Follow on G+

CBSE Class 12 English Comprehension Passages – Practice Test-2

NCERT PDF Solutions

CBSE Class 12 English Comprehension Passages – Practice Test-2

Passage 1:

Read the given passage carefully.

  1. Concern about the effects of television on children has centred exclusively upon the contents of the programs which children watch. Social scientists and researchers do complex and ingenious experiments to find out whether watching violent programmes make children behave aggressively.
  2. Parents who are deeply troubled about the effects of television upon their children have centred their concern on the subject matter of the programmes. A group called Action for Children’s Television (ACT) was formed in the USA not only to reduce the amount of violence in programmes, but also to protest against incessant commercial breaks which encouraged children to crave for fashionable toys and unhealthy foods. One of its founders described its aims, “….parents have the right to ask that programmes aimed at the young should meet the specific needs of children….” But is it the needs of children which are at stake when parents demand better programmes? Surely the fact that young children watch so much television reflects the need of parents to find a convenient source of amusement for their offspring and a period of quiet for themselves. Their anxieties about the possible ill-effects of those hours of passive, quiet viewing are lessened if the time spent at least seems to be educational.
  3. The real needs of young children are quite different. They need opportunities to work out basic family relationships, thereby coming to understand themselves; television only reduces these opportunities. Children need to acquire fundamental skills of communication; television retards verbal development because the child is silent while watching it. Television discourages the sort of games that enable the young to discover their strengths and weaknesses, with the result that as adults they will be less fulfilled. Their need for fantasy is gratified far better by their own make believe activities than by the adult-made fantasies offered on television. Intellectual stimulation is provided more completely by manipulating, touching and doing than by passively watching and listening.
  4. Because television offers cheap junk programmes, conscientious parents do in fact limit their children’s viewing when such undesirable programmes are the only ones available. Unfortunately, if organisations like ACT succeed in improving the quality of programmes significantly, the effects on young children will be more harmful because their permitted viewing time will increase and no matter how good their content, TV programmes are always a poor substitute for other activities.
  5. There are a number of fallacies that have misled parents into thinking that the problem of television will be solved by improving its quality. It is suggested, for example, that a youngster unfamiliar with TV programmes will find making friends difficult and will be labelled as an outsider. More subtle is the mistaken belief that the experience that children gain from watching television is the same as the adults watching television; that their own past and present experiences come into play, so that they can test the view of the world presented on the small screen against their knowledge of real life. But young children have very few real-life experiences to set against their viewing, so that for them TV is a primary
    source of experience; their formative years are spent largely in an unreal, unnatural, second-hand world.
  6. It is also universally assumed that TV is an important source of learning. Like an animated picture book, it presents in an easily digested and entertaining way a great deal of information about the natural world, history, current affairs, other countries and so on. But the ‘knowledge’ of today’s television—educated children, spouting words and ideas they do not fully understand and ‘facts’ whose accuracy they cannot judge from their limited experience, cannot compare with the knowledge acquired by reading or activity. It is then that children use their minds and their bodies, their imaginative and reasoning power to enrich their lives.
  7. Only when parents begin to question the nature of television itself and its effects on their children and on themselves as parents will they begin to realise that it is not the programme, but television itself, and especially the good programme, which poses the greater threat to their children’s well-being.

Questions:
1. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option.    (1 x 4 = 4)

  1. Which of the following statements is true in the context of the fourth paragraph?
    (a) All parents limit their children’s TV viewing.
    (b) ACT is a successful organisation.
    (c) TV viewing should be increased if there are good programmes.
    (d) TV cannot substitute for other activities.
  2. What is the greatest threat to children’s well-being?
    (a) Children watching television.
    (b) Children not watching television.
    (c) Children watching good programmes on television,
    (d) ACT’S protest.
  3. According to paragraph 3, what could be said about television?
    (a) TV viewing time should be limited.
    (b) TV viewing is just a passive activity.
    (c) TV retards growth of children.
    (d) None of these.
  4. How are parent’s needs getting fulfilled when children watch television?
    (a) They know that their children are watching good programmes.
    (b) Good programmes meet the specific needs of children.
    (c) Children watch educational programmes on television.
    (d) They get a period of quiet for themselves.

2. Answer the following questions as briefly as possible.    (1 x 6 = 6)

  1. Why is the ACT against frequent commercial breaks on the small screen?
  2. State one reason given by the author to justify the harmful effect TV has on the children?
  3. How can ACT’s protest prove to be harmful for children?
  4. What do you understand by the phrase ‘second hand world’?
  5. How does the author differentiate between the knowledge gained by watching TV programmes and that gained by reading?
  6. What is the mistaken belief of people?

3. Which word in the passage means as same as    (1 x 2 = 2)

  1. Continuous (para 2)
  2. Pouring out in a stream (para 6)

Answers:

1.

  1. (d) TV cannot substitute for other activities.
  2. (c) Children watching good programmes on television.
  3. (b) TV viewing is just a passive activity.
  4. (d) Theygetaperiodofquietforthemselves.

2.

  1. The ACT is against frequent commercial breaks on the small screen because the advertisements lure children to crave for fashionable toys and unhealthy foods.
  2. The reasons given are (any 1)
    (a) Watching television reduces the opportunities children have to improve their communication skills.
    (b) Children do not play games, which make them less fulfilled individuals.
    (c) Children’s intellectual stimulation is curbed.
  3. If ACT succeeds in improving the quality of programmes significantly, then children’s permitted viewing time will increase and no matter how good their content, TV is always a poor substitute for other activities.
  4. The phrase ‘second hand world’ means it is not a real life experience, but a world created by adults and passed on to children.
  5. The author differentiates between the two by stating that knowledge acquired by watching TV is just an accumulation of facts, whereas the knowledge acquired by reading helps the children to use their minds, imagination and power of reasoning.
  6. The mistaken belief is that the experience that children gain from watching television is the same as that of adults watching television.

3.

  1.  Incessant
  2. Spouting

 

Passage 2:
Read the given passage carefully.

  1. Education is the fundamental right of every Indian citizen. It is an important pre-requisite for the progress of an individual and of the nation. Other than primary and secondary education, vocational education is also catching up fast with today’s generation.
  2. Vocational education refers to a system or course of study which prepares individuals for jobs that are based on manual or practical activities.
  3. The plethora of opportunities available in diverse fields today means that exams are not the end of the world. Cone are the days when students only opted for a traditional career in engineering or medical courses. Today, youngsters look for satisfaction in the jobs they do and thus they prefer to pursue a career or field of their interest.
  4. Vocational education basically consists of practical courses through which one gains skills and expertise directly linked to a career in future. Moreover, with the Indian economy expanding, different sectors are growing and so is the demand for professionals in various fields. Professions like hair cutting, fashion designing, palmistry, footwear designing, advertising, public relations, interior designing, wedding planning, gift packing, toy making, tourism industry, mobile and gadget repairing, nutrition and fitness industry, gym culture and many more, have witnessed a surge in demand by the people availing these services, and has resultantly pulled a large number of aspirants into these vocations.
  5. Not only do these professions offer umpteen opportunities and a glorious career, most of the time they do not require any major academic qualification. All that is needed, is the honed skill required for the profession, the enthusiasm to learn and the passionate desire to create something new and unique.
    Then the sky becomes the limit. In fact, through hard work and creativity one c^h be far more successful and famous in the world than those pursuing the regular field of study. There are endless personalities who did not fare well in exams but, by choosing the career of their own choice and working hard in the field they loved, have made a distinguished name for themselves. Pablo Picasso, Walt Disney, Shiamak Davar, Lata Mangeshkar, Bill Cates, Jawed Habib, Ritu Kumar, Sachin Tendulkar and many more have not pursued an academic career, yet are extremely successful today.
  6. The growing demand for professionals has led to the opening up of institutes and training colleges to provide training for the same. A formal vocational training follows a structured training programme and provides certificates, diplomas or degrees, recognised by State/Central Government or other reputed concerns; informal vocational training helps in acquiring some marketing expertise, which enables a person to pursue the profession of his/her choice.
  7. The purpose of the programme is to enhance individual employability, reduce the mismatch between demand and supply of skilled manpower and provide an alternative to those pursuing higher education without particular interest of purpose. There is a need to focus on skills for the informal sector as it is estimated that the largest share of new jobs in India is projected to come from the unorganised sector that employs up to 93% of the national workforce and produces 60% of GDP.
  8. If all the sectors of India join hands in providing the different education patterns under one roof, it can boost India’s employment rates greatly. Vocational education will not only provide jobs, but give many a reason to live a worthy and independent life.

Questions:
1. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option.    (1 x 2 = 2)

  1. The ______ has a lot of scope for jobs.
    (a) health industry
    (b) unorganised sector
    (c) technology sector
    (d) government sector
  2. Youngsters today look for
    (a) engineering courses.
    (b) pursuing the field of their interest.
    (c) scoring in exams.
    (d) fashion courses.

2. Answer the following questions as briefly as possible.    (1×6=6)

  1. Define vocational education.
  2. What does one require for success in any vocation?
  3. What is the purpose of vocational education programmes?
  4. How has Walt Disney distinguished himself?
  5. What is being said about the unorganised sector of India?
  6. How will vocational education bring a change in the lives of people?

3. Pick out words from the passage which are similar in the meaning to the following (1 x 2 = 2)

  1. Very many (para 5)
  2. People hoping to get a position of honour or importance (para 4)

Answers:

1. 

  1. (b) unorganised sector
  2. (b) pursuing the field of their interest.

2.

  1. Vocational education refers to a system or course of study which prepares individuals for jobs that are based on manual or practical activities.
    Or
    Vocational education basically consists of practical courses through which one gains skills and expertise directly linked to a career in future.
  2. One needs honed skills required for the profession, the enthusiasm to learn and passionate desire to create something new and unique.
  3. The purpose of the programmes is to enhance individual employability, as well as to reduce the mismatch between the demand and supply of skilled manpower.
  4. Walt Disney chose the career of his choice, and working hard in the field he loved, he made a distinguished name for himself.
  5. It is estimated that the largest share of new jobs in India is projected to come from the unorganised sector.
  6. Vocational education will not only provide jobs, but give many a reason to live a worthy and independent life.

3.

  1. Umpteen
  2. Aspirants

Passage 3
Read the given passage carefully.

Cosmetic surgery is the latest beauty mantra in India , as more and more people want to look young and feel good. Be it a crooked nose, cleft lip or excessive body flab, cosmetic surgery can correct it all. Moreover, in the last decade, the popularity of medical tourism has soared among people in developed nations due to the elevated cost of healthcare in their own countries. A career as a cosmetic surgeon entails years of training and developing exceptional skill. However, once established, clients will flow in. Cosmetic surgery entails specialisation in a wide variety of arenas such as rhinoplasty (nose job), abdominalplasty (tummy tuck), otoplasty (ear surgery), chin, cheek, and liposuction. The level of education is expanding in the field of medical science and the demand for cosmetic surgeons in India is at an all time high. Cosmetic or aesthetic surgery is a fine tuned branch of medicine and requires intensive training. After an MBBS degree, students would have to pursue a three year Masters in Surgery (MS) degree and decide upon their area of specialisation. The MS degree involves a house job, a junior residency and a senior residency for one year each. Students then have to give a dissertation for approval to the university, after which they can sit for the MS examinations. Aspiring cosmetic surgeons need to specialise in plastic and reconstructive surgery, also known as MCh degree. Another option after MBBS is the Diploma National Board (DNB), which is parallel to the conventional medical system and offers various specialisation options including plastic and cosmetic surgery. The basic requirement of a cosmetic surgeon is an elevated sense of aesthetics and beauty. A sense and perception for the perfection of the human anatomy is vital in cosmetic surgery.
During their practicing years, students must aim to train under renowned surgeons in the field and soak up as much as possible from their expertise. Being an apprentice to a good surgeon will not only give you the much required exposure to the reality of the cosmetic operations, but will also build your confidence and client base. The practicing years are crucial because in cosmetic surgery, perfect results are essential. Medical science is not a stagnant field and hence one must also keep abreast of the latest in the field of cosmetic surgery. The biggest profit for a truly dedicated cosmetic surgeon is the beautiful result of his work and the client’s satisfaction. After training under reputed cosmetic surgeons, one can either seek employment in a hospital as a full time surgeon or open up a private clinic, or do both. If you are good, people will come to you. Word of mouth is the best form of advertising for a cosmetic surgeon.

Questions:
1. On the basis of your reading of the above passage make notes on it in points only, using recognisable abbreviations wherever necessary. Also suggest a suitable title. (5)
2. Write a summary of the above passage in about 80 words. (3)
Answers:
1. Title: Career as a Cosmetic Surgeon
Notes

  1. Cosmetic Surgery popular in India
    1. can correct
      (a) crooked nose
      (b) cleft lip
      (c) excessive body flab
    2. pplrty. of medical tourism increased it.
  2. Training for becoming cosmetic surgeon
    1. lengthy
      (a) first step MBBS degree
      (b) next step Master in Srgry (3 yrs.)
      (c) finally MCh degree
      (d) alternatively DNB after MBBS
    2. rqrng exceptional skill & aesthetic sense
      (a) specialise in
      • Rhinoplasty
      • Abdominalplasty
      • Otolasty
      • Chin, cheek & liposuction
      (b) elevated sense of aesthetics & beauty
      (c) added advantage by
      • Trg under renowned surgeon
      • Soak up their expertise
      • Bid confidence & client base
      (d) perfect results essential
      • Client satisfaction biggest profit
      • Word of mouth best for bldg reputation


2. Summary
Cosmetic surgery is popular in India, especially with the growth of medical tourism during the last ten years. Training to be a successful cosmetic surgeon is very intensive and demanding, as, besides an MBBS degree, a three year Master in Surgery and an MCh degree or equivalent qualification is required. Practice must begin under an experienced surgeon to learn the latest techniques. Perfect results are a must. The biggest success for a cosmetic surgeon is the customer’s full satisfaction.

NCERT English for Class 12 Solutions

Essay writing tips examples

CBSE Class 12 English Writing Skills

Short Compositions

Letter Writing

Also Read

Tags:

Post a Comment

0 Comments

Please Comment