English Core Read The Following Text.(12M)

(1) The monsoon is such a welcome respite from the scorching summer thanks to the overcast sky, gentle rain and lush greenery all around. Almost all of us love to savour spicy and crunchy food items, such as fritters (pakoras) and chaats like panipuri, sevpuri teamed with cutting chai as the rainwater lashes against the windowpane. However, the season also brings along a lot of diseases, such as dengue, malaria, conjunctivitis, typhoid, viral fever, pneumonia, gastrointestinal disturbances, diarrhea, food poisoning, cholera, cough and cold and jaundice due to the presence of bacteria in the environment. The challenge lies in going about your daily routine without falling ill. If you suffer from low immunity, you are at a higher risk of contracting these diseases.
However, the right dietary tips can strengthen your immunity and help you stay hale and hearty.
(2) Due to the humid climate, you may not feel too thirsty and consume just one litre of water every day. But you need to be well hydrated as sweat doesn't evaporate quickly in monsoon. Consequently, this prevents the body from releasing heat. So consume a lot of water as it helps to flush out toxins from the body. Ensure that the water is clean, pure and safe to drink. Avoid aerated drinks; instead consume warm beverages, such as green tea with holy basil leaves, ginger, pepper and honey as they have anti-bacterial properties. A bowl of hot vegetable soup is also a good option. The hot beverages increase your body temperature (which will in turn give you warmth) while the ingredients will boost your immunity.
(3) Consume fruits, such as cherries, bananas, apples, pomegranates, plums, litchis and pears as they are packed with anti-oxidants and are rich in vitamin A, E, C and minerals. Vegetables, such as cauliflower, potatoes, cluster beans, ladyfingers, kidney beans, pigeon pea and sprouted grains get spoilt easily due to the humidity. So, they should be avoided. Opt for cooked or steamed veggies. Avoid salads as they comprise raw vegetables that contain active bacteria which lead to various infections and affect the body's immunity. Avoid strong
smelling or extra sweet fruits, such as mangoes and jackfruit that attract flies as their excess intake can cause skin irritation and stomach ache. It's also important to store vegetables the right way during the rains. Do not wash the veggies thoroughly before storing, as the moisture will attract pathogenic fungus. These bacteria can spread to other susceptible food items as well, making them unhygienic. Instead, pat dry and store separate food items in different containers. Buy them in limited portions and use them as soon as possible.
(4) Dehydration makes your hair brittle and scanty. So hydrate yourself. Zinc and iron help to keep your tresses healthy and beautiful. Consume nuts, eggs and walnuts to maintain hair strength. Walnuts are rich in biotin and vitamin E, which are excellent antioxidants. Proteins are important for hair strength too. So add curd to your diet, as it is a great source of protein. Amla juice, oranges and other citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C keeps your hair strong as it helps in production of collagen that among other things strengthens the hair capillaries (ensuring proper nutrient supply to our hair). Also, ensure that you wash your locks on alternate days and cover them well during the monsoon. Dried apricots,
roasted sunflower seeds and lentils are better foods to consume during monsoon than other iron-rich foods which are susceptible to microbial attack. Do not forget to eat yummy corn on cob as corn is also rich in iron and zinc.
5) So, the secret to enjoy the rains, without the fear of affecting your health is to go light on eating. Have a safe and healthy monsoon.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

i. Drinking water helps in and ________. (1)

ii. Raw vegetables should be avoided because________.(1)

iii. The correct way to store veggies is to: (1)
A. wash them properly before storing
B. buy them in bulks
C. pat them dry, store separate items in different food containers
D. soak them in water

iv. Choose an appropriate heading for the given passage. (1)
A. How to Store Your Food During the Rainy Season
B. Beat the Monsoon Woes by Eating Right
C. Monsoon Sickness
D. Hair Fall Remedy

v. Which of these statements is false? (1)
A. Warm beverages like soup is healthier option than aerated drinks.
B. Vegetables such as cauliflower, bean sprouts, ladyfingers are more likely to get spoilt.
C Amla juice, oranges and other citrus fruits are rich in vitamin D.
D. Iron and Zinc helps in keeping our hair healthy

vi. Give two merits and two demerits of monsoon. (2)

vii. How can different beverages help in monsoon? (2)

viii. Discuss about the hair care during monsoons.(2)

ix. Read the headlines given below and identify the option that corresponds with message of the passage.(1)

