Madhyamik English Unseen Suggestion 2026
SET 1
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Kolkata: The city experienced its hottest day of the year on Tuesday, with the maximum temperature soaring to 41.6 degrees Celsius, six degrees above normal. The heatwave sweeping across south Bengal is likely to continue for the next four to five days, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre. The Met office has issued an orange alert for several districts, including Kolkata, warning of severe heatwave conditions. This prolonged spell of extreme heat is attributed to a dry north-westerly wind and the absence of moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal. Doctors have advised people to stay indoors during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activities. The discomfort is further amplified by high humidity levels. The city’s last significant rainfall was over a month ago, and there is no immediate forecast for relieving showers.
[Adapted from a report in The Times of India]
A. Tick the right answer: (1×6=6)
(i) The maximum temperature in Kolkata on Tuesday was:
(ii) The heatwave is expected to last for:
(iii) The Met office has issued a/an:
(iv) The heat is caused by dry winds from the:
(v) The discomfort is increased by:
(vi) The city’s last significant rainfall was:
B. State whether the following statements are ‘True’ or ‘False’. Provide supporting sentences. ( (1+1)x3=6 )
(i) The temperature on Tuesday was normal for the season.
(ii) Moist winds from the Bay of Bengal are causing the heatwave.
(iii) Rain is expected to provide relief very soon.
C. Answer the following questions: (2×4=8)
(i) What advice have doctors given to people?
(ii) What are the two main reasons for this prolonged heatwave?
(iii) What does the ‘orange alert’ signify?
(iv) By how many degrees was the temperature above normal on Tuesday?
SET 2
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
The Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, is facing a severe threat from rising sea levels and increased salinity in its water and soil. This UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the iconic Royal Bengal Tiger, is a unique ecosystem that supports a rich biodiversity. However, climate change is causing the sea to encroach upon the land, submerging low-lying islands and destroying mangrove habitats. A recent study by the School of Oceanographic Studies, Jadavpur University, found that the salinity of the rivers in the Indian Sundarbans has increased by nearly 26% over the last two decades. This change is making it difficult for many mangrove species, especially the ‘Sundari’ trees after which the forest is named, to survive. The livelihood of millions of people who depend on the forest for fishing, honey collection, and agriculture is also at stake. Conservationists are calling for urgent international cooperation to reduce global carbon emissions and for local measures like planting salt-tolerant mangrove species.
[Adapted from a report on climate change impacts]
A. Tick the right answer: (1×6=6)
(i) The Sundarbans is the world’s largest:
(ii) The Sundarbans is a designated:
(iii) Over the last two decades, salinity in the Sundarbans rivers has increased by:
(iv) The forest is named after the:
(v) The study was conducted by:
(vi) Conservationists are calling for urgent:
B. State whether the following statements are ‘True’ or ‘False’. Provide supporting sentences. ( (1+1)x3=6 )
(i) The Sundarbans is facing a threat from decreasing sea levels.
(ii) Increased salinity is beneficial for ‘Sundari’ trees.
(iii) The livelihood of many people is dependent on the Sundarbans.
C. Answer the following questions: (2×4=8)
(i) What are the two primary threats faced by the Sundarbans?
(ii) How is climate change affecting the Sundarbans?
(iii) What two measures are conservationists suggesting to save the Sundarbans?
(iv) Apart from the ‘Sundari’ tree, which iconic animal is found in this forest?
SET 3
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Amelia Earhart, an American aviation pioneer, became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean on May 20-21, 1932. She set off from Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, in her single-engine Lockheed Vega 5B and landed 14 hours and 56 minutes later in a pasture at Culmore, north of Derry, Northern Ireland. The flight was fraught with challenges: she battled strong north-westerly winds, icy conditions, and mechanical problems. Her original destination was Paris, but a combination of these difficulties forced her to land in Ireland. Despite not reaching her intended destination, her achievement was monumental. She was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross by the U.S. Congress, the first ever given to a woman. Earhart’s courage and determination broke barriers for women in aviation and inspired countless others. Sadly, she disappeared in 1937 over the central Pacific Ocean during an attempt to circumnavigate the globe.
[Adapted from historical records on aviation]
A. Tick the right answer: (1×6=6)
(i) Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly solo across the:
(ii) Her flight took approximately:
(iii) Her original destination was:
(iv) She was awarded the:
(v) Amelia Earhart disappeared in the year:
(vi) The passage highlights Earhart’s:
B. State whether the following statements are ‘True’ or ‘False’. Provide supporting sentences. ( (1+1)x3=6 )
(i) Amelia Earhart successfully landed in Paris.
(ii) Her flight across the Atlantic was smooth and uneventful.
(iii) She was the first woman to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross.
C. Answer the following questions: (2×4=8)
(i) From where did Amelia Earhart start her solo flight and where did she land?
(ii) What challenges did she face during her flight?
(iii) Why was her achievement considered monumental despite not reaching her destination?
(iv) What happened to Amelia Earhart in 1937?
SET 4
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Rabindranath Tagore, the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, was a polymath who reshaped Bengali literature and music. While he is globally renowned for his poetry, especially the collection ‘Gitanjali’, his contributions as a painter are equally significant, though less discussed. Tagore took up painting late in his life, around the age of sixty, and produced thousands of works. His art was deeply personal and subconscious. He often started with an erasure or a doodle, which would evolve into strange, fantastical creatures or melancholic human faces. Unlike his structured and harmonious poetry, his paintings are marked by a sense of spontaneity, rhythm, and a raw, untamed energy. He never gave titles to his paintings, believing that they should communicate directly with the viewer without the aid of words. This visual art provided him an outlet for expressions that he felt could not be captured in his writings.
[Adapted from an article on Rabindranath Tagore’s art]
A. Tick the right answer: (1×6=6)
(i) Rabindranath Tagore won the Nobel Prize in:
(ii) Tagore started painting at the age of around:
(iii) His paintings often evolved from:
(iv) A key feature of his paintings is:
(v) Tagore did not give titles to his paintings because he wanted them to:
(vi) His art was an outlet for expressions that could not be captured in:
B. State whether the following statements are ‘True’ or ‘False’. Provide supporting sentences. ( (1+1)x3=6 )
(i) Tagore’s paintings are as famous as his poetry worldwide.
(ii) Tagore’s paintings were similar in style to his structured poetry.
(iii) Tagore was the first European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.
C. Answer the following questions: (2×4=8)
(i) What kind of subjects did Tagore often paint?
(ii) Why did Tagore take up painting late in his life?
(iii) What is a polymath? How does Tagore fit this description?
(iv) How did Tagore’s artistic process for painting often begin?
SET 5
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues, as rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic products overwhelms the world’s ability to deal with them. Plastic, a material made to last forever, is often used just once and then thrown away. This has led to a plastic crisis. Every year, about 8 million tons of plastic waste escapes into the oceans from coastal nations. That’s the equivalent of setting five garbage bags full of trash on every foot of coastline around the world. Single-use plastics, like straws, bags, and bottles, are the biggest culprits. These plastics break down into tiny particles called microplastics, which are ingested by marine life and can enter the human food chain. To combat this, many countries are banning single-use plastics and promoting alternatives like reusable bags, bamboo straws, and biodegradable materials. Public awareness campaigns are also crucial to encourage individuals to reduce their plastic footprint.
[Adapted from a National Geographic report on plastic pollution]
A. Tick the right answer: (1×6=6)
(i) The main problem discussed in the passage is:
(ii) About how much plastic waste enters the oceans annually?
(iii) The biggest contributors to plastic waste are:
(iv) Microplastics are:
(v) One of the ways to combat plastic pollution is:
(vi) The passage states that plastic is a material made to last:
B. State whether the following statements are ‘True’ or ‘False’. Provide supporting sentences. ( (1+1)x3=6 )
(i) The world is successfully managing its disposable plastic products.
(ii) Microplastics pose a threat to both marine life and humans.
(iii) Public awareness is considered unimportant in fighting plastic pollution.
C. Answer the following questions: (2×4=8)
(i) Why has plastic pollution become a pressing environmental issue?
(ii) What are microplastics and how are they harmful?
(iii) Name two alternatives to single-use plastics mentioned in the passage.
(iv) What is ironic about the use of plastic as mentioned in the text?
SET 6
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
The Great Pyramid of Giza, built for the Pharaoh Khufu around 2580-2560 BC, is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza pyramid complex. It is the most ancient of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the only one to remain largely intact. For over 3,800 years, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world. The construction of this colossal monument is a marvel of ancient engineering. It is estimated to have been built using around 2.3 million stone blocks, each weighing an average of 2.5 tons. The precision with which these blocks were cut and placed is astounding, with gaps between them often less than a millimeter. Historians and archaeologists are still debating the exact methods used by the ancient Egyptians to move and lift these massive stones. Theories range from the use of long ramps to sophisticated systems of levers and pulleys. The pyramid’s purpose was to serve as a tomb for the pharaoh, a sacred place designed to protect his body and possessions for the afterlife.
[Adapted from a documentary script on Ancient Egypt]
A. Tick the right answer: (1×6=6)
(i) The Great Pyramid of Giza was built for Pharaoh:
(ii) The Great Pyramid is the only surviving wonder of the:
(iii) It was the tallest man-made structure for over:
(iv) The average weight of a stone block used was:
(v) The primary purpose of the pyramid was to be a:
(vi) The debate among historians is about the:
B. State whether the following statements are ‘True’ or ‘False’. Provide supporting sentences. ( (1+1)x3=6 )
(i) The Great Pyramid is the newest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
(ii) The stone blocks in the pyramid were placed with remarkable precision.
(iii) Experts are certain about the construction techniques used for the pyramid.
C. Answer the following questions: (2×4=8)
(i) What makes the Great Pyramid unique among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World?
(ii) What was the main function of the pyramid?
(iii) Mention two theories about how the massive stones were moved.
(iv) How many stone blocks were used to build the pyramid?
SET 7
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
The chameleon is a master of disguise, renowned for its remarkable ability to change skin colour. This change is not just for camouflage, but is also a form of communication and a way to regulate body temperature. Specialised cells called chromatophores, located in layers under the chameleon’s transparent outer skin, are responsible for these stunning transformations. These cells contain different coloured pigments and can expand or contract, altering the amount of light that is reflected. For instance, when a chameleon is calm, the cells are relaxed, reflecting blue light. When it gets excited or aggressive, the cells expand, reflecting yellow and red light, making the chameleon appear more brightly coloured. Chameleons also change colour to absorb or reflect heat. A darker colour helps absorb more heat on a cool morning, while a lighter shade helps reflect the sun’s rays during the hot midday. This complex ability makes the chameleon one of the most fascinating creatures in the reptile world.
[Adapted from an article in ‘Science Today’]
A. Tick the right answer: (1×6=6)
(i) The chameleon is famous for its ability to:
(ii) The special cells responsible for colour change are called:
(iii) When a chameleon is excited, its cells:
(iv) A darker skin colour helps the chameleon to:
(v) Colour change is used by chameleons for camouflage and:
(vi) A calm chameleon’s cells reflect:
B. State whether the following statements are ‘True’ or ‘False’. Provide supporting sentences. ( (1+1)x3=6 )
(i) The chameleon’s ability to change colour is only for hiding from predators.
(ii) Chromatophores are located on the surface of the chameleon’s skin.
(iii) A chameleon might turn a lighter shade to cool down.
C. Answer the following questions: (2×4=8)
(i) What are the three main purposes of a chameleon’s colour change?
(ii) How do chromatophores work to change the chameleon’s skin colour?
(iii) What happens to a chameleon’s colour when it gets excited?
(iv) How does a chameleon use its colour-changing ability to regulate temperature?
SET 8
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
On April 12, 1961, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human to journey into outer space. His spacecraft, Vostok 1, completed one orbit of Earth in 108 minutes. The mission was a landmark achievement in the Space Race between the Soviet Union and the United States. Gagarin, a 27-year-old senior lieutenant at the time, was chosen from over 3,000 fighter pilots. He was known for his calm demeanor and quick reflexes. During his flight, he famously remarked, “The Earth is blue… How wonderful. It is amazing.” His safe return to Earth turned him into an international hero. He was awarded the title of ‘Hero of the Soviet Union’. However, Gagarin’s life was tragically cut short. On March 27, 1968, he died at the age of 34 when the MiG-15 training jet he was piloting crashed. Despite his short life, Yuri Gagarin’s legacy as the pioneer of human spaceflight remains immortal.
[Adapted from historical accounts of the Space Race]
A. Tick the right answer: (1×6=6)
(i) Yuri Gagarin was the first human to:
(ii) His spacecraft was named:
(iii) The duration of his spaceflight was:
(iv) Gagarin was chosen from a group of:
(v) He died in a:
(vi) The title awarded to him was:
B. State whether the following statements are ‘True’ or ‘False’. Provide supporting sentences. ( (1+1)x3=6 )
(i) Yuri Gagarin’s mission was part of the cooperation between the USA and the Soviet Union.
(ii) Gagarin was known for his calm personality.
(iii) Yuri Gagarin lived a long life after his space mission.
C. Answer the following questions: (2×4=8)
(i) What was Yuri Gagarin’s famous remark during his flight?
(ii) Why was Gagarin’s mission considered a landmark achievement?
(iii) What qualities made Gagarin a suitable candidate for the space mission?
(iv) How did Yuri Gagarin die?
SET 9
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Malaria, a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, remains a significant global health challenge. In 2022, there were an estimated 249 million cases of malaria worldwide, with the vast majority occurring in the WHO African Region. Children under 5 years of age are the most vulnerable group affected by malaria; in 2022, they accounted for about 80% of all malaria deaths in the African Region. The good news is that malaria is both preventable and curable. Key interventions include using insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying (IRS), and prompt diagnosis and treatment with effective antimalarial drugs. The development of the first malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS01, recommended by WHO in 2021, marks a historic step forward in the fight against this deadly disease, offering new hope for children in high-transmission areas.
[Adapted from a World Health Organization (WHO) fact sheet]
A. Tick the right answer: (1×6=6)
(i) Malaria is caused by:
(ii) The disease is transmitted by:
(iii) The most vulnerable group to malaria is:
(iv) The majority of malaria cases occur in:
(v) ITNs stand for:
(vi) The first malaria vaccine was recommended by WHO in:
B. State whether the following statements are ‘True’ or ‘False’. Provide supporting sentences. ( (1+1)x3=6 )
(i) There is no cure for malaria.
(ii) In 2022, children under 5 accounted for most malaria deaths in the African Region.
(iii) The development of a malaria vaccine is considered a minor achievement.
C. Answer the following questions: (2×4=8)
(i) How is malaria transmitted to people?
(ii) Mention two key interventions used to prevent malaria.
(iii) Why is the new malaria vaccine significant?
(iv) Which region of the world is most affected by malaria?
SET 10
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
The Right to Information (RTI) Act, enacted by the Parliament of India in 2005, is a landmark legislation that empowers citizens to access information from public authorities. The Act’s primary objective is to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority. Under the provisions of the Act, any citizen of India may request information from a “public authority” which is required to reply expeditiously or within thirty days. The Act also requires every public authority to computerise their records for wide dissemination. Before the RTI Act, the disclosure of information held by public authorities in India was restricted by the Official Secrets Act 1923. The RTI Act has been a crucial tool for citizens, activists, and journalists to uncover corruption, monitor government policies, and ensure that officials are held accountable for their actions. It has fundamentally changed the relationship between the citizen and the state, making governance more participatory.
[Adapted from an analysis of Indian legislation]
A. Tick the right answer: (1×6=6)
(i) The RTI Act was enacted in:
(ii) The Act empowers:
(iii) A public authority is required to reply within:
(iv) The RTI Act promotes transparency and:
(v) Before the RTI Act, information was restricted by the:
(vi) The RTI has been a crucial tool for uncovering:
B. State whether the following statements are ‘True’ or ‘False’. Provide supporting sentences. ( (1+1)x3=6 )
(i) Only journalists and activists can use the RTI Act.
(ii) The Act requires public authorities to computerise their records.
(iii) The RTI Act has made governance less participatory.
C. Answer the following questions: (2×4=8)
(i) What is the primary objective of the RTI Act?
(ii) What was the status of information disclosure before the RTI Act?
(iii) How has the RTI Act been a crucial tool for citizens?
(iv) What is the time limit for a public authority to reply to an RTI request?
SET 11
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
The Chipko movement was a non-violent social and ecological movement by rural villagers, particularly women, in India in the 1970s. The movement is best known for its tactic of hugging trees to prevent them from being cut down. The name ‘Chipko’ literally means ‘to stick’ or ‘to hug’ in Hindi. The first Chipko action took place spontaneously in April 1973 in the village of Mandal in the upper Alaknanda valley. The movement’s leader was Sunderlal Bahuguna, a Gandhian activist, whose slogan “Ecology is permanent economy” became a rallying cry. While the immediate goal was to save trees, the movement’s aims were broader. It sought to address the villagers’ rights over their forests and how these resources were being exploited by outside contractors. The Chipko movement became a benchmark for socio-ecological movements in India and around the world, highlighting the crucial link between environmental protection and the livelihoods of local communities.
[Adapted from an article on Indian environmental movements]
A. Tick the right answer: (1×6=6)
(i) The Chipko movement took place in the:
(ii) The participants of the movement were mainly:
(iii) The word ‘Chipko’ means:
(iv) The leader of the movement was:
(v) The first Chipko action took place in the village of:
(vi) The movement became a benchmark for:
B. State whether the following statements are ‘True’ or ‘False’. Provide supporting sentences. ( (1+1)x3=6 )
(i) The Chipko movement was a violent protest.
(ii) The movement’s only goal was to save trees.
(iii) Sunderlal Bahuguna was a Gandhian activist.
C. Answer the following questions: (2×4=8)
(i) What was the main tactic used in the Chipko movement?
(ii) What was the slogan of the movement?
(iii) What were the broader aims of the movement beyond saving trees?
(iv) What important link did the Chipko movement highlight?
SET 12
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Marie Curie, born Maria Skłodowska in Poland, was a physicist and chemist who conducted pioneering research on radioactivity. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, the first person and only woman to win the Nobel Prize twice, and the only person to win the Nobel Prize in two different scientific fields. Her first Nobel Prize, which she shared with her husband Pierre Curie and Henri Becquerel, was in Physics in 1903. Her second was in Chemistry in 1911. Her achievements included the development of the theory of radioactivity, techniques for isolating radioactive isotopes, and the discovery of two elements, polonium and radium. During World War I, she developed mobile radiography units to provide X-ray services to field hospitals. These units were popularly known as “Petites Curies” (“Little Curies”). Marie Curie’s work not only changed the world of science but also broke down many barriers for women in academia. However, her long exposure to radiation took a toll on her health, and she died in 1934 from aplastic anemia.
[Adapted from a biography of Marie Curie]
A. Tick the right answer: (1×6=6)
(i) Marie Curie was born in:
(ii) She won the Nobel Prize:
(iii) Her first Nobel Prize was in the field of:
(iv) The two elements she discovered were polonium and:
(v) “Petites Curies” were:
(vi) Marie Curie died from:
B. State whether the following statements are ‘True’ or ‘False’. Provide supporting sentences. ( (1+1)x3=6 )
(i) Marie Curie won Nobel Prizes in the same scientific field twice.
(ii) She shared her first Nobel Prize with her husband.
(iii) Her work had no impact on the role of women in science.
C. Answer the following questions: (2×4=8)
(i) Mention three of Marie Curie’s major achievements.
(ii) How did Marie Curie contribute during World War I?
(iii) In what way is Marie Curie’s Nobel Prize achievement unique?
(iv) What was the cause of her death?
SET 13
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
The city of Venice in Italy, famous for its intricate network of canals, is facing a constant battle against floods, a phenomenon known locally as ‘acqua alta’ (high water). Acqua alta occurs periodically in the Venetian Lagoon, primarily between autumn and spring, when a combination of high tides and strong winds pushes water into the city. While it has been a part of Venetian life for centuries, the frequency and intensity of these floods have increased alarmingly due to climate change and land subsidence (the gradual sinking of the land). To combat this existential threat, Italy has constructed a massive flood barrier system called MOSE (Modulo Sperimentale Elettromeccanico). The system consists of 78 mobile gates at the three inlets to the lagoon, which can be raised to seal it off from the Adriatic Sea during high tides. First activated in 2020, MOSE has already proven effective in protecting the city from several major floods, though long-term questions about its maintenance and environmental impact remain.
[Adapted from a report by Reuters]
A. Tick the right answer: (1×6=6)
(i) Venice is a city in:
(ii) The local term for floods in Venice is:
(iii) Acqua alta occurs mainly between:
(iv) The flood barrier system in Venice is called:
(v) The MOSE system consists of:
(vi) MOSE was first activated in:
B. State whether the following statements are ‘True’ or ‘False’. Provide supporting sentences. ( (1+1)x3=6 )
(i) The frequency of floods in Venice has decreased in recent times.
(ii) The MOSE system has been ineffective in protecting the city.
(iii) Land subsidence is a cause for the increased flooding.
C. Answer the following questions: (2×4=8)
(i) What is ‘acqua alta’ and what causes it?
(ii) What is land subsidence?
(iii) Briefly describe how the MOSE system works.
(iv) What are the long-term concerns regarding the MOSE system?
SET 14
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the 11th President of India, is fondly remembered as the “People’s President.” Born into a humble family in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, his life was a testament to the power of simplicity, hard work, and perseverance. Before becoming President, Kalam spent four decades as a scientist and science administrator, mainly at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He was a key figure in India’s civilian space program and military missile development, earning him the title “Missile Man of India.” As President, from 2002 to 2007, he was beloved for his approachable nature and his efforts to inspire the youth of the nation. He visited countless schools and colleges, encouraging students to “dream, dream, dream” and work towards making those dreams a reality. Even after his presidency, he continued his mission of igniting young minds as a visiting professor at several academic institutions until his sudden demise while delivering a lecture in 2015.
[Adapted from a tribute to Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam]
A. Tick the right answer: (1×6=6)
(i) Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was the ___ President of India.
(ii) He is also known as the:
(iii) He spent four decades as a scientist mainly at DRDO and:
(iv) His title “Missile Man of India” came from his work in:
(v) His message to students was to:
(vi) Dr. Kalam passed away while:
B. State whether the following statements are ‘True’ or ‘False’. Provide supporting sentences. ( (1+1)x3=6 )
(i) Dr. Kalam was born into a wealthy family.
(ii) He was known for his approachable nature as President.
(iii) After his presidency, he retired from public life.
C. Answer the following questions: (2×4=8)
(i) Why is Dr. Kalam fondly remembered as the “People’s President”?
(ii) How did Dr. Kalam earn the title “Missile Man of India”?
(iii) What did Dr. Kalam do after his term as President ended?
(iv) What does Dr. Kalam’s life stand as a testament to?
SET 15
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
The Amazon rainforest, often called the “lungs of the planet,” is the largest tropical rainforest in the world, covering an area of about 6.7 million square kilometers. It is home to an incredible array of biodiversity, including an estimated 10% of the world’s known species. This vast ecosystem plays a critical role in regulating global climate by absorbing enormous amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, the Amazon is under severe threat from deforestation. Large areas of the forest are cleared every year for cattle ranching, soybean farming, logging, and mining. Forest fires, often set deliberately to clear land, also ravage huge tracts of the rainforest. The loss of the Amazon has devastating consequences, including loss of biodiversity, disruption of indigenous communities, and an increase in greenhouse gases, which accelerates climate change. Scientists warn that if deforestation continues at the current rate, the Amazon could reach a tipping point where it can no longer sustain itself as a rainforest.
[Adapted from an article by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)]
A. Tick the right answer: (1×6=6)
(i) The Amazon rainforest is often called the:
(ii) The Amazon is home to an estimated ___ of the world’s known species.
(iii) The rainforest plays a critical role in regulating climate by absorbing:
(iv) A major cause of deforestation mentioned is:
(v) Forest fires in the Amazon are often started:
(vi) A ‘tipping point’ for the rainforest means it can no longer:
B. State whether the following statements are ‘True’ or ‘False’. Provide supporting sentences. ( (1+1)x3=6 )
(i) The Amazon rainforest is the smallest tropical rainforest in the world.
(ii) Deforestation in the Amazon helps reduce climate change.
(iii) Indigenous communities are affected by the loss of the Amazon.
C. Answer the following questions: (2×4=8)
(i) Why is the Amazon rainforest called the “lungs of the planet”?
(ii) List two reasons why the Amazon forest is being cleared.
(iii) What are two consequences of the loss of the Amazon rainforest?
(iv) What warning have scientists given regarding the Amazon?
SET 16
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
The art of puppetry is an ancient form of theatrical performance that involves the manipulation of puppets—inanimate objects, often resembling some type of human or animal figure. Puppetry is a very old art form, thought to have originated about 4000 years ago in India. Puppets have been used since the earliest times to animate and communicate the ideas and needs of human societies. While some historians claim that puppets were used in theatre before actors, both forms of entertainment probably developed side by side. In India, there are many different traditions of puppetry, each with its own regional identity. For instance, string puppets (marionettes) are popular in Rajasthan, rod puppets are famous in West Bengal and Odisha, and shadow puppetry is a celebrated art in states like Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. Despite the advent of modern entertainment like cinema and television, puppetry continues to be a vibrant medium for storytelling, education, and social commentary.
[Adapted from an article on traditional Indian arts]
A. Tick the right answer: (1×6=6)
(i) Puppetry is thought to have originated in:
(ii) The art of puppetry is about ___ years old.
(iii) Marionettes are a type of:
(iv) Rod puppets are famous in:
(v) Puppetry has been used to communicate:
(vi) Shadow puppetry is celebrated in:
B. State whether the following statements are ‘True’ or ‘False’. Provide supporting sentences. ( (1+1)x3=6 )
(i) Puppetry is a modern form of entertainment.
(ii) Historians agree that puppets were used in theatre before human actors.
(iii) Puppetry is no longer a vibrant medium due to cinema and television.
C. Answer the following questions: (2×4=8)
(i) What is puppetry?
(ii) What have puppets been used for since ancient times?
(iii) Mention two different regional traditions of puppetry in India.
(iv) For what purposes does puppetry continue to be a vibrant medium today?
SET 17
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
On August 23, 2023, India achieved a historic milestone by becoming the fourth country to successfully land a spacecraft on the Moon, and the very first to land near the lunar south pole. The mission, Chandrayaan-3, was developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The lander, named ‘Vikram’, and the rover, ‘Pragyan’, touched down softly in the unexplored south polar region. This region is of immense scientific interest because it is thought to contain water ice in permanently shadowed craters. The presence of water could be a critical resource for future lunar missions and potential human settlements. The success of Chandrayaan-3 was celebrated across India and the world, showcasing India’s growing capabilities in space technology at a fraction of the cost of similar missions by other countries. The mission has boosted the nation’s pride and inspired a new generation of scientists and engineers.
[Adapted from ISRO’s mission update]
A. Tick the right answer: (1×6=6)
(i) India became the ___ country to land on the Moon.
(ii) The mission was named:
(iii) The lander of the mission was named:
(iv) India is the first country to land near the lunar:
(v) The south polar region is thought to contain:
(vi) The mission was developed by:
B. State whether the following statements are ‘True’ or ‘False’. Provide supporting sentences. ( (1+1)x3=6 )
(i) The Chandrayaan-3 rover was named ‘Vikram’.
(ii) The lunar south pole is scientifically important.
(iii) The mission was extremely expensive compared to similar missions.
C. Answer the following questions: (2×4=8)
(i) What two historic achievements did India make on August 23, 2023?
(ii) Why is the lunar south pole a region of immense scientific interest?
(iii) How can the presence of water on the Moon be a critical resource?
(iv) What has been the impact of the mission’s success on the nation?
SET 18
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century was a revolutionary event that transformed human civilization. Before Gutenberg, books were handwritten by scribes, a slow and laborious process that made them rare and expensive, accessible only to the wealthy elite and the clergy. Gutenberg’s innovation was the use of movable type, where individual metal letters could be arranged to form text, inked, and then pressed onto paper. This made it possible to produce books quickly and in large quantities. The first major book printed using this method was the Gutenberg Bible. The rapid spread of printing technology led to an information revolution. Knowledge, ideas, and scientific discoveries could be disseminated more widely and quickly than ever before. It played a crucial role in fostering the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the Age of Enlightenment by making learning accessible to the common person and encouraging literacy.
[Adapted from a history of technology]
A. Tick the right answer: (1×6=6)
(i) The printing press was invented by:
(ii) Before the printing press, books were:
(iii) Gutenberg’s key innovation was the use of:
(iv) The first major book printed was the:
(v) The invention of printing led to a/an:
(vi) The printing press helped foster the:
B. State whether the following statements are ‘True’ or ‘False’. Provide supporting sentences. ( (1+1)x3=6 )
(i) Before Gutenberg, books were widely available to everyone.
(ii) Movable type allowed for the quick production of books.
(iii) The printing press hindered the spread of new ideas.
C. Answer the following questions: (2×4=8)
(i) What was the condition of books before the invention of the printing press?
(ii) What was Gutenberg’s main innovation?
(iii) How did the printing press lead to an “information revolution”?
(iv) Name two major historical movements that were fostered by the printing press.
SET 19
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Bees are vital pollinators, essential for the reproduction of many plants, including a large portion of the food we eat. However, bee populations are facing a serious decline worldwide due to a combination of factors. One of the biggest threats is the loss of habitat from urbanization and intensive agriculture, which reduces the diversity of flowers bees need for food. The widespread use of pesticides, particularly a class of insecticides called neonicotinoids, is also highly toxic to bees, impairing their ability to navigate and forage. Climate change further exacerbates the problem by altering the flowering times of plants, creating a mismatch between when flowers produce nectar and when bees are active. Additionally, parasites like the Varroa mite weaken bee colonies, making them more susceptible to other stresses. The decline of bees poses a significant threat to global food security and ecosystem health, prompting calls for more sustainable agricultural practices and the protection of natural habitats.
[Adapted from a United Nations Environment Programme report]
A. Tick the right answer: (1×6=6)
(i) Bees are vital for the ___ of many plants.
(ii) A major threat to bees is the loss of:
(iii) Neonicotinoids are a type of:
(iv) Climate change alters the ___ of plants.
(v) The Varroa mite is a type of:
(vi) The decline of bees threatens:
B. State whether the following statements are ‘True’ or ‘False’. Provide supporting sentences. ( (1+1)x3=6 )
(i) Intensive agriculture helps bee populations by providing more food.
(ii) Pesticides can harm a bee’s ability to navigate.
(iii) Climate change helps bees by making more flowers available.
C. Answer the following questions: (2×4=8)
(i) Why are bees considered vital pollinators?
(ii) List two major threats to bee populations.
(iii) How does the Varroa mite affect bee colonies?
(iv) What actions are being called for to protect bees?
SET 20
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
The discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928 is one of the most famous accidental discoveries in the history of medicine. Fleming, a Scottish bacteriologist, returned to his laboratory after a holiday and noticed that a petri dish containing Staphylococcus bacteria had been contaminated by a blue-green mould. He observed that the bacteria around the mould had been destroyed. He identified the mould as Penicillium notatum and concluded that it produced a substance that could kill bacteria. He named this substance “penicillin.” However, Fleming was unable to isolate the active compound in large quantities. It wasn’t until World War II that a team of scientists at Oxford University, led by Howard Florey and Ernst Chain, developed a method for mass-producing penicillin. This breakthrough saved countless lives during the war and ushered in the age of antibiotics, revolutionizing medicine and the treatment of bacterial infections.
[Adapted from a history of medicine]
A. Tick the right answer: (1×6=6)
(i) Penicillin was discovered by:
(ii) The discovery was made in the year:
(iii) The petri dish was contaminated by a:
(iv) The mould was identified as:
(v) Mass production of penicillin was developed during:
(vi) The discovery of penicillin ushered in the age of:
B. State whether the following statements are ‘True’ or ‘False’. Provide supporting sentences. ( (1+1)x3=6 )
(i) The discovery of penicillin was a planned experiment.
(ii) Fleming noticed that the mould helped the bacteria to grow.
(iii) Alexander Fleming successfully mass-produced penicillin himself.
C. Answer the following questions: (2×4=8)
(i) How did Alexander Fleming discover penicillin?
(ii) What did Fleming conclude from his observation?
(iii) Who was responsible for developing the method of mass-producing penicillin?
(iv) What was the great impact of the mass production of penicillin?
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