Reading Comprehension

Textbook Exercises Page 128

1.  One evening, a hungry dog found a piece of meat and ran home happily, holding it tightly in his mouth. On his way, he had to cross a small wooden bridge over a stream. As he looked down into the water, he saw his own reflection—but he thought it was another dog carrying a larger piece of meat.

Greedy and excited, he thought, “If I can get that meat too, I’ll have twice as much!” Without a.second thought, he snapped at the “other dog” in the water. But the moment he opened his mouth to bite, his own piece of meat fell into the stream and was carried away by the current.

The dog stood there helplessly, watching the water flow. He had lost everything because he could not resist his greed. Slowly, he walked back, hungry and wiser.

This small story carries a big lesson. Often in life, people lose what they already have because they run after something that only appears better. Greed makes us blind to what is real and valuable. Contentment, on the other hand, brings peace.

Moral: Greed often causes us to lose even what we already possess.

(Source: The Dog and His Reflection by Aseop)

Questions:

1. What did the dog find at the beginning of the story, and how did he feel about it?

2. What did the dog see when he looked into the stream ?

3. Why did the dog lose the piece of meat he already had?

4. According to the passage, how does greed affect people in real life?

5. What is the moral or main message of this fable?

Answers: 

1. A piece of meat; happy

2. His reflection in the water

3. Because of greed

4. It makes people lose valuable things

5. Greed leads to loss

2. It is often said that time reveals the true nature of people and things. However, this saying is not entirely accurate. Time does not simply uncover a fixed truth—it shows us the many forms that truth can take. Human beings, like everything else in nature, are constantly changing, adapting, and evolving. What we call a person’s “true nature” may, in fact, be only one of their many phases. A fitting example can be found.in the elements Hydrogen‚ Oxygen, which exists as ice, water, and steam. In each state, it remains chemically the same—two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen—yet its form, texture, and behavior change completely according to its environment. Similarly, people too respond differently to different circumstances. A person who appears calm today might act differently under pressure tomorrow, not because they are pretending, but because their nature is fluid and responsive. Just as H2O cannot be defined by any one of its forms, a person or situation cannot be judged by a single moment in time. True understanding, therefore, lies not in waiting for time to “reveal” someone, but in recognizing that change itself is a part of every true nature.

Questions: 

1. What common saying is discussed at the beginning of the passage?

2. Why does the author believe that this saying is not entirely accurate?

3. How is H2O used as an example to explain the idea of change?

4. According to the passage, why should we not judge people or situations by a single moment in time?

5. What does the author mean when they say that “change itself is a part of every true nature”?

Answers:

1. “Time reveals the true nature of people and things.”

2. Because people keep changing.

3. H₂O changes into ice, water, and steam.

4. Because people and situations change with circumstances.

5. Change is natural in everyone and everything.

3. Setting a goal is one of the most important steps toward building a meaningful life. However, many people choose their goals for the wrong reasons. They aim to impress others, to gain praise, to prove that they are better than someone else, or to prove others wrong. Such goals are driven by ego or the need for external validation. When our motivation depends on what others think, we become trapped by their opinions. Our happiness begins to rely on their approval, and our sense of worth becomes fragile. True goals, on the other hand, are born from joy and self-satisfaction. When we choose something because it excites us, challenges us, and helps us grow, the journey itself becomes rewarding. Even small achievements feel meaningful because they reflect our effort and passion. Joy-based goals give us freedom—they let us explore our real abilities and appreciate the process rather than just the result. In contrast, ego-based goals often leave us exhausted and empty, even when we succeed. Therefore, before setting a goal, we must ask ourselves a simple question: Does this make me happy, or am I doing it to please or prove others wrong? The answer decides whether our goal will liberate us or confine us.

Questions:

1. According to the passage, what are some wrong reasons for setting goals?

2. How does seeking external validation affect a person’s happiness?

3. In what way do joy-based goals give us freedom?

4. Why do ego-based goals often leave people feeling exhausted or empty?

5. What important question should we ask ourselves before setting a goal?

Answers:

1. To impress others or prove others wrong

2. Happiness depends on others’ approval

3. They help us explore our abilities

4. They are driven by ego

5. “Does this make me happy?”

4. Harekala Hajabba, a humble fruit seller from Mangalore, Karnataka, is an extraordinary example of how one person’s dream can change an entire community. Born into poverty and unable to afford schooling himself, Hajabba spent his life selling oranges at the Hampankatta bus stop. He had never travelled abroad or received a formal education, yet he carried within him a deep desire to make a difference.

One day, a foreign tourist asked him the price of an orange in English—a language Hajabba did not.understand. Embarrassed by his ignorance, he decided that no child from his village should face the same situation. From that moment, he began saving a part of his small daily income to build a school in his village, Newpadapu.

For years, Hajabba collected money patiently, rupee by rupee. His dream finally came true when a.school was built in 2001. Today, hundreds of children study there—many of them the first in their families to receive an education.

