For Students of Class 8 in CBSE affiliated schools, Unseen passages is an integral part of English paper and students need to have lots of practice to get the knack of how to solve these reading comprehensions perfectly in less time and score high marks.In this blog, we will provide you with various Unseen Passages for CBSE Class 8 Activities and Worksheets with answers, to make it easier for you as a student to prepare Reading section of final exam paper. Read on to find out.
Unseen Passages for Class 8 – English Comprehensions PDF
English Unseen Passage for CBSE Class 8 Unsolved
English Unseen Passage with Questions for CBSE Class 8
English Unseen Passage for CBSE Class 8 Unsolved in PDF
English Unseen Passage with Questions CBSE Class 8 in PDF
Unseen Passage For CBSE Class 8 – Worksheet 6
Unseen Passage For Class 8 – Worksheet 5
Unseen Passage For Class 8 – Worksheet 4
Unseen Passage For Class 8 – Worksheet 3
Unseen Passage For Class 8 – Worksheet 2
Unseen Passage For Class 8 – Worksheet 1
English Reading Unseen Passage for Class 8 – Passage 1
Read the following passage and answer the questions given below:
The Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only known planet to support life. It has a diameter of approximately 12,742 kilometers and is the fifth largest planet in the solar system. The Earth is a rocky planet with a solid outer crust and a molten inner core. Its atmosphere is composed of nitrogen, oxygen, and trace amounts of other gases.
The Earth’s rotation on its axis causes day and night, while its orbit around the Sun causes the seasons. The Earth’s axial tilt is responsible for the variation in sunlight received by different parts of the planet throughout the year, resulting in the seasons. The Earth’s magnetic field, created by the motion of molten iron in its core, helps to protect the planet from harmful solar radiation.
The Earth is also unique in its abundance of water, which covers approximately 71% of its surface. This water is essential for life and plays a crucial role in regulating the planet’s temperature and climate.
Questions:
- What is the Earth?
- How does the Earth’s rotation cause day and night?
- What causes the seasons on Earth?
- What is the Earth’s magnetic field and why is it important?
- What is unique about the Earth’s abundance of water?
Answers:
- The Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only known planet to support life.
- The Earth’s rotation on its axis causes day and night.
- The Earth’s axial tilt is responsible for the variation in sunlight received by different parts of the planet throughout the year, resulting in the seasons.
- The Earth’s magnetic field is created by the motion of molten iron in its core, and it helps to protect the planet from harmful solar radiation.
- The Earth has an abundance of water, which covers approximately 71% of its surface. This water is essential for life and plays a crucial role in regulating the planet’s temperature and climate.
English Reading Unseen Passage for Class 8 – Passage 2
Read the following passage and answer the questions given below:
Penicillin is one of the most useful drugs invented by man. With its help, we can heal wounds caused by bacteria which cannot be otherwise healed. In the beginning, very few people knew of this wonderful discovery or its uses. First the scientists and then the ministers of governments were interested in it. Since penicillin could save the wounded soldiers, it was helpful in war. So, they decided to encourage the process of manufacture. Vast factories were set up for preparing it. Lives of hundreds and thousands of soldiers were saved with its help. Most people benefitted from it. Penicillin when introduced into the streams of the human blood, acts as an aid to those parts which are always fighting the deadly germs. It does not have power over every kind of bacteria, but certain kinds are destroyed by penicillin in the great majority of cases.
- Choose the correct statement.
(a) Penicillin could save the wounded soldiers.
(b) Penicillin could not save the soldiers.
(c) Penicillin was harmful for the soldiers.
(d) Penicillin was discarded by the scientists. - Who were interested in the discovery of Penicillin in the beginning?
(a) Governments
(b) Scientists and Ministers of Governments
(c) Teachers.
(d) Doctors - How was penicillin useful in wars?
- How does penicillin act on human blood?
- Fill in the blank with a suitable word from the passage.
The water level decreases in the _________in winters
Answers:
- (a)
- (b)
- It saved the soldiers wounded in wars.
- On introduction into human blood, penicillin acts as an aid to those parts which are always fighting the deadly germs.
- streams
English Reading Unseen Passage for Class 8 – Passage 3
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below.
In the eighteenth century, one of the first modern economists, Adam Smith thought that the whole annual produce of the land and labour of every country provides revenue to three different orders of people; those who live by rent, those who live by wages and those who live by profit. Each successive stage of the industrial revolution, however, made the social structure more complicated. Many intermediate groups grew up during the nineteenth century, between the upper middle class and the working class. There are small scale industrialists as well as the large ones, small shopkeepers and tradesmen, officials and salaried employees, skilled and unskilled workers and professionals, such as doctors and teachers. Farmers and peasants continue in all countries as independent groups. In spite of this development, one of the most famous writers on social class in the nineteenth century, Karl Marx thought that there was tendency for society to split into huge class camps, the capitalists and the workers. Influential as Marx’s theory of social class was, it was over-simplified. The social make-up of modern societies is much more complex than he suggested
Q.1 According to the passage, doctors and teachers belong to the :
(a) upper class
(b) upper middle class
(c) working class
(d) middle class
Q.2 What effect did each stage of the industrial revolution make on social structure?
(a) made it easier to learn
(b) made it complicated
(c) made it simple
(d) made it flexible
Q.3 Who developed the two-class theory? _____________________________
Q.4 Who are regarded as intermediate group? _______________________
Q.5 Fill in the blank with a suitable word from the passage.
India became ___________ on 15th August 1947.
Answers
- (b)
- (b)
- Karl Marx developed the two-class theory.
- The small shopkeepers and tradesmen are regarded as intermediate
group. - independent
English Reading Unseen Passage for Class 8 – Passage 4
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below.
John Dalton was an English Chemist whose atomic theory is the basis of Chemistry. Dalton could not distinguish red from green. In 1784, he was the first to describe colour blindness which came to be known as Daltonism. The word is still used in French, Spanish and Russian. After his death, the scientists from London and Cambridge examined DNA from fragments of Dalton’s eyes preserved at his request by the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society, and have shown that he lacked the gene for making green pigment in the retina. Dalton who lived from 1766 to 1844 gave instructions for his eyes to be examined after his death. He had believed that the vitreous humour, the clear substance in the inner chamber of the eyes must in his case, be tinted blue so that it absorbed red light. At the autopsy, no such blue tint was found. But from Dalton’s perception of how he perceived light, scientist have concluded that he must have lacked the pigment in the retina that is sensitive to red light.
- Which colours could not be distinguished by Dalton?
(a) red from blue
(b) red from yellow
(c) red from green
(d) blue from green. - What instructions did Dalton give regarding his eyes?
(a) To be preserved at home.
(b) To be examined after death.
(c) To be checked immediately.
(d) To be kept in museum. - Which languages still use the word ‘Daltonism’?
- What did Dalton believe about his own blindness?
- Fill in the blank with a suitable word from the passage.
Scientist concluded that he ____________ a pigment in his retina
Answers
- (c)
- (b)
- French, Spanish and Russian language still use the word ‘Daltonism’.
- Dalton believed that the vitreous humour, the clear substance in the
inner chamber of the eyes, must in his case, be tinted blue so that it
absorbed red light. - lacked
English Reading Unseen Passage for Class 8 – Passage 5
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
We often come across situations and incidents, which appear quite contradictory to the known laws of Nature, creating doubts about the impartiality of divine justice. For instance, an honest, duty-conscious, morally elevated person is often seen caught in adversities in one form or the other, or is suddenly struck with a great misfortune in life as though he/she were being punished by God for a great sin. On the other hand, we find persons engaged in worst types of corrupt practices living in peace and prosperity. An idler wins a jackpot or inherits a fortune from unexpected quarters, whereas a hard working intelligent person is found suffering endlessly for want of basic necessities. One person achieves great success with little effort, whereas another does not succeed in spite of his best efforts.
Such phenomena are popularly ascribed to the role of fate. Unprecedented natural calamities like famine, epidemics, tornadoes and floods, damage by lightning and earthquakes and untimely death are also commonly attributed to the will of God and called predestined. Such unexpected happenings as financial loss, accidents, sudden mental/ physical disability and physical separation from a dear one are also attributed to fate. Such unexpected adversities are rare, but they do occur in life. At times, they leave such deep imprints on the psyche, that it is not possible to ignore them. Those who are not familiar with the mysteries of divine justice become very much perplexed by such experiences and form prejudiced opinions, which, in some form or the other, hinder their mental and spiritual progress. Many become resentful towards God, blame and abuse Him for favouritism and injustice.
A few even become atheists, considering the futility of worshipping God who does not respond to prayer in distress, despite their prolonged adherence to religiosity. Then there is a class of devotees who serve the saints and worship deities in expectation of some material gains. However, if they are visited with some failure, unfavourable circumstances, or mishap coincidentally, their adoration changes to contempt of disbelief. There are quite a few believers in this world who correlate people, places and things with good and bad luck. Such superstitions have caused extreme miseries to innocent persons. The root cause for such irrational behaviour is the belief that whatever come to pass is predestined by God and the beings created by Him have absolutely no role in shaping their own destiny. Quite a few persons in this world forsake their responsibility in the mistaken belief that the gain and loss being predestined, there is no necessity of personal effort.
Questions
(a) What is a mistaken belief ?
______________________________________________
(b) When do we doubt about the impartiality of divine justice ?
______________________________________________
(c) Give an example of phenomena ascribed to the role of fate.
______________________________________________
(d) How is an intelligent person sometimes seen living ?
______________________________________________
(e) Name a few natural calamities ?
______________________________________________
(f) In which category is financial loss put ?
______________________________________________
Find out words from the passage which mean :
(g) to say something was written by or belonged to somebody.
(h) to make it more difficult for somebody to do.
(i) confused.
Answers
(a) That gain and loss being predestined, there is no necessity of personal effort, is a mistaken belief.
(b) We doubt about the impartiality of divine justice, when we come across a situation and incidents which appear quite contradictory to the known laws of nature.
(c) Winning a jackpot by an idler is an example of phenomena ascribed to the role of fate.
(d) An intelligent person is sometimes seen suffering endlessly for want of basic necessities.
(e) Famine, epidemics, tornadoes, floods, lightning and earthquakes are a few natural calamities.
(f) Financial loss is put in the category of fate.
(g) ascribe (h) hinder (i) perplexed
English Reading Unseen Passage for Class 8 – Passage 6
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow : (Discursive)
Every moment of life is precious. Time is the essence of life. It is the wealth given to us by Nature. Everyday all of us get 24 hours; nothing less, nothing more. Now, it is up to us how we use it. People who know how to make the best use of every moment easily open the doors of success in their lives and those who misuse time get failures one after the other. There is a saying that, ‘‘Spent time and spent words cannot come back.’’ Everybody is tied by the limits of time; even God respects the boundaries of time. Work wins appreciation only when it gets completed in a requisite time frame. Beyond the time allotted, work loses all its utility however good may have been its quality. Just as falling of rains after the crops have dried up have no use; likewise, when the time is past the deadline, the work loses its importance and value.
When iron is hot it can be cast into whichever shape we want. Once it gets cold nothing can be made out of it, however, much we may beat the same. In the same way, a person who has learnt to wisely use his time and has understood how to cast himself according to the need of the time has actually learnt the true mantra of life. Shakespeare wrote in one of his plays, ‘‘I wasted time, and now doth time waste me.’’ It is true that a person who wastes even a little bit of time loses wonderful opportunities that he could have otherwise availed of by utilizing that time. All the great leaders have one thing in common. They wisely utilize every moment of their time. When other people are busy in wasting time in laziness, great men are busy in making plans for the future. There is no person in history who wasted his time and still managed to achieve greatness.
Therefore, there is great need to manage time wisely. ‘‘Careful Time Management’’ refers to careful planning of time and sincere execution of this plan. This is the only mantra to attain success in any endeavour. A simple change in outlook and some modification in one’s daily routine can result in a big jump forward towards greater achievements.
Questions
(a) What is the essence of life?
______________________________________________
(b) What kind of work loses its utility ?
______________________________________________
(c) What is needed for careful time management ?
______________________________________________
(d) What kind of people open the doors of success of their life ?
______________________________________________
(e) When does the work lose its importance and value ?
______________________________________________
(f) Who has learnt the true mantra of life ?
Find out a word from the passage which means :
(g) limitations
(h) required
(i) get
Answers
(a) Time is the essence of life.
(b) The work which is completed beyond the time allotted loses its utility.
(c) Careful planning of time and sincere execution of this plan is needed for careful time management.
(d) The people who know how to make the best use of every moment open the doors of success.
(e) When the time passes the deadline, the work loses its importance and value.
(f) A person who has learnt to use wisely his time and has understood how to cast himself according to the need of the time has learnt the true mantra of life.
(g) boundaries
(h) requisite
(i) attain
English Reading Unseen Passage for Class 8 – Passage 7
Read the following passage and answer the questions given below:
Less obviously, but just as significant, are the social reasons behind the modern urge to travel. Foreign journeys were, at one time, expensive and difficult for most of the people to organize, in fact, an indulgence for the wealthy. Today, cheap airfares and package holidays have made foreign travel fashionable for many, especially for those who spend their lives working in crowded cities and in industry. Travel to foreign countries is now within the reach of the families who only thirty years ago would have hardly dreamt of such a thing. Indeed, for some, it has become a matter of personal pride to boast of. The more the time spent abroad, and the more glamorous and far-flung the destination, the better. Indians are now looking beyond the beaches of Goa to Miami beaches or to the mountains of Alps or the Niagara Falls or even the safaris of Africa for a new and vastly different experience. Travel companies have been quick to advertise the cultural and educational advantages of such holidays, selling wildlife exploration trips of the Amazon or the ancient temples of the east just as earnestly as they once did the ‘Magic of Rome’ or the ‘Splendour of Ancient Athens’..
- What was once considered an indulgence for the wealthy?
(a) horse riding in the forests
(b) foreign travel
(c) playing on the ice
(d) enjoying with family - What has made foreign travel fashionable now?
(a) beauty of locations
(b) people’s mood
(c) cheap airfares and package holidays
(d) internet - What makes people dream of holiday abroad now?
- Where do the Indians look forward to go for holidaying nowadays?
Answers
- (b)
- (c)
- People can now dream of a foreign holidays because of availability of cheap airfares and package holidays.
- Indians are now a days looking forward to travel to Miami beaches or to Alps mountains or even for African Safari.
English Reading Unseen Passage for Class 8 – Passage 8
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below.
Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances into the environment. These substances can include chemicals, particles, and other materials that can cause damage to living organisms, as well as to the natural environment. Pollution can take many different forms, including air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution.
Air pollution is caused by the release of chemicals and particles into the atmosphere. This can be caused by a variety of different sources, including factories, cars, and power plants. When these chemicals and particles are released into the air, they can cause a range of health problems for humans and animals, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer.
Water pollution is caused by the release of chemicals and waste products into bodies of water, including rivers, lakes, and oceans. This can be caused by factories, agricultural runoff, and sewage systems. Water pollution can have devastating effects on aquatic life, including fish, frogs, and other organisms that depend on clean water to survive.
Soil pollution is caused by the introduction of chemicals and other pollutants into the soil. This can be caused by a variety of different sources, including agricultural practices, landfills, and industrial activities. Soil pollution can have long-lasting effects on the health of the environment, including the plants and animals that depend on the soil for their survival.
Questions:
- What is pollution?
Answer: Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances into the environment.
- What are the different forms of pollution?
Answer: The different forms of pollution include air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution.
- What causes air pollution?
Answer: Air pollution is caused by the release of chemicals and particles into the atmosphere, which can be caused by factories, cars, and power plants.
- What are some health problems that can be caused by air pollution?
Answer: Some health problems that can be caused by air pollution include respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer.
- What causes water pollution?
Answer: Water pollution is caused by the release of chemicals and waste products into bodies of water, including rivers, lakes, and oceans, which can be caused by factories, agricultural runoff, and sewage systems.
- What are some of the effects of water pollution on aquatic life?
Answer: Water pollution can have devastating effects on aquatic life, including fish, frogs, and other organisms that depend on clean water to survive.
- What causes soil pollution?
Answer: Soil pollution is caused by the introduction of chemicals and other pollutants into the soil, which can be caused by agricultural practices, landfills, and industrial activities.
- What are some of the effects of soil pollution on the environment?
Answer: Soil pollution can have long-lasting effects on the health of the environment, including the plants and animals that depend on the soil for their survival.
English Reading Unseen Passage for Class 8 – Passage 9
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below.
The world’s oceans are vast and complex ecosystems, covering more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface. They are home to a staggering variety of plants and animals, many of which are still unknown to us. Oceans also play a critical role in regulating our climate and providing food and resources for millions of people around the world.
Unfortunately, the health of our oceans is under threat from a variety of sources. Climate change is causing sea levels to rise, which in turn is leading to more frequent and severe storms. This is having a devastating impact on coastal communities and marine habitats. Overfishing is another major issue, with many species being caught at unsustainable levels. Pollution from industrial and agricultural activities is also a major concern, with plastics and other debris causing harm to marine life and the environment.
Despite these challenges, there are many organizations and individuals working to protect our oceans. Governments are implementing policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect marine habitats. Fishing communities are adopting sustainable fishing practices, and businesses are developing alternatives to plastic packaging. By working together, we can help ensure that our oceans remain healthy and vibrant for generations to come.
Questions:
- What percentage of the Earth’s surface do the world’s oceans cover?
- What is the importance of oceans?
- What are some threats to the health of our oceans?
- What is climate change doing to the oceans?
- What is overfishing?
- What is pollution doing to the oceans?
- What are some ways in which governments, fishing communities, and businesses are working to protect the oceans?
- How can we ensure that our oceans remain healthy for future generations?
Answers
- The world’s oceans cover more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface.
- Oceans are important because they are home to many plants and animals, regulate the climate, and provide food and resources for millions of people.
- Some threats to the health of our oceans include climate change, overfishing, and pollution from industrial and agricultural activities.
- Climate change is causing sea levels to rise, which is leading to more frequent and severe storms and having a devastating impact on coastal communities and marine habitats.
- Overfishing is when species are caught at unsustainable levels, leading to declines in their populations.
- Pollution from industrial and agricultural activities is harming marine life and the environment, with plastics and other debris causing particular harm.
- Governments are implementing policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect marine habitats. Fishing communities are adopting sustainable fishing practices, and businesses are developing alternatives to plastic packaging.
- We can ensure that our oceans remain healthy for future generations by continuing to work together to address the threats facing our oceans and adopting sustainable practices in our daily lives, such as reducing our use of single-use plastics.
English Reading Unseen Passage for Class 8 – Passage 10
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below.
Rani Lakshmi Bai was the queen of the Maratha-ruled state of Jhansi in northern India. She was born on 19 November 1828 in Varanasi, India. Her birth name was Manikarnika, but she was affectionately called Manu by her family. She was married to the Maharaja of Jhansi, Raja Gangadhar Rao, at the age of 14. After her husband’s death, the British government refused to recognize her adopted son as the heir to the throne, and they annexed the state of Jhansi. Rani Lakshmi Bai refused to surrender Jhansi to the British and led her troops into battle. She fought fiercely against the British forces and died on 18 June 1858, at the age of 29, while battling for Jhansi’s independence.
Questions:
- Who was Rani Lakshmi Bai?
- What was her birth name and what was she affectionately called by her family?
- Who was Rani Lakshmi Bai married to and at what age?
- What happened after her husband’s death?
- How did Rani Lakshmi Bai respond to the British government’s refusal to recognize her adopted son as the heir to the throne?
- How did Rani Lakshmi Bai die?
Answers:
- Rani Lakshmi Bai was the queen of the Maratha-ruled state of Jhansi in northern India.
- Her birth name was Manikarnika, but she was affectionately called Manu by her family.
- Rani Lakshmi Bai was married to the Maharaja of Jhansi, Raja Gangadhar Rao, at the age of 14.
- After her husband’s death, the British government refused to recognize her adopted son as the heir to the throne, and they annexed the state of Jhansi.
- Rani Lakshmi Bai refused to surrender Jhansi to the British and led her troops into battle.
- Rani Lakshmi Bai died on 18 June 1858, at the age of 29, while battling for Jhansi’s independence.
English Reading Unseen Passage for Class 8 – Passage 11
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below.
The world’s oceans cover over 70% of the Earth’s surface and are home to millions of different species of plants and animals. Oceans also play a critical role in regulating the Earth’s climate, absorbing about 30% of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by human activities. However, human activities such as pollution, overfishing, and climate change are threatening the health of our oceans.
Plastic pollution is a major problem in our oceans. Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste end up in the ocean, harming marine life and disrupting ecosystems. Overfishing is also a concern, as many fish populations are being depleted faster than they can reproduce. Climate change is causing ocean temperatures to rise, which is leading to coral bleaching, where corals lose their color and become vulnerable to disease and death.
To protect our oceans, we need to reduce our use of plastic and properly dispose of waste, support sustainable fishing practices, and take action to address climate change.
Questions:
- What percentage of the Earth’s surface do the world’s oceans cover?
- What role do oceans play in regulating the Earth’s climate?
- How are human activities threatening the health of our oceans?
- What is plastic pollution, and why is it a problem in our oceans?
- How is climate change affecting the oceans?
- What steps can we take to protect our oceans?
Answers:
- The world’s oceans cover over 70% of the Earth’s surface.
- Oceans absorb about 30% of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by human activities and help regulate the Earth’s climate.
- Human activities such as pollution, overfishing, and climate change are threatening the health of our oceans.
- Plastic pollution is the accumulation of plastic products in the environment that harm marine life and disrupt ecosystems.
- Climate change is causing ocean temperatures to rise, which is leading to coral bleaching, where corals lose their color and become vulnerable to disease and death.
- We can reduce our use of plastic and properly dispose of waste, support sustainable fishing practices, and take action to address climate change to protect our oceans.
English Reading Unseen Passage for Class 8 – Passage 12
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below.
The Industrial Revolution was a period of major changes in manufacturing, transportation, and communication that occurred in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It began in Britain and quickly spread to other countries, including the United States.
One of the key developments of the Industrial Revolution was the steam engine, which greatly increased the efficiency of manufacturing and transportation. Factories could now be powered by steam engines, which allowed for mass production of goods. Steam-powered locomotives and steamships revolutionized transportation, making it faster and more efficient.
The Industrial Revolution also saw the growth of urbanization, as people moved from rural areas to cities in search of work in factories. However, the conditions in these factories were often harsh, with long hours and low pay.
Despite the negative aspects, the Industrial Revolution had a major impact on the world and helped to lay the foundation for modern society.
Questions:
- What was the Industrial Revolution and when did it occur?
- What was the key development of the Industrial Revolution that increased efficiency?
- How did the steam engine revolutionize manufacturing and transportation?
- What was the impact of the Industrial Revolution on urbanization?
- What were some of the negative aspects of the Industrial Revolution?
- What was the overall impact of the Industrial Revolution on the world?
Answers:
- The Industrial Revolution was a period of major changes in manufacturing, transportation, and communication that occurred in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
- The key development of the Industrial Revolution was the steam engine.
- The steam engine greatly increased the efficiency of manufacturing and transportation, allowing for mass production of goods and faster, more efficient transportation.
- The Industrial Revolution led to urbanization, as people moved from rural areas to cities in search of work in factories.
- The conditions in factories during the Industrial Revolution were often harsh, with long hours and low pay.
- The Industrial Revolution had a major impact on the world and helped to lay the foundation for modern society, but it also had negative effects on the environment and workers’ rights.
English Reading Unseen Passage for Class 8 – Passage 13
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below.
Carrier pigeons can be trained to carry messages to people. The note is placed into a small thin can. The can is tied to the pigeon’s leg. Then the pigeon flies off to deliver the note. Carrier pigeons are good messengers because they are fast and can fly long distances. They also have a good sense of direction. They can even reach places that people that are not able to.
From high up in the sky, specially trained can spot orange life jackets in the ocean. Sometimes it s difficult for humans to spot people lost at sea, especially when the weather is bad. However, pigeon’s can fly quickly over a large area of water in search of people.
In 2006, a group of scientists used pigeons to study air pollution in California. Special backpacks with miniature cell phones were strapped onto pigeons. As the pigeons flew, machines in the backpacks tested to see the type of gases in the air. The cell phones sent information about the air to the scientists.So next time you see a pigeon, stop and watch it closely. What might look like an ordinary bird to most people might actually be a hard-working mail carrier, a scientist, a lifeguard or even a spy!
1. How do pigeons carry messages ?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Why are carrier pigeons considered to be good messengers ? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Complete the sentence given below-
Pigeons were used to study __________________________through ____________________
which were strapped on to pigeons.
4. Mention any two ways how carrier pigeons help humans?
______________________________________________________________________________
5. Find word/phrase from the passage which mean the same as:
a) a wearable device that helps a person float in water___________________
b) to locate ___________________
English Reading Unseen Passage for Class 8 – Passage 14
Read this report passage carefully and answer the questions given below.
Eating ice cream really does make you happy. Scientists have found that a spoonful of ice cream lights up the same pleasure center in the brain as winning a contest of listening to you favourite music. Neuro-scientists in London scanned the brains of people eating vanilla ice cream. They found an immediate effect on parts of brain known to activate when people enjoy themselves. The scientists used advanced technology to watch blood flowing to activate brain areas when people swallow ice cream.
Don Darling of Unilever said, ‘This is the first time that we have been able to show that ice-cream makes you happy. Just one spoonful lights up the happy zones of the brain in clinical trials.’
1. What makes people happy? (5)
________________________________________________________________________
2. What is the pleasure derived from eating ice cream compared to? . ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. How did the scientists use advanced technology?
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. How much ice-cream is needed to make one happy?
________________________________________________________________________
7. Find words from the passage which mean the same as:
a) examined ___________________
b) enjoyment ___________________
English Reading Unseen Passage for Class 8 – Passage 15
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below. (10)
Tintin is the name of a famous European comic strip hero. Tintin was created by the Belgian cartoonist Herge (the pen name of Georges Prosper Remi). Tintin is a reporter. The comic strip follows his many adventures throughout the world. Some of the stories have elements of mystery, science, fiction and fantasy.
However, they all contain humor.
Tintin’s pet fox terrier, Snowy, accompanies him on his adventures. His other companions include the bad-tempered Captian Haddock, Professor Calculus, and the bumbling detectives Thomson and Thomson.
Tintin first appeared in a story published in a children’s supplement to a Belgian newspaper in January 1929. The strips were collected into an ‘album’ called Tintin in the Land of Soviets (1930). Herge published 23 Tintin albums up to 1976. A 24th album, titled Tintin and Alpha-Art, was unfinished at the time of Herge’s death in 1983.
The Tintin comic strip has been enourmously popular throughout Europe and other parts of the world. It has influenced many European cartoonists. The character’s adventure led to a Tintin magazine. The stories have been adapted from motion pictures, radio, television, and the stage. The American film director Steven Spielberg directed the animated movie The Adventures of Tintin (2011)
- Answer the following questions:
- What was Herger’s real name? 1
_______________________________________________________________________________
- Name Tintin’s constant companions. 1
_______________________________________________________________________________
- When did Herge publish, the first Tintin album? 1
_______________________________________________________________________________
- What is the name of the unfinished Tintin album? 1
_______________________________________________________________________________
- How can you say that Tintin is an everlasting character? 1
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
- Who directed the animated movie The Adventure of Tintin 1
_______________________________________________________________________________
- Tick the correct answer 2
- Snowy was:
- A lap dog ii. A Fox Terrier iii. A Spitz
- All Tintin adventures contain:
- Humor ii. Science fiction iii. Fantasy
h) Find the synonyms of: 2
a. famous: ______________________________
b. incomplete: __________________________
Also Check Unseen Passages for Class 3 , Unseen Passages for Class 5, Unseen Passages for Class 4
