Unseen Passage For Class 10 Discursive CBSE With Answers

Discursive writing: expresses opinions. It can be argumentative, i.e. may give reasons, explanations, or explore cause and effect relationship. Passages of this kind are analytical. Sometimes the author presents his views with great depth of reasoning or force of argument with the intention of convincing the reader to his point of view. Such texts have great persuasive power.

Basic English Grammar rules can be tricky. In this article, we’ll get you started with the basics of sentence structure, punctuation, parts of speech, and more.

We also providing Extra Questions for Class 10 English Chapter wise.

Unseen Passage For Class 10 Discursive CBSE With Answers

1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.

1. It is an indisputable fact that the world has gone too far with the innovation of new technologies such as mobile phones, the Internet and so on, due to which people are able to tour the cosmos virtually sitting at one place using their smart devices or other technological gadgets. Though mobile internet access is oftentimes hurried and short, it can still provide common internet features like alerts, weather data, emails, search engines, instant messages, and games and music downloading.

2. Due to the easy access of smart phones, communication has been very effective and instant. People are able to convey their message all around the globe to their loved ones without spending hefty sums of money. Adults are always fond of such gadgets and they always welcome and adopt such new technology readily. Further, young people have been able to broaden their minds and improve their skills by doing research on the Internet. For instance, they use smart phones to look up any new word they come across. As we know that most of the universities have online teaching provision and smart phones assist the students to complete their assignments on time.

3. The mobile phone has been a lifesaver for a lot of people in case of an emergency. Likewise, the use of smartphones can be of vital importance in preventing crimes in society by providing information to the security forces in time.

4. Nonetheless, for the young the use of mobile phones can be like an addiction and they can misuse it. Young people are also prone to getting involved in undesirable activities on the Internet. This might have an adverse effect on their academic performance. Therefore, young people should always be monitored and made aware of its bad outcomes.

5. Also a major contributor to its popularity is the availability of prepaid or pay–as–you–go services from a phone shop or an online store. This allows subscribers to load text or airtime credits to their handsets by the use of their credit cards, debit cards or by buying a prepaid card from the network they subscribe to. This plan also doesn’t commit a particular customer to a contract. If prepaid card is not that appealing to you, then you can opt to subscribe using the pay–by–month plan.

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

(a) How are smartphones helpful in communication?
(b) What are the benefits of mobile phones for the young generation?
(c) How can mobile phones be considered “lifesavers’?
(d) Mention any two demerits of mobile phones.
Answer:
(a) Communication has become very effective and instant due to smartphones. People are able to convey their messages all around the globe to their loved ones without spending hefty sums of money.

(b) Mobile phones have been beneficial to the younger generation as they have been able to broaden their minds and improve their skills by doing research on the Internet. They use smartphones to look up any new word they come across.

(c) Mobile phones can be considered lifesavers as they are of great use during an emergency. They help prevent crimes in the society by providing timely information to the police and security forces.

(d) Two demerits of mobile phones:
(i) Due to mobile phones young people can get involved in undesirable activities on the Internet.
(ii) They get addicted and their academic performance suffers.

1.2 On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer of the following:

(a) In para 1, the synonym of ‘innovation’ is ……………………
(i) production
(ii) sincerity
(iii) invention
(iv) prevention
Answer:
(iii) invention

(b) In para 4, the antonym of ‘favourable’ is ……………………
(i) positive
(ii) prone
(iii) outcomes
(iv) adverse
Answer:
(iv) adverse

(d) Mobile internet can provide access to ……………………
Answer:
emails

2. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.

1. A lot of childhood memories revolve around zoo visits which then was a source of entertainment and amusement, though now one wonders whether it is right to keep animals thus caged.

2. It is wrong to keep animals in captivity in zoos. Like human beings, even animals have a right to stay in their natural habitat, which they are deprived of when they are taken to a zoo. The vastness of the natural habitat cannot be recreated in the zoo. The area restriction also does not allow them to roam about with their family in large herds and they are kept alone or in pairs.

3. Wild animals are bom with survival skills which ensure that they possess the innate instinct to hunt and kill which makes sure that they survive in the forest. But when they are captured and enclosed in cages in zoos, these instincts slowly disappear due to inaction.

4. Cleanliness of the zoo is another major concern and animals have to live in dirty, unhygienic and cramped conditions, opposed to the natural green environment of the forest where waste is automatically decomposed and recycled. Thus they are prone to various diseases and die early due to lack of proper medical facilities.

5. Although there are many disadvantages of keeping animals in a zoo, it is also true that zoos protect certain animals from other wild animals in the forest. Thus they are an important means to conserve species of animals which are nearing extinction. Zoos provide an opportunity for researchers to observe the behavioural patterns of these animals and then plan on a strategy which would ensure their survival.

6. Zoos also provide a source of education and information to children. A visit to a zoo can help a child get acquainted with various species of animals and understand the importance and value of animals in the ecosystem.

7. The debate over whether zoos are good or bad cannot have a proper conclusion. It is tme that by keeping animals in captivity, we are depriving them of their freedom but it is also tme that we have managed to save members of a few species only by keeping them in under observation in zoos.

2.1 Answer the following questions based on facts from the passage given above.

(a) State some disadvantages of zoos.
(i) ……………………………………………… .
(ii) ……………………………………………… .
(iii) ……………………………………………… .
(iv) ……………………………………………… .
(v) ……………………………………………… .
(vi) malnourished animals

(b) Lists a few advantages of zoos.
(i) protects animals from other animals
(ii) ……………………………………………… .
(iii) ……………………………………………… .
(iv) ……………………………………………… .

3. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.

1. What is intelligence? And how can one be intelligent all the time? One has to understand the basic fact that intelligence and intellect are at two opposite poles. A person who is an intellectual would have all the knowledge of the world but won’t know how to give it shape. Knowledge burdens the individual if he does not have the intelligence to express it.

2. Intelligence is an integral part of the individual which finds fulfilment in expression. An intellectual who is burdened by excessive knowledge can never flow with intelligence. Intelligence demands that an individual be sensitive of his acts, thoughts and emotions. It also demands that the individual be inquisitive about the working of life and of one’s own mind.

3. Intelligence implies that the individual be supple and flow along with life’s source, so as to be one with the sublime realities of love, bliss and peace. Intelligence is the basic knowledge of life which is transformed into knowing.

4. The transformation process between knowledge and knowing requires the individual to be inquisitive, sensitive and observant. To do all this, the individual has to be in the present. This being in the present brings the individual back to harmony. Only meditation helps the individual to be in the present moment. He can then observe his own thoughts and actions.

5. Once he is able to observe his own thoughts and actions, he can see his repressions, motivations and prejudices. This sets into motion the wheel of intelligence, which dispels ignorance behind thoughts, actions and emotions.

6. Intelligence strengthens the integration and harmony of the individual. Strength to act intelligently according to the situation helps in obliterating thought processes which perpetuate fear, remorse and conflict within.

7. This conscious understanding of one’s fear, remorse and conflict opens the doors of intelligence so that we can first understand and then transcend them. Otherwise, we remain in a state of ignorance. The art of understanding is what suffuses us with wisdom.

8. And the art of understanding oneself provides strength. The art of being wise and strong is intelligence. Without this basic intelligence, an individual is tapped within himself manifesting inner conflicts, hatred and ignorance in the external world.

9. Meditation also helps a person understand what others are trapped in. Once they handle the situation, the doors of intelligence and compassion are further opened. Without basic understanding about oneself, compassion can never flower. Without compassion, all intelligence is ignorance.

10. Meditation, therefore, provides the necessary strength to surrender to oneself and be with oneself. And this being with oneself without remorse, guilt or fear makes one intelligent and capable of acting rightly.

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

(a) Bring out the difference between intellect and intelligence.
(b) Mention any two traits of intelligent people.
(c) How does being intelligent help an individual?
(d) How can intelligence become ignorance?
Answer:
(a) Intellect is the knowledge one possesses. An intellectual has the entire knowledge of the world but the ability to apply this knowledge is intelligence. Intellectuals therefore, may not be intelligent.

(b) Intelligent people are sensitive to their acts, thoughts, emotions and surroundings. They not only understand their own emotions but are sensitive to others’ feelings as well.

(c) Being intelligent helps an individual to strengthen himself. He is in harmony with himself and with the world around. It helps the individual act according to the situation and removes fear.

(d) Intelligence becomes ignorance when an individual is not able to handle situations. Intelligence becomes ignorance also when one lacks compassion and understanding of oneself.

3.2. On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer of the following:

(a) In para 1, the antonym of ‘relief’ is ………………………… .
(i) express
(ii) intellect
(iii) heaviness
(iv) burden
Answer:
(iv) burden

(b) In para 7, the synonym of ‘infuse’ is ………………………… .
(i) intelligence
(ii) ignorance
(iii) suffuses
(iv) transcends
Answer:
(iii) suffuses

(d) When an individual is unable to handle situations, intelligence becomes ………………………….
Answer:
ignorance

Type 2 Questions

1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.

1. Papaya is the healthiest fruit with a list of properties that is long and exhaustive. Mostly grown in the tropical regions of the world, papaya is generally considered a goldmine of nutrition, so much so that the famous explorer Christopher Columbus referred to it as the ‘fruit of the angels’.

2. Papaya is not just known as a delicious fruit but is also known for its medicinal and nutritional values. It is considered a storehouse of natural fibres, carotene, vitamin C, and essential minerals which lower the level of cholesterol and prevent heart diseases. It contains an important digestive enzyme called papain which helps in digestion. The enzyme is similar to pepsin in its digestive action and is said to be so powerful that it can digest 200 times its own weight in protein. It assists the body in assimilating the maximum nutritional value from food to provide energy and body-building materials.

3. Papain in raw papaya makes up for the deficiency of gastric juice and fights excess of unhealthy mucus in the stomach, dyspepsia, and intestinal irritation. The ripe fruit, if eaten regularly corrects habitual constipation, bleeding piles, and chronic diarrhea. The juiCe of the papaya seeds also assists in curing the above-mentioned ailments.

4. The juice, used as a cosmetic, removes freckles or brown spots due to exposure to sunlight and makes the skin smooth and delicate. A paste of papaya seeds is applied in skin diseases like those caused by ringworm. The black seeds of the papaya are highly beneficial in the treatment of cirrhosis of the liver caused by alcoholism. It is also believed that papaya seeds can also be used as an anti-inflammatory agent. A tablespoonful of its juice, combined with a hint of fresh lime juice, should be consumed once or twice daily for a month. The fresh juice of raw papaya mixed with honey can be applied over inflamed tonsils, for diphtheria and other throat disorders. It dissolves the membrane and prevents infection from spreading.

5. Papaya thus has a number of uses. You can munch on it as a salad, have it cooked or boiled, or just drink it in the form of a milkshake or juice.

1.1 Based on your reading of the passage, answer the following questions.

(a) Who named papaya the ‘fruit of the angels’ and why?
(b) What is the function of the enzyme papain?
(c) Does papaya has cholesterol-reducing properties? Why?
(d) How can papaya juice be used?

1.2 Select appropriate antonyms for the following words from the passage out of the options provided.

(a) What is the word used for ‘extensive’ as given in the passage?
(i) exhaustive
(ii) delicate
(iii) chronic
(iv) none of the above

(b) From the, given passage, which of the following words is a synonym of ‘integrate’?
(i) assimilate
(ii) process
(iii) separate
(iv) differentiate

(c) What does the word ‘enzyme’ mean in the given passage?
(i) a substance that brings out a specific biochemical reaction
(ii) a substance that hinders a specific biochemical reaction
(iii) a type of cell in the human body
(iv) none of the above

(d) What does the word ‘membrane’ mean as used in the passage?
(i) a lining or partition in an organism
(ii) an organ in an organism
(iii) a property of an organism
(iv) none of the above

1.1 Based on your reading of the passage, answer the following questions.

(a) What did Alfred Hitchcock’s style of film making comprise of?
(b) How did Alfred Hitchcock attain an interest in mystery and suspense?
(c) Why did Alfred Hitchcock join Paramount Studio?
(d) What all aspects of filmmaking did Hitchcock get involved in?

1.2 Select appropriate synonyms for the following words from the passage out of the options provided.

(a) vivid
(i) boring
(ii) striking
(iii) unimpressive
(iv) tedious

(b) unique
(i) common
(ii) aplenty
(iii) rare
(iv) similar

(d) agony
(i) pain
(ii) joy
(iii) happiness
(iv) celebration

2. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.

1. When did you last see a good road in India? Like a really smooth road? Drivable, wide, nicely built and long, yawning, stretching so far that you want to zip on till eternity and loosen the gears and let the car fly! A road without squeeze or bump or gaping holes that pop up like blood-dripping kitchen knives in Ramsay Brothers films. When did you last see such roads?

2. Pakistan is full of such roads. Driving on the motorway between Islamabad and Lahore, I thought of the Indian politician who ruled a notorious—one could almost say viciously—potholed state and spoke of turning the roads so smooth that they would resemble the cheeks.of Hema Malini. They remained as dented as the face of Frankenstein’s monster. And here, in Pakistan, I was travelling on roads that—well, how can one now avoid this?—were as smooth as Hema Nfalini’s cheeks!

3. Pakistani roads are broad and smooth and almost entirely, magically, pothole flee. How do they do it; this country that is ostensibly so far behind in economic growth compared to India? But they do and one of my most delightful experiences in Pakistan has been travelling on its fabulous roads. No wonder the country is littered with SUVs—Pakistan has the roads for such cars!

4. Even in tiny Bajaur in the North West Frontier Province, hard hit by the Taliban, and a little more than a frontier post, the roads were smoother than many I know in India. Bajaur has a higher road density than India! If there is one thing we should learn from the Pakistanis, it is how to build roads. And oh, another thing, no one throws beer bottles or trash on the highways and motorways.

5. And oh, here’s the best thing. Indian rupee is worth almost double the Pakistani rupee, so everything is at a 50 per cent discount. Naturally, I love Pakistan!

2.1 Based on your reading of the passage, answer the following questions.

(a) In the opening paragraph, what does the narrator imply? .
(b) What does the narrator aim to signify using the example of Frankenstein’s monster?
(c) In spite of being economically backward, what does Pakistan have according to the author?
(d) State any two reasons why the author loves Pakistan.

2.2 Select appropriate antonyms for the following words from the passage out of the options provided.

(a) smooth
(i) coarse
(ii) plain
(iii) clear
(iv) bright

(b) notorious
(i) reputed
(ii) untrustworthy
(iii) discreditable
(iv) none of the above

(d) hard
(i) tough
(ii) rough
(iii) unbreakable
(iv) soft

3. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.

1. After a hard day’s work you retire to your room, pick up a book and settle down for an hour of quietness, when suddenly the peace is shattered by loud music from a nearby marriage hall. You try not to let it bother you, but after a while you become angry. You clench your teeth. And then your fists. You throw the books down. You threaten to go down and cut their wires. Have you ever thought of this intrusion into your personal space as violence? And your own reaction, a violent one too?

2. For most of us, our personal space is sacred. Whether that space is a luxuriously quiet room, a table in the comer, or a moment of snatched solitude with a cup of coffee. The personal space we crave for, needs quietness and solitude. But, much of our space is violated by noise: ringing telephones which pierce our ears; blaring, deafening horns; loud, ear-splitting music; screeching of tyres; booming voices and so much more—lack of space, congested roads, narrow corridors, flats built so close to each other.

All of this violates our sense of space and need for site. Unable to bear the noise and the crowd, we turn into himsa people, snapping at each other.

3. Perhaps you may not have thought that inconsiderate interruptions, rummaging through drawers that are not yours, reading mail that doesn’t belong to you, listening at doors to private conversations as his behaviour. These acts are violations of space and privacy and so it is violence. When our personal space is disrupted, we become angry and this often leads to verbal or emotional violence.

4. A friend of mine needs to be alone in the front porch with his cigarette, coffee and newspaper. Nobody would dare disturb him first thing in the morning during his time of solitude. His wife’s space consists of watching her favourite TV serial at night. There have been many squabbles over this as he often interrupts her asking for a drink, or expecting her to search for something he has mislaid during that time. This insensitivity and lack of respect for her is a form of violence.

3.1 Based on your reading of the passage, answer the following questions.

(a) According to the writer, what does the loud music in the neighborhood represent?
(b) How does a man react when is exposed to noise and crowd?
(c) According to the writer, when does the husband in the fifth paragraph show himself!
(d) State a few ‘inconsiderate interruptions’ according to the author.

3.2 Select appropriate antonyms for the following words from the passage out of the options provided.

(a) What is the word used for ‘retreat’ as given in the passage?
(i) favourite
(ii) refresh
(iii) retire
(iv) ahimSa.

(b) What do -‘squabbles’ mean?
(i) a noisy quarrel
(ii) quiet disregard
(iii) dissatisfaction
(iv) none of the above

(c) What does the term ‘himsa’ mean in the passage?
(i) violent behaviour
(ii) non-violent behaviour
(iii) considerate behaviour
(iv) friendly behaviour

(d) What does the phrase; ‘inconsiderate interruptions’ mean in the passage?
(i) asking for advice
(ii) purposefully disturbing someone
(iii) disturbing someone without any consideration for their time
(iv) none of the above

4. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.

1. Modem food has become our enemy. We have become so besotted by taste and presentation that we eat food for its entertainment value, not for its nutritional benefit. Each restaurant boasts of a new cuisine, which is a mixture of refined flour, oil and sugar. Pasta, noodles, white rice, white bread are the grain options in Italian, Chinese, Indian or Mexican cuisines. The vegetarian dishes are either overcooked or have a lot of com starch and fat. The non-vegetarian dishes are either white-sauce based or made in rich gravies.

2. People are trying to lose weight by eating less in the day, so that they can accommodate such food in the night. They skip breakfast and lunch so that they can satisfy their taste buds in the night with a family dinner.

3. Perfect health, however, cannot be achieved by a process of deprivation and elimination. The idea is to nourish the body. You might achieve some weight loss but’you will also lose out on your health.

4. For the past 15 years, I have been providing solutions to people suffering from obesity and its related problems like high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, osteoarthritis, asthma. I realized that by advising a health plan for these disorders, people lost excess baggage automatically. This means that weight loss can be a natural by-product of a health regime. You don’t have to eat less to lose weight, you just have to choose your food correctly. In fact the link between ideal body weight and health is so crucial that if one were to concentrate completely on achieving good health, one would automatically achieve some amount of weight loss.

5. Food influences almost every aspect of your being. It influences your nails, hair, skin, hormones, and bones. It balances your emotions, makes your mind sharp, influences your moods and helps you to deal with situations better. Just imagine, the milk that you drank yesterday will eventually become a part of your nails and bones. The vegetables that you eat will affect the texture of your skin. The fact that the right kinds of fats are essential to achieve good health comes as a surprise to many people. Fat is the raw material for many hormones.

4.1 Based on your reading of the passage, answer the following questions.

(a) Why has modem food become our enemy?
(b) What do people do to be able to eat food made of fat and starch?
(c) What leads to perfect health?
(d) List some obesity-related problems according to the author.

10.2 Select appropriate antonyms for the following words from the passage out of the options provided.
(a) modern
(i) contemporary
(ii) current
(iii) new
(iv) old-fashioned

(b) accommodate
(i) hinder
(ii) adjust
(iii) fit
(iv) none of the above

(d) many
(i) few
(ii) plenty
(iii) numerous
(iv) none of the above