Reading Unseen Passages & Practice Questions | Class 11 English Grammar PDF Download

 Page 1


 
SECTION - A 
Reading Comprehension - 15 Marks 
READING 
Reading Unseen Passages for Comprehension and Note Making 
This section will have two unseen passages followed by a variety of questions. The total length 
of the two passages shall be around 1100 (600 + 500). 
Question 1: Long Reading Passage of 600 Words 08 Marks 
Question 1 shall have two sets of questions 
a) 6 Questions carrying 1 mark each, out of which two shall be MCQs - 6x1= 6 M
b) Vocabulary Testing - 2 Questions carrying one mark each. 2x1= 2 Marks 
Question 2: Reading Passage of 500 Words for Summary and Note Making 07 Marks 
a) Note making - 5 Marks 
b) Summary - 2 Marks 
 
Reading skill is one of the cardinal skills of language. As listening paves the way 
for speaking skills, reading skill enhances the confidence of the learner in his written 
presentation. 
 Comprehension means understanding or perception. 
Points to remember while attempting this section. 
- Develop ability to comprehend the passage as a whole  
- Concentrate on the main ideas and important vocabulary 
- To save time, read the questions first and then the passage. 
- Answer the questions in simple language 
? Make a habit of regular reading of a newspaper, magazine 
(Speaking tree from The Times Of India, Down to Earth Magazine, Editorial (The 
Hindu) etc.) 
 
 
 
Page 2


 
SECTION - A 
Reading Comprehension - 15 Marks 
READING 
Reading Unseen Passages for Comprehension and Note Making 
This section will have two unseen passages followed by a variety of questions. The total length 
of the two passages shall be around 1100 (600 + 500). 
Question 1: Long Reading Passage of 600 Words 08 Marks 
Question 1 shall have two sets of questions 
a) 6 Questions carrying 1 mark each, out of which two shall be MCQs - 6x1= 6 M
b) Vocabulary Testing - 2 Questions carrying one mark each. 2x1= 2 Marks 
Question 2: Reading Passage of 500 Words for Summary and Note Making 07 Marks 
a) Note making - 5 Marks 
b) Summary - 2 Marks 
 
Reading skill is one of the cardinal skills of language. As listening paves the way 
for speaking skills, reading skill enhances the confidence of the learner in his written 
presentation. 
 Comprehension means understanding or perception. 
Points to remember while attempting this section. 
- Develop ability to comprehend the passage as a whole  
- Concentrate on the main ideas and important vocabulary 
- To save time, read the questions first and then the passage. 
- Answer the questions in simple language 
? Make a habit of regular reading of a newspaper, magazine 
(Speaking tree from The Times Of India, Down to Earth Magazine, Editorial (The 
Hindu) etc.) 
 
 
 
1. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow: 
 
University of Cambridge, is an institution of higher education, the second-oldest university in 
the United Kingdom after the University of Oxford. It is located in the city of Cambridge, 
Cambridge shire. (para-1) 
 
The University of Cambridge is a loose confederation of academic faculties and departments, 
and 31 colleges. There are over 15,500 full-time students taught at the university: 11,000 
undergraduates and 4,500 graduates. Although the colleges and the university per se are 
separate bodies, all are parts of an integrated educational entity. The university examines 
candidates for degrees during their residency and at the conclusion of their studies; confers 
degrees; regulates the curricula of the colleges and the system of education; deals with 
disciplinary problems; and administers facilities, such as libraries, lecture rooms, and 
laboratories, that are beyond the scope of the colleges. The colleges provide their students 
with lodgings and meals, assign tutors, and offer social, cultural, and athletic activities. Every 
student at the University of Cambridge is a member of a college. (para-2) 
 
The academic year is divided into three terms of approximately eight weeks each: 
Michaelmas (autumn), Lent (late winter), and Easter (spring). Students are required to be in 
residence for the duration of each term. Much of the year's work is done, however, out of 
term time, during the holidays. Students usually study under the supervision of members of 
the college's faculties, who maintain close relationships with the small groups of students in 
their charge and assist them in preparing for university exams. (para-3) 
 
Bachelor of Arts degrees may be conferred, upon the satisfactory completion of exams, after 
nine terms, or three years of residency. The majority of students are candidates for honours 
degrees and take a special examination called a tripos (named after the three-legged stools on 
which examiners formerly sat). Successful candidates for triposes are classified as first, 
second, or third class according to their standing. Other degrees conferred by the university 
include the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, as well as higher doctorates in 
law, medicine, music, science, and theology. (para-4) 
 
 
Page 3


 
SECTION - A 
Reading Comprehension - 15 Marks 
READING 
Reading Unseen Passages for Comprehension and Note Making 
This section will have two unseen passages followed by a variety of questions. The total length 
of the two passages shall be around 1100 (600 + 500). 
Question 1: Long Reading Passage of 600 Words 08 Marks 
Question 1 shall have two sets of questions 
a) 6 Questions carrying 1 mark each, out of which two shall be MCQs - 6x1= 6 M
b) Vocabulary Testing - 2 Questions carrying one mark each. 2x1= 2 Marks 
Question 2: Reading Passage of 500 Words for Summary and Note Making 07 Marks 
a) Note making - 5 Marks 
b) Summary - 2 Marks 
 
Reading skill is one of the cardinal skills of language. As listening paves the way 
for speaking skills, reading skill enhances the confidence of the learner in his written 
presentation. 
 Comprehension means understanding or perception. 
Points to remember while attempting this section. 
- Develop ability to comprehend the passage as a whole  
- Concentrate on the main ideas and important vocabulary 
- To save time, read the questions first and then the passage. 
- Answer the questions in simple language 
? Make a habit of regular reading of a newspaper, magazine 
(Speaking tree from The Times Of India, Down to Earth Magazine, Editorial (The 
Hindu) etc.) 
 
 
 
1. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow: 
 
University of Cambridge, is an institution of higher education, the second-oldest university in 
the United Kingdom after the University of Oxford. It is located in the city of Cambridge, 
Cambridge shire. (para-1) 
 
The University of Cambridge is a loose confederation of academic faculties and departments, 
and 31 colleges. There are over 15,500 full-time students taught at the university: 11,000 
undergraduates and 4,500 graduates. Although the colleges and the university per se are 
separate bodies, all are parts of an integrated educational entity. The university examines 
candidates for degrees during their residency and at the conclusion of their studies; confers 
degrees; regulates the curricula of the colleges and the system of education; deals with 
disciplinary problems; and administers facilities, such as libraries, lecture rooms, and 
laboratories, that are beyond the scope of the colleges. The colleges provide their students 
with lodgings and meals, assign tutors, and offer social, cultural, and athletic activities. Every 
student at the University of Cambridge is a member of a college. (para-2) 
 
The academic year is divided into three terms of approximately eight weeks each: 
Michaelmas (autumn), Lent (late winter), and Easter (spring). Students are required to be in 
residence for the duration of each term. Much of the year's work is done, however, out of 
term time, during the holidays. Students usually study under the supervision of members of 
the college's faculties, who maintain close relationships with the small groups of students in 
their charge and assist them in preparing for university exams. (para-3) 
 
Bachelor of Arts degrees may be conferred, upon the satisfactory completion of exams, after 
nine terms, or three years of residency. The majority of students are candidates for honours 
degrees and take a special examination called a tripos (named after the three-legged stools on 
which examiners formerly sat). Successful candidates for triposes are classified as first, 
second, or third class according to their standing. Other degrees conferred by the university 
include the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, as well as higher doctorates in 
law, medicine, music, science, and theology. (para-4) 
 
 
The University of Cambridge figured prominently in the Protestant Reformation in the 16th 
century. The Dutch scholar Desiderius Erasmus was a professor of Greek and divinity at 
Cambridge from 1511 to 1514 and translated the New Testament from Greek into Latin 
there; the religious reformers William Tyndale, Hugh Latimer, and Thomas Cranmer were 
educated at Cambridge. As a result of the decrees of Henry VIII establishing the Church of 
England, the humanistic method of study replaced the scholastic. Canon law studies were 
ended, public lectures in Latin and Greek were held, and the Bible was studied in the light of 
contemporary learning. (para-5) 
 
A reaction took place, however, during the reign of Elizabeth I, when Cambridge became a 
stronghold of Puritanism. Restrictive legislation enacted in 1570 transferred teaching 
authority to the heads of the colleges. In 1604, early in the reign of James I, the university 
was granted the right to elect two members to the English Parliament; this right was ended in 
1949. During the 17th century the group of scholars known as the Cambridge Platonists 
emerged, and, through the influence of such faculty members as the scientists Isaac Barrow 
and Sir Isaac Newton, an emphasis on the study of mathematics and natural sciences 
developed for which Cambridge has subsequently become renowned. (para-6) 
(a) Answer the following questions in a sentence or two: 1x4= 4 
 
i. What is the duration of the three terms in every academic year? 
Answer: Approximately three weeks. 
 
ii. What are basic functions that the colleges perform in respect with the 
students? 
Answer: . The colleges provide their students with lodgings and meals, 
assign tutors, and offer social, cultural, and athletic activities. 
 
iii. Does the University provide only bachelor degrees? 
Answer: No, apart from bachelor degrees, the University also provides other 
degrees such as Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy, as well as higher 
doctorates in law, medicine, music, science, and theology. 
 
Page 4


 
SECTION - A 
Reading Comprehension - 15 Marks 
READING 
Reading Unseen Passages for Comprehension and Note Making 
This section will have two unseen passages followed by a variety of questions. The total length 
of the two passages shall be around 1100 (600 + 500). 
Question 1: Long Reading Passage of 600 Words 08 Marks 
Question 1 shall have two sets of questions 
a) 6 Questions carrying 1 mark each, out of which two shall be MCQs - 6x1= 6 M
b) Vocabulary Testing - 2 Questions carrying one mark each. 2x1= 2 Marks 
Question 2: Reading Passage of 500 Words for Summary and Note Making 07 Marks 
a) Note making - 5 Marks 
b) Summary - 2 Marks 
 
Reading skill is one of the cardinal skills of language. As listening paves the way 
for speaking skills, reading skill enhances the confidence of the learner in his written 
presentation. 
 Comprehension means understanding or perception. 
Points to remember while attempting this section. 
- Develop ability to comprehend the passage as a whole  
- Concentrate on the main ideas and important vocabulary 
- To save time, read the questions first and then the passage. 
- Answer the questions in simple language 
? Make a habit of regular reading of a newspaper, magazine 
(Speaking tree from The Times Of India, