CBQs Reading Comprehension | Class 12 | Board Exam 2024
Updated: Oct 16, 2023
Q1.Read the follwoing text and answer the questions that follow (10 M)
The Centre is methodical. The recently tabled press and registration of periodicals bill, 2023 appeared to many to be a methodical step in destroying freedoms. The government, however, declared that the bill would simplify the process of registration presented in the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867, which the new law will replace. It will aid transparency and ease of business and help small and medium publishers. But these uplifting goals have not prevented the government from opening up multiple centres of power that can decide the fate of journals.
The alarm expressed by the Editors Guild of India over the bill’s ‘draconian provisions’ indicates how the bill threatens press freedom. The EGI has written about its areas of worry to the prime minister and highly-placed leaders and suggested that the bill be sent to a parliamentary select committee for discussion. ‘Registration’, not ‘regulation’, is what a free press requires.
The 1867 law empowered only the district magistrate to suspend or cancel the certificate of registration for a publication. The new law gives this power not only to the press registrar but also to other ‘specific authorities’, suggesting that law enforcement agencies, too, could butt in. The EGI fears the possibilities of arbitrariness and intrusiveness because any of these authorities can enter publishing premises to question people and seize documents. The bill seems to have built-in guarantees of compliance. Anyone accused of terrorist activity and of actions detrimental to the security of the State would be barred from publishing.
The ceaseless use of laws against terror and sedition is a constant threat to journalists, who are occasionally jailed. But criticism of the government was so far being suppressed by arresting individuals; the new law would ensure silence even before a line is published. Since the Centre will evolve guidelines for news publication, it could mean a full-blown shift from news to fairy-tale. Lightening the penal provisions of the 1867 Act is intriguing too.
An improper declaration of publishers and printers before the district magistrate will not matter. And the law will tread lightly when there is publication without registration, making it punishable if publishing continues for six months after warning. Who are the intended beneficiaries? A free press is one of the most precious freedoms the country enjoys. This is now at grave risk.
Source: The Telegraph (India) publihed on 11/08/23
Source Link:
Answer the following Questions based on the above passage
I. Select the option that best captures the central theme of the passage. (1 M)
A. The evolution of press and registration laws in India
B. The challenges to press freedom posed by new legislation
C. The benefits of the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023
D. The role of the Editors Guild of India in shaping press regulations
II. What is the primary goal of the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, according to the government? (1M)
A. To enhance transparency in press operations
B. To simplify the process of press registration
C. To promote ease of business for publishers
D. To aid small and medium publishers financially
III. Share evidence from the passage that supports the concern expressed by the Editors Guild of India (EGI) about the new bill. (1 M)
IV. Complete the sentence appropriately with a characteristic or its description. (1M)
Based on the information in the passage, the Editors Guild of India is portrayed as ____
V. What aspect of the new law raises concerns about potential abuse of power? (1M)
A. The empowerment of district magistrates
B. The inclusion of 'specific authorities'
C. The provision for simplifying registration
D. The focus on ease of business for publishers
VI. Explain, in about 40 words, the potential implications of the new law on press freedom, as highlighted in the passage. ( 2 M)
VII. In the context of the passage, how does the new laws' focus on "registration" rather than "regulation" impact the concept of a free press? (2 M)
VIII. State TRUE or FALSE. (1M)
The new law is designed to lighten the penal provisions of the 1867 Act, making it easier for publishers to operate without strict oversight.
Answer Key
I. Ans: B. The challenges to press freedom posed by new legislation II. Ans B. To simplify the process of press registration III. Answer: The passage mentions that the EGI has expressed alarm over the bill's 'draconian provisions' and suggested that it be sent to a parliamentary select committee for discussion. IV. Ans: vigilant, protective of press freedom, and willing to engage with authorities to safeguard the rights of journalists. V. Answer: B. The inclusion of 'specific authorities' VI. The new law, by granting additional power to various authorities to suspend registrations and seize documents, may lead to arbitrary actions against the press. It could enable pre-publication censorship, hindering open criticism of the government. VII. Answer: The emphasis on "registration" implies a bureaucratic process, potentially restricting the scope of a free press by creating barriers to entry and allowing authorities to exert control before publication. VIII. Answer: FALSE. The passage suggests that the new law may actually increase potential risks and barriers for publishers, including the possibility of arbitrary actions and pre-publication censorship.
Q2. Read the following text and answer the questions that follow (10M)
This is a time to understand things. Fundamental things. Like do you and I understand the same things when we say the same things? Or are those things different things? Watan? Where is it? Show please. Where is it?
No please, not the map. And which map? There are many maps. Our maps. Their maps. Maps in atlases. Maps on negotiating tables. Maps on paper. Maps in our heads. Maps we are given. Maps we are kept from. Sanctioned maps. Maps that will violate sanction.
I am right in thinking — let me not say it out aloud, or on record, you know how things are these days with such things — that different people are right to imagine different shapes (or maps) of the watan? I mean there is the akhand watan, call it vision or imagination or ambition, but there is that notion of the akhand watan.
Then there is the vasudhaiv notion. The world in its entirety, not strictly a watan but a family, one family, the same family. Tough to tell how that happens. Especially given, you know... Just look around, you’ll see if you do not already. The whole blooming world a family? You must be either very funny or terribly cruel. Which probably reminds me of something worth mention. There is also the map that has been recently dented not in one place but several. Wonder what that makes the watan look like, nobody’s telling because nobody really knows.
But watan is more than maps, a lot, lot more. Watan, more than anything else, is people. We are now the watan with the most people in it, happened sometime ago. But this too is happening — a lot of people, thousands and thousands, are choosing to leave the watan for other watans. And many more are being asked to leave the watan by people belonging to this watan. Watan people telling other watan people to go away to another watan, very often one particular watan. We shall not name the watan because what fault is it of that watan, bhai? Then there is always this thing lurking in the works, this provision, like a promise to some and an apprehension to scores of others, that will by statute enable the extending of this watan people to other watans, it is not clear which. Meantime, what’s approaching is this watan time (and also that watan time).
It is that sort of time. Watan time. We do these things at this time. Watan things.
You want to tell me
You are this nation bar all
I get it, oh I see
Oh I see in you our fall.
Source: The Telegraph, India Published 13.08.23, 05:49 AM
Source Link
Based on the above passage answer the following questions.
I. Select the option that best captures the central theme of the passage.
A. Exploring the concept of different maps and notions of "watan"
B. The history and evolution of maps in various contexts
C. The challenges of understanding and defining a nation
D. The importance of global unity and cooperation
II. What is the primary concern regarding the idea of a single, unified "watan"?
A. The lack of accurate maps to represent the watan
B. The struggle to define and imagine a united watan
C. The difficulty in distinguishing different watans from each other
D. The debate over whether the watan should be a family or a nation
III. Share evidence from the passage that suggests the complexity and ambiguity of the concept of "watan."
IV. Complete the sentence appropriately with a characteristic or its description.
Based on the information in the passage, "watan" is portrayed as a complex and evolving concept that _________
V. What is the significance of the phrase "We do these things at this time. Watan time. We do watan things."?
A. It emphasizes the importance of unity and cooperation among different nations.
B. It highlights the need to prioritize global issues over national ones.
C. It reinforces the idea that actions and decisions are influenced by a sense of nationhood.
D. It suggests a rejection of national identity in favor of a broader global perspective.
VI. Explain, in about 40 words, how the passage portrays the concept of "watan" as both inclusive and exclusive. (2 M)
VII. In the context of the passage, how does the concept of the "vasudhaiv notion" contrast with the idea of a single "akhand watan"? (2 M)
VIII. State TRUE or FALSE.
The passage primarily focuses on the technical aspects of cartography and map-making.
Answer Key
I. Answer: A. Exploring the concept of different maps and notions of "watan"
II. Answer: B. The struggle to define and imagine a united watan
III. Answer: The passage discusses various maps of the watan, including those in atlases, on paper, and in people's heads. It also mentions the notion of the akhand watan and the vasudhaiv notion, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the concept.
IV. encompasses maps, people, and notions of unity and identity.
V. Answer: C. It reinforces the idea that actions and decisions are influenced by a sense of nationhood.
VI. The passage explores the concept of "watan" through various maps and notions, reflecting the inclusiveness of a united family while acknowledging the exclusiveness and challenges of defining a nation.