In 2020, the Government of India honoured Harekala Hajabba with the Padma Shri, one of the country’s highest civilian awards. His story proves that true greatness lies not in wealth or power but in selfless purpose.

Questions: 

1. What was Harekala Hajabba’s occupation, and where was he from?

2. Why did Hajabba feel embarrassed when a foreign tourist spoke to him?

3. What decision did Hajabba make after this incident?

4. What recognition did the Government of India give to Harekala Hajabba, and in which year?

5. What important message does Hajabba’s story teach us about true greatness and purpose?

Answers: 

1. A fruit seller from Mangalore, Karnataka

2. He could not understand English

3. To build a school in his village

4. The Padma Shri in 2020

5. True greatness lies in selfless service

5. Time is the most valuable thing we have, yet it is also the easiest to lose. For students, learning to manage time wisely can decide not just academic success but also personal happiness. However, managing time does not mean studying every minute of the day. The difference lies between wasting time and investing time. Wasting time means using it on things that neither help us grow nor bring any real joy—such as mindless scrolling, addictive gaming, or endless chatting. These activities may feel relaxing at first, but they often leave us feeling tired, distracted, and guilty afterward.

In contrast, investing time means using it in ways that improve our body, mind, or relationships. Spending time with family, exercising, or enjoying a healthy conversation with friends are all valuable investments. They keep us emotionally balanced and mentally strong, which in turn helps us perform better in studies and life. Even taking breaks, pursuing hobbies, or resting well are forms of time investment when done mindfully. A student who studies all the time should remember that balance is key—too much pressure can be harmful. Similarly, a student lost in distractions must realize that every wasted minute is a lost opportunity..Life itself is the sum of how we spend our time. To live wisely, we must choose to invest our time in what helps us grow, brings joy, and builds meaning. After all, once time is gone, no one can earn it back.

Questions: 

1. According to the passage, what is the main difference between wasting time and investing time?

2. Why are activities like mindless scrolling or addictive gaming considered a waste of time?

3. What kind of activities are described as valuable investments of time?

4. How does investing time in family, health, or friendships help students in their studies?

5. What advice does the passage give to extremely studious students and to those who are easily distracted?

Answers: 

1. Wasting time does not help growth; investing time does.

2. They leave people distracted and guilty.

3. Spending time with family, exercise, and hobbies

4. They keep students mentally and emotionally strong.

5. Maintain balance and avoid distractions.

6. In today’s world, marketing is not just about selling products—it is about shaping how we think. Advertisers have learned to use language in clever ways to make even unnecessary or unhealthy things seem desirable. Words are no longer just words; they are tools of persuasion. For example, the phrase “Retail Therapy”.makes shopping sound like a cure for sadness, as if buying things could heal emotional pain. Similarly, “Energy Drinks” suggest health and power, even though many of them are filled with sugar and caffeine. Social media has also changed how marketing works. When someone is called an “Influencer,” it sounds positive—someone who inspires others. But in reality, many influencers are paid to promote products they may not even use, turning friendship and trust into business. Even the idea of “sharing”mon social media is misleading. We are not truly sharing; we are helping companies collect our attention and data. Other examples include terms like “Limited Edition” that create false urgency, and the “Gig Economy”.being called “flexible,” when it often means unstable and stressful work. Similarly, “Diet” or “Zero” drinks sound healthy but are usually full of artificial chemicals. Students must learn to read between the lines. The goal of marketing is often not to inform but to.influence. Understanding how language is used to shape our choices helps us become wiser consumers. Instead of believing every catchy phrase, we should ask: Who benefits from this message—and at what cost? True freedom lies in seeing beyond the words and thinking for ourselves.

Questions: 

1. According to the passage, how does modern marketing use language to influence people?

2. What does the phrase “Retail Therapy” suggest, and why is it misleading?

3. How does the passage explain the true meaning behind the word “Influencer” on social media?

4. What false impression do terms like “Limited Edition” and “Flexible Work” create?

5. What important question does the author suggest we ask ourselves to become wiser consumers?

Answers: 

1. By using persuasive and attractive words

2. Shopping seems like a cure for sadness.

3. Influencers are often paid promoters.

4. They create false urgency and security.

5. “Who benefits from this message?”

7. Your body is the only place you will live in for the rest of your life—so take care of it. Physical fitness is not about lifting heavy weights or building muscles; it is about feeling strong, active, and alive. A healthy body helps you think better, feel happier, and face each day with energy. Yet, most students spend hours sitting, scrolling, or studying without movement, forgetting that the body too needs attention and care.

Exercise does not need a gym or fancy shoes. You can begin right at home—stretch when you wake up, do a few jumping jacks, or take a quick jog around your street. Push-ups, squats, and skipping can all be done in minutes, but their benefits last the whole day. These small efforts improve focus, boost mood, and build confidence.

Remember, a strong mind grows inside a healthy body. When you move, you feel lighter—not just in your body, but in your heart too. So, make time every day to move, breathe, and feel your strength. Exercise is not a duty; it is a celebration of what your body can do.

Questions: 

1. According to the passage, what is the true purpose of physical fitness?

2. Why do many students forget to take care of their bodies?

3. What simple exercises does the passage suggest students can do at home?

4. How does regular exercise help improve a student’s focus and mood?

5. What does the author mean by saying, “Exercise is not a duty; it is a celebration of what your body can do”?

Answers: 

1. To feel strong, active, and healthy

2. They spend too much time sitting and scrolling.

3. Stretching, jogging, push-ups, and skipping

4. It boosts focus and mood.

5. Exercise helps us enjoy our body’s strength.

8. D’Artagnan, a young and brave man from Gascony, had just arrived in Paris with dreams of joining the. king’s musketeers. One evening, at an inn, he overheard three musketeers—Athos, Porthos, and Aramis— being insulted by a group of royal guards called the Cardinal’s men. D’Artagnan’s pride flared. He.stepped forward and challenged the guards to a duel, despite being alone and inexperienced. The night air was tense as swords clashed. Sparks flew as the young Gascon fought with all his courage. Seeing his skill and bravery, the three musketeers joined him. Together, they defeated the guards, who.retreated in fear. After the fight, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis admired D’Artagnan’s courage and decided to take him as their friend. From that moment, a strong bond was formed between the four young men— loyalty, bravery, and honor guiding their every adventure. This event marked the beginning of D’Artagnan’s journey, showing that courage and friendship are more powerful than fear or insults.

Questions: 

1. Who is D’Artagnan, and what is his main ambition?

2. Why did D’Artagnan challenge the Cardinal’s men at the inn?

3. How did the three musketeers—Athos, Porthos, and Aramis—react to D’Artagnan’s courage?

4. What was the result of the duel for D’Artagnan and the musketeers?

5. What lesson does this passage teach about courage and friendship?

Answers: 

1. A young man from Gascony; to join the king’s musketeers

2. They insulted the musketeers.

3. They admired and joined him.

4. They defeated the guards and became friends.

5. Courage and friendship are powerful.

9. Every major human achievement — whether it’s running a sub-2-hour marathon, climbing Everest without oxygen, or leaping from the edge of space — first happened in the mind before it happened in reality. Physical barriers are often just the visible edge of unseen psychological walls. Once someone proves those walls can be crossed, the impossible becomes merely “difficult.” Roger Bannister’s four-minute mile is the classic example. For decades, experts claimed the human body couldn’t handle the stress of running that fast. Then Bannister ran 3:59.4 in 1954 — and within a.year, several others did the same. What changed wasn’t human physiology — it was belief. The same holds true for modern feats like Eliud Kipchoge’s sub-2-hour marathon (“No Human is Limited”) — a phrase that has become almost philosophical. It reminds us that evolution continues in our mindset as much as in our muscles. True progress begins the moment someone decides that the limits everyone accepts aren’t real — that they’re just waiting to be redefined.

Questions: 

1. According to the passage, where do major human achievements begin before they become reality?

2. What does the author mean by saying that physical barriers are often “the visible edge of unseen psychological walls”?

3. Why is Roger Bannister’s four-minute mile considering a classic example of breaking limits?

4. How does Eliud Kipchoge’s phrase “No Human is Limited” relate to the main idea of the passage?

5. According to the author, when does true progress actually begin?

Answers: 

1. In the mind

2. Limits are often mental beliefs.

3. He proved the “impossible” was possible.

4. It shows humans can overcome limits.

5. When people challenge accepted limits

10. Happiness is not something that depends on money, success, or comfort. It is untied from all the things we usually chase. People often believe that once they get a better job, buy a house, or find the right person, they will finally be happy. But real happiness does not wait for perfect situations. It comes from how we see life, not what we own. It is a state of mind — something that can exist even when everything else falls apart. When we stop tying happiness to outside things, we begin to see that it lies in gratitude, kindness, and inner peace. A powerful example of this truth comes from Viktor Frankl, an Austrian doctor and writer who survived the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. Surrounded by suffering and death, he realized that while the Nazis could control his body, they could never control his mind or spirit. He saw people who still helped each other, even in such terrible conditions. Frankl later wrote in Man’s Search for Meaning that everything can be taken from a person except the freedom to choose one’s attitude..Through his experience, he showed that happiness and hope come from within — not from what life gives, but from how we face it.

Questions: 

1. What mistake do people often make when trying to find happiness?

2. Where does the passage suggest true happiness can be found?

3. Who was Viktor Frankl, and what situation did he survive during World War II?

4. What important lesson did Frankl learn and share in his book Man’s Search for Meaning?

5. How does Frankl’s experience support the idea that happiness and hope come from within?

Answers: 

1. They connect happiness with money and success.

2. In gratitude, kindness, and inner peace

3. An Austrian doctor and writer; Auschwitz camp

4. People can choose their attitude.

5. He stayed hopeful even in suffering.