Unseen Passage For Class 8 English With Answers

Unseen Passage Unseen Passage Class 8

Unseen Passage for Class 8

Read the following passage carefully.

FOOD DESERTS AND NUTRITION

(1) Many of the serious health concerns in modern America can be linked to poor diet. People who regularly consume foods high in sodium, sugar, and saturated fats not only increase their chances of obesity, but also increase their risks of developing heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and several types of cancer. Although some people who regularly consume unhealthy foods do so knowingly, there is a significant portion of the population that remains under-educated about proper nutrition. Individuals who live in food deserts in low-income neighbourhoods that lack easy access to healthy, affordable food may not even have the opportunity to obtain nutritious food.

(2) Food deserts are located in high-poverty areas, such as sparsely populated rural areas or densely populated, low-income urban centres. Food deserts most often develop when major supermarket chains either relocate out of these areas or simply refrain from building stores there in the first place. Major food retailer chains tend to limit their store locations to wealthier urban or suburban neighbourhoods. This means that those who live in high-poverty areas often also live miles away from access to fresh meat and dairy products available at supermarkets. Residents of these areas who do not have cars have no other option but to travel long distances on public transportation to do their grocery shopping or remain limited to the food available at local convenience stores and gas stations. These types of food retailers often only sell packaged, processed foods that offer little nutritional value.

(3) Furthermore, less food restaurants are disproportionately concentrated in low-income areas. Recent estimates suggest that those living in the poorest areas of a city experience 2.5 times more exposure to fast food restaurants than the wealthiest inhabitants of the city. As individuals who live in food deserts tend to get their meals from fast food restaurants or convenience stores, they often suffer from a variety of health issues. Research has found that individuals who live in low-income neighbourhoods are much more likely to develop problems with obesity, diabetes, and hypertension than those who live in more affluent neighbourhoods.

On the basis of your reading of the given passage, choose the correct option. 

Question. People who regularly consume food high in sodium, sugar, and saturated fats increase their risks of developing:   
(i) heart disease
(ii) hypertension
(iii) diabetes
(iv) all of these

Answer

(iv)

Question. There is a significant portion of the population that remains under-educated about:      
(i) proper nutrition
(ii) health risks
(iii) types of cancer
(iv) healthy, affordable food

Answer

(i)

Question. Who may not even have the opportunity to obtain nutritious food?     
(i) People living in modern America
(ii) People who live in low-income neighbourhoods
(iii) Children
(iv) Aged people

Answer

(ii)

Question. Based on your reading of the passage, choose the incorrect statement from the following.   
(i) Many of the serious health concerns in modern America can be linked to poor education.
(ii) Major food retailer chains tend to limit their store locations to wealthier urban or suburban neighbourhoods.
(iii) Less food restaurants are disproportionately concentrated in low-income areas.
(iv) Food deserts are located in high-poverty areas.

Answer

(i)

Question. Choose the option that correctly states the two meanings of ‘refrain’, as used in the passage.     
1. Stop oneself from doing something
2. Always indulging in something
3. Deliberately not doing something
4. Saying foolish words to hurt
5. Being reasonable all the time
(i) (2) and (5)
(ii) (1) and (4)
(iii) (3) and (5)
(iv) (1) and (3)

Answer

(iv)

Class 8 English Unseen Passage

Read the following passage carefully. 

READING FOR SUCCESS

(1) Not too long ago, a group of teachers conducted a study on students and their learning problems. A curious fact came to light from the study. The teachers discovered that the students who did poorly in subjects such as math and art could still do very well in other subjects. But the students who were poor at reading, performed badly in all subjects.

(2) No doubt there are other skills involved, such as learning to add and subtract in math, but most of the explanations about how to do things have to be read by the students. Much of the assignments require students to read long sets of directions and questions. These often involve story problems that are explained in words and have to be read and understood before they can be solved.

