teachers (iv) Apologists
Ans. (iv) Apologists
(b) Choose the correct option to fill in the blank space in the following sentence.
People who deliberately target the .................... never become leaders who protect ......................
and human rights.
1. innocent 2. culprit 3. humans 4. slavery
5. freedom
(i) 1 and 5 (ii) 2 and 4 (iii) 3 and 5 (iv) 2 and 3
Ans. (i) 1 and 5
(c) Select the correct option to complete the following sentence.
People who deliberately target the innocent ............................... . (Paragraph 7)
(i) become leaders who protect freedom and human rights.
(ii) never become leaders who protect freedom and human rights
(iii) can achieve all the targets whatever they want.
(iv) none of these
Ans. (ii) never become leaders who protect freedom and human rights
(d) Complete the following with a phrase from paragraph 5.
Opinion Reason
regards as untrustworthy

Ans. believe in the opposite
(e) Choose the correct option that suits best as given in the passage.
(i) The way to increase terror is to redress the supposed grievances that arise from this
deprivation.
(ii) The way to stop terror is to redress the supposed grievances that arise from this deprivation.
(iii) The way to encourage terror is to redress the supposed grievances that arise from this
deprivation.
(iv) The way to discourage terror is to redress the supposed grievances that arise from this
deprivation.
Ans. (ii) The way to stop terror is to redress the supposed grievances that arise from this deprivation.
(f) Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/phrase from paragraph 2.
innumerable : countless : : ................................ : examples
Ans. instances
(g) What is the way to stop terror, according to paragraph 1?
Ans. The way to stop terror is to redress the supposed grievances that arise from the deprivation of
national and civic rights.
26 Together with® English Communicative—9
(h) Based on your reading of the text, list 2 reasons.
Why did the people like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King pursue their causes without
resorting to terror?
Ans. (i) They believed in the sanctity of each human life.
(ii) They were committed to the ideals of liberty, and championed the values of democracy.
(i) The people who practise terrorism do not believe in ideals. What do they actually believe in?
Ans. They actually believe in breaking any law, discarding any moral conduct and trampling all human
rights in the dust.
(j) What can totalitarian regime indoctrinate?
Ans. The totalitarian regime can indoctrinate hordes of killers to suspend all moral constraints for
the sake of a twisted cause.
6. Read the following passage carefully.
1. Certain foods can rejuvenate and activate the body,
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inducing even stable mental health and the advisory
positions about the remarkable healing power of
rejuvenate – to feel young
food. To recognise, isolate and increase the intake
and energetic
of foods that have large amounts of disease fighting
antioxidants, to identify the two kinds of fat; the inducing – to persuade
beneficial Omega-3 and the Omega-6, in which foods somebody to do
something
are commonly cooked; to alienate allergies caused by
foods that work against the human metabolism. alienate – isolate, detach
2. Even oxygen has certain toxic forms called oxides, lethal – harmful, fatal
which spark off lethal reactions that have been linked imperative – crucial
to sixty odd chronic diseases, one of which is ageing. irritant – bother
Antioxidants minimise the effects of the oxidants.
deterrent – curb
Plant foods, thankfully are packed with antioxidant
agents. Scientists are now researching into an obstinate – adamant,
recalcitrant
antioxidant “Status report” based on individual blood
tests; if the antioxidants are funnying low, specific nagging – persistent,
food should be prescribed to boost the levels. continuous
3. Fat comes in two types—Omega-3 which is found innocuous – harmless
in marine life and Omega-6 which is concentrated supplement – addition,
in vegetable oils. The first is good, the other is plain addendum
rotten.
4. The best source of Omega-3 is preferably sea fish. But frying it in Omega-6 rich vegetable oil
kills all its goodness. The third imperative in codifying food health is through identifying irritants.
5. While some foods cause obvious and easily identified allergies like rashes, others cause either
delayed reactions or minor irritants which could, nonetheless, be a serious deterrent to general
well-being. Obstinate amoebiosis, nagging depression and persistent headaches are the most
obvious symptoms. Food plays a dramatic role in alerting and fine-tuning of brain cells to give
them sharper concentration. An innocuous combination of red wine and cheese can trigger off
migraine.