VII. Answer: The "vasudhaiv notion" represents a global unity and interconnectedness, while the "akhand watan" represents a unified and indivisible nation. The passage suggests that reconciling these notions can be challenging.
VIII. Answer: FALSE. The passage delves into the philosophical and complex nature of the concept of "watan," encompassing notions of identity, unity, and belonging.
Competency-Based Reading Worksheet according to Board Exam 2024 Pattern will continue to be uploaded on a weekly basis. Keep visiting the site.
Are you taking good care of your liver? Signs that say you don't
The liver is a vital organ responsible for crucial bodily functions. It continuously produces bile, aiding fat-to-energy conversion which is important for digestion. It also removes toxins and harmful substances from the body, helping in regular purification. Overlooking its care can result in significant repercussions, often evident through subtle yet important signs. Here we list some symptoms that indicate whether your liver is in a bad shape, because recognizing these indicators is the initial step towards taking proactive measures to protect your liver and, by extension, your overall well-being.
A noticeable reduction in appetite can be an initial sign that your liver might not be functioning optimally. Sudden change in food or eating patterns and having an aversion to some of your favourite foods could also be a sign of your liver not being in good health. The liver's involvement in metabolism and digestion means its impairment can affect your desire to eat and enjoy meals.
Persistent feelings of vomiting, dizziness, and muscle pain can serve as a symptom of liver distress. As the liver aids in processing and removing waste products from the body, a malfunction will eventually lead to nausea symptoms because of the buildup of toxins in the bloodstream.
Terry's nails are a medical condition characterized by a specific appearance of the fingernails. In this condition, the nail beds (the area under the nails) appear pale or white, often with a narrow band of normal pink or reddish color at the tips. This can be caused by various underlying health issues, dominantly liver damage. The altered nail appearance is attributed to changes in blood supply and protein composition in the nails.
Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT) is a condition where the skin gets easily hurt and forms painful blisters when exposed to sunlight. This happens because of certain proteins (porphyrins) building up in your liver and then moving into your blood and skin. These proteins make your skin very sensitive, especially when you're out in the sun. This excess porphyrin accumulates in the skin, making it sensitive and causing blisters, scars and increased hair growth.
Excessive insulin in the body due to insulin resistance, often associated with fatty liver disease and irregular liver function, can lead to acanthosis nigricans. This condition is characterized by darkening of the skin in certain areas like the neck crease, resulting from this surplus of insulin.
Experiencing discomfort or a dull ache in the upper right side of your abdomen could signify underlying liver inflammation or congestion. The discomfort might range from a mild, nagging sensation to a more pronounced and persistent ache, depending on the extent of liver involvement. Monitoring and assessing this discomfort can offer insights into potential liver health concerns that might need immediate medical attention.
Jaundice, recognizable by the yellowing of the eyes and skin, serves as a prominent indicator of compromised liver function. The liver's challenge in processing bilirubin, a yellow pigment derived from the breakdown of red blood cells, leads to its accumulation in the body, resulting in this distinctive discoloration. Bilirubin, typically metabolized and excreted by a healthy liver, can build up when the liver is not functioning optimally.
Ascites, the accumulation of excess fluid in the abdominal cavity, can result from diminished albumin production by the liver. Albumin, a crucial protein, helps regulate fluid balance. Ascites can cause discomfort, abdominal swelling, difficulty in day to day movements and difficulty breathing.
Normal stools derive their brown color from bile produced by the liver. If the liver isn't functioning optimally, it may produce inadequate bile, leading to pale or clay-colored stools. This alteration in stool color can serve as a noticeable indication of liver issues.
The liver plays a vital role in producing essential proteins necessary for blood clotting. However, when the liver is damaged, its ability to generate these clotting proteins is compromised. This reduction in clotting protein production leads to a heightened vulnerability to bruising even from minor injuries. Moreover, the impaired clotting mechanism results in prolonged bleeding from wounds that would typically clot swiftly.
If any of the above symptoms seem familiar, it is time to get checked by a medical professional to rule out any further complications and medicate as necessary.
(Source: TOI, Oct 12, 2023)
Q1. Select the option that classifies symptoms related to liver health.
