Junior Intermediate Comprehension Passages

Hero-worshipping (Page:87)

Hero-worshipping is part of societies. Those heroes might be film stars, political leaders, sports stars or other persons. Hero-worshippers display passionate admiration and imitation of their ‘heroes’. Hero worshipping is a human quality that shows that a person is overawed by the personality cult. A hero becomes a demigod for him. His hero’s positive attributes become his guiding and inspiring principles and he becomes blind to the hero’s negative traits and weaknesses.

The instinct of hero worship springs from an internal inferiority complex. The result is that they are distanced from reality and live in a dream world of their own. It often thus becomes the biggest stumbling block in the progress of persons indulging in it. This plain passion often lands us in a cloud of illusion.

However, with rational thinking and perseverance we can produce more heroes rather than more hero-worshippers.

Questions

  1. What do hero-worshippers typically display towards their heroes?

  2. State True or False: A hero-worshipper becomes blind to the hero’s negative traits and weaknesses.

  3. According to the passage, from where does the instinct of hero worship spring?

  4. What is the ultimate result of indulging in hero-worshipping?

  5. What two qualities do we need to cultivate in order to produce more heroes rather than more hero-worshippers?

Answers

  1. Hero-worshippers show strong admiration. They also try to imitate their heroes.

  2. True. 

  3. The instinct of worship a hero springs from an internal inferiority complex. 

  4. The final result is that the person moves away from reality. They start living in a dream world. This also often stops their own progress.

  5. Rational thinking and perseverance


Disability and Pity (Page: 88)


"As someone with a disability, I'd like people to know there's a line between kindness and pity. I know that line from a lifetime of struggling with my disability, a realization I've come to after a lifetime of struggling with my disability. There are a few of them I overcome every single day. I will continue to face them for the rest of my life. This is my reality. Every day, I face barriers that get under my skin. I'm a smart, educated, ambitious person, yet many people only see my disability. Don't get me wrong, I've never been bullied; it's actually the opposite—people have pitied. At least once a day, I can see pity in the eyes or voice of someone I interact with.

The same can't be said for a woman who insisted on praying over my head to God. She proceeded to take away my disability and fix me. That situation was embarrassing and uncalled for. I didn't ask for her pity, nor did I ask for her prayers to "fix" me. I don't pity myself and neither should anyone. I should be shown kindness, but unless someone asks for pity, don't give it. Pity makes us feel less than."

Questions 

  1. How does pitying make someone feel?
  2. What can people see if they look past the writer's disability?
  3. State True or False: Disabled people are often bullied, and it is problematic for them to be shown kindness.
  4. According to the passage, what is more meaningful than pity?.
  5. As per the passage, what do disabled people want?
            a) Pity b) Dignity and respect c) Charity


Answers 

  1. Pity makes us feel less than.
  2. They can see that the writer is a smart, educated, ambitious person.
  3. False
  4. Kindness
  5. b) Dignity and respect

Change Starts From Home (Page:88)

"Why do we expect girls to come home early? Because we let boys roam around till late in the evening. Why do we expect girls to learn cooking? Because we never bother to teach our boys how to cook. Why do we expect our girls to be humble and gentle? Because we tell boys to be strong and bold.

Discrimination starts at home. It begins in the way we raise our children, in the expectations we set, and the roles we assign. A million homes make up a city, and a thousand cities make up a nation. But as we move from home to society, the discrimination multiplies, spreading far and wide.

It wears many faces—catcalling, eve-teasing, harassment, stalking, abuse, domestic violence, and worse. The unfortunate reality is that these forms of discrimination are not just limited to one part of society; they touch lives everywhere, often in ways we don't even notice.

The journey of change has to start with us. If we want to create a world where girls aren't held back by outdated expectations, we need to start questioning and reshaping the norms in our own homes. It's not just about raising girls right—it's about raising boys to respect, appreciate, and support them as equals. Only then can we hope for a society that truly stands for fairness, respect, and equality"

Questions:

  1. What role can we play to reduce discrimination,  according to the passage?
  2. State True or False : Raising our girls in the right way is enough to change society.
  3. Where does discrimination often begin, as suggested in the passage? 
  4. How does the passage suggest that discrimination spreads from one place to another?
  5. What are some examples of discrimination mentioned in the passage?

Answers: 

  1. Our role is to start questioning and reshaping the norms in our own homes.
  2. False
  3. Discrimination often begins at home.
  4. The passage suggests that as we move from home to society, the discrimination multiplies, spreading far and wide.
  5. Catcalling, Eve-teasing, Harassment, Stalking, Abuse, Domestic violence

1. Social Media (Page: 89)


Instagram is the worst social media network for mental health and wellbeing, according to a recent survey. It was associated with high levels of anxiety, depression, bullying, sleep quality and body image and FOMO, or the “fear of missing out.”

