Unseen Passage for Class 9 CBSE with Answers Discursive

Discursive Passages :

Read the Passages given below and answer the question that follow:

Question 1.
It is a famous saying that “Time and tide waits for no man.” So, it is important to use the most of your time instead of procrastinating. We often find procrastination in the field of education. Students neglect their studies during their school term and wait till the last minute to prepare for examinations. They spend so much time in playing games and chatting with their friends that they eventually lose track of time and start panicking at the last moment — a few days before the examinations. These are the students who do not perform to their optimum level in the examinations.

On the contrary, toppers are consistent in their studies and strike the right balance between education and play. They never panic at the last moment because they are already well-prepared for their examinations. Farmers have to keep a close watch of time because they follow strict schedules for planting and harvesting. Their farming schedules are based on the weather and if they delay their planting or harvesting time even by a day, it will spell disaster for them because time will not wait for them.

You may have heard of this famous saying, “To realize the value of one minute, ask a person who missed his train. To realize the value of one second, ask someone who just avoided an accident.” Time is precious; even one second of your life is valuable. So, do not waste it. If we respect for time, time would also show the same respect to us. (2018-NAV)

1.1. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer any four of the following questions in 30-40 words each.

(a) ‘Time and tide waits for no man’. Explain.
Answer:
This shows the importance of time in human life. It never stops for anyone. It cannot be stored and used thereafter like money. The sun rises and the season starts on time. The man becomes successful who knows the value of time.

(b) How do students procrastinate?
Answer:
Students procrastinate especially in the field of education. They neglect their studies during their school term and wait till the last minute to prepare for examination. They spend much time in playing games and chatting with their friends. Eventually, they lose track of time.

(c) How are toppers able to do the best in the examinations?
Answer:
Toppers ,are consistent in their studies and strike the right balance between education and play. They never panic at the last moment because they are already well-prepared for their examinations.

(d) Who can be the best person to realize the value of one minute and one second?
Answer:
The person who missed his train for one minute and the one who just avoided an accident for one second can be the best person to realize the value of one minute and one second respectively.

(e) Why should we respect time?
Answer:
If we respect time, time will also show the same respect to us.

1.2. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer any four of the following with the help of the given options :

(a) Which of the following words means the same as ‘panic’?
(i) ruin
(ii) fright
(iii) sorry
(iv) happy
Answer:
(ii) fright

(b) Identify the word which means opposite to ‘neglect’:
(i) devote
(ii) oppose
(iii) please
(iv) hear
Answer:
(i) devote

(c) The word similar in meaning to ‘watch’ is ______
(i) prepare
(ii) perform
(iii) observation
(iv) realize
Answer:
(iii) observation

(d) Find the word in the passage which means the same as ‘postponing’.
(i) chatting
(ii) panicking
(iii) planting
(iv) procrastinating
Answer:
(iv) procrastinating

(e) ‘Ask someone who just avoided an accident’. Here, the word, ‘avoided’ is ______
(i) noun
(ii) pronoun
(iii) verb
(iv) adverb
Answer:
(iii) verb

Question 2.
(1) It has been said that the best way of judging a person’s character is to see how he behaves when there is nobody to see him. The motorist who speeds through a red light when there are no traffic policemen to stop him; the man who slips a bribe under the table; the parent who helps his child cheat in the exam; the teacher who does not put his heart and soul into teaching his class so that they may come to him for private tuition… All of these and many more such instances we see all around us only too frequently everyday, are morally corrupt and deserve to be censured.

(2) As we go through life, there will be numerous occasions when we will be drawn towards the easy way out, the temptation of earning a fast rupee or attracted to something we know is wrong because ‘everyone is doing it’ or a friend is particularly insistent. The way in which you are able to resist all these temptations is the true test of your moral integrity.

(3) The person who tolerates injustice is as much a sinner as a person who is unjust in his dealing with others. Have the moral courage to speak up against wrong even if it does not personally concern you. If you see someone being abused or exploited, it is your duty to make your voice heard.

(4) If the law no longer exists for my neighbour, it will not exist for me either when I need it. So, it is upto each one of us to ensure — if for nothing but for our own selfish interests that the moral fibre of our society remains intact. No matter how many styles change or how many people alter their perspectives and goals, truth will never go out of fashion.

(5) In the fast changing world today, people are sacrificing moral values in their pursuit of quick success and easy money. This is a major cause of the stress and stress-related diseases that we can see all around us today, affecting both young and old.

(6) It is important to understand that the age-old moral values of truth, honesty and hard work are as relevant and essential today as they were in the age of the Ramayana. The path of moral uprightness leads to lasting happiness, peace and prosperity. (2018-DoEm)

2.1. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer any four of the following questions in 30-40 words each.

(a) How can someone’s character be judged?
Answer:
The best way of judging a person’s character is to see how he behaves when there is nobody to see him.

(b) What is the true test of moral integrity?
Answer:
There are numerous occasions in life when we are drawn towards the easy way out, earning easy money or attracted to something that we know is wrong. The way in which we are able to resist all these temptations is the true test of our moral integrity.

(c) What do you think of that person who tolerates injustice?
Answer:
The person who tolerates injustice is as much a sinner as a person who is unjust in his dealings with others. If we see someone being abused or exploited, it is our duty to make our voice heard.