(3) So, your success or failure in class depends on your ability to read and understand the study-related material. In college, almost all your study time will be spent in reading. You need more and more information and most of this information comes in the printed form. Success in various courses vastly depends on the ability to read, and students who cannot read, or at least read well enough to master the material, are in trouble.

(4) We are fast moving into a world where every day more and more technical reading is required. Instructions for using applications are becoming more complex. There are written instructions related to food preparation, traffic signs, travel, and safety and security, all requiring the ability to read. People in modern society read hundreds of words every day.

(5) The ability to procure and retain a job is directly related to your ability to read. The number of semi-skilled and professional occupations that require high reading ability is increasing rapidly. Today, a person who cannot read is almost unemployable. Even the simplest jobs require some amount of reading ability, and many people advance to more important and better paying jobs by getting additional knowledge, skills, and qualifications, through reading. The more specialised the job, the greater the need to read confidently, quickly, and efficiently. On the basis of your reading of the given passage, choose the correct option.

Question. The students who are poor in ______________, performed badly in all subjects.     
(i) math
(ii) art
(iii) reading
(iv) science

Answer

 (iii)

Question. Much of the assignments require students to:      
(i) read long sets of direction and questions
(ii) learn to add and subtract in math
(iii) perform badly in all subjects
(iv) do very well in other subjects

Answer

(i)

Question. What is directly related to your ability to read?     
(i) To read confidently and efficiently
(ii) To procure and retain a job
(iii) To ensure safety and security
(iv) To get additional knowledge and skills

Answer

(ii)

Question. Based on your reading of the passage, choose the incorrect statement from the following .   
(i) We are fast moving into a world where every day more and more technical reading is required.
(ii) Much of the assignments require students to read long sets of directions and questions.
(iii) People in modern society write hundreds of words every day.
(iv) The more specialised the job, the greater the need to read confidently, quickly and efficiently.

Answer

(iii)

Question. ‘Instructions for using applications are becoming more complex’. Substitute the underlined word with the most appropriate option from the following.       
(i) System
(ii) Combined
(iii) Complicated
(iv) Simple

Answer

(iii)

Unseen Passage for Class 8 with Answers

Read the following passage carefully.

BE BONE HEALTHY

(1) Every time a child takes a soft drink, is he laying the ground work for a dangerous bone disease? Fizzy and sugary drinks don’t cause osteoporosis but, because they are often a substitute for a glass of milk, the children miss out on taking in the calcium and vitamin D they need to build a strong skeleton. Many of them also lead a sedentary lifestyle, so they aren’t getting the bone-building benefits of vigorous exercise either. These children tend to suffer from brittle bones and fractures later on in life. In addition, they could be at a risk of being diagnosed with osteoporosis at an earlier age than most others.

(2) The Indian Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ISBMR), a body comprising experts on osteoporosis, was established in 1996, with the aim of promoting research and circulating awareness about metabolic bone diseases especially this bonecrippling disease. Osteoporosis starts in childhood but its consequences are apparent at a later stage in life. This condition causes bones to become riddled with holes, like the framework of a house that’s been attacked by termites. This can lead to broken bones, which in turn, can cause deformity, chronic pain, and disability. Osteoporosis can be fatal: up to 25 per cent of older people who suffer a broken hip, die within a year. Osteoporosis isn’t just your grandmother’s health threat. Although it strikes over 50 million women in India, it also menaces over 12 million men. It causes loss of height, pain in joints and back, and fractures, and can be very depressing. So, it is important that we adopt preventive measures to save millions of people from the risk of suffering from osteoporosis.

(3) There is a new medical understanding of the best ways to protect ourselves and our children. “Simple changes in lifestyle and nutrition will help save bones”, says Dr. Mittal. He suggests, it’s never too late to adopt bone-friendly habits, like exercise that includes walking, jogging or skipping, getting enough sunlight, and getting adequate calcium, especially through fruits, vegetables, and fermented dairy products. This move in the right direction will keep the bones healthy and prevent osteoporosis.

On the basis of your reading of the given passage, choose the correct option. 

