BBC Compacta Class 8 Solutions - Classroom Assignment- 4

Read the following passage carefully.

CAN'T YOU CONSERVE A BUCKET OF WATER?

Water is being used as if it is a never-ending source.

Obviously, we cannot decide how much rain we will get,

nor can we predict to a good degree of accuracy when rain

would occur. The only thing we can do to save ourselves

from the dangerous situation of 'tlack of water to drink

while we are thirsty" is to conserve water.

Let us ask ourselves how much water is wasted when we

brush our teeth due to the non-stop flow from the tap.

Water is wasted while washing clothes, cleaning dishes

and flushing the toilet. Most of us know about these

things but realizing it and taking remedial steps is

crucial. We can impart the message of conservation to

our children in school so that the younger generation

today will become responsible citizens oftomorrow.

All ofus can conserve at least a bucket ofwater everyday

by using the scarce resource prudently. Please

remember, a bucket of water saved by every individual

everyday in our country ofbillion-plus means enormous.

We may become richer if we have a lot of gold reserves,

but we will die if we don't have water. In India, where

agriculture is the primary occupation for many people,

water conservation is a must. Y. Phanidra(TheHindu, Modified)

Q1: Tick (V) the correct option for each of the following statements.

(a) People use water as if

(i) it will never be available in future 

(ii) it can be recycled 

(iii) it will always be available 

(iv) it is scarce

Ans:  (iii) it will always be available

(b) 'The hazardous situation we may face in future" is that

(i) we will get enough water 

(ii) we won't get much water 

(iii) we won't get any rain 

(iv) we won't get enough drinking water 

Ans: (iv) we won't get enough drinking water

(c) But realizing it and taking remedial steps is crucial" (paragraph 2). 'Itt here means

(i) wastage of water

(ii) conservation of water

(iii) a remedial step

(iv) a message

Ans: (i) wastage of water

(d) Which of the following is NOT mentioned in paragraph 2 among the instances of water

wastage?

(i) washing clothes

(ii) cleaning dishes 

(iii) flushing the toilet

(iv) washing cars

Ans:  (iv) washing cars

(e) According to the author, who should conserve water?

(i) children

(ii) readers

(iii) all Indians

(iv) those who waste it

Ans: (iii) all Indians

Q2:  Complete the following statements as briefly as possible.

(a) It is difficult to forecast the weather patterns and the amount of rain fall. .

(b)  Conserving water  is the only solution to the crisis of water.

(c) People do not bother  to turn off the tap when not in use while brushing their teeth.

(d) The expression "these things" (Paragraph 2) refers to  water wastage.

(e) Water conservation is even more important for India as   it is a populous country with limited water resources.

(f) According to the author, water is more precious than gold because it is essential for survival.

Q3: . look at paragraph 3.

Find and copy one word that means the opposite of 'foolishly'.

Ans: The word that means the opposite of 'foolishly' could be prudently.

Q4: Read the Facts and Opinions given below. Tick (,/) the option that identifies them correctly.

1. We cannot decide how much rain we will get.

2. Please remember, a bucket of water saved by every individual everyday in our country of billion-plus

means enormous.

3. We may become richer if we have a lot of gold reserves.

4. We will die if we don't have water.

(i) FACTS-1, 3; OPINIONS-2,4

(ii) FACTS-1, 2; OPINIONS-3,4 

(iii) FACTS-1, 4; OPINIONS-2,3 

(iv) FACTS-2, 3; OPINIONS-1,4 

Ans: 

(iv) FACTS – 2, 3; OPINIONS – 1, 4

Q5: The word 'remedial' used in paragraph 2 is NOT the same as and

1. permanent

2. corrective

3. preventive 

4. unusual

5. reformative

(i) Options 1 and 4

(ii) Options 2 and 5

(iii) Options 3 and 6

(iv) Options 4 and 5

Ans: (ii) Options 2 and 5

6. List any two ways in which you would like to conserve water. Give reasons why you would adopt those methods of water conservation.

Ans: For water conservation methods, I could suggest:

Installing low-flow faucets and showerheads to reduce water use.

Collecting rainwater for gardening and other non-potable uses to decrease the demand on the municipal water supply.

7. Based on your reading of the passage, create two slogans to emphasise how and why we need to conserve water.

Ans: Two slogans based on the passage might be:

"Conserve today, live tomorrow - every drop counts!"

"Don't delay, save water today for a hydrated tomorrow!"