(d) Why are people losing moral values?
Answer:
People are losing moral values in their pursuit of quick success and easy money in the fast changing world today. This is a serious concern that we can see all around us today, affecting both young and old.

(e) Why do you think the age-old moral values are relevant today?
Answer:
This is because, the path of moral uprightness leads to lasting happiness, peace and prosperity. Truly, the age-old moral values of truth, honesty and hard work are as relevant and essential today as they were in the age of the Ramayana.

2.2. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer any four of the following with the help of the given options :

(a) Find the word in Para-1, which is the synonym of ‘a sum of money offered to act in one’s favour’
(i) character
(ii) bribe
(iii) cheat
(iv) corrupt
Answer:
(ii) bribe

(b) Find the word in Para-2, which is the synonym of ‘many’.
(i) numerous
(ii) temptation
(iii) occasions
(iv) integrity
Answer:
(i) numerous

(c) Find the word in Para-4 which is the antonym of ‘always’.
(i) longer
(ii) either
(iii) nothing
(iv) never
Answer:
(iv) never

(d) Find the word in Para-2 which means the same as ‘continuing in the demanding way’.
(i) numerous
(ii) temptation
(iii) insistent
(iv) integrity
Answer:
(iii) insistent

(e) Find the word in Para-6, which is the noun of ‘happy’.
(i) truth
(ii) honesty
(iii) happiness
(iv) prosperity
Answer:
(iii) happiness

Question 3.
Swami Vivekanand was known as Vireshwar or Narendranath Datta. He was bom in Calcutta on 12th January, 1863 on Makar Sankranti Day. His mother was a very pious lady. She dreamt that Lord Siva would be born as her child. Later when the child was born, the mother fondly named him as Vireshwar.

Narendra had a habit of giving alms to the needy especially the monks. There were incidents when he had to be locked up in a room by his parents to prevent him from giving away things or money to beggers or needy. Still he would manage to drop things through the window to help the beggars.

Naren was very naughty and temperamental by nature. When he became intolerable his mother would pour cold water on his head and utter Siva, Siva. Surprisingly that would calm the little Naren. Naren was a born Yogi and an expert at meditation. His power of concentration was very high. One day when Naren was doing meditation, a cobra crawled over his body, but he was unaware of the happening. He was deeply lost in his meditation.

3.1. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer any four of the following questions in 30-40 words each.

(a) Who was Swami Vivekanand? When and where was he born?
Answer:

Swami Vivekanand was a great philosopher and saint of India. He was known as Vireshwar or Narendranath Datta in his childhood.
He was bom in Calcutta on 12th January, 1863 on Makar Sankranti Day.

(b) Why was Narendra also named Vireshwar’?
Answer:
Vivekanand’s mother was a very pious lady. She dreamt that Lord Siva would be bom as her child. Later when the child was born, the mother fondly named him as Vireshwar.

Narendra had a habit of giving alms to the needy especially the monks.
He had to be locked up in a room by his parents to prevent him from giving away things or money to beggars or needy.

(d) What kind of a child was Naren? How did his mother control him when he became intolerable?
Answer:

Naren was very naughty and temperamental by nautre.
When he became intolerable, his mother would pour cold water on his head and utter Siva, Siva. Surprisingly, that would calm the little Naren.

(e) What happened when Naren was meditating? (The cobra incident)
Answer:
One day when Naren was doing meditation, a cobra crawled over his body, but he was unaware of the happening. He was deeply lost in his meditation.

3.2. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer any four of the following with the help of the given options :

(a) Find the word from the passage which means the same as ‘with affection/love’.
(i) pious
(ii) fondly
(iii) needy
(iv) deeply
Answer:
(ii) fondly

(b) Find the word from the passage which is similar to the word, ‘the one who begs’.
(i) widow
(ii) lady
(iii) monks
(iv) beggar
Answer:
(iv) beggar

(c) Identify the word from the passage which is similar to ‘not knowing’.
(i) known
(ii) naughty
(iii) intolerable
(iv) unaware
Answer:
(iv) unaware

(d) Identify the word which means the same as ‘something can’t be tolerated’.
(i) naughty
(ii) temperamental
(iii) intolerable
(iv) concentration
Answer:
(iii) intolerable

(e) Find the word in Para-1 which is antonym of the ‘sinful’.
(i) very
(ii) pious
(iii) lord
(iv) child
Answer:
(ii) pious

Question 4.
Tourism is travel for recreation, leisure, religious, family or business purposes, normally for a limited duration. Tourism is generally associated with International travel, but may also refer to travel to another place within the same country. The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people “travelling to and staying at places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes.”

Tourism has become a popular global leisure activity. Tourism can either be domestic or inter-national. International tourism can be classified as either inbound or outbound tourism. Today in bound tourism is a major source of income for many countries especially in terms of foreign exchange earned by the country as a whole. It also has a substantial impact on the local economy and employment of a place frequently visited by tourists.