(i) Rains mean crispy pakoras and cutting chai
(ii) The Rains do not bring diseases
(iii) Maintain your physical well-being during rains
(iv) The best hair days are rainy days

A. (i) and (ii)
B. only (iv)
C. (i), (ii) and (iv)
D. only (iii)

(1) From the moment a baby first opens its eyes, it is learning Sight and sensation spark off a learning process which will determine in large measure, the sort of person it will become. Language stands head and shoulders over all other tools as an instrument of learning. It is the language that gives man his lead in intelligence over all the other creatures. No other creature can assemble a list of ideas, consider them, draw conclusions and then explain his reasoning, Man can do all this because be possesses language. And if thought depends on language. the quality of an individual's thought will depend on that person's language-rudimentary on sophisticated, precise or approximate, stereotyped or original.
(2) Very young babies are soothed by human voice uttering comforting words close to them. This essentially- emotional response provides early evidence that feeling is an important component of language learning Children learn to use language in interaction with other human beings and this learning proceeds best against a background of affectionate feedback from the person who is closest to them. This is seen to perfection in the interaction between patent and a baby: eyes locked together, the adult almost physically drawing 'verbal response from the baby, both engulfed by that unique experience of intimate and joyful 'connecting, which sets the pattern of the relationship between two people.
(3) Thus, long before they can speak, children are involved in a two-way process of communication, which is steadily building a foundation on which their later use of language will be based. Constantly surrounded by language, they are unconsciously building structures in their minds into which their speech and reading will later fit grammatical constractions, tense sequences and so on. The forms of these structures will depend on the amount and complexity of speech they hear. Fortunate are those children who listen to articulate adults, expressing ideas and defending opinions. They will know, long before they can contribute themselves and understand, that relationships are forged through this process of speaking and listening: that warmth and humour have a place in the process, as have all other human emotions.
(4) Using books is the most important means of ensuring a child's adequate language development. None of us can endlessly initiate and maintain speech with very small children; we run out of ideas or just get plain sick of it. Their lives are confined to a limited circle and they do not have enough experience to provide raw material for constant verbal interaction.
(5) Parents and children who share books share the same frame of reference. Incidents in everyday life constantly remind one or the other of a situation, a character, an action, from a jointly enjoyed book, with all the generation of warmth and well-being that is attendant upon such sharing. All too often, there is a breakdown of communication between parents and children when the problems of adolescence arise. In most cases, this is most acute when the give-and-take of shared opinions and ideas have not been constantly practised throughout childhood Books can play a major role in the establishment of this verbal give-and- take because they are rooted in language.
(6) Young children's understanding greatly outruns their capacity for expression as their speech strains to encompass their awareness, to represent reality as they see it. Shades of meaning which may be quite unavailable to the child of limited verbal experience are startlingly talked to toddler. All the wonderful modifying words-later, nearly, tomorrow, almost, wait, half, lend, etc. begin to steer the child away from the simple extremes of "Yes" and "No" towards the adult world of compromise from the child's black and white world to the subtle shades and tints of the real world. The range of imaginative experience opened up by books expands the inevitably limited horizons of children's surroundings and allows them to make Joyful, intrigued, awestruck acquaintance with countless people, animals, objects and ideas in their first years of life. (7) Books also open children to new points of view, besides their own as they unconsciously put themselves into other people's places-if that could happen to him, it could happen to me. This imaginative self- awareness brings apprehensions and fears as well as heightened hopes and joys.
(8) In books, children can experience language which is subtle, resourceful, exhilarating and harmonious languages that provide the human ear (and understanding) with a pointed and precise pleasure, the searing illuminating impact of good and true words.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.

i. What makes a man superior over all the other creatures? (1)
A. Their way of observing things
B. Their language
C. Their body-language
D. Their skills

ii. What is an important component of language learning? (1)
A. Environment
B.Education
C. Feeling
D. Books of literature

iii. What are the most important means of ensuring a child's adequate language development? (1)
A. Maintaining speech
B. Providing raw material for constant verbal interaction
C. Two-way process of communication
D. Using books

iv. The parents can't rely only on constant verbal interactions because_________. (1)

v. What are the advantages of books mentioned in the above passage? (1)
A. It creates self awareness in children.
B. It enables children to see things from other's point of view.
C. Expose children to a wide range of vocabulary.
D. All of these

vi. How can language distinguish between human beings and others? (2)

vii. How do children develop language? (2)

viii. What role do books play? (2)

ix. Read the given headlines and identify the option that does not correspond with the message of the passage. (1)

(a) Develop new viewpoints through book.
(b) Sight and sensation - The spark of learning
(c) No role played by adults in children's language acquisition.
(d) Communication - A two way process.

A. (a) and (b)
B. (b), (c) and (d)
C. Only (c)
D. (a), (b), (c) and (d)

(1) 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.
(2) 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.
(3) 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.
(4) 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.
(5) 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.
(6) 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!
(7) 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.
(8) 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.
(9) This is the truth! Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above."

i. Pick out the option that is not true according to the passage. (1)
A pilgrim can keep his body healthy

a. by travelling a lot of places
b. by travelling light
c.by keeping free from attachment
d. by eating small amount of food
e.by eating snacks and rich food

A. Both a and b
B. only b
C. a, c, d, and e
D. only d

ii. As given in the passage, it states that most of the time, people prefer to do (1)

iii. Pick out the option that is TRUE about the pilgrimages, as discussed in the above passage. (1)
A. Pilgrimages have been converted into tourism nowadays.
B. Pilgrimages should be performed at the young age only.
C. One should avoid eating food while on a pilgrimage.
D. Pilgrimages should be done for the purpose of fun only.

iv. As per your understanding of the passage, choose the words that best describe the response of nature against cleverness shown by us.(1)

1. Catastrophic
2. Gratifying
3. Buoyant
4. Detrimental

A. 2 and 3
B. 1 and 4
C. 1 and 2
D. 3 and 4

v.The word 'Amma' used by the writer signifies_______________________. (1)

vi. How does the human of today act?(2)

vii. How does nature show its anger?(2)

viii. Describe the traditional pilgrim.(2)

ix. Select the option that is similar to narrator's expression, "Nature is everyone's Amma"?(1)

(1) Suspense was over when my high school results finally came out. But I was upset. I had not done as well as I had expected. My father tried to console me. "Why are you worried? You have done very well my dear." "No, I have not Baba," I protested, controlling my tears, and wondering if I had disappointed him. "It does not really matter," he assured me. "Do you know what I got when I finished high school?" I looked into Baba's face and waited for the answer to his own question. "You know," he told me "I have never told you this. I got just a third division. But, look at me, I have done quite well." Baba got a third division! I was almost in shock, but the thought of my having done a lot better than that made me realize that I had no reason to complain. I certainly felt better! "Everything is under control!" said Baba, smiling. That was his favourite phrase. Posted in Kolkata, my father was then a senior official in the Indian Railway Service, and an expert in goods traffic operations. He was soon to become a director with the Railway Board. By the time he retired in 1981, he was general manager of the Central Railways. By the time Baba passed away in November 2000, his name had found place in several hearts as well. He was open, easy to know, and full of life. We were extremely close. but I had so much more to learn about him from many things I came to know after his death.
(2) In September 2000, he was in hospital for treatment of cancer and given just two months to live. When he found out, his reaction was an extremely rational one. He asked me to fetch files from his cupboard, so that he could explain the details of my mother's pension. He also dictated his will from his hospital bed. "Everything is under control!" After Baba's death, Satish, our old family retainer, was inconsolable. We tried to cheer him up. "Your Baba had scolded me only once in all these years!" he cried. Satish pointed to the watch on his left hand. "I had been coming late for work and everyone in the family was complaining about it," said Satish. "Then, one day, your Baba gave me this watch and told me, 'Now that you have a watch, you can't be late." That was the scolding Satish received. On the fourth day after Baba's death, my sister and I had to perform a ceremony. Since several relatives were expected, we decided to order lunch from a caterer in our locality, reputed for his home cooked food. But, when we went to pay to owner, we got a surprise. He refused to accept any money! "When I wanted to start my catering business, it was your father who lent me money," he told us. It seems Baba never asked for it back. Now, after four or five years, the caterer wanted to repay that debt. Of course, we made him accept the full payment for the fine food and service. "It was Baba's gift and it ought to remain so," I told him.
(3) Some days later, there was yet another piece of information as we were preparing for the main ceremony. Vikram, my brother drove me to the local market. On recognizing our car, the parking assistant, in his twenties, came running towards us and asked why he had not seen its owner for long. We had to break the news to him and to our utter surprise, he started crying. We were really surprised by this reaction from a stranger- until the man told us that Baba used to pay his daughter's school fees and buy her books. It seems, it was on my father's advice that he had even started sending the child to school. More than three years after Baba's death, as we were looking into Baba's personal things, we came across an old file with Baba's certificates and I found among them, his high school diploma from 1937, the one he told me about 30 years earlier, about the third division that had made no difference in his life or career. It had made me see beyond mere marks and first classes as the main road to success. But there was one more fact. Baba had actually
got a first division, a rare achievement in his day. Today, years after his passing, when I think of Baba, I see a man who was able to sympathise with others so easily and touch their lives in such a special way.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above."

i. "I was almost in shock ..." Pick the option in which the meaning of shock[ed] is not the same as it is in the passage.
A. Julie was deeply in shock by her grandmother's death.
B. He completely shocked everyone with his news.
C. When she went to China, she experienced culture shock.
D. When the doctor noticed that the health of the patient was not improving, he suggested the shock therapy.

ii. Based on your reading of the passage, choose the option that lists the correct sequence of the events. (1)

1. The narrator's result was declared.
2. The narrator's father told him about his high-school result.
3. The narrator went to the market with his brother, Vikram.
4. Baba passed away.
5. The narrator realised that his father had actually got a first division.

A. 5, 2, 1, 3, 4
B. 1,2,4,3,5
C. 3, 2, 1, 5, 4
D. 4, 1, 3, 5, 2

iii. After the reading of the passage, it can be concluded that the narrator's father had a towards the people and society. approach (1)

iv. According to the passage, the narrator's high school result was(2)

v. How did the father console the narrator? (1)

vi. Describe the incident that happened with Satish and father. (2)

vii. Pick out the option that correctly lists the final feelings of the narrator after finding his father's old file. (1)

1. frustrated
2. satisfied
3. hopeful
4. arrogant
5. pessimistic
6. disappointed

A. 2 and 3
B. 4 and 6
C. 1 and 5
D. 5 and 6

viii. Choose the correct synonym of rational' as given in para 2, from the options given below.(1)

1. logical
2. reasonable
3. agitated
4. thoughtless

A. 1 and 4
B. 1 and 3
C. 2 and 4
D. 1 and 2

ix. What connection did the narrator's father have with the parking assistant?