 Reading Skills 27
6. Ageing brains have low levels of thiamin, which is concentrated in wheat-germ and bran, nuts,
meat and cereals. More good brain-food comes from liver, milk and almonds, which are rich in
riboflavin and extremely good for memory. Carotene, available in deep green leafy vegetables
and fruits, is also good for geriatric brains. So is a high iron diet: it can make old brains gallop
hyperactively like young ones. Iron comes from greens; liver, shell-fish, red meat and soyabeans.
Sea-food, very high in iron, is an excellent diet supplement.
7. The New England Journal of Medicine reported in its May 1985 issue that 30 grams of fish a day
could result in a dramatic drop in the chances of acquiring a cardiovascular disease.

On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions.
(a) What can certain foods do, according to paragraph 1?
1. Certain foods can rejuvenate and activate the body.
2. They can decrease and deactivate the body.
3. They can induce even stable mental health.
4. Certain foods can enhance fatigue.
(i) 3 and 4 (ii) 1 and 2 (iii) 1 and 3 (iv) 3 and 4
Ans. (iii) 1 and 3
(b) Select the option that displays what the writer projects, with reference to the following.
The best source of Omega-3 is preferably sea fish. (Paragraph 4)
(i) doubt (ii) caution (iii) truth (iv) conviction
Ans. (iii) truth
(c) Antioxidants minimise the
(i) effects of carotene (ii) effects of oxidants
(iii) effects of metabolism (iv) none of these
Ans. (ii) effects of oxidants
(d) Complete the following with a phrase from paragraph 5.
Opinion Reason
put in motion

Ans. trigger off
(e) Evaluate the INAPPROPRIATE reason for the dramatic role of food.
(i) Plays a dramatic role in alerting and fine turning of brain cells.
(ii) Weakens our body and lessens our capacity to think.
(iii) Enhances our immunity to fight diseases.
(iv) Strengthens our body.
Ans. (ii) Weakens our body and lessens our capacity to think.
(f) Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/phrase from paragraph 5.
clear : obvious : : .................................... : amalgamation
Ans. combination
(g) What are oxides?
Ans. Certain toxic forms of oxygen are known as oxides.
(h) State 1 point to justify the following.
Iron comes from greens, liver, shell-fish, red meat and soyabean.
Ans. Iron is an excellent diet supplement.
28 Together with® English Communicative—9
(i) Which foods are necessary for geriatric brains?
Ans. Foods with concentrated levels of thiamine, such as wheat-germ, and bran, nuts, meat and
cereals, are good for geriatric brains. Also liver, milk, almonds, carotene-rich foods, fruits and
an overall high iron diet are good for geriatric brains.
(j) What was the finding of New England Journal of Medicine report May 1985 issue?
Ans. It has reported that 30 grams of fish a day could result in a dramatic drop in the chances of
acquiring a cardiovascular disease.
7. Read the following passage carefully.
1. Vegetarianism promotes a natural way of life. But
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despite its implicit message of universal love and
non-violence it has not spread, as it should have.
implicit – inferred
This may be because it usually is an inward-looking
habit and is best cultivated in the mind. manure – muck, concrement
2. Leading a vegetarian way of life helps the animal multifaceted – all-round, varied
kingdom to co-exist with man. The animals supply beneficial – useful,
milk, manure and energy. This has been centred advantageous
to the Indian culture for thousands of years. A
vegetarian lifestyle is natural, multifaceted and helps infinite – limitless,
self-preservation in a healthy way. Food and health unlimited
are closely related. virility – manliness,
3. In India, a vegetarian is usually a lacto-vegetarian. manhood
In the Western world, vegetarians are sub-divided as palatable – eatable
“vegans” (pure vegetarians who do not take any food
endurance – persistence,
coming from animal kingdom), lacto-vegetarians,
continuity
who use dairy products of the vegetable kingdom
and lacto-ova-vegetarians. The last category includes
eggs, in addition to dairy products.
4. The Western science of food considers food as something to sustain only the human body,
whereas the Indian science considers food as something which sustains not only the body, but
also maintains the purity of heart, mind and the soul. Thus an item of food which is injurious
to the mind, is not considered to be fit for consumption, even if it is otherwise beneficial to the
body or satisfies the taste. Indian food science does not give so much importance to protein or
even to the balanced diet but it gives importance to food that increases the strength of the body
and its virility.
5. Vegetarian foods provide an infinite variety of flavours, whereas non-vegetarian foods have
hardly any taste of their own. In fact, non-vegetarian foods have to be seasoned with ingredients
from the vegetable kingdom to make them palatable.
6. In most sports disciplines, vegetarians lead in endurance tests. “You are what you eat” is an old
saying and it is a fact that it is the food that makes the man. The food we eat, its quality, quantity,
its timing and combination — is of utmost importance to healthy life.
7. It is significant to note that in the USA nearly 30 to 40 million people have adopted vegetarianism
in the last decade. More and more intellectuals in the UK, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy,
Israel, Mexico, Russia and its former allies, are gradually turning to vegetarian diet not only on
ethical and humanitarian grounds but also for health and ecological reasons.
 Reading Skills 29
On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions.
(a) Why has vegetarianism not spread? (Paragraph 1.)
1. Vegetarianism has an inner message of universal love and non-violence.
2. Vegetarianism has not spread because it is usually an inward-looking habit.
3. It is best cultivated in the mind.
4. The message has not spread because it was not paid due attention.
(i) 1 and 2 (ii) 1 and 3 (iii) 3 and 4 (iv) 2 and 3
Ans. (iv) 2 and 3
(b) Select the option that displays what the writer projects, with reference to the following.
A vegetarian lifestyle is natural, multifaceted and helps self-preservation in a healthy way.
(Paragraph 2)
(i) doubt (ii) conviction (iii) denial (iv) caution
Ans. (ii) conviction
(c) In the western world, vegetarians are classified into
(i) vegans who are pure vegetarians (ii) lacto-vegetarians who used dairy products
(iii) lacto-ova-vegetarians (iv) all of these
Ans. (iv) all of these
(d) Complete the following with a phrase from paragraph 1.
Opinion Reason
almost no taste

Ans. hardly any taste of their own
(e) Choose the correct option that suits best according to the passage.
(i) Food should not be taken on time.
(ii) Junk foods also prove helpful in maintaining the body.
(iii) Food sustains not only the body, but also maintains the purity of heart, mind and the soul.
(iv) Food should not be given much importance.
Ans. (iii) Food sustains not only the body, but also maintains the purity of heart, mind and the soul.
(f) How does a vegetarian way of life help the animal kingdom? (Paragraph 2)
Ans. A vegetarian way of life helps the animal kingdom to co-exit with man.
(g) Supply 1 point to justify the following.
“Infact, non-vegetarian foods have to be seasoned with ingredients from the vegetable kingdom to
make them palatable”.
Ans. Because non-vegetarian foods have hardly any taste of their own.
(h) How is food considered in Indian science?
Ans. In Indian science, food is considered as something which sustains not only the body but also
maintains the purity of heart, mind and soul.
(i) “You are what you eat”. What does this saying denote?
Ans. It denotes that whatever food one takes, it makes that type of man.
(j) Why are more and more intellectuals in some European countries and Israel adopting a
vegetarian diet?
Ans. More and more intellectuals in some countries in Europe, including Russia and its former allies,
as well as Israel, are adopting a vegetarian diet not only on ethical and humanitarian grounds,
but also for health and ecological reasons.