India is a country with a rich cultural heritage which has always fascinated travellers. It is a unique land of diversities where all kinds of natural beauty including desert, sea, forests, mountains, flowers, wildlife is present within a single geographical boundary of a country. Anybody visiting India will have experience of different dresses, culture, flora, and fauna in different states. Thus India has always been a destination for tourists who want to enjoy this combination of culture, tradition and rich heritage. Not only this, foreign tourists act as “Ambassadors of Indian Culture” and take the message further across the world.

Indian government has made various efforts like development of expressways, cultural spots, e-Tourist Visa etc. to take advantage of these unique possessions to promote tourism. One such big initiative is the scheme of e-Tourist Visa. The measure has been introduced to make travelling to India easier and simpler for foreign tourists.

The entire scheme began with the demand by the tourism industry to liberalize the visa regime for foreign tourists to give a boost to tourism in the country. In response, “Visa-On Arrival” was initiated by the government and is now made available to forty four countries. “Visa On-Arrival” means that you need a visa to enter but it is possible to apply for and receive the visa only when you show up in the country of visit itself.

4.1. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer any four of ,the following questions in 30-40 words each.

(a) What do you understand by ‘tourism’?
Answer:
(a) Tourism is travel for recreation, leisure, religious, family or business purposes, normally for a limited duration. It is generally associated with international level, but may also refer to travel to another place within the same country.

(b) How is the economy of a country affected by tourism?
Answer:
Today inbound tourism is a major source of income for many countries especially in terms of foreign exchange earned by the country as a whole. It also has a substantial impact on the local economy and employment of a place frequently visited by tourists.

(c) Can India be a popular tourist destination? Give two reasons.
Answer:
Yes, India can be a popular tourist destination.

India is a country with a rich cultural heritage which has always fascinated travellers.
It is a unique land of diversities where all kinds of natural beauty including desert, sea, forests, mountains, flowers, wildlife is present.within a single geographical boundary of a country.

(d) Give any two factors that help boost tourism in India.
Answer:

Indian government has made various efforts like development of expressways, cultural spots, E-tourist visa, etc. to promote tourism.
Another big initiative is the scheme of E-tourist visa. This measure has been introduced to make travelling to India easier and simpler for foreign tourists.

(e) What is “Visa On-Arrival”? How does it attract the foreign tourists?
Answer:

“Visa On-Arrival” means that we need a visa to enter but it is possible to apply for and receive the visa only when we show up in the country of visit itself.
This measure attracts the foreign tourists by making travelling to India easier and simpler for them. This facility is now made available in forty four countries.

4.2. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer any four of the following with the help of the given options :

(а) Find the word in Para-1 which means the same as “period of time one after the other without interruption’.
(i) recreation
(ii) leisure
(iii) consecutive
(iv) purposes
Answer:
(iii) consecutive

(b) Find the word in Para-2 which means ‘relaxation’.
(i) popular
(ii) leisure
(iii) inbound
(iv) substantial
Answer:
(ii) leisure

(c) Identify the word in Para-3 which is similar to ‘attracted’.
(i) fascinated
(ii) diversities
(iii) different
(iv) tradition
Answer:
(i) fascinated

(d) Identify the word in Para-4 which is similar to the meaning of ‘resourcefulness’.
(i) advantage
(ii) possessions
(iii) easier
(iv) tourists
Answer:
(ii) possessions

(e) Find the word in Para-5 which is the antonym of slow down’.
(i) demand
(ii) liberalize
(iii) boost
(iv) show up
Answer:
(iii) boost

Question 5.
The dormant Ngorongoro volcano and the wilderness that surrounds it are full of surprises. It is a conservation area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Crater Highlands area of Tanzania. This is where I had one of my most dangerous encounters. Ngorongoro Crater, a dormant volcano, is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. The Ngorongoro Crater is home to the world’s most ferocious lions.

These magnificent, black-maned lions are powerfully built, and look more formidable than their cousins anywhere else in the world. These lions are distinguished by their large size and thick black mane around the face. There are over 130 lions in this small area, the highest density of predators found anywhere in the world. They make their presence felt; thunderous roars reverberate through the crater every now and then.

That morning, we were trying to film a newborn elephant. Zobee, my jeep driver and friend of many years, is an expert tracker. He had seen the mother elephant in the last stages of labour. We found her near a lump of acacia trees surrounded by thick Savanna grass. Aware of the power of a protective mother elephant, we stopped a safe distance away. She was tending to the newborn, who was struggling to stand up. The elephant went down on her knees and gently used her tusks and trunk to support the calf.

Suddenly, a group of impalas shot out of the thick grass. One female was bleeding heavily. Our forest guard looked through his binoculars. We could hear little bleats. It was probably a baby impala, dropped by its frightened mother while running away from the leopard. The herd had disappeared; there was no chance of the mother returning, and the abandoned newborn had no chance of survival.

5.1. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer any four of the following questions in 30-40 words each.

(a) Where did the writer’s adventurous encounter take place?
Answer:
The writer’s adventurous encounter took place in the Crater Highlands area of Tanzania.

(b) How are black-maned lions different from others?
Answer:
The black-maned lions are distinguished from others by their large size and thick black mane around the face. These magnificent, black-maned lions are powerfully built, and look more formidable than their cousins anywhere else in the world.

(c) Why couldn’t the baby impala survive?
Answer:
The baby impala couldn’t survive because it was the adandoned new born. It was dropped by its frightened mother while running away from the leopard.

(d) Why did the writer and his driver stop a safe distance away from the mother elephant?
Answer:
This was because, they were aware of the power of a protective mother elephant. She was tending to the newborn, who was struggling to stand up.

(e) Explain the mother in the last stage of labour.
Answer:
The mother elephant was in the last stages of labour. She was near a lump of acacia trees surrounded by thick Savanna grass. She was tending to the newborn who was struggling to stand up. The elephant went down on her knees and gently used her tusks and trunk to support the calf.

5.2. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer any four of the following with the help of the given options :

(a) What is meant by ‘reverberate’ in Para-2?
(i) clear sound
(ii) unclear sound
(iii) repeated sounds as an echo
(iv) harsh sound
Answer:
(iii) repeated sounds as an echo

(b) What is meant by formidable in Para-2?
(i) small
(ii) big
(iii) impressively large
(iv) praiseworthy
Answer:
(iii) impressively large

(c) Find the word opposite in meaning to ‘active’ in Para-1.
(i) dormant
(ii) wilderness
(iii) conservation
(iv) dangerous
Answer:
(i) dormant

(d) Find the word in meaning to ‘death’ in Para-6.
(i) bleats
(ii) frieghtened
(iii) disappeared
(iv) survival
Answer:
(iv) survival

(e) Which of the following means ‘predator’.
(i) frightened
(ii) dormant
(iii) abandoned animals
(iv) an animal that naturally preys on others
Answer:
(iv) an animal that naturally preys on others

Question 6.
(1) The World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s)
latest finding that air pollution is the world’s biggest environmental health risk should be of particular concern to India gffren that its air pollution is among the world’s worst. Of the 20 most polluted cities, 13 are said to be in India. And most cities in India violate the PM10 standard. The results of Delhi’s dubious distinction of being the most polluted city in the world—also certified by the WHO — are beginning to show. Forty per cent of the city’s children have weak lungs, a survey has shown. Some cities have shown some improvement in this regard, but those are the exception, not the norm.

(2) Two factors can be cited as having brought about this state of affairs. First is the growing purchasing power of Indians living in cities. The car was a luxury product for a middle class Indian even two decades ago. Not so now. And the results are now showing in all the big cities of India though Delhi had got a few years respite because of the transition to CNG in 2001. The vehicles that cannot ply in Delhi because of court edicts on environmental standards are sold in satellite towns around the metropolis, thus in a way allowing the problem to perpetuate. The second problem is the global community’s inability to switch to cleaner, alternative sources of fuel and reduce the thermal power plants’ dependence on coal, said to be the dirtiest fuel. Other sources of pollution, such as fuel wood and biomass burning, have never received adequate attention.

(3) The first step should be to discourage people from using private vehicles and opting for public transport. This can be done through hiking parking charges and making people pay for contributing to the volume of traffic on the roads. Industrial pollution, however, is less easy to reduce. Here switching to solar energy, of which the government is targeting a generation of 100 GW by 2019, can be an answer. Unless this is done, we really cannot breathe easy.

6.1. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, “answer any four of the following questions in 30-40 words each.

(a) ‘What are the ill-effects of pollution on the children in most cities of India?
Answer:
According to a survey, forty per cent of the city’s children have weak lungs. This/is the most lethal ill-effect of air pollution on children.

(b) Name the two factors responsible for increasing pollution.
Answer:

The growing purchasing power of Indians living in cities has led to the significant increase in the number of vehicles in India.
The second problem is the inability to switch to cleaner i.e., alternative sources of fuel and reduce the thermal power plants’ dependence on coal.

People should be discouraged from using private vehicles and they should be encouraged for opting for public transport.
Road Tax and Parking charges should be increased.
The use of solar energy should be promoted.

(d) How can we reduce industrial pollution?
Answer:
We can reduce industrial pollution by replacing conventional sources of energy such as coal, petroleum with non-conventional sources of energy like solar energy, wind energy, biogas, etc. Also, the existing laws should be implemented strictly.

(e) What kind of vehicles are sold in satellite towns? Why?
Answer:

The vehicles that cannot ply in Delhi because of court edicts on environmental standards are sold in satellite towns around the metropolis.
This is because these satellite towns have no such rules. Also, these vehicles are available at cheap rates.

6.2. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer any four of the following with the help of the given options :

(а) Which word in Para-1 means the same as ‘threat’?
(i) latest
(ii) pollution
(iii) risk
(iv) worst
Answer:
(iii) risk

(b) Find a word in Para-2 that means the same as ‘mentioned’.
(i) cited
(ii) brought
(iii) got
(iv) received
Answer:
(i) cited

(c) Which word in Para-2 means the same as ‘immortalise’?
(i) respite
(ii) ply
(iii) perpetuate
(iv) reduce
Answer:
(iii) perpetuate

(d) Find a word in Para-2 which means the same as Change’.
(i) state
(ii) transition
(iii) ply
(iv) switch
Answer:
(ii) transition

(e) Which word in Para-2, means ‘official order or proclamation’?
(i) edicts
(ii) standards
(iii) metropolis
(iv) sources
Answer:
(i) edicts

Question 7.
(1) Children are conserved as the most important asset of their country, however improper understanding of the parents and poverty make them the reason for the weakness of the country instead of being the power of the country. Most of the children under poverty line are forced to do child labour daily even after a lot of awareness programmes are run by the government for future welfare of society and towards the welfare of the child.

