Text Book Solutions All Class

Read the following passage carefully:

1. Music is perhaps one of the most popular and widely practised forms of Fine Arts, transcending all kinds of cultural and linguistic barriers. Any form of fine art is difficult to master and almost impossible to perfect and music is no exception.

2. Nature, it is learnt, has blessed almost two thirds of the human race with musical ability of some sort. Music has the power to bring out the deepest emotions. It can make one cry or bring a smile on one’s face. In fact it is a magic medicine and many seek refuge in it when they are depressed or stressed. It is this intimacy that makes us listen to music or even hum or sing sometimes. This singing, or realistically speaking, expressing one’s emotion musically, sometimes takes a serious. turn. This desire to showcase musical expression in public domain then transforms into serious business profession. And from here the musical journey begins.

3. This desire to sing before an audience is innocent and beautiful and indeed it is perfectly alright to have such a genuine desire. But it is also important to understand that singing is an intricate art – a highly refined one at that, which requires systematic, prolonged and rigorous training, even to pass muster. This is an aspect we forget in our keen desire to reach the stage and perform. It is almost like preparing a formal meal for some specially invited guests, without even having learnt and experienced the basic aspects of cooking. This is why we have more noise and less music in the present.

4. These days almost everyone sings and it does not stop here. Most of us want to become professional singers. Result, a complete disregard for and ignorance of the training part, as the need is never felt to go through one and the urge to get to the stage and perform overpowers the slight inclination to learn, if any. If at all, somewhere along the way one feels the need to gain some knowledge and training, it leads to hurried shortcuts and half–hearted attempts, best described as “Crash Courses.”

5. It is observed that those who have attained the so called partial success, suddenly feel that they lack the required knowledge and are not learned enough. But it is too late by then. It should be understood here that the stage or a performance brings in a different mindset within the artist. It is always recommended and rightly so, that while on stage, cover the mistakes and weaknesses if any, and get along. But the contrary is true when it comes to acquiring knowledge and during the learning process. While under training, the student is expected to make mistakes but then rectify those mistakes under the supervision and guidance of the teacher. Therefore it is good to make mistakes and then be corrected during the process of learning as this subsequently makes one flawless and educated. This is a different mindset. And these two mindsets discussed above, (those of a performer and that of a student) cannot co–exist.

8.1. On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions in 30–40 words each:

(a) How can we say that music is magic?

Music can lift the spirits of sad people and it can make people laugh and cry as well. It has the power to bring out the deepest emotions. In fact, it is a magical medium and many seek refuge in it when they are depressed or stressed.

(b) How do people get transformed from humming tunes to becoming professional musicians?

From humming music, in the case of some people it takes a serious turn and they develop the desire to perform in public and make it their profession, and from here the musical journey begins.

(c) The desire to sing in public overpowers singing capability Elaborate.

In their urge to sing in public people fail to understand that it requires hours of practice and training to gain expertise in this fine art. And they end up becoming mere performers not good singers.

(d) Why cannot the mindset of a performer and a student co–exist?

The mindset of a performer and a student cannot co–exist because a performer is told to make amends if a mistake happens while presenting on the stage whereas a student is told that it is o.k. to make mistakes as they help us to learn better.

8.2. On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer of the following:
(a) The synonym of ‘exceeding’ in para 1 is __________.
(i) limiting
(ii) transcending
(iii) crossing
(iv) believing

Correct Option is (ii) transcending

(b) In para 4, the antonym of ‘aversion’ is ___________.
(i) disregard
(ii) urge
(iii) inclination
(iv) training

Correct Option is (iii) inclination

(c) Music has neither the power to bring out the deepest emotions nor can make people laugh and cry. (True/False)

False

(d) The writer says that music is perhaps one of the widely practised forms of Fine Arts, going beyond all kinds of __________.

cultural and linguistic barriers

Read the following passage carefully:

1. Science and technology not only dominate the psyche of humanity but also the whole biosphere. How does science influence civilisation and how is it related to human happiness?

2. The original, cosmic evolution of the biosphere was one that promoted, supported, nourished, sustained and enhanced life. Life went on adding to the evolution with newer species and ecosystems, even more beautiful and vibrant than the ones before. Our biosphere accommodated a pleasant weather cycle and climate system to support these newer species, keeping everything in dynamic equilibrium.

3. Now the biosphere is overburdened and ailing. Some of our ecosystems have already collapsed, while others are at death’s door. Ever increasing pollution coupled with over–exploitation of natural resources and greenhouse gas emissions is driving several species towards extinction. This phenomenon that has occurred by itself, and neither has it been caused by, human beings alone. But it definitely has been spurred by so–called advances in technology.

4. In this millennium, we no longer live in a, biosphere – we are inhabitants of a technosphere. A technosphere is an impaired biosphere that has no affinity with values of life nor with sustainability and evolution of life. Although technology has empowered civilisation, it has also reduced it to being a mere tool of science and technology. And when the whole civilisation turns technocratic, science and technology are bound to dominate, causing life to shrink. The intensifying climate crisis is but a symptom of the biosphere’s illness and life’s gradual collapse.

5. We’ve reached a point where we are intolerant of anything remotely “unscientific” in our contemporary world. Scientists look for alternatives, but even these solutions are sought in the same domain that has caused these problems. In short, we are stewing in a soup of our own making.

6. So, what would be meaningful for the welfare of humans? Naturally, something that would enhance life, serve to integrate ecosystems and cleanse our environment. Enhancement of lit includes betterment of human life and vice versa. If life shrinks, we cannot blossom.

7. Science and technology by themselves are neutral; it is the way we use them that has either a positive or negative impact on our lives and environment. And when we use science in a manner that increases unsustainability and unhappiness in our lives, how can we rely blindly on science for our happiness?

7.1. On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions in 30–40 words each:
(a) How did the biosphere evolve over a period of time?

Originally when cosmic evolution happened, biosphere supported and promoted the growth of species. As life continued more and more species evolved. Our biosphere also evolved and created the right weather and climate to support the new species.

(b) How has this equilibrium got disturbed now?

Today many of the ecosystems have collapsed, many species have disappeared from the face of the earth. This has happened due to increasing pollution, deforestation and over exploitation of natural resources.

(c) What is the difference between biosphere and technosphere?

Biosphere is nature’s creation with plants, animals and the climat and animals live in harmony with the climate around. A technosphere is a biosphere that has been destroyed by the advancement of technology.

(d) Man needs to use ‘science and technology’ in a sensible manner. Explain.

By itself science and technology is neither good nor bad. It is how we use them. If we use it to increase instability, then we are creating unhappiness around us. Also the environment around us gets polluted.

7.2. On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer of the following:
(a) In para 3, the synonym of ‘disappeared is ___________.
(i) disintegrated
(ii) settle
(iii) ailing
(iv) collapsed

Correct Option is (iv) collapsed

(b) In para 5, the antonym of ‘nearly’ is __________.
(i) sought
(ii) remotely
(iii) stewing
(iv) domain

Correct Option is (ii) remotely

(c) A biosphere that has been destroyed by the advancement of technology is called an ecosystem. (True/False)

False

(d) Today many of the ecosystems have collapsed due to increasing _________.

pollution and over exploitation of natural resources.

Read the following passage carefully:

1. Overpowering prey is a challenge for limbless creatures. Some species inject venom like Russell’s viper. Some others opt for an alternative non–chemical method – rat snakes, for instance, grab and push their prey against the ground, while pythons use their brawn to squeeze their quarry to death. But snakes can’t be neatly divided into venomous and non–venomo.

2. Even species listed as non–venomous aren’t completely devoid of venom. The common sand boa, for instance, produces secretions particularly toxic to birds. So the species doesn’t hedge its bets – it constricts its prey and injects venom for good measure.

3. Do vipers need venom potent enough to kill hundreds of rats with just one drop? After all, they eat only one or two at a time.

4. While predators try their darndest to kill most efficiently, their prey use any trick to avoid becoming a meal, such as developing immunity to venom. For instance, Californian ground squirrels are resistant to Northern Pacific rattlesnake venom.

5. Competition with prey is not the only thing driving snakes to evolve more and more toxic venom. Snakes also struggle to avoid becoming prey themselves.

6. Some snake predators have partial immunity to venom. Famously, mongooses are highly resistant to cobra venom, and with their speed and agility, kill snakes with impunity. It would be the death of cobras as a species if they didn’t evolve more toxic venom to immobilise mongooses.

7. Venom has another important role. It’s an extreme meat tenderiser; specific enzymes disintegrate the innards of prey. Normally, a reptile depends on the sun’s warm rays to aid digestion. Venomous snakes have an advantage: enzymes in venom digest the meal from the inside before it rots in their guts.

8. But I wonder if we, cannot use venom in our favour. In remote parts of India, local hospitality often involves leather–tough meat. I chew and chew until my jaws ache. If I spit it out or refuse, our hosts would be offended. Eventually, I swallow like a python stuffing a deer down its throat and hope I don’t choke. If only I had venom.

6.1. On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions in 30–40 words each:

(a) Russel viper and Rat snake have different methods to attack its prey. Explain.

Russels viper is a venomous snake. It injects venom into its prey, whereas rat snakes use an alternative non–chemical method–push and grab their prey against the ground immobilising it.

(b) How does sand boa kill its prey?

The sand boa first captures its prey and then injects venom. Though it belongs to the non venomous category but it does secrete some venom which is enough to kill the prey.

(c) There is a constant tussel between the predators of the prey. Why?

This is but natural because the predator has to kill and the prey has to protect itself. The ground squirrels in California are resistant to the venom of rattle snake. They develop immunity from the venom. The predator has to then think of other ways.

(d) Snakes have to guard themselves against their predators as well. How do they do this?

Snakes use their venom not only to kill their prey but also to prevent their predators from reaching them. Some of their predators, for example, mongooses are resistant to the venom. Therefore the snakes have to constantly evolve more toxic venom.

6.2. On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer of the following:
(a) The synonym of another’, in para 1 is __________.
(i) squeeze
(ii) alternative
(iii) similar
(iv) quarry

Correct option is (ii) alternative

(b) The opposite word of ‘full in para 2 is ____________.
(i) complete
(ii) measure
(iii) completely
(iv) devoid

Correct option is (iv) devoid

(c) Snakes use their venom not only to kill their prey but also to prevent their predators from reaching them. (True/False)

True

(d) Mongooses, who are highly resistant to cobra venom, kill snakes __________.

with their speed, agility and impunity

Read the following passage carefully:

1. What is Discipline? Is it absolute freedom to do what a person wants? Is freedom regardless of consequences? Does it mean corrective action after a problem occurs or a wrong is done? Is it imposition? Is it abuse? Does it take away freedom?

2. The answer is none of the above. Discipline does not mean that a person takes a belt and beats up kids. That is madness. Discipline is loving firmness. It is direction. It is prevention before a problem arises. It is harnessing and channelising energy for great performance. Discipline is not something you do to but you do for those you care about.

3. Discipline is an act of love. Sometimes you have to be unkind to be kind: Not all medicine is sweet, not all surgery is painless, but we have to take it. We need to learn from nature. We are all familiar with that big animal, the–giraffe. A mama giraffe gives birth to a baby giraffe, standing. All of a sudden, the baby falls on a hard surface from the cushion of mama’s womb, and sits on the ground. The first thing mama does is to get behind the baby and give him a hard kick. The baby gets up, but his legs are weak and Wobbly and the baby falls down. Mama goes behind again and gives him one more kick. The baby gets up but sits down again. Mama keeps kicking till the baby gets on its feet and starts moving. Why? Because mama knows that the only chance of survival for the baby in the jungle is to get on its feet. Otherwise it will be eaten up by wildcats and become dead meat.

4. Children brought up in a loving, disciplined environment end up respecting their parents more and become law–abiding citizens. The reverse is just as true. Good parents are not afraid of momentary dislikes by children to enforce the subject. Allowing a child to eat a box of chocolate could lead to sickness. At the same time, the discipline of eating one or two pieces a day can be an enjoyable experience for a longer time. Our instinct makes us do whatever we want regardless of the consequences. Freedom is not procured by a full enjoyment of what is desired but controlling the desire.

5.1. On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions in 30–40 words each:

(a) What according to the writer is not discipline?

Discipline is not giving absolute freedom. It is also not hitting or abusing a child. Discipline is not force either.

(b) How can we prevent a problem from Surfacing?

We can prevent a problem from surfacing by taking steps before the problem occurs. We need to anticipate and take precautionary steps rather than correcting it after the problem occurs.

(c) Why do you think a mama giraffe kicks her baby immediately after birth?

A mama giraffe knows the harsh ways of the world. It knows that if the baby does not stand up then the wild animals of the forest will eat it up. So it does this in the interest of the child.

(d) What is the role played by parents in creating law–abiding citizens?

Good parents instil good habits and discipline in their children without worrying for their momentary dislikes. The children brought up this way become respectful and law–abiding citizens.

5.2. On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer of the following:
(a) In para 1, the word ‘corrective’ means _________.
(i) improve
(ii) remedial
(iii) medicinal
(iv) therapeutic

Correct Option is (ii) remedial

(b) In para 4, the opposite of ‘incapacity is __________.
(i) enforce
(ii) procured
(iii) instinct
(iv) controlling

Correct Option is (ii) procured

(c) Discipline means not only absolute freedom but also a corrective action after a problem occurs. (True/False)

False

(d) Discipline brings true freedom by __________.

controlling the desires.

Read the following passage carefully:

1. Frankness may be among the most overrated of virtues! And here’s why. Because unrestricted and unfiltered frankness is a recipe for breaking relationships, even the closest ones. Such frankness is understandable, acceptable and even ‘cute’ only in children under the age of five.

2. Thinking before one speaks and using restraint are hallmarks of growing maturity and preparation for life. Learning to put a filter between thought and spoken word (and, even more importantly, written word) is an important life skill. Think is a popular acronym for Trúe, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary and Kind. This would do wonderfully well as a filter in our minds.

3. It is good to speak what’s true, but only along with the other attributes in the acronym, particularly the last one, kindness. In the righteous glow of speaking what we see as the truth, we often forget to be kind. We blurt out ‘truths’ even when it is totally unhelpful and unnecessary to do so, let alone inspiring! Too often, such truth–telling is destructive rather than noble. Only those who do not care about the consequences can afford the luxury of ‘speaking their minds’ whenever and wherever they please. When relationships are at stake, it is essential to choose the time, place and words appropriately when imparting unpleasant truths. And even then, only when absolutely necessary and with the utmost kindness.

4. Speaking without forethought can be even more dangerous in other circumstances, for example, when someone has entrusted us with a secret. A sign of maturity is the ability to keep a secret. Very young children are incapable of understanding the concept of a secret. To them, every piece of information is interesting, new and meant to be shared. As we grow older, we all learn how to keep a secret, but too often we keep only our own secrets and not those that others confide in us. We may blurt out something a friend told us in confidence, perhaps carelessly but often to appear important in other people’s estimation. It gives us a sense of power to know something that our friends don’t, and it requires conscious effort to keep the information to ourselves.

5. But this is the real test of an important life skill: self–restraint. Revealing a friend’s secret is to betrayal of the friendship. Indeed, the consequences may well spread way beyond the friendship alone. It may lead to gossip spreading like a forest fire, destroying peace of mind and even lives.

6. Words have power to hurt or heal. They are not mere tools for tweeting and messaging. Before the tongue speaks, before the fingers fly over the keyboard, it is important to pause and apply the THINK acronym filter. Is this True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary and Kind?

7. Of course it is important to communicate. But it is far more important to be considerate and compassionate. Speaking well is a skill: speaking kindly is a life skill.

4.1. On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions in 30–40 words each:
(a) How much of frankness is acceptable?

One should be frank to the extent that it does not affect relationships. Complete frankness looks good only in small children. As we grow old we should be smart and filter information.

(b) What does the term ‘put a filter’ mean in this context?

In this context ‘to put a filter’ means before speaking, a sensible person will filter whatever he wishes to say. He will think through his thoughts before uttering a word.

(c) According to the writer what is the best way to reveal the truth”?

The writer says that one must ensure that the place, time and the words are chosen with care. In addition to this, one must use very kind words to convey the truth.

(d) Why is it important to keep secrets?

It is very important to keep secrets. We mayblurtout something a friend toldus in confidence, in a careless manner but often to appear important in other people’s estimation. So, it requires conscious effort to keep the information to ourselves.

4.2. On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer of the following:
(a) The term “acronym’ used in para 2 denotes a/an ________.
(i) bitter truth
(ii) acrobat
(ii) abbreviation of the title/phrase
(iv) phrase

Correct Option is (ii) acrobat

(b) The antonym of ‘cruelty’, used in para 3 is
(i) kindness
(ii) utter suddenly
(iii) speak softly
(iv) wipe out

Correct Option is (i) kindness

(c) The writer says that it is not necessary to use very kind words to convey the truth. (True/False)

False

(d) Words are not mere tools for tweeting and messaging, but they also have power to

hurt or heal

Read the following passage carefully:

1. Corruption, terrorism, communalism, greed for power and wealth and the list of ailments that affect modem society continue. More than half the population of India is below the age group of 25 and the future of the country will only be bright if youngsters are equipped to deal with these ailments.

2. A child is a storehouse of potential and it is important to nurture and develop these attributes s’ince a very young age. Since they spend much of the time in school, the curriculum in school should be such that it enables children to understand, care and practise ethical values like respect, justice and civic sense. Education should aim to develop a sense of rights and duties as well as moral values like honesty, responsibility and respect for others.

3. Moral education should be directed towards enhancing a child’s ability to critically analyse situations, make decisions, empathise with people and work in cooperation towards a common goal.

4. Asa means of direct instmction to students, schools are very influential in the character development of a child and the methods of education affect the development of morally upright citizens who can bring about the much needed change in the country.

5. The youth of today have to face a lot of problems like drug abuse, violent behaviour and family issues. If they are not taught morals, they would fail to differentiate between good and bad values. Hence, they would be incapable in dealing with different types of issues. A sound moral base would help a child make the right decisions, especially in an era where the youth is increasingly coming under the negative influence of the media.

6. Schools in India have introduced moral education as part of their curriculum because they realise that morally sound citizens are the need of the hour. Since most children look up to their teachers as role models, it is most appropriate that they be the facilitators of moral values.

7. Thus schools should focus more on the personality development of children since it is one of the most important responsibilities of a school. Schools should take the initiative to mould children into better human beings so that they can make the world a better place to live in.

3.1 Answer the following questions with facts from the passage given above.
(a) Aim of a school should be to

(i) develop qualities of
(ii) __________.
(iii) __________.

(b) What are the negativities influencing children?
(i) drug abuse
(ii) __________.
(iii) __________.
(iv) __________.

(c) What is the role of the school curriculum?
(i) to enable children to understand and practise values like
(ii) __________.
(iii) __________.

(d) What is the role of teachers?
(i) __________.
(ii) to nurture students into good human beings

Read the passage given below:

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 I 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 ou mythologies which taught us about ethics and morality–what is good and what is bad. 

2. I also learnt to be respectful towards my parents who made my life comfortable with their hard work, love and care, and my teachers who guided me to become a good student and a responsible citizen. 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 enquire 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.

3. No wonder that besides the scriptures in many cultures nature is also worshipped. The message that we get is to save our environment and maintain ecological balance. People are taught to live in harmony with nature and recognise that there is God in all aspects of nature.

4. Nature is a great teacher. A river never stops flowing. If it finds an obstacle in its way in the form of a 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 lighting spirit alive.

5. 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 we 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.

6. However, it is never too late to learn. If we learn to respect nature the quality of our life will improve.

2.1. On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions in 30–40 words each:

(a) What are we taught in our childhood and growing up years?

We are taught in our childhood to worship the photos and idols. We are taught in our growing up years to read holy books like the Bhagwat Gita, Bible and Quran. We were taught that there are a lot of life lessons to be learnt from these holy books.

(b) Why should we respect our parents and teacher.

We should respect our parents because they have made our life comfortable with their hard work, love and care. We should respect our teachers because they have guided us in becoming a good student and a responsible citizen.

(c) What message do we get when we worship nature?

When we worship nature the message we get is to save our environment and maintain ecological balance.

(d) How does a river face an obstacle that comes in its way?

When an obstacle comes in its way, the water in the river fights to remove it from its path. The river water can also find an alternative path to move ahead.

2.2. On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer of the following:
(a) In para 5, the synonym of ‘catastrophe’ is __________.
(i) overcome
(ii) greed
(iii) disaster
(iv) drought

Correct Option is (iii) disaster

(b) In para 3, the antonym of ‘discordance’ is __________.
(i) scriptures
(ii) harmony
(iii) recognise
(iv) discomfort

Correct Option is (ii) harmony

(c) When we worship nature, the message we get is to save our environment and maintain ecological balance. (True/False)

True

(d) The stories from our mythologies taught us about _________.

ethics and morality

Introduction

Discursive writing is a style of writing that looks at a topic from different sides, often in a fair and balanced way. It can inform, discuss, or persuade by showing various viewpoints, using evidence and reasoning. Instead of always taking a firm position, it encourages the reader to think critically and explore the issue in depth.

• Balanced Discussion – Considers more than one point of view, showing advantages and disadvantages or different opinions.
• Neutral Tone – Uses calm and fair language, avoiding strong emotional or biased words.
• Clear Organisation – Ideas are arranged logically, often starting with an introduction, then body paragraphs for different viewpoints, and ending with a conclusion.
• Fact-Based – Supports points with examples, facts, and reasoning.
• Flexible Ending – May leave the reader to decide or give a balanced conclusion.

Types

• For and Against – Discusses pros and cons.
• Opinion-Based – Shows various views but may lean toward the writer’s opinion.
• Discussion – Explores different perspectives without trying to convince.

How to Answer Discursive Passage Questions

• Read the passage carefully to understand the topic and viewpoints.
• Identify key ideas and the author’s purpose (inform, discuss, persuade).
• Scan for details like examples, evidence, and comparisons.
• Answer in your own words, unless asked to quote.
• Be concise and accurate, sticking to the information in the passage.
• Pay attention to tone, as it may help with inference questions.

Solved Examples

Passage – 1

Read the passage given below and answer the following Questions:

Cardamom, known as the queen of all spices, boasts a history as ancient as the human race itself. It is the dried fruit of a herbaceous perennial plant. A warm, humid climate, loamy soil rich in organic matter, distributed rainfall, and specialised cultivation and processing methods all combine to render Indian cardamom truly unique in aroma, flavour, size, and its distinct parrot green colour.

Two types of cardamom are produced in India. The first type, the larger variety, holds less significance as it is not traded in the futures market. It is cultivated in the northeastern regions of the country. The second type, produced in the southern states, is actively traded in the futures market. This variety is primarily cultivated in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. As per the futures market rules, only the 7 mm quality was initially traded in exchanges. However, the norms were relaxed, and now the 6 mm quality is also traded.

Cardamom is an expensive spice, second only to saffron. Indian cardamom is known in two main varieties: Malabar and Mysore. The Mysore variety, containing high levels of cineol and limonene, is more aromatic. India has emerged as the world’s largest producer and exporter of cardamom.

The main harvest season for cardamom in India spans from August to February. Cardamom reaches the yielding stage two years after plantation. The primary physical markets for cardamom include Kumily, Vandiperiyar, Thekkady, Puliyarmala in Kerala, and Bodinayakanur and Cumbum in Tamil Nadu.