There were certainly some benefits associated with social networking for example, self-expression, community building and emotional support.

However, young people who spend more than two hours a day on social networking sites are more likely to report psychological distress. “Seeing friends constantly on holiday or enjoying nights out can make young people feel like they are missing out while others enjoy life,” the #Status Of Mind report states. “These feelings can promote a ‘compare and despair’ attitude.”

Social media posts can also set unrealistic expectations and create feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. This may explain why Instagram, where personal photos take centre stage, received the worst scores for body image and anxiety. As one survey respondent wrote, “Instagram easily makes girls and women feel as if their bodies aren’t good enough as people add filters and edit their pictures in order for them to look ‘perfect’.”

The more social networks a young adult uses, the more likely he or she is to report depression and anxiety.

Tips to reduce social media consumption

  • Set time limits
  • Turn off notifications
  • Replace social media with hobbies like reading, playing, exercising

Questions

  1. According to the passage, what is the likely outcome for a young adult who uses multiple social networks?
  2. List two tips to reduce social media consumption mentioned in the passage.
  3. According to a recent survey, which social media network is worst for mental health and wellbeing?
  4. What does the term FOMO stand for?
  5. State True or False: Young people who spend more than two hours a day on social networking sites are less likely to report psychological distress.

Answers: 

  1. To suffer from depression and anxiety.
  2. 1. Set time limits 2. Turn off notifications
  3. Instagram 
  4. Fear Of Missing Out 
  5. False


2. Atomic Habits (Page: 90)

A habit is an act that you perform automatically by instinct. Like when you walk into a dark room, you instinctively turn on a light switch, right? Habits are actions you don’t even have to think about, which is why you might not realize how a small daily action can have a powerful effect on your life.

We don’t typically notice tiny changes because the impact is not seen immediately. The impact may not be seen for months, or even years, but the results can be enormous. For instance, eating a plate of panipuri certainly won’t make you unhealthy; however, if you eat a plate of panipuri every week, then you’ll likely see a change in weight over the course of a year. Similarly, going to the gym one day won’t immediately make you in shape. Instead, it is small habits over time that compound into major results.

While many people believe that making big changes is the key to success, it’s the small things we do each day that have the biggest impact on our lives. Our small daily habits will affect the person we become in the future, so it’s critical that we adopt healthy habits to ensure we live long, successful lives. Luckily, there are many tips and tricks to help you implement new habits today. When you can make your habits an attractive, easy, and satisfying experience, you’ll be more likely to keep up with them.

Questions

  1. What makes it more likely for someone to keep up with new habits?

  2. According to many people, what is believed to be the key to success?

  3. To live long and successful lives, what do we need to adopt?

  4. Why don’t we typically notice the impact of tiny changes?

  5. State TRUE or FALSE: Eating a plate of panipuri certainly won’t make you unhealthy; however, if you eat a plate of panipuri every week, then you’ll likely see a change in weight over the course of a year.

Answers:

  1. Making habits attractive, easy, and satisfying.
  2. Making big changes.
  3. Healthy habits.
  4. Because the impact is not seen immediately.
  5. True.

3. Cyber Safety (Page : 90)

More than 175,000 children go online for the first time every day — a new child every half second — UNICEF said. Digital access exposes these children to a wealth of benefits and opportunities, but also to many risks and harms, including access to harmful content, sexual exploitation and abuse, cyberbullying, and misuse of their private information.

UNICEF says children should keep things like their full name, age, address, phone number, college name, and even small details about their family private. It’s exciting to meet new people online, but always remember: if you haven’t met them in real life, don’t share personal details, photos, or your location with them. If anyone ever makes you feel uncomfortable, tell your parent or teacher right away.

If you see a link, pop-up, or message from someone you don’t know, don’t click on it. Sometimes these things can take you to places that can harm your device or steal your information. It’s fun to share photos, but remember: once you post something online, it’s hard to take it back. Only share things you’d be comfortable with everyone (including strangers) seeing.

Questions

  1. Whom can you tell if anyone makes you feel uncomfortable?

  2. What is the name of the organization that cautions children to be safe online?

  3. What might happen if you click on a link or message from someone you don’t know?

  4. According to UNICEF, how many children go online every day?

  5. State True or False: Once you post something online, it’s easy to take it back.

Answers: 

  1. A parent or teacher.
  2. UNICEF.
  3. It may harm your device or steal your information.
  4. More than 175,000 children.
  5. False.

4. Social Democracy (Page : 91)

We must not be content with mere political democracy. We must make our political democracy a social democracy as well. Political democracy cannot last unless there lies at the base of it social democracy.