(2) Children are the new flowers with powerful fragrance. However, some people are declining the power and destroying the future of the country just for earning a small amount of money by illegally involving the growing kids. They are playing with the moral of the innocent people and their kids. Protecting children from child labour is the responsibility of each and every citizen living in the country. Child labour is a socio-economic issue which needs to be solved on an ultimate basis.

(3) After the independence of the country, various laws and regulations were implemented regarding child labour. However, it did not find its end in the country. Child labour is ruining the innocence of the kids by directly destroying their health physically, mentally, socially and intellectually. Children are the lovely creations of nature but it is not fair that due to some bad circumstances they are forced to do hard labour before their appropriate age.

(4) Child labour is a global issue which is more common in the underdeveloped countries. Poor parents are unable to afford the education expenses of their kids and they are unable to earn enough money for the family survival. So, they choose to involve their kids in hard work to fulfil their needs instead of sending them to school. They believe that schooling is a waste of time and earning money at an early age is good for their family. It is the urgent need to increase awareness among the poor people as well as rich people (to not to use the asset of country in a wrong way) about the bad effects of the child labour. They must be availed with all the resources which they lack. Rich people should help the poor people so that their children too can get all the required things in childhood. It needs some effective rules and regulations by the government to completely end its roots forever.

7.1. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer any four of the following questions in 30-40 words each.

(a) Why are the children still being forced into the labour force?
Answer:
(a) Improper understanding of the parents and poverty are the main reasons for this social and moral evil. Poor parents are unable to afford the education expenses of their kids. Also, they believe that schooling is a waste of time and earning money at an early age is good for this family.

(b) What is the responsibility of every citizen?
Answer:
Protecting children from child labour is the responsibility of each and every citizen living in the country. Child labour is a socio-economic issue which needs to be solved on an ultimate basis.

(c) How is child labour ruining the future of the children?
Answer:
Child labour is ruining the future of the children by directly destroying their health physically, mentally, socially and intellectually. It is not fair that due to some bad circumstances, they are forced to do hard labour before their appropriate age.

(d) How can we eradicate child labour?
Answer:

It is an urgent need to increase awareness among the poor people as well as rich people about the bad effects of the child labour.
Rich people should help the poor people so that their children too can get all the required things in childhood.
Some effective rules and regulations should be introduced and implemented honestly.

(e) Whose responsibility is it to protect children from child labour?
Answer:
It is the responsibility of each and every citizen living in the country to protect children from child labour.

7.2. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer any four of the following with the help of the given options :

(а) Find the antonym of the word ‘strength’ in Para-1 :
(i) conserved
(ii) asset
(iii) weakness
(iv) poverty
Answer:
(iii) weakness

(b) Which word in Para-3 means the same as ‘executed’?
(i) implemented
(ii) destroying
(iii) forced
(iv) nature
Answer:
(i) implemented

(d) Find a word which means the same as ‘living’ in Para-4 :
(i) global
(ii) survival
(iii) awareness
(iv) forever
Answer:
(ii) survival

(e) Find a word which means ‘unlawful’.
(i) destroying
(ii) illegally
(iii) regulations
(iv) ruining
Answer:
(ii) illegally

Question 8.
People are drawn to vegetarianism by all sorts of motives. Some of us want to live longer, healthier lives or do our part to reduce pollution. Others have made the switch because we want to preserve earth’s natural resources or because we’ve always loved animals and are ethically opposed.to eating them. Vegetarianism promotes a natural way of life. But despite its implicit message of universal love and non-violence it has not spread as it should have. This may be because it usually is an inward-looking habit and is best cultivated in the mind.

Leading a vegetarian way of life helps the animal kingdom co-exist with man. The animals supply milk, manure and energy. This has been central to the Indian culture for thousands of years. A vegetarian life style is natural, multifaceted and helps self- preservation in a healthy way. Food and health are closely related.

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. In most sports disciplines, vegetarians lead in endurance tests. “You are what you eat,” is the old saying and it is a fact that it is the food that makes the man. The food we eat, its quality, its timing and combination is of utmost importance to healthy life.

Vegetarian diets are more healthful than the average non-vegetarian diet, particularly in preventing, treating or reversing heart disease and reducing the risk of cancer. A low-fat vegetarian diet is the single most effective way to stop the progression of coronary artery disease or prevent it entirely. Cardiovascular disease kills 1 million Americans annually and is the leading cause of death in the United States. But the mortality rate for cardio-vascular disease is lower in vegetarians than in non-vegetarians.

8.1. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer any four of the following questions in 30-40 words each.

(a) What message does vegetarianism spread?
Answer:
The vegetarianism spreads the message of universal love and non-violence.

(b) Why is vegetarianism not as popular as it should be?
Answer:
This is because, it usually is an inward-looking hab’t and is best cultivated in the mind.

Leading a vegetarian way of life helps the animal kingdom to co-exist with man.
The animals supply milk, manure and energy.
A vegetarian life style is natural, multifaceted and helps self-preservation in a healthy way. This is more healthful than the average non-vegetarian diet.