Kerala is the principal producer of cardamom, contributing up to 60% of the total production. Karnataka accounts for around 25% of the production. In Tamil Nadu, Ooty is the major producer, contributing approximately 10-15% of the total output. Besides India, Guatemala also produces around 1,000-2,000 tons of cardamom annually. However, due to its lower quality, Guatemalan cardamom is available at cheaper rates.

Q1: Why does the passage describe cardamom as the “queen of all spices”?
(a) Due to its ancient history.
(b) Because of its versatile usage in cooking.
(c) Owing to its unique aroma and flavour.
(d) Because it is the most expensive spice.

View Answer  

Q2: What does the passage imply about the role of climate and soil in the cultivation of Indian cardamom?
(a) They are essential but not unique to India.
(b) They uniquely contribute to the quality of Indian cardamom.
(c) They have little impact on the cultivation process.
(d) They are more important for cardamom than other spices.

View Answer  

Q3: According to the passage, why might the larger variety of cardamom be less significant in the market?
(a) It has a weaker aroma and flavour.
(b) It is not traded in the futures market.
(c) It is only cultivated in limited areas.
(d) It is more expensive than the smaller variety.

View Answer  

Q4: What does the passage suggest about the global production of cardamom?
(a) India and Guatemala are the only producers of cardamom.
(b) Guatemala rivals India in the quality of cardamom.
(c) India leads in quality, while Guatemala competes in price.
(d) Indian cardamom is less expensive than its global counterparts.

View Answer  

Q5: Which of the following titles would be the most appropriate for the passage?
(a) “The Global Spice Trade: A Comprehensive Overview”
(b) “Cardamom: The Queen of Spices and Its Journey”
(c) “Agricultural Practices in India: A Case Study”
(d) “The Economic Impact of Spices in the International Market”

View Answer  

Passage – 2

Throughout human history, the leading causes of death have been infection and trauma. Modern medicine has achieved significant victories against both, and the major causes of ill health and death are now chronic degenerative diseases, such as coronary artery disease, arthritis, cataracts, and cancer. These diseases have a long latency period before symptoms appear and a diagnosis is made. It follows that the majority of apparently healthy people are actually pre-ill.

Many national surveys reveal that malnutrition is common in developed countries. This is not the calorie or micronutrient deficiency associated with developing nations; rather, it is a depletion of multiple micronutrients, often combined with caloric balance or excess. The incidence and severity of Type B malnutrition would likely be shown to be worse if newer micronutrient groups, such as essential fatty acids and flavonoids, were included in the surveys.

However, the pharmaceutical model has also created an unhealthy dependency culture, in which relatively few of us accept responsibility for maintaining our own health. Instead, we have handed over this responsibility to health professionals who know very little about health maintenance or disease prevention.

Based on pharmaceutical thinking, most intervention studies have attempted to measure the impact of a single micronutrient on the incidence of disease. The classical approach contends that if you give a compound formula to test subjects and obtain positive results, you cannot know which ingredient is exerting the benefit, so you must test each ingredient individually.

So, do we need to analyse each individual’s nutritional status and then tailor a formula specifically for him or her? While we do not have the resources to analyse millions of individual cases, there is no need to do so. The vast majority of people consume suboptimal amounts of most micronutrients, and most of these micronutrients are very safe. Accordingly, a comprehensive and universal program of micronutrient support is probably the most cost-effective and safest way to improve the general health of the nation.

Q1: What does the passage suggest about modern medicine’s impact on health?
(a) It has eliminated all diseases.
(b) Only focuses on chronic diseases.
(c) Shifted focus from infection to chronic diseases.
(d) Neglected the importance of nutrition.

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Q2: According to the passage, what is a major health issue in developed countries?
(a) Caloric excess only.
(b) General malnutrition.
(c) Multiple micronutrient depletion.
(d) Over-reliance on medication.

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Q3: What is implied about individuals’ roles in their own health care?
(a) Fully self-reliant.
(b) Dependent on professionals.
(c) Balanced with professional care.
(d) Irrelevant in modern healthcare.

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Q4: What does the passage indicate about the effectiveness of a universal micronutrient program?
(a) Ineffective and costly.
(b) Necessary for individual cases.
(c) Most effective and safe for general health.
(d) Limited to specific groups.

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Q5: Which of the following titles would be the most appropriate for the passage?
(a) “Nutritional Health Trends”
(b) “Modern Medicine’s Impact”
(c) “Micronutrients in Health”
(d) “Health Dependency Issues”

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Subjects and verbs must agree with each other in number for a sentence to make sense. Even though grammar can be a bit quirky from time to time, there are 20 rules of subject-verb concord that sum up the topic quite concisely. Most of the concepts of the subject-verb concord are straightforward, but exceptions to the rules can make it more complicated.
For example, would you say, “They are fun” or “They is fun”? Since “they” is plural, you’d opt for the plural form of the verb, “are”.

