Unseen Passage for Class 12 English - Sharpen Reading and Comprehension Skills

1. Unseen Passage for Class 12 English | Sharpen Reading and Comprehension Skills Unseen passages for class 12 English offer significant benefits for Class 12 students. They expose students to diverse literary works, fostering empathy and cultural understanding. These passages improve language and communication skills, enhancing reading comprehension and writing abilities. Unseen passages also promote critical thinking, as students analyze themes and develop independent interpretations. Furthermore, they ignite creativity and imagination, encouraging students to think outside the box. By accessing unseen passages, Class 12 students gain a deeper appreciation for literature, expand their knowledge, and develop essential skills for personal and academic growth. Question 1. 1. A Russian proverb advises us not to buy a house, but the neighbourhood. While till some years ago, it was impossible to dictate who lived with you in the same quarters, today when you think of buying a home, you could actually create your own dream neighbourhood- thanks to the Internet and the group buying model. 2. The group buying model has been applied in different industries, from cars to baby merchandise to pet care products . Now, the trend is catching on in the real estate sector, with many sites as well as broking firms offering group deals on real estate projects in India. 3. The way it works is simple. Take xxx.com for example. This is an online and offline integrated platform which showcases property. It uses social media networks to let buyers know about possible good deals, and leaving it to them to do some viral marketing. once a large group of buyers is thus developer and helps negotiate a suitable discount. 4. Since, the developer doesn’t have to pay for the marketing, it is willing enough to pay these companies a transaction fee which is a percentage of the total value of the deal. For the buyers, it offers the rates at no fee, thus making it a win-win proposition for all involved. 5. The developer also benefit by getting substantial cash flow, giving them a good amount of working capital. “In today’s real estate scenario, bulk buying could be the answer to the market slump and the long awaited cash flow,” says the Founder of xxx. com.

2. 6. Sometimes, the discount size is not to be sneered at. Discounts on group buying vary from 5-30 percent, the average divergence from market rate being 25-30 percent. 7. Customer ‘buy-in’ is the model. But is it temporary fad? In a way, the online group buying set-up is similar to the model developers share sixth speculators, who buy in bulk even before the project gets kick-started and get discounts of 30-40 percent. They pay 50 percent of the property value upfront. Group buying companies prove more beneficial for developers as they get away with providing lesser discounts than to speculators. 8. Some sound a note of caution on the trend. Present conditions are conductive for this business model as group buying works well in a situation where stocks are moving slowly, markets are jittery and there is ample supply. It may not work in a seller’s market. 9. Another caution is very often the builders do not offer the best inventory to the group in terms of location and utility. The buyers have to use their astute Judgement to avoid such traps. Question. The discount size on group buying, compared to usual discount to speculators is usually- (i) less (ii) more (iii) equal (iv) unpredictable Ans : (ii) more Question. Which of the following may be the objective of the passage? (i) To reveal less discounts being offered by the developers (ii) To highlight the problems f housing industry (iii) To highlight the importance of neighbourhood in one;s life (iv) To improve information on group buying trends of property Ans : (iv) To improve information on group buying trends of property Question. Group buying of real estate is done (i) mainly offline (ii) only offline (iii) only through brokers (iv) either on-line or off-line Ans : (iv) either on-line or off-line Question. xxx.com are the ____ (i) Developers (ii) Financiers

3. (iii) Loan provider (iv) None of these Ans : (iv) None of these Question. The group buying model certainly did not start with (i) cars (ii) real estate (iii) pet care products (iv) baby products Ans : (ii) real estate Question. Which of the following best describes the meaning of the Russian proverb being quoted? (i) It is better to rent a house than to buy it. (ii) Don’t buy a single flat, buy multiple flats (iii) Fools build houses wise people live in them (iv) None of these Ans : (ii) Don’t buy a single flat, buy multiple flats Question. Which of the following is one of the questions posed in the passage? (i) Is group buying model a temporary fad? (ii) Is the builder offering you the best inventory? (iii) Should we buy a house or the neighbourhood? (iv) Are present market conditions conducive for this business ? Ans : (i) Is group buying model a temporary fad? Question. Which of the following is true in the context of the passage? (i) The buyers, though have to play higher fee and price, get their dream neighbourhood (ii) The customer buy in model is not dependent on market conditions (iii) Group buying companies don’t buy with the same objective as that of speculators (iv) The buyers/developers offer the best available property to the group buyers Ans : (iii) Group buying companies don’t buy with the same objective as that of speculators Question. In Which of the following situations, Customer ‘buy-in’ model may not work? (i) Buyer’s market (ii) When markets are booming with ample supply (iii) When there is short supply (iv) When houses are comparatively cheap Ans : (iii) When there is short supply

4. Question. Which of the following is not true in the context of the passage ? (i) The Speculators also buy in bulk (ii) Social media network is used for marketing group buying (iii) The group buying companies take a transaction fee from both Buyers as well as Developers (iv) The Speculators get a better deal in terms of discounts as compared to that of other Group buying companies Ans : (iii) The group buying companies take a transaction fee from both Buyers as well as Developers Question. Choose the word(s) which is most nearly the same in meaning of the word printed in bold, as used in the passage DICTATE (i) read (ii) manipulate (iii) speak (iv) wish Ans : (iii) speak Question. Choose the word(s) which is most nearly the same in meaning of the word(s) printed in bold, as used in the passage CATCH ON (i) Continue on (ii) get interested (iii) enthusiastic about (iv) become popular Ans : (iv) become popular Question. Choose the word which is most nearly the same in meaning of the word printed in bold, as used in the passage FAD (i) period (ii) trend (iii) focus (iv) luxury Ans : (iii) focus Question. Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning of the word printed in bold, as used in the passage ASTUTE (i) intelligent

5. (ii) sharp (iii) insider (iv) naive Ans : (iv) naive Question. Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning of the word printed in bold, as used in the passage INTEGRATED (i) inorganic (ii) refreshed (iii) isolated (iv) volatile Ans : (iii) isolated Question 2. 1. Scientists have developed a gel that helps brains recover from traumatic injuries. It has the potential to treat head injuries suffered in combat, car accidents, falls, or gunshot wounds. Developed by Dr. Ning Zhang at Clemson University in South Carolina, the gel is injected in liquid form at the site of injury and stimulates the growth of stem cells there.

6. 2. Brain injuries are particularly hard to repair, since injured tissues swell up and can cause additional damage to the cells. So far, treatments have tried to limit this secondary damage by lowering the temperature or relieving the pressure at the site of injury. However, these techniques are often not very effective. 3. More recently, scientists have considered transplanting donor brain cells into the wound to repair damaged tissue. This method has so far had limited results when treating brain injuries. The donor cells often fail to grow or stimulate repair at the injury site, possibly because of the inflammation and scarring present there. The injury site also typically has very limited blood supply and connective tissue, which might prevent donor cells from getting the nutrients they require. 4. Dr. Zhang’s gel, however, can be loaded with different chemicals to stimulate various biological processes at the site of injury. In previous research done on rats, she was able to use the gel to help re-establish full blood supply at the site of brain injury. This could help create a better environment for donor cells. In a follow-up study, Dr. Zhang loaded the gel with immature stem cells, as well as the chemicals they needed to develop into full-fledged adult brain cells. When rats with severe brain injuries were treated with this mixture for eight weeks, they showed signs of significant recovery. 5. The new gel could treat patients at varying stages following injury, and is expected to be ready for testing in humans in about three years. Question. What kind of brain injuries can the gel mentioned in the passage cure? (i) Car accidents (ii) Gunshot injury (iii) Falls (iv) All of these Ans : (iv) All of these Question. Why, according to the author, brain injuries are hard to mend? (i) As it is difficult to find good doctors to repair it (ii) As injured tissues swell up and can cause additional damage to the cells (iii) As the person dies instantly after his head is injured (iv) All of the above Ans : (ii) As injured tissues swell up and can cause additional damage to the cells Question. Which of the following statements is/are true in context of the passage? (i) Dr. Ning Zhang at Clemson University in South Carolina has developed a gel which could help brain recover from injuries (ii) The gel developed for curing brain injuries is injected in gaseous form at the site of injury and stimulates the growth of stem cells there (iii) The gunshot wounds are the worst injuries that a brain could experience and could not be cured

7. by anyone (iv) The new gel would be ready for testing in humans in the next five years Ans : (i) Dr. Ning Zhang at Clemson University in South Carolina has developed a gel which could help brain recover from injuries Question. Which animal has Dr. Ning Zhang use to test her gel? (i) Cows (ii) Mouse (iii) Rats (iv) Dogs Ans : (iii) Rats Question. Which of the following statements is/are false in context of the study performed by Dr. Ning Zhang? A. She applied the gel on rats to help reestablish full blood supply at the site of brain injury B. Dr. Zhang loaded the gel with immature stem cells, as well as the chemicals they needed to develop into full-fledged adult brain cells C. When rats with minor brain injuries were treated with the mixture produced by her, for eight weeks, they showed signs of significant recovery (i) Only A (ii) Only C (iii) Both A and C (iv) Only B Ans : (ii) Only C Question. Why do the donor cells often fail to grow according to the author? (i) Because of the inflammation and scarring present there (ii) Because it is the most sensitive part of the body (iii) Because the brain cells once damaged take three years to repair altogether (iv) Because the donor cells are always infected Ans : (i) Because of the inflammation and scarring present there Question. Choose the word which is most nearly the opposite in meaning as the word printed in bold as used in the passage TRAUMATIC (i) Painful (ii) Outrageous (iii) Minor (iv) Ridiculous Ans : (iii) Minor

8. Question. Choose the word which is most nearly the opposite in meaning as the word printed in bold as used in the passage STIMULATES (i) Manage (ii) Vibrate (iii) Dedicate (iv) Prevents Ans : (iv) Prevents Question. Choose the word most similar in meaning to the word printed in bold, as used in the passage COMBAT (i) Fight (ii) Demonstration (iii) Harmony (iv) Accord Ans : (i) Fight Question. Choose the word most similar in meaning to the word printed in bold, as used in the passage SIGNIFICANT (i) Daily (ii) Noticeable (iii) Leisurely (iv) Accurate Ans : (ii) Noticeable Question 3. 1. A recent survey has brought back focus on teenage smoking. According to the survey 80% of smokers form the habit when they are minors. It is estimated that one out of five teenage smokers smokes about 10 cigarettes everyday. What is more, teenage smokers are no longer satisfied with nicotine and are increasingly taking to deadly contraband like marijuana and cannabis. 2. Initially, smoking starts from curiosity but soon becomes a habit. Oblivious of the fatal dangers involved, nascent smokers ignore even the statutory warning inscribed on the pack.

9. 3. Forming the habit of smoking in an early age is often attributed to a whole lot of psychological reasons but the problem is also precipitated by the glamorous representation of smoking by stars on the silver screen, linking it with style. 4. Peer pressure is another big reason for minors taking up smoking. Besides, locally manufactured tax free cigarettes also push them towards this habit. These cigarettes are particularly popular among the youth, as they are available at a significantly lower price than the legally manufactured cigarettes. According to a FICCI report on these cigarettes, the government suffers huge revenue loss annually due to them, while youths fall victim to smoking. While in the short term smokers get sick due to common ailments, in the long run their lungs get badly affected. Diseases such a oral cancer are associated with tobacco use in any form. 5. Smokers can quit smoking by monitoring some of their food habits. Food rich in vitamin C reduce the urge to smoke. Also milk, celery, carrot, fruits and vegetables when taken before smoking, compel the smoker to quit the habit. Question. Why have teenagers started consuming contraband and have not remained satisfied with nicotine consumption only? (i) It is cheaper than the cigarettes. (ii) It does not have harmful impact on health. (iii) People consuming contraband are not looked down upon by the society. (iv) Not mentioned in the passage Ans : (iv) Not mentioned in the passage Question. Why are locally manufactured cigarettes sold at a lower price? (i) Because they are popular. (ii) No tax is levied on these cigarettes (iii) The manufacturers of these cigarettes intend to capture a bigger market share. (iv) They have a limited market and therefore cannot be sold at a higher price. Ans : (ii) No tax is levied on these cigarettes Question. Which of the following is false in context of the passage? (i) Most of the smokers start smoking at an early age. (ii) Smoking leads to psychological diseases leading to a weak memory. (iii) People drawn to smoking are charmed by big stars showing smoking on the screen (iv) Smoking affects lungs if the habit is not got rid of at an early stage. Ans : (ii) Smoking leads to psychological diseases leading to a weak memory. Question. Which of the following has been mentioned about the FICCI report in the passage? (i) Tax free cigarettes help keep a vigil on frequent smokers as they are sold at few shops only. (ii) More and more people indulge in smoking as tax free cigarettes remain available at a reduced

10. price. (iii) Tax free cigarettes cause a huge revenue loss to the government. (iv) Only 2 and 3 Ans : (iv) Only 2 and 3 Question. Which of the following food items do not help smokers get rid of smoking? (i) Vegetables (ii) Fruits (iii) Celery (iv) Chocolate Ans : (iv) Chocolate Question. Why do people tend to ignore the statutory warning inscribed on the pack of cigarettes? (i) The warning fails to convey the message for which it is mentioned. (ii) They care little about their health. (iii) They possess little knowledge of the risks associated with its consumption. (iv) Not mentioned in the passage Ans : (iv) Not mentioned in the passage Question. Choose the word which is most nearly the same in meaning as the word printed in bold as used in the passage. ANNUALLY (i) Deliberately (ii) Steadily (iii) Yearly (iv) Finally Ans : (iii) Yearly Question. Choose the word which is most nearly the same in meaning as the word printed in bold as used in the passage. NASCENT (i) Seasoned (ii) Smart (iii) Conventional (iv) New Ans : (iv) New Question. Choose the word which is most nearly the opposite in meaning as the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

11. COMPEL (i) Allow (ii) Venerate (iii) Prove (iv) Force Ans : (i) Allow Question. Choose the word which is most nearly the opposite in meaning as the word printed in bold as used in the passage. OBLIVIOUS (i) Careless (ii) Acquaint (iii) Negligent (iv) Mindful Ans : (iv) Mindful Unseen passages provide invaluable benefits for Class 12 students. They foster empathy, improve language skills, promote critical thinking, and spark creativity. To explore more unseen passages like this, visit StudiesToday.com and unlock a world of engaging literary works for further enrichment of your reading and learning experience.