A) Symptoms of high blood pressure
B) Symptoms of liver distress
C) Symptoms of respiratory infections
D) Symptoms of diabetes
Q2. What is the significance of Terry's nails in the context of the passage?
A) It's a cosmetic issue related to nail appearance.
B) It's a sign of liver damage or underlying health issues.
C) It's a common condition in healthy individuals.
D) It's caused by excessive exposure to sunlight.
Q3. Share evidence from the text to support the view that liver damage can lead to jaundice.
A) "The liver's involvement in metabolism and digestion means its impairment can affect your desire to eat."
B) "Experiencing discomfort or a dull ache in the upper right side of your abdomen could signify underlying liver inflammation."
C) "Jaundice, recognizable by the yellowing of the eyes and skin, serves as a prominent indicator of compromised liver function."
D) "Normal stools derive their brown color from bile produced by the liver."
Q4. Complete the sentence appropriately with a characteristic or its description. Based on the information given in the excerpt, one can infer that liver damage may lead to ____________.
A) Weight loss
B) High energy levels
C) Pale or clay-colored stools
D) Improved appetite
Q5.Select the option that is similar in meaning to "Ascites."
A) Accumulation of fluid in the lungs
B) Accumulation of excess fluid in the abdominal cavity
C) Accumulation of excess fat in the liver
D) Accumulation of blood in the liver
Q6. Explain, in about 40 words, why the presence of acanthosis nigricans is associated with liver issues and what causes it.
Q7. How does jaundice affect the physical appearance of a person with liver issues?
Q8. Explain the role of the liver in processing waste products and its impact on feelings of vomiting and dizziness.
Q9. Read the five headlines (a) -(e), given below: Identify the option that displays the headline/s that DOES/ DO NOT correspond with occurrences in the passage.
(a) "Signs of Liver Distress: What You Need to Know"
(b) "How to Maintain Healthy Nails"
(c) "The Role of the Liver in Blood Clotting"
(d) "Sunlight and Skin Sensitivity: A Deep Dive into Porphyria Cutanea Tarda"
(e) "Preventing Jaundice: Tips for a Healthy Liver"
Answer Key
Q1. Select the option that classifies symptoms related to liver health.
Ans: B) Symptoms of liver distress.
(The passage discusses symptoms related to the liver's health and potential issues.)
Q2. What is the significance of Terry's nails in the context of the passage?
Ans: B) It's a sign of liver damage or underlying health issues.
(The passage mentions that Terry's nails can be caused by various underlying health issues, dominantly liver damage.)
Q3.Share evidence from the text to support the view that liver damage can lead to jaundice.
Ans: C) "Jaundice, recognizable by the yellowing of the eyes and skin, serves as a prominent indicator of compromised liver function."
(This statement directly links jaundice to compromised liver function.)
Q4.Complete the sentence appropriately with a characteristic or its description. Based on the information given in the excerpt, one can infer that liver damage may lead to ____________.
Ans: C) Pale or clay-colored stools
(The passage mentions that if the liver isn't functioning optimally, it may produce inadequate bile, leading to pale or clay-colored stools.)
Q5. Select the option that is similar in meaning to "Ascites."
Ans: B) Accumulation of excess fluid in the abdominal cavity
(The passage describes ascites as the accumulation of excess fluid in the abdominal cavity.)
Q6. Explain, in about 40 words, why the presence of acanthosis nigricans is associated with liver issues and what causes it.
Ans: Acanthosis nigricans is associated with liver issues due to excessive insulin in the body, often related to fatty liver disease. This condition results in darkening of the skin, particularly in the neck crease, as a consequence of insulin surplus.
Q7. How does jaundice affect the physical appearance of a person with liver issues?
Answer: Jaundice causes yellowing of the eyes and skin due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the body.
Q8. Explain the role of the liver in processing waste products and its impact on feelings of vomiting and dizziness.
Answer: The liver's malfunction leads to the buildup of toxins in the bloodstream, resulting in nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
Q9. Read the five headlines (a) -(e), given below: Identify the option that displays the headline/s that DOES/DO NOT correspond with occurrences in the passage.
(a) "Signs of Liver Distress: What You Need to Know"**
(b) "How to Maintain Healthy Nails"
(c) The Role of the Liver in Blood Clotting"**
(d) "Sunlight and Skin Sensitivity: A Deep Dive into Porphyria Cutanea Tarda"
(e) "Preventing Jaundice: Tips for a Healthy Liver"**
Ans: Headlines (b) and (d) do not correspond to the occurrences in the passage.
The other three are relevant to the passage's content.
MCQ-based Reading Worksheet for Std. Class XI
Q1. Read the following poem and answer the questions that follow.
(a) In the above poem the bee asks the wasp, “Why ___________
(i) am I hated by the people ?”
(ii) are you loved by the people more?”
(iii) are you appreciated by all?”
(iv) am I not liked by the people?”
(b) A 'cousin' refers to ___________
(i) an uncle's child
(ii) a relative
(iii) an associate
(iv) one's own brother
(c) A wasp buzzes to ___________
(i) the people or crowd
(ii) a dear cousin
(iii) a bee
(iv) itself
(d) A wasp can sting ___________.
(i) when offended
(ii) on every trifling pretence
(iii) when shooed away
(iv) none of the above
(e) The wasp is not loved by people because ___________.
(i) it is not beautiful
(ii) it has coloured wings
(iii) it has a sharp sting
(iv) it is not friendly
(f) The wasp has a fine shape and delicate __________.
(i) tail
(ii) wings
(iii) sting
(iv) golden body
(g) ''put up with‟ in the above poem means ___________
(i) stay with
(ii) tolerate or bear
(iii) hate
(iv) love
Q2. Read the following poem and choose the most appropriate options as your answer.
Read the questions given below and write the option you consider the most appropriate in your answer sheet :
(a) The lines _________ “ when the lion has eaten his fill he never attacks mean that the lion
(i) becomes lazy on full stomach
(ii) kills only to survive
(iii) does not attack any easy prey
(iv) likes to sleep under the shady tree
(b) In case of a natural calamity, all the animals
(i) run helter-skelter
(ii) create confusion
(iii) protect/safeguard each other
(iv) takes cover in other’s home
(c) ‘I have heard when the Lion has eaten his fill He never attacks’ : The emotion conveyed through the above line is
(i) contentment
(ii) selflessness
(iii) community feeling
(iv) cooperation
(d) ‘Proclaim a Law’ means :
(i) Make an announcement
(ii) Break a law
(iii) Change the law
(iv) amend the city law
(e) The poet prays to God for
(i) turning the city into a jungle
(ii) making people more empathetic
(iii) killing all animals
(iv) letting animals rule man
(f) The meaning of the word ‘frail’ is :
(i) fragment
(ii) delicate
(iii) pretty
(iv) element
(g) The myna
(i) protects the silver fish
(ii) shakes the branches
(iii) protects her eggs and young ones
(iv) protects the crow’s eggs
Q3. Read the questions given below and choose the option you consider the most appropriate in your answer sheet :
(a) ''She'' in the second line refers to
(i) daughter of the warrior
(ii) mother of the warrior
(iii) sister of the warrior
(iv) widow of the warrior.
(b) When the body of the warrior was brought home, the woman
(i) uttered a loud cry
(ii) swooned
(iii) remained quiet
(iv) moved away from there.
(c) To lessen the sorrow of the woman, people around her said that
(i) she should die along
(ii) she should weep
(iii) she should go away from there
(iv) she should call her father
(d) The word ''swooned'' in line 2 means
(i) died
(ii) shouted
(iii) cried
(iv) fainted
(e) The woman cried at last when
(i) all the people praised the warrior
(ii) all the people loved her
(iii) the nurse set her child upon her knee
(iv) he was called a true friend
(f) The words ''friend'' and ''foe'' are
(i) homonyms
(ii) synonyms
(iii) antonyms
(iv) examples of irony
(g) The woman did not move because she was
(i) tense
(ii) happy
(iii) shocked
(iv) excited.
Note:
The answer key is a password protected document.
After you solve the above worksheet you need to text me on chat box. I shall text you the password to open the answer key document. ( For Visiting Students)
AVN students can also request your English teacher for the answer key.
Mention the worksheet number and category like Reading Worksheet, Grammar Worksheet or Listening Worksheet.
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