(1) That large animals require luxuriant vegetation has been a general assumption which has passed from one work to another; but I do not hesitate to say that it is completely false, and that it has vitiated the reasoning of geologists on some points of great interest in the ancient history of the world. The prejudice has probably been derived from India, and the Indian islands, where troops of elephants, noble forests, and impenetrable jungles, are associated together in everyone's mind. If, however, we refer to any work of travels through the southern parts of Africa, we shall find allusions in almost every page either to the desert character of the country, or to the numbers of large animals inhabiting it. The same thing is rendered evident by the many engravings which have been published of various parts of the interior.
(2) Dr. Andrew Smith, who has lately succeeded in passing the Tropic of Capricorn, informs me that, taking into consideration the whole of the southern part of Africa, there can be no doubt of its being a sterile country. On the southern coasts there are some fine forests, but with these exceptions, the traveler may pass for days together through open plains, covered by a poor and scanty vegetation. Now, if we look at the animals inhabiting these wide plains, we shall find their numbers extraordinarily great, and their bulk immense.
(3) It may be supposed that although the species are numerous, the individuals of each kind are few. By the kindness of Dr. Smith, I am enabled to show that the case is very different. He informs me, that in lat. 24, in one day's march with the bullock-wagons, he saw, without wandering to any great distance on either side, between one hundred and one hundred and fifty rhinoceroses the same day he saw several herds of giraffes, amounting together to nearly a hundred.
(4) At the distance of a little more than one hour's march from their place of encampment on the previous night, his party actually killed at one spot eight hippopotamuses, and saw many more. In this same river there were likewise crocodiles. Of course it was a case quite extraordinary, to see so many great animals crowded together, but it evidently proves that they must exist in great numbers. Dr. Smith describes the country passed through that day, as being thinly covered with grass, and bushes about four feet high, and still more thinly with mimosa-trees.
(5) Besides these large animals, anyone the least acquainted with the natural history of the Cape has read of the herds of antelopes, which can be compared only with the flocks of migratory birds. The numbers indeed of the lion, panther, and hyena, and the multitude of birds of prey, plainly speak of the abundance of the smaller quadrupeds: one evening seven lions were counted at the same time prowling round Dr. Smith's encampment. As this able naturalist remarked to me, the carnage each day in Southern Africa must indeed be terrific! I confess it is truly surprising how such a number of animals can find support in a country producing so little food.
(6) The larger quadrupeds no doubt roam over wide tracts in search of it; and their food chiefly consists of underwood, which probably contains much nutriment in a small bulk. Dr. Smith also informs me that the vegetation has a rapid growth; no sooner is a part consumed, than its place is supplied by a fresh stock. There can be no doubt, however, that our ideas respecting the apparent amount of food necessary for the support of large quadrupeds are much exaggerated. The belief that where large quadrupeds exist, the vegetation must necessarily be luxuriant, is more remarkable, because the converse is far from true.
(7) Mr. Burchell observed to me that when entering Brazil, nothing struck him more forcibly than the splendour of the South American vegetation contrasted with that of South Africa, together with the absence of all large quadrupeds. In his travels, he has suggested that the comparison of the respective weights (if there were sufficient data) of an equal number of the largest herbivorous quadrupeds of each country would beextremely curious. If we take on the one side, the elephants, hippopotamus, giraffe, bos caffer, elan, five species of rhinoceros; and on the American side, two tapirs, the guanaco, three deer, the vicuna, peccari, capybara (after which we must choose from the monkeys to complete the number), and then place these two groups alongside each other it is not easy to conceive ranks more disproportionate in size.
(8) After the above facts, we are compelled to conclude, against anterior probability that among the mammalia there exists no close relation between the bulk of the species, and the quantity of the vegetation, in the countries which they inhabit.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

i.The author is primarily concerned within their habitats (1)
A. discussing the relationship between the size of mammals and the nature of vegetation
B. contrasting ecological conditions in India and Africa
C. proving that large animals do not require much food
D. describing the size of animals in various parts of the world

