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I. Choose the correct answer:
II. Mention whether the following statements are True or False:
I. State whether the following statements are true or false:
II. Give a suitable title to the passage.
A suitable title would be: "The UK's 'Net Refuseniks' and the Widening Digital Divide"
III. Write two synonyms for the word “Significant”.
Synonyms for "Significant" are: Notable, Substantial, or Important.
IV. Find and write the word from the text that gives the meaning “the chance or right to use or have something.”
The word is: access
Ravi: Hey, Ajay. Have you noticed how much time kids spend on their phones these days? My younger brother seems permanently attached to his.
Ajay: Tell me about it! It's definitely a double-edged sword. On one hand, they have access to so much information for school and can stay connected.
Ravi: That's true, but I worry about the downsides. I don't think my brother has read a physical book for pleasure in months. It's all just short videos and games. I wonder what it's doing to their attention span.
Ajay: And their social skills, too. When we were kids, we'd be outside playing. Now, "hanging out" often means playing an online game together from separate houses. They're connected, but also isolated in a way.
Ravi: Exactly! Plus, there's the whole issue of social media pressure and cyberbullying, which we never had to navigate at that age. It seems much more intense for them.
Ajay: I agree. I think parents and schools really need to step in and teach digital literacy—how to use these devices responsibly, how to identify misinformation, and when to just put the phone down.
Ravi: Responsibility is the key word. Mobile phones are amazing tools, but the younger generation needs guidance to ensure the phones don't end up controlling them.
Priya: Hey Sameer, the general election is next month. Are you planning to vote?
Sameer: Honestly, I'm not sure. It feels like my one vote doesn't really change anything. All the politicians seem the same.
Priya: I used to feel that way, but I've changed my mind. Think about it—a democracy only works if people participate. Saying your vote doesn't matter is exactly what allows bad leaders to stay in power.
Sameer: But what's the point? The outcome is usually predictable in our area.
Priya: Maybe, but that's not the only reason to vote. It's our fundamental right, one that people in other countries have fought and died for. By voting, we are holding leaders accountable. If a politician knows a large, engaged group of people is voting, they have to pay attention to our issues—like better roads, jobs, and education.
Sameer: I guess I haven't looked at it that way. You're saying it's more about the principle and long-term accountability?
Priya: Exactly. It's our way of having a say in how our country is run. Even if our preferred candidate doesn't win, a strong turnout sends a message. It's not just a right; it's a responsibility. We can't complain about the system if we don't even bother to take part in it.
Sameer: You've given me a lot to think about. Okay, you've convinced me. I'll register and make sure to vote this time.
Online and offline shopping offer distinctly different experiences, each with its own set of advantages. Online shopping provides unparalleled convenience, allowing consumers to browse and purchase items from anywhere at any time. This method offers a virtually limitless selection, easy price comparison across multiple vendors, and the comfort of home delivery. Customers can avoid crowds, save time on travel, and often find products that are not available locally. The ability to read user reviews before making a purchase also adds a layer of confidence to the decision-making process.
Conversely, offline shopping, or traditional retail, offers the irreplaceable benefit of tangible interaction. Customers can physically see, touch, and try on products, which is especially crucial for items like clothing, furniture, and electronics. This immediate, hands-on experience eliminates the guesswork of sizing and quality. Furthermore, offline shopping provides instant gratification, as there is no waiting time for shipping. It also includes a social element, and the presence of knowledgeable sales staff can offer personalized recommendations and immediate customer service, resolving any queries or issues on the spot.
School life is a highly structured and supervised environment where students follow a fixed timetable and a uniform curriculum. The focus is on foundational learning, discipline, and rules set by the institution. Teachers play a proactive role, guiding students closely, and parent-teacher interactions are frequent, creating a support system that monitors a student's academic and personal development. Socially, life is often confined to a smaller, more consistent group of peers from the same locality, and extracurricular activities are typically managed by the school.
College life, in contrast, represents a significant shift towards independence and self-discipline. Students have the freedom to choose their subjects, manage their own schedules, and are expected to take responsibility for their own learning. The academic environment is more rigorous and specialized, demanding critical thinking and self-motivation rather than rote memorization. Social circles expand dramatically, exposing students to a diverse population from various backgrounds. This phase is less about supervision and more about personal exploration, career development, and making choices that will shape one's future.
The causes of air pollution are numerous and largely linked to human activities. A primary contributor is the combustion of fossil fuels—such as coal, oil, and natural gas—in power plants, industrial facilities, and vehicles. This process releases harmful pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM2.5) into the atmosphere. Other significant sources include industrial processes that emit chemical vapors, agricultural activities that release ammonia from fertilizers, and the improper disposal of waste, which leads to the emission of methane gas from landfills.
To control air pollution, a multi-faceted approach is essential. A crucial solution is transitioning to cleaner, renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal power to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. In transportation, promoting public transit, cycling, and the adoption of electric vehicles can drastically cut urban emissions. Industries must be mandated to install pollution control technologies, such as scrubbers and filters. Furthermore, government policies enforcing stricter emission standards, promoting reforestation, and managing waste more effectively are vital steps to ensure cleaner air for future generations.
(a) On the basis of your reading of the above passage, make notes on it using headings and subheadings.
Title: The Art of Good Conversation
Abbreviations Used:
(b) Make a summary of the above passage in about 80 words.
Summary
Good conversation is a teachable art that requires finding subjects interesting to both you and your listeners. The key to popularity is focusing on others' interests and hobbies rather than your own. It is important to avoid unpleasant topics like sickness, death, or talking excessively about yourself. A good conversationalist should also be quick-witted without being hurtful and must avoid distracting physical mannerisms. Mastering what to say, what to avoid, and how to say it is essential to being a skilled communicator.
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