Rules of Subject-Verb Concord:

1. Subjects and verbs must agree in number. This is the cornerstone rule that forms the background of the concept. Example: The dog growls when he is angry.

2. Subordinate clauses that come between the subject and verb don’t affect their agreement. Example: The dog, who is chewing on my jeans, is usually very good.

3. Prepositional phrases between the subject and verb usually do not affect agreement. Example: The colors of the rainbow are beautiful.

4. When sentences start with “there” or “here,“ the subject will always be placed after the verb. Some care needs to be taken to identify each part correctly. Example: There is a problem with the balance sheet.

5. Subjects don’t always come before verbs in questions. Make sure you accurately identify the subject before deciding on the proper verb form to use. Example: Where are the pieces of this puzzle?

6. If two subjects are joined by “and,” they typically require a plural verb form. Example: The cow and the pig are jumping over the moon.

7. The verb is singular if the two subjects separated by “and” refer to the same person or thing as a whole. Example: Red beans and rice is my mom’s favorite dish.

8. If one of the words “each,” “every,” or “no” comes before the subject, the verb is singular. Example: No smoking or drinking is allowed.

9. If the subjects are both singular and are connected by the words “or,” “nor,” “neither/nor,” “either/or,” or “not only/but also,” the verb is singular. Example: Either Jessica or Christian is to blame for the accident.

10. The only time the object of the preposition decides plural or singular verb forms is when noun and pronoun subjects like “some,” “half,” “none,” “more,” or “all” are followed by a prepositional phrase. Then the object of the preposition determines the form of the verb. Example: All of the chicken is gone.

11. The singular verb form is usually reserved for units of measurement or time. Example: Four quarts of oil was required to get the car running.

12. If the subjects are both plurals and are connected by the words “or,” “nor,” “neither/nor,” “either/or,” or “not only/but also,” the verb is plural. Example: Not only dogs but also cats are available at the animal shelter.

13. If one subject is singular and the other is plural, and the words are connected by the words “or,” “nor,” “neither/nor,” “either/or,” or “not only/but also,” use the verb form of the subject that is nearest the verb. Example: Either the bears or the lion has escaped from the zoo.

14. Indefinite pronouns typically take singular verbs (with some exceptions). Example: Everybody wants to be loved.

15. The exceptions to the above rule include the pronouns “few,” “many,” “several,” “both,” “all,” and “some.” These always take the plural form. Example: Few were left alive after the flood.

16. If two infinitives are separated by “and,” they take the plural form of the verb. Example: To walk and to chew gum require great skill.

17. When gerunds are used as the subject of a sentence, they take the singular form of the verb. However, when they are linked by “and,” they take the plural form. Example: Standing in the water was a bad idea.

18. A collective noun, such as “team” or “staff,” can be either singular or plural depending upon the rest of the sentence. Typically, they take the singular form, as the collective noun is treated as a cohesive single unit. Example: The herd is stampeding.

19. Titles of books, movies, novels, and other similar works are treated as singular and take a singular verb. Examples: The Burbs is a movie starring Tom Hanks.

20. Final rule: Remember, only the subject affects the verb! Nothing else matters. Example: Jacob, who owns sixteen houses, is on his way to becoming a billionaire.

Introduction

Subject-verb concord, also known as subject-verb agreement, is an essential aspect of English grammar. It ensures that the subject and the verb in a sentence agree in number and person. In other words, a singular subject should have a singular verb, and a plural subject should have a plural verb. This chapter focuses on understanding and applying subject-verb concord correctly.

A verb must agree with its Number and Person.
In other words, the Verb of a sentence agrees with the number and person of the Subject of that sentence.Steps to solve Subject – Verb Agreement

Error of Proximity

Often, the ‘Verb’ is made to agree in number with a norm near it instead of its proper Subject. It is an error. This common error is called the ‘Error of Proximity’. It should be avoided. The verb must agree with its proper Subject.

Sentence 2 is incorrect because the verb ‘were’ wrongly agrees with the nearby noun ‘apples’ instead of its proper subject. It is an Error of Proximity.

1. Number

The basic principle of Subject-Verb agreement is that singular subjects need singular verbs. Plural subjects need plural verbs:

2. Person:

The rules regarding the person are as follows:

(i) The first person singular or plural takes a singular verb:

• I like this scenery.
• We like this scenery.

(ii) The second person singular or plural takes a singular verb:

• You like this scenery.

(iii) The third person singular takes a singular verb:

• He likes this scenery.

(iv) The third person plural takes a plural verb:

• They like this scenery.

3. Uncountable Noun:

When we use an uncountable noun as the subject of a verb, we use a singular form of the verb:

• Honesty is the best policy.
• Fear begins to haunt him.

Try yourself:Which of the following sentences demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement?