30 Together with® English Communicative—9
8. Read the following passage carefully.
1. The three major effects of viewing TV violence are : Help Box
children may become less sensitive to the pain and
suffering of others, they may be more fearful of the
aggressive – hostile,
world around them, and they may be more likely to
behave in aggressive or harmful ways towards others. belligerent
Parents can limit the effects of violence by viewing censorship – ban, restriction
TV together and discussing the violence with the
substances – material
child. Talk about why the violence happened and how
painful it is. They may ask the child how conflicts desensitization – make inactive
can be solved without violence and explain to the nightmares – horrible
child how violence on an entertainment programme
is actually “fake”. Parents must restrict violent simulated – replicate
videos. Encourage your child to watch programmes jeopardy – at risk, danger
with characters that cooperate, help and care for
discriminate – differentiate
one another. These programmes have been shown
to have a positive influence on children. stimulus – impetus
2. Television programming is all about showing reality explorative – discovery
without censorship, meaning that child watchers are
acquisition – to obtain
inundated with shows depicting physical and sexual
violence, as well as the use of illegal substances and
harsh language. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Extensive research evidence
indicates that media violence can contribute to aggressive behaviour, desensitization to violence,
nightmares, and fear of being harmed.” Statistics read that some cartoons average twenty acts of
violence in one hour, and that by the age of eighteen children will have seen 16,000 simulated
murders and 200,000 acts of violence on television. Young people are especially in jeopardy of
the negative effects of television violence because “many younger children cannot discriminate
between what they see and what is real.
3. Read to your child rather than watch television. Children’s stories, written by thoughtful
authors, portray conflict in a more realistic and constructive manner. The best TV teachers are
entertaining as well as informative, and they are also child-centred that expand the horizons of
the young minds.
4. Watching these programmes provides children with the right stimulus to acquire knowledge
through an indirect play way methodology. Absorption of such knowledge and the love for
learning are stirred and the child begins to understand the explorative thrills of the knowledge
track, where he becomes the racing car driver speeding the knowledge vehicle through his own
speedometer of knowledge acquisition.

On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions.
(a) What traits can children imbibe by watching violence on the television? (Paragraph 1)
1. They may become less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others.
2. They may begin to behave aggressively and harmfully towards others.
3. They may become more practical and meritorious.
4. They may become fearful of the world around them.
(i) 1 and 3 only (ii) 2 and 3 only (iii) 1, 2 and 4 only (iv) 3 and 4 only
Ans. (iii) 1, 2 and 4 only
 Reading Skills 31
(b) Choose the option that completes the following sentence.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, extensive research evidence indicates
that media violence can contribute to aggressive behaviour, ......................... nightmares and
......................... .
1. desensitization to violence 2. help and care for one another
3. fear of being harmed 4. helpfulness
(i) 1 and 2 only (ii) 2 and 4 only
(iii) 1 and 4 only (iv) 1 and 3 only
Ans. (iv) 1 and 3 only
(c) What will be the outcome of alternative practices by parents?
(i) Children will be set on the path of self-exploration.
(ii) Only negative ideas will develop among children.
(iii) Children will gain knowledge at their own pace.
(iv) Both (i) and (iii)
Ans. (iv) Both (i) and (iii)
(d) Complete the following with a phrase from paragraph 1.
Opinion Reason
in danger

Ans. in jeopardy
(e) Evaluate the INAPPROPRIATE reason for the children’s stories written by thoughtful authors.
(i) They portray conflict in a more realistic and constructive manner.
(ii) They only portray the matter in an unrealistic manner.
(iii) They give the didactic lesson.
(iv) They help in honing the skills of children.
Ans. (ii) They only portray the matter in an unrealistic manner.
(f) Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/phrase from paragraph 2.
restriction : censorship : : ............................... : proof
Ans. evidence
(g) Supply 1 point to justify the following.
Young people are especially in jeopardy of the negative effects of television violence.
Ans. Because many younger children cannot discriminate between what they see and what is real.
(h) What is the statistical finding about cartoon content?
Ans. Statistics has shown that some cartoons have average 20 acts of violence, in an hour, and by age
18, children are exposed to 16,000 acts of simulated murders and 200,000 acts of violence on
their TV screens.
(i) What will be the outcome of alternative practices by parents?
Ans. The effect of such viewing is that children will be set on the path of self-exploration and knowledge
gaining at their own pace.
(j) Based on your reading of the text, list 2 reasons why the author says the child becomes the
racing car driver speeding the knowledge vehicle through his own speedometer of knowledge
acquisition. (Paragraph 4)
Ans. (i) Absorption of knowledge and the love for learning are stirred.
(ii) The child begins to understand the explorative thrills of the knowledge track.