ii. According to the author, the 'prejudice (Para 1) has led to (1)
A. errors in the reasoning of biologists
B. false ideas about animals in Africa
C. incorrect assumptions on the part of geologists
D. doubt in the mind of the author

iii. The flocks of migratory birds (Para 5) are mentioned to (1)
A. describe an aspect of the fauna of South Africa
B. illustrate a possible source of food for large carnivores
C. contrast with the habits of the antelope
D. suggest the size of antelope herds

iv. Darwin quotes Burchell's observations in order to (1)
A. counter a popular misconception C. prove a hypothesis
B. describe a region of great splendor
C. prove a hypothesis
D. illustrate a well-known phenomenon

v. Among the mammalia, there is no close relation between
A. bulk of the species C. countries they inhabit
B. quantity of the vegetation
C. prove a hypothesis
D. all of these

vi. What prejudice has vitiated the reasoning of geologists?(2)

vii. Why does Dr. Smith refer to Africa as a sterile country? (2)

viii. Select that option that is similar in meaning to Darwin's expression "if there were sufficient data. (1)
A. Enough is enough.
C. There is not data.
B. I wish there was enough data.
D. Let's gather more data.

ix. To account for the 'surprising' number of animals in a 'country producing so little food, what partial explanation does Darwin suggest? (2)

Arthur lay in his cabin, still trying to piece together the events of the last few hours. He had watched his home planet of Earth be demolished to make way for a hyperspace bypass, been saved by his
friend Ford, and then whisked away on a ship that was powered by an "infinite improbability drive."
It was all too much for him.
(5) Just then, Ford stuck his head around the door.
"Hey, Earthman," he said, "come and have a look at this."
Arthur stumbled after him down a corridor and into the ship's control room. He gazed in amazement
at the banks of controls and flashing lights. In the center of the room was a large console covered in
buttons and switches, and in the middle of the console was a small, white mouse.
(10) "What's that?" asked Arthur.
"That's the ship's computer," said Ford.
Arthur stared at the mouse. "That's a computer?" he said.
"Yup," said Ford. "Five-dimensional, biologically-based, super intelligent, and in the form of a white
lab mouse. Pretty neat, huh?"
(15)"I don't know," said Arthur. "I don't think I really understand anything anymore. Why is a mouse the
ship's computer?"
"It's a long story," said Ford. "But the short version is that the mice built the Earth as a giant computer
to figure out the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything. Then they ran out of money
and had to destroy it to make way for a hyperspace bypass. So now they're using the Heart of Gold to
(20) finish the calculation."
Arthur was about to say something, but at that moment the ship's intercom crackled to life.
"Good evening, Heart of Gold," said a smooth, computerized voice. "This is Eddie, your shipboard
computer. I'm feeling a bit depressed today. Would you like me to sing you a song?"
"Oh, not again," groaned Ford.
(25) "Eddie, would you mind shutting up?" said Arthur.
Arthur sighed and leaned back against the console, trying to make sense of everything. But as he
closed his eyes, he heard a voice inside his head.
"Hello?" it said.
Arthur jumped, startled. "Who's there?" he said.
(30) "It's me," said the voice. "Marvin."
"Marvin?" said Arthur. "Who's Marvin?"
"The Paranoid Android," said the voice.
(35) Arthur looked around, but he didn't see anyone. "Where are you?" he said.
"I'm down here," said the voice.
Arthur looked down and saw a small, metal figure shuffling across the floor. It was about three feet
tall, with a round head and a body that looked like it had been cobbled together from spare parts. Its
eyes were a dull red, and its voice was a monotone.
"I've been waiting for someone to talk to me for over two million years," said Marvin.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

i. Select the option that classifies Arthur's confusion about drastic events such as the destruction of his home planet and the introduction of new technologies, correctly. (1)
A. Routine and boredom
B. Adventure and excitement
C. Loss and change
D. Calm and relaxation

ii. What is the significance of the white lab mouse in the control room of the Heart of Gold spaceship?(1)
A. It is the captain of the ship
B. It serves as the ship's computer
C. It is a pet of the crew
D. It is used for scientific experiments

iii. Share evidence from the text, in about 40 words to support the view that the writer’s writing style is descriptive and humourous.(2)

iv. Complete the sentence appropriately with a characteristic or its description.
Based on the information given in the excerpt, one can infer that the mice who built the Earth are ____________.