(d) What is meant by “You are what you eat”?
Answer:
This means that it is the food that makes the man. The food we eat, its quality, its timing and combination is of utmost importance to healthy life.

(e) What are the motives people are drawn to vegetarianism?
Answer:
People are drawn to vegetarianism by various motives. Some of us want to live longer, healthier lives or do our part to reduce pollution. Others have made the switch because we want to preserve earth’s natural resources. Also, we have always loved animals and are ethically opposed to eating them.

8.2. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer any four of the following with the help of the given options :

(a) What is meant by ‘drawn’ in Para-1?
(i) attached
(ii) attracted
(iii) irrigated
(iv) induced
Answer:
(ii) attracted

(b) What is meant by ‘implicit’ in Para-2?
(i) indirectly expressed
(ii) excellent
(iii) standard
(iv) immoral
Answer:
(i) indirectly expressed

(c) Find the word opposite to ‘tasteless’ in Para-4.
(i) infinite
(ii) taste
(iii) seasoned
(iv) palatable
Answer:
(iv) palatable

(d) Find the word opposite to ‘least’ in Para-5.
(i) most
(ii) lead
(iii) old
(iv) utmost
Answer:
(iv) utmost

(e) What is meant by the word ‘cultivated’?
(i) loved
(ii) developed
(iii) culcutured
(iv) liked
Answer:
(ii) developed

Question 9.
‘I have found that walking stimulates observation and opens one’s eyes to movements and appearances in earth and sky, which ordinarily escape attention. When I reached the end of my walk and paused for a moment before retracing my steps, I was conscious of the inexhaustible richness of the world through which I had come, of a thousand voices that had spoken to me, and a thousand sights of wonder that had moved before me; I was awake to the universe which most of us see only in broken and unintelligible dreams… through all this realm of truth and poetry men have passed and re-passed these many years. I said to myself, and I began to wonder how many of those now long asleep really saw or heard this great glad world of sun and summer! I began to retrace my steps, as I reached the summit of the hill and looked beyond. I saw the cattle standing knee to be far enough away from nature to observe her : one becomes part of the deep in the brook- and heard the faint bleating of sheep borne from a distant pasturage.

One may connect with the surroundings, when one lounges by the hour in the depths of the forest, or sits, book in hand, under the knotted and familiar apple tree, on a summer afternoon. The faculty of observation is lulled into a dreamless sleep: one ceases great, silent movements in the midst of which he sits, mute and motionless, while the hours slip by with the peace of eternity. I have sometimes tried to recall in imagination the world of nature before a human voice had broken the silence or a human foot left its impression on the soil: but when I remember that what I see in this sweep of force and beauty is largely what 1 myself put into the vision, that nature without the human ear is soundless, and without the human eye colourless.

9.1. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer any four of the following questions in 30-40 words each.

(a) What does walking stimulate?
Answer:
Walking stimulates observation and opens one’s eyes to movements and appearances in earth and sky, which ordinarily escape attention.

(b) What did the writer realize when he reached the end of the road?
Answer:
The writer realized the inexhaustible richness of the world through which he had come, a thousand voices that had spoken to him, and a thousand sights of wonder that had moved before him. In fact, he realized the universe which most of us see only in broken and unintelligible dreams.

(c) What did he see when he reached the summit of the hill?
Answer:
When he reached the summit of the hill, he saw the cattle standing knee to be far enough away from nature to observe her : one becomes part of the deep in the brook and heard the faint bleating of sheep borne from a distant pasturage.

(d) How can one connect with his surroundings?
Answer:
One can cannect with the surroundings when one lounges by the hour in the depths of the forest, or sits book in hand under the knotted and familiar apple tree, on a summer afternoon.

(e) What according to the author, makes nature “soundless and colourless”?
Answer:
According to the author, the nature without the human ear is soundless and without the human eye colourless.

9.2. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer any four of the following with the help of the given options :

(a) What is meant by ‘stimulates’ in Para-1?
(i) opens
(ii) closes
(iii) induces
(iv) prevents
Answer:
(iii) induces

(b) What is meant by ‘inexhaustible’ in Para-1?
(i) openners
(ii) closed
(iii) used up
(iv) unable to be used up
Answer:
(iv) unable to be used up

(c) Find the word opposite to ‘strong’ in Para-1.
(i) paused
(ii) conscious
(iii) inexhaustible
(iv) faint
Answer:
(iv) faint

(d) Find the word opposite to ‘noisy’ in Para-2.
(i) depths
(ii) motionless
(iii) ceases
(iv) silent
Answer:
(iv) silent

(e) What is meant by the word ‘unintelligible’?
(i) unaware
(ii) impossible to understand
(iii) foolish
(iv) unimaginable
Answer:
(ii) impossible to understand

Question 10.
Upanishad is expressed as Aham Brahmasi (I am Brahma) or Ayam Atma Brahman i.e., the individual soul is Brahman or Tattwamasi (thou art that). This is the first truth taught to every child. Even a poor uneducated man living in a hut knows that God is in everybody and therefore there is sameness in all. The second truth is about a holistic universe.