What does social democracy mean? It means a way of life which recognises liberty, equality, and fraternity as the principles of life. These principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity are not to be treated as separate items in a trinity. They form a union of trinity in the sense that to divorce one from the other is to defeat the very purpose of democracy.

Without equality, liberty would produce the supremacy of the few over the many. Equality without liberty would kill individual initiative. Without fraternity, equality and liberty will be no deeper than coats of paint.

Questions

  1. How can political democracy last, according to the passage?

  2. State True or False: The principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity are to be treated as separate items in a trinity.

  3. What does social democracy mean?

  4. Without fraternity, what would be the outcome of liberty and equality?

  5. What would happen if equality existed without liberty?

Answers: 

  1. When it is based on social democracy.
  2. False.
  3. A way of life that recognises liberty, equality, and fraternity.
  4. They would be no deeper than coats of paint.
  5. It would kill individual initiative.



5. Peer Pressure and Substance Abuse (Page: 91)

Peer pressure is a risk factor for drug use, including alcohol use or smoking, among both children and adults. A teen is vulnerable to peer pressure when he feels that peer acceptance is important to them, or if he is sensitive to rejection. Teens may willingly choose to use drugs/alcohol to fit in and avoid rejection or look “cool”.

How to resist peer pressure: When feeling pushed to participate in something you don’t want, employ these tips to avoid the activity or leave the situation altogether. Such as making eye contact, and refusing to participate in a polite but firm voice. This should be enough to cause a real friend to back off. Or say you can’t participate because of responsibilities you need to attend to later or the next day. If all fail leave the situation if their pressure continues. If this group of friends continues to force you to engage in the behaviour you aren’t interested in, then they may not be the friends you want to spend time with. These types of social situations can be draining at best and dangerous at worst, leading to unwanted drinking or drug use.


Questions

  1. State True or False: If someone is forcing you to try drugs/alcohol, they are not your friends.

  2. What should one do if peer pressure continues even after saying no?

  3. Why may teens willingly choose to use drugs/alcohol?

  4. Write one tip to avoid peer pressure.

  5. If you say no to drug use, who will back off?

Answers: 

  1. True
  2. Leave the situation.
  3. To fit in and avoid rejection or look cool.
  4. Politely but firmly refuse to participate.
  5. A real friend.

6. Physical Activity (Page: 92)

Physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. It’s also associated with chronic illness and disability.

Recent research estimates that the world could see close to half a billion new cases of major chronic diseases by 2030 if people don’t get more active.

Regular physical activity helps to prevent and manage many chronic diseases. Popular ways to be physically active include walking, running, cycling, and playing sports.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that children and adolescents (5–17 years old) get an average of at least 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous intense physical activity.

This should incorporate vigorous aerobic activities, as well as those that strengthen muscle and bone, at least three days a week. It’s also recommended that children spend no more than two hours a day on recreational screen time.

Physical activity can also boost mental health and academic performance.

Questions

  1. What does the World Health Organisation recommend for children and adolescents?

  2. What is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide?

  3. How many hours a day should children spend on recreational screen time?

  4. What does recent research suggest if people don’t get more active?

  5. According to the paragraph, what is physical inactivity associated with?

Answers:

  1. At least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.
  2. Physical inactivity.
  3. Two hours.
  4. There may be close to half a billion new cases of major chronic diseases by 2030.
  5. Chronic illness and disability.

7. Unity in Diversity (Page: 92).

Indian National Army (INA) was founded by Subhas Chandra Bose. It was an organization formed with the aim of securing India’s independence, with the spirit of unity across diverse backgrounds. This chapter in Indian history highlights the power of unity in diversity as a defence against divisive external pressures; however the British captured INA and conducted trials for the officers.

The British prosecuted three INA officers: Shah Nawaz Khan, a Muslim; Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon, a Sikh; and Prem Sahgal, a Hindu, reflecting the natural diversity of the INA itself, which embraced people from all regions and faiths. This diversity, rather than dividing public opinion, became a powerful symbol of unity. Indians across religious and regional lines rallied in solidarity with the officers, viewing their struggle as a representation of the nation’s dream for freedom and dignity. The trials sparked mass protests and reignited the collective drive toward a shared national identity, highlighting the strength of unity in the face of external challenges, reinforcing unity as an instrument for change.

Questions

  1. Who were the three INA officers prosecuted by the British?

  2. What was the aim of the Indian National Army?

  3. Who founded the Indian National Army?

  4. State True or False: The INA officers were from only one religious community.

  5. According to the paragraph, what is the best defence against divisive external pressures?

Answers: 

  1. Shah Nawaz Khan, Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon, and Prem Sahgal.
  2. To secure India’s independence.
  3. Subhas Chandra Bose.
  4. False.
  5. Unity in diversity

8. The Stonecutter’s Wish (Page: 93)

Once, there was a humble stonecutter who spent his days carving stones from a mountain. One day, he envied a wealthy merchant and wished to be rich. Instantly, he became a merchant, surrounded by wealth.

Soon, he noticed a king commanding respect and power. He wished to be a king. His wish was granted, and he felt powerful until the sun’s heat made him uncomfortable. “The sun is stronger than a king,” he thought, and he became the sun.

As the sun, he noticed a thick cloud blocking his rays. “The cloud is mightier than the sun,” he decided and became a cloud. But then the wind blew him apart, so he wished to be the wind.

The wind rushed mightily across the land until it came upon an immovable mountain. “The mountain is stronger than I am!” he realised, and he became a mighty, unyielding stone.

One day, a stonecutter began chipping away at him. Only then did he understand: he had always been the most powerful thing, just as he was.

This parable teaches us to appreciate ourselves and recognise our unique value without envy.

Questions

  1. Why did the stonecutter wish to be the wind?

  2. What is the moral of the parable?

  3. State True or False: We have always been the most powerful thing, just as we are.

  4. Why did the stonecutter want to be a king?

  5. What was the stonecutter’s first wish?

Answers: 

  1. Because the wind blew the cloud apart.
  2. We should appreciate ourselves and not envy others.
  3. True.
  4. Because he saw a king commanding respect and power.
  5. To become a wealthy merchant (to be rich).

9. Khejarli Massacre (Page: 93)

In 1730, the desert of Rajasthan turned red when Amrita Devi, a Bishnoi woman, bravely stood in front of the king’s soldiers to protect the sacred Khejri trees. She hugged a tree and said, “If saving this tree costs my life, it is worth it.” With those words, her head fell to the ground.

But her sacrifice didn’t stop there. Ten, twenty, thirty—more people stepped forward, and their heads fell too. Yet the Bishnoi villagers didn’t stop. Fifty, ninety, one hundred—they kept coming, standing strong. Men, women, children, and elders all hugged the trees, refusing to give up. One hundred and fifty, two hundred, two hundred and fifty-five—still, the soldiers kept swinging their swords.

Three hundred, three hundred and fifty—yet the Bishnois didn’t back down. Their courage was stronger than their fear. When the king heard what was happening, he rushed to the scene. Seeing the villagers’ bravery, he was moved.

The king stopped the destruction and promised to protect the Khejri trees forever. Their sacrifice inspired the modern Chipko movement.

Questions

  1. Which modern movement in India was inspired by the sacrifice of the Bishnois?

  2. Who promised to protect the Khejri trees after witnessing the Bishnois’ sacrifice?

  3. How many Bishnois sacrificed their lives to protect the trees?

  4. Who was the Bishnoi woman who stood against the king’s soldiers to save the trees?

  5. What did Amrita Devi say before sacrificing her life?

Answers: 

  1. The Chipko Movement.
  2. The king.
  3. More than 300 Bishnois.
  4. Amrita Devi.
  5. “If saving this tree costs my life, it is worth it.”

10. Mountain Man (Page: 94)

In the hot hills of Bihar, Dashrath Manjhi faced a terrible loss when his wife fell on a mountain path and couldn’t get to the hospital in time. Her death filled him with a strong determination. He stood before the huge mountain that blocked his village from the nearest town and decided to break it with just a hammer and chisel.

With every strike of his tools, pieces of rock fell. Neighbours laughed and called him crazy, but Dashrath kept going. “This mountain took my wife,” he said, “I won’t let it take anyone else.”

Day after day, year after year, he worked tirelessly. His hands bled, the seasons changed, years rolled on and 22 years passed. Slowly, a path appeared where the mountain once stood. The villagers, who once mocked him, began to admire his incredible effort.

In the end, Dashrath Manjhi succeeded. He carved a 110-metre-long road through the mountain, turning a 55-kilometre journey into just 15 kilometres. Known as the “Mountain Man,” he showed the world that even the toughest challenges can be overcome with determination. His story inspires people everywhere to believe in themselves and their dreams.

Questions

  1. What did people call Dashrath Manjhi when he started breaking the mountain?

  2. What tools did Dashrath Manjhi use to break the mountain?

  3. How many years did Dashrath Manjhi work hard to carve a path through the mountain?

  4. What title did Dashrath Manjhi earn for his achievement?

  5. State True or False: Even the toughest challenges can be overcome with determination.

Answers: 

  1. Crazy.
  2. A hammer and chisel.
  3. 22 years.
  4. The Mountain Man.
  5. True.

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