v. Select the option that is similar in meaning to Ford’s expression , “Pretty neat, huh?".(1)
A. Easy , isn’t it?
B. Could be worse, no?
C. Impressive, yes?
D. Too difficult for you?

vi. Explain, in about 40 words, why the name "The Paranoid Android" is considered ironic. (2)

vii. In the line, “…a body that looked like it had been cobbled together from spare parts…”, what comparison does the word “cobbled” refer to?(1)

viii How does the following, impact the reader, even though they know Marvin is just an android?
"I've been waiting for someone to talk to me for over two million years," said Marvin.
Answer in about 40 words.(2)

ix.Read the five headlines (a) -(e), given below:(1)

(a) HUMANITY'S JOURNEY WITNESSED BY A DEPRESSED ROBOT
(b) HITCHHIKING THROUGH SPACE: A COMICAL TAKE ON THE END OF THE WORLD
(c) NEW STUDY FINDS ALIENS LIVING AMONG US
(d) GROUNDBREAKING TECHNOLOGY WILL SOON ENABLE TIME TRAVEL
(e) INTERGALACTIC TRAVEL VIA NEW INFINITE IMPROBABILITY DRIVE

Identify the option that displays the headline/s that DOES/ DO NOT correspond with occurrences in the passage.
A. Only (a)
B. (b) (c) and (d)
C. Only (e)
D. (a) and (e)

1. Ghost nets aren’t supernatural, but they are legitimately scary. A ghost net is a fishing net that’s been lost or abandoned in the ocean. They are one particularly appalling part of the global ghost fishing problem, which includes fishing gear abandoned in the water. Any net or line left in the ocean can pose a threat to marine life. Just because a net is no longer used by fishers doesn’t mean it stops working. These nets continue to trap everything in their path, presenting a major problem for the health of our oceans and marine life.
2. Ghost nets entangle sea turtles, dolphins and porpoises, birds, sharks, seals and more, apart from catching fish. The nets keep animals from moving freely, cause injuries and keep mammals and birds from rising to the surface for air. Since hundreds of animals can be caught in a single net, this threat is monumental. The ghost nets harm coral reefs too—breaking corals, exposing them to disease and even blocking the reefs from needed sunlight.
3. Ghost nets are also a major contributor to the ocean plastics’ crisis. Most modern nets are made of nylon or other plastic compounds that can last for centuries. According to a 2018 study in Scientific Reports, ghost nets make up at least 46 per cent of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Those abandoned fishing lines and nets that do breakdown never go away; they just become smaller pieces of plastic. Marine animals mistake this microplastic for food and eat it, which can harm internal organs, keep them from eating and expose them to toxic chemicals.
4. Exorcising ghost nets from our oceans will require commitment, cooperation and innovation. Many groups are working to remove ghost nets from the sea and are collaborating with local fishers and governments around the world to identify target areas and remove as many nets as possible. In 2015, a single World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF)-led mission in the Baltic Sea hauled up 268 tons of nets, ropes and other material.
5. To stop these nets from becoming ghosts in the first place, conservation organisations advocate for fishing gear that can be traced to its owner so anyone dumping nets can be fined and refundable deposits on nets to encourage returning or recycling rather than littering. Tools like sonar reflectors that can make ghost nets easier to find and working with small-scale fisheries to develop more sustainable fishing gear and practices are other suggestions. It is only by attacking this problem from all sides, together with conservation partners, fishers and supporters, can we banish ghost nets and protect our oceans.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.