• A.The cat is playing with its toys.
• B.The cats is playing with their toys.
• C.The cat are playing with its toys.
• D.The cat are playing with their toys.

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4. Singular and Plural Nouns:

When we use a singular noun as the subject of a verb, we use a singular verb. Plural nouns take a plural verb:

• The moon was shining in the sky.
• The sun is about to set.
• The children were swimming.
• The farmers were ploughing.

5. One of + Plural Noun:

When the subject consists of ‘one of + plural noun’, the verb is singular:

• One of the girls was singing.
• One of the students was talking.
• One of the birds was chirping.

6. Long Subject:

When a clause or a long group of words is the subject, we have to be careful to make the verb agree with the subject:

• The chairs which I bought yesterday are very costly.
• The woman whom I met in the market was my friend’s sister.

7. Introductory ‘there’:

The verb has to agree with the real subject that follows the introductory there. If the subject is singular, then ‘there’ will be followed by a singular verb. If the real subject is plural, then ‘there’ will be followed by a plural verb:

• There is no chair in the room.
• There are no chairs in the room.
• There are fifty boys in the class.
• There is one girl in the class.

8. Two or More Nouns:

When two or more nouns function as a subject, a plural verb is used:

• Satish and his sister have gone to see a movie.
• My friend and his father are meeting us tomorrow.

9. Distances, Weight, etc:

For distances, weight, height or amounts of money, we use a singular verb even when the subject is plural:

• Ten thousand rupees is not a small sum.
• Three kilometres is a small distance.
• Five hundred feet above sea level is not a great height.

10. Plural Names:

The title of a book, the name of a house or a hotel in plural takes a singular verb:

• “The Arabian Nights” has interesting stories.
• “The Hotel Brewers” is a five-star hotel.

11. Plural Nouns with Singular Meaning:

Nouns which are plural in form but singular in meaning usually take a singular verb:

• Mathematics is not an easy subject.
• Economics is a dull subject.
• Measles is an infectious disease.
• The latest news is that the criminal has been arrested.

12. Singular Nouns with Plural Verb:

Some nouns which appear to be singular in form take a plural verb:

• The police have arrested three terrorists.
• The Indian cricket team won the match.

13. Collective nouns like group, crowd, flock, regiment, etc. are generally followed by a singular verb:

• A group of boys was playing in the ground.
• A crowd of people rushes into the hall.
• A regiment of soldiers was marching towards the town.

14. ‘Class’ nouns such as food, furniture, clothing, etc., take a singular verb:

• This furniture is very old.
• This imported cutlery is very costly.
• His clothing consists of a bulletproof jacket, a pair of blue trousers and some other items.

15. Some nouns which appear to be plural in form when preceded by a pair take a singular verb, for example, shoes, scissors, trousers, etc.

• A pair of scissors was taken out of the drawer.
• A pair of trousers was washed by the servant.
• A pair of shoes was bought by him.

But when these nouns are used without ‘a pair of’, they take a plural verb:

• His shoes have worn out.
• My scissors do not cut well.

16. Some nouns are preceded by a lot of, a plenty of, a great deal of, etc. 

These nouns take a singular verb when they refer to an amount or quantity. But they take a plural verb when they refer to a number:

• A lot of people visit the exhibition.
• Plenty of water was supplied to the villagers.

17. When a singular subject is joined by as well as, in addition to, except, etc., with another noun or pronoun, we use a singular verb.

• Sohan, as well as his brother, has come.
• My father, in addition to our neighbour, has gone out for a walk.
• Everyone except Satish was present.

18. A singular verb is used with singular pronouns,

Examples: each, either, neither, anyone, etc.

• Each of the boys was given a prize.
• Neither of the students was absent.
• Everybody has helped her.

19. When two or more subjects are connected by nor or or, the verb is used according to the number of the noun nearest to it:

• Neither she nor her sisters visit the temple.
• Either they or he is telling a lie.

20. A collective noun, such as jury, committee, family, etc., takes a singular verb when it is considered one unit. But when they are regarded as individuals, they take a plural verb:

• The jury is about to give its decision.
• The jury are divided in their opinion.
• The committee is meeting tomorrow.
• The committee have decided to raise the membership fee.
• Our family has decided to visit Shimla this summer.
• The family now live in London.

Try yourself:

Which of the following is true about using a singular verb with a plural noun?

• A.Singular nouns take a singular verb.
• B.The verb has to agree with the real subject that follows the introductory “there”.
• C.Plural nouns with a singular meaning usually take a singular verb.
• D.Distances, weight, height, or amounts of money take a singular verb even when the subject is plural.

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21. When some nouns are regarded as one unit, they take a singular verb:

• Bread and butter is a wholesome food.
• Brick and stone is lying scattered all over the place.
• Time and tide waits for none.
• The novelist and poet is dead.