I. Read the passage given below. I. Nature is our mother, our first teacher. The greatest lesson that she teaches us is to maintain an equilibrium in life. We learn to maintain composure through our joys, sorrows and fears. In fact, there are a thousand lessons that nature can teach us, provided we look for them.
II. With time, a sapling grows into a full-grown tree; something so tiny and delicate develops into a strong tree capable of supporting others. No matter how tall it grows, how much it may flourish, or how many animals and birds it may support, its roots are firmly buried from where it once rose. That’s a lesson – to keep ourselves grounded, respect and embrace our roots, and give something back to those humble beginnings that nurtured usinto who we are.
III. Then there is the message of peaceful coexistence. ‘I am because we are.’ Nature provides every creature a chance to exist. However, the existence of one creature or being depends on the existence of the other. The tiger eats the antelope; without the antelope, the tiger wouldn’t survive. Likewise, without tigers, the over-abundance of antelopes would cause them to starve to death.
IV. I wonder if you have noticed that when birds or squirrels see a predator, they give out an alarm call to their fellow creatures, of the lurking danger. They put themselves in danger to save the lives of others. Many animals, like the salmon, usually die after they spawn, but this doesn’t stop them. One life extinguished for the betterment of others is a small price to pay.
V. The snow melts in the warmth of spring to give birth to fresh green leaves. In autumn these leaves age into shades of gold only to be buried in the cold grave of winter. Changeis inevitable; the sooner we embrace this, the better it is for us. We must also understand that even in pain there is growth. If you cut a hole in the tree, it will grow around it. No matter what may come in its way, a river will continue to flow. Similarly, no matter what grief may break your heart, nature teaches us that life goes on.
VI. Keep in mind life isn’t about making lists and trying to be one step ahead of others. Life is to live. Take a break-stop being a workaholic, and smell the roses, do whatever makes you feel happy and most of all spend some time with nature to pick up invaluable lessons. (419 words)
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any eight out of the ten questions by choosing the correct option. Q.1 According to the author, what, from the following, is the greatest lesson being taught by nature? A. balanced in our emotions. B. partial to joys in life. C. afraid of unhappiness. D. indifferent to fears.
Q.2 Select the option that suitably completes the dialogue with reference to paragraph II. Jai: I’ve done well for myself in this school. I’m the best they have. I can get admission anywhere. This is my moment! Sid: Congratulations! Just remember, we should ……………………………………. A. become strong despite our weakness. B. be kind and supportive towards everyone. C. respect the origins from where we have grown. D. nurture ourselves well from the beginning.
Q.3 Choose the option that best conveys the message in – ‘I am because we are.’ A. Tigers are dependent on antelope B. Antelope are dependent on tigers C. Humans are dependent on animals D. Everyone is dependent on each other
Q.4 What qualities do the birds and squirrels display when they warn others of possible danger? Choose one option from the following: A. Observation skills and alertness. B. Tendency to get easily frightened. C. Selfless assistance to help others. D. Determination to protect themselves.
Q.5 Select the option with the underlined words that can suitably replace lurking (paragraph IV). A. The policeman pulled up the person who was wandering aimlessly through the city. B. The thief knew that remaining hidden was the best strategy to avoid being caught. C. The policeman was caught on camera while pouncing with force, to grab the fleeing culprit. D. The thief was walking boldly into the house thinking it was devoid of residents.
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