Where at a level of pervading consciousness everything is interconnected at Vyakthi Level (Individual level) — my limbs, hands, legs, ears, eyes, heart, lungs…. Everything is me. I live in all of them. Their sorrows and joys are my sorrows and joys. Similarly at Samasthi level (the whole universe), I am not a single individual but I am part of the whole universe just as my limbs are part of me.

Modem science has accepted that in this holistic universe, all minds and matters are interconnected at a deeper level. The basic unity of life cannot be broken. Love and sacrifice, therefore, emerge as the only things required for a meaningful living. On the basis of this holistic vision, Indians have developed work ethos of life. They found that all work, physical or mental, managerial or administrative has to be directed towards a single purpose.

The manifestation of the divinity in man is by working for the good of others, for the happiness of others. This aspect of Indian ethos is required all over the world in the present scenario, in managing business and industry effectively and efficiently. All work/karma manifests divinity, hence these must be pure, good, honest and sincere. Indian philosophy also teaches us to perform every work without having any attachment to result because results do not fall under the jurisdiction of the doer.

Such thinking and understanding will change the whole attitude. Now the results will become a prasad- gratitude – coming from the God himself. You can now accept the result with open mind without apprehensions—just as you accept members into Karma Yoga.

10.1. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer any four of the following questions in 30-40 words each.

(a) What does Indian philosophy teach?
Answer:
(a) Indian philosophy teaches us to perform every work without having any attachment to result. This is because, results do not fall under the jurisdiction of the doer.

(b) Which first truth is taught to every child?
Answer:
The first truth taught to every child is that God is in everybody, and hence, everyone is essentially alike.

(c) ‘I live in all of them.’ What happens as a result?
Answer:
The second truth emerges with the statement that of the existence of a holistic universe. Thus, everyone’s joys and sorrows are interconnected, and one is merely a part of the bigger universe.

(d) What has modern science accepted?
Answer:
Modern science has accepted that in the existent holistic universe, every mind and matter is connected at a deeper level. Thereby, the fundamental unity of life cannot be broken.

(e) What are the things required for a meaningful living?
Answer:
Love and sacrifice emerge as the only things required for a meaningful living.

10.2. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer any four of the following with the help of the given options :

(a) Find the word opposite in meaning to ‘sameness’ of Para-1.
(i) smoothness
(ii) difference
(iii) indifference
(iv) highness
Answer:
(ii) difference

(b) What is meant by the word, ‘interconnected’ of Para-2?
(i) linked
(ii) included
(iii) excluded
(iv) international
Answer:
(i) linked

(c) Find the word opposite in meaning to ‘accepted’ of Para-4.
(i) welcomed
(ii) rejected
(iii) annoyed
(iv) sad
Answer:
(ii) rejected

(d) Which word in Para-8 of the passage means, fears’?
(i) thinking
(ii) attitude
(iii) apprehensions
(iv) results
Answer:
(iii) apprehensions

(e) What does the word ‘ethos’ of Para-5 mean?
(i) income
(ii) characteristics of a culture
(iii) quality
(iv) none of these
Answer:
(ii) characteristics of a culture

Question 11.
Current trends in technological and cultural development make it unlikely that public libraries will survive in their traditional format. The beginning of the digital age makes public libraries out of date. Firstly, the book itself is becoming a thing of the past. Although e-book usage has not become widespread as quickly as many anticipated with the coming of the computer, this slow adoption is beginning to accelerate with the recent development of specialised e-book readers which use electronic- paper technology, such as the Kindle, which has sold tens of thousands of units. Just as consumers are moving away from hard copy form in music and videos, towards electronic files, the same will happen with books once e-reader technology reaches the level achieved by the iPod for music. With the decline of the physical book will come the necessary decline of the physical library.

Secondly, the interest is creating a culture where information and files are shared freely, denying the need for public institution to hoard and distribute books. This has already been observed in music and videos despite their best efforts, recording companies cannot stop the inevitable free sharing of data. The same process is under way with books – Project Gutenberg makes it possible to find almost- any popular classic free online, while Google Books is doing the same with more unknown selections. Already there is large collection of commercial books which have been turned into digital formats and are available for download.

The Internet presents a better way to achieve the goals of libraries than physical libraries themselves—namely free and open access to information and books. Providing free access to the Internet would be a more effective way of making media available than building and supporting large buildings filled with unread books. Once this fact becomes apparent to governments, it will become difficult to justify the large cost of running a traditional library. Less effect on environment is another point in favour of changing to a digital format.

Furthermore, the Internet has demonstrated its effectiveness for bringing people together in a social network to share preferences within a given area. Last.fm is a popular music sharing and discovery resource. These types of sites are popular amongst the current generation, and are a likely candidate to replace the community served by traditional libraries. Trends indicate that traditional libraries will become outdated.

11.1. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer any four of the following questions in 30-40 words each.

(a) Books are becoming a thing of the past. Why?
Answer:
(a) Books are fast losing relevance with the onset of computers and e-book readers. Electronic copies are now replacing hard paper.

(b) What will lead to the decline of the public libraries?
Answer:
With the arrival of e-books, and a gradual shift away from physical books, physical libraries are on the decline. Besides, the advent of the Internet has made information and file sharing much easier, negating the use of public libraries.

(c) What change has come about in the music and video industry?
Answer:
In the music and video industry, consumers are fast moving towards electronic files. Also, recording companies are helpless to stop the free sharing of data online.

(d) Why will it become difficult to run a traditional library?
Answer:
In reality, the Internet provides free and open access to books and information. Consequently, providing free access to the Internet is a much more efficient way to disburse information than building and maintaining libraries.

(e) How does the internet present a better way to achieve the goals of libraries?
Answer:
This happens as there has been free and open access to information and books. Providing free access to the internet would be a more effective way to making media available than building and supporting large buildings filled with unread books.

11.2. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer any four of the following with the help of the given options :

(a) What is meant by the word, ‘anticipated’ of para-2?
(i) liked
(ii) expected
(iii) praised
(iv) witnessed
Answer:
(ii) expected

(b) What is meant by the word, ‘inevitable’ of Para-3?
(i) unavoidable
(ii) temporary
(iii) permanent
(iv) negligible
Answer:
(i) unavoidable

(c) What is the antonym of the word, ‘access’ of Para-4?
(i) neglect
(ii) negligible
(iii) unknown
(iv) denial
Answer:
(iv) denial

(d) What is the antonym of the word, ‘current’ of Para-5?
(i) present
(ii) older
(iii) elite
(iv) prestigious
Answer:
(ii) older

(e) What does” the word ‘apparent’ of para-4 mean?
(i) vague
(ii) clear
(iii) ambiguous
(iv) excellent
Answer:
(ii) clear

Question 12.
Tell someone that you are going to a convention of accountants and you might get a few yawns, yet money and how it works is probably one of the most interesting things on earth. It is fascinating and almost magical how money appeared on our planet. Unlike most developments we enjoy, which can be traced back to a source, civilisation or inventor, money appeared in places then unconnected all over the world in a remarkably similar way.

Consider the American-Indians using Wampum, West Africans trading in decorative metallic objects called Manilas and the Fijians economy based on whale’s teeth, some of which are still legal tender; add to that shells, amber, ivory, decorative feathers, cattle including oxen and pigs, a large number of stones including jade and quartz which have all been used for trade across the world, and we get a taste of the variety of accepted currency.

There is something charming and childlike imagining primitive societies, our ancestors, using all these colourful forms of money. As long as everyone concerned can agree on a value, this is a sensible thing for a community to do. After all, the person who has what you need might not need what you have to trade. Money solves that problem neatly. Real value with each exchange and everyone gaining from the convenience. The idea is really inspired which might explain why so many diverse minds came up with it.

“History records that the money changers have used every form of abuse, intrigue, deceit, and violent means possible to maintain their control over governments by controlling money and its issuance,” said President James Madison. Money, money, money, it’s always just been there, right? Wrong. Obviously it’s issued by the government to make it easy for us to exchange things. Wrong again!

Truth is most people don’t realise that the issuing of money is essentially a private business, and that the privilege of issuing money has been a major bone of contention throughout history.

12.1. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer any four of the following questions in 30-40 words each.

(a) What is fascinating and almost magical?
Answer:
This is fascinating and almost magical how money appeared on our planet. Unlike most developments we enjoy, which we can be traced back to a source, civilisation or inventor, money appeared in places then unconnected all over the world in a remarkably similar way.

(b) Which currencies did the American-Indians and West Africans use?
Answer:
The American-Indians used Wampum. West Africans traded in decorative metallic objects called Manilas and the Fijian economy was based on whale’s teeth.

(c) What is something charming and childlike to imagine?
Answer:
There is something charming and childlike imagining primitive societies, our ancestors, using all these colourful forms of money. As long as everyone concerned can agree on a value, this is a sensible thing for a community to do.

(d) What problem did the money solve?
Answer:
The money solved the problem of double coincidence of wants. Now, people do not have to search for one who will be ready to exchange his goods because now money works as a medium of exchange. Money solves that problem neatly — real value with each exchange, and everyone gaining from the convenience.

(e) What do most people not realise?
Answer:
Most people don’t realise that the issuing of money is essentially a private business. Also that the privilege of issuing money has been a major bone of contention throughout history.

12.2. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer any four of the following with the help of the given options :

(a) What is meant by the word, ‘convention’ of Para-1?
(i) market
(ii) parliament
(iii) conference
(iv) court
Answer:
(iii) conference

(b) What is meant by the word, ‘fascinating’ of para-2?
(i) accepted
(ii) liked
(iii) uninteresting
(iv) attractive
Answer:
(iv) attractive

(c) What is meant by the word ‘intrigue’ of para-6?
(i) plot
(ii) money
(iii) violence
(iv) none of these
Answer:
(i) plot

(d) What is meant by the word, ‘convenience’ of para-5?
(i) income
(ii) endeavour
(iii) comfort
(iv) freedom
Answer:
(iii) comfort

(e) Find the word/phrase in para-8 which means a ‘matter of conflict’.
(i) bone of contention
(ii) praiseworthy
(iii) war
(iv) cause of winning
Answer:
(i) bone of contention

Unseen Passage for Class 9 CBSE with Answers Discursive

Class 9 English Question Answer