Question. Osteoporosis causes bones to become: 
(i) riddled with holes
(ii) strong like iron
(iii) shapeless
(iv) none of these

Answer

 (i)

Question. Choose the option that correctly states the two meanings of ‘ground work’, as used in the passage.      
1. Difficult work
2. Important work
3. Basic work
4. Ordinary work
5. Preliminary work
(i) (1) and (3)
(ii) (3) and (5)
(iii) (2) and (4)
(iv) (2) and (5)

Answer

(ii)

Question. What is the aim of ISBMR?     
(i) To adopt bone-friendly habits
(ii) To promote research and circulate awareness about metabolic bone disease
(iii) To get bone-building benefits
(iv) To adopt preventive measures to save millions of people from the risk of suffering from osteoporosis

Answer

(ii)

Question. What is the full form of ISBMR?     
(i) Indian Society for Bone and Mind Research
(ii) International Scheme for Bone and Mineral Reserve
(iii) Indian Society for Bone and Mineral Research
(iv) International Scheme for Bone and Mineral Research

Answer

(iii)

Question. Based on your reading of the passage, choose the incorrect statement from the following.   
(i) Simple changes in lifestyle and nutrition will help save bones.
(ii) It’s never too late to adopt bone-friendly habits.
(iii) Osteoporosis starts in childhood.
(iv) Fizzy and sugary drinks cause osteoporosis.

Answer

 (iv)

Comprehensions for Class 8 English with Solutions

Read the following passage carefully. 

THE ROAD AHEAD

(1) Our opportunities are great, but let me warn you, when power outstrips ability, we will fall on evil days. We should develop competency and ability which would help us utilise the opportunities which are now open to us. From tomorrow morning—from midnight today—we cannot throw the blame on the Britishers. We have to assume the responsibility ourselves for what we do. A free India will be judged by the way in which it will serve the interests of the common man in the matters of food, clothing, shelter, and social activities. Unless we root out corruption in high places and root out every trace of nepotism, love of power, profiteering and black marketing, which have spoiled the good name of this country in recent times, we will not be able to raise the standards of efficiency in administration as well as in the production and distribution of the necessary goods of life.

(2) Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru referred to the great contribution which this country will make to the promotion of world peace and the welfare of mankind. The chakra, the Ashoka wheel, which is there in the flag embodies for us a great idea, Ashoka, the greatest of our emperors. Look at the words of H.G. Wells about Ashoka, ‘Highnesses, Magnificences, Excellences, Serenities, Majesties. Among them all, he shines alone a star, Ashoka the greatest of all monarchs.’ He cut into rock his message for the healing of discords. If there are differences, the way in which you can solve them is by promoting concord. Concord is the only way by which we can get rid of differences. There is no other method which is open to us.

(3) We are lucky in having our leader, one who is a world citizen, who is essentially a humanist, who possesses a buoyant optimism and robust good sense in spite of the perversity of things and the hostility of human affairs. We see the way in which his department interfered actively and in a timely manner in the Indonesian dispute. It shows that if India gains freedom, that freedom will be used not merely for the wellbeing of India but for Vishva Kalyana, world peace, the welfare of mankind.

On the basis of your reading of the given passage, choose the correct option. 

Question. A free India will be judged by the way in which it will:        
(i) utilise the opportunities which are open
(ii) blame the Britishers
(iii) serve the interests of the common man
(iv) raise the standard of efficiency in administration

Answer

(iii),

Question. How can we raise the standards of efficiency in administration as well as in the production and distribution of the necessary goods of life?     
(i) By rooting out corruption in high places
(ii) By encouraging love of power
(iii) By eradicating every trace of nepotism and black marketing
(iv) Both (i) and (iii)

Answer

(iv)

Question. Based on your reading of the passage, choose the incorrect statement from the following.     
(i) Concord is the only way by which we can get rid of differences.
(ii) A free India will be judged by the way we will root out corruption in high places.
(iii) If India gains freedom, the freedom will be used for the welfare of mankind.
(iv) Profiteering and black marketing have spoiled the good name of this country in recent times.

Answer

(ii)

Question. Which of the following explains the phrase ‘root out’?      
(i) To find and remove
(ii) To mock and laugh
(iii) To fight and win
(iv) To promote and contribute

Answer

(i),

Question. ‘We are lucky in having our leader, one who is a world citizen, who is essentially a humanist, who possess a buoyant optimism and robust good sense in spite of the perversity of things and the hostility of human affairs’. Substitute the underlined word with the most appropriate option from the following.  
(i) Cheerful
(ii) Dull
(iii) Cunning
(iv) Moody

Answer

(i)

Solved Unseen Passage for Class 8 English

Read the following passage carefully.

HAPPINESS THEN AND NOW

(1) Happiness lies within the mind of an individual. No amount of external wealth may be helpful in making him happy. Our forefathers had lifestyles based mainly on the concept of ‘simple living and high thinking’. Excessive material wealth did not mean much to them.

(2) The structural framework of our forefathers’ families was different from those of ours. The bond of love which they shared cannot be easily found today. The family provided an emotional cushioning effect against tension and stress. However, in today’s nuclear family, we are detached from feelings towards our kith and kin. This may finally destroy the family psyche.

(3) The joint family system provided a proper environment for the child to grow up. The values of respect, tolerance, responsibility, and integrity were internalised in the child. In the long run, they became better human beings, compared to those in the present generation. Our forefathers felt happiest, if their children became honest human beings. But today, we are happy only if we attain our coveted material ends and are ready to resort to any means to attain that end.

(4) Our forefathers had a vision to make India the best. To attain their ambitions, they were ready to make all sorts of personal sacrifices. On the other hand, today people are ready to migrate to the west, to enjoy a comfortable life. Often, they become successful in foreign lands. But, in the process, they become alienated from their motherland. Also, distance from their ailing parents is a worrying factor and keeps them perturbed. It is not easy for them to return, as their children will not be able to adjust to the Indian environment and way of life. Thus, this is a crisis and a frame of mind worse than their forefathers.

(5) In our generation, tradition and modernity have intermingled to form a special system. We are happier than our forefathers in being able to lessen evils like the rigid caste system, untouchability, and child marriage, but we have failed to totally eradicate them. In fact, electoral politics has made use of the caste system, through the issuance of party tickets on the basis of caste, community, and religion.

On the basis of your reading of the given passage, choose the correct option. 

Question. How are our forefathers different from us?
(i) They had lifestyles based mainly on the concept of ‘simple living and high thinking’.     
(ii) They had different structural framework of families.
(iii) They made all sorts of personal sacrifices to attain their ambitions.
(iv) All of these

Answer

 (iv)

Question. What impact does a joint family system have on a child?     
(i) It helps a child to become a better human being.
(ii) It internalizes the values of respect, tolerance, responsibility and integrity in a child.
(iii) Both (i) and (ii)
(iv) Neither (i) nor (ii)

Answer

 (iii)

Question. In our generation, _____________ and ____________ have intermingled to form a special system.   
(i) untouchability, intolerance
(ii) tradition, modernity
(iii) religion, caste
(iv) politics, corruption

Answer

 (ii)

Question. Based on your reading of the passage, choose the incorrect statement from the following.     
(i) Our youngsters had a vision to make India the best.
(ii) Happiness lies within the mind of an individual.
(iii) The family provided an emotional cushioning effect against tension and stress.
(iv) Our forefathers had lifestyles based mainly on the concept of simple living and high thinking.

Answer

(i)

Question. Choose the option that correctly states the two meanings of ‘cushioning’, as used in the passage.   
1. Sharpening 2. Shielding
3. Intensifying 4. Softening
5. Irritating
(i) (1) and (5)
(ii) (2) and (4)
(iii) (3) and (5)
(iv) (1) and (3)

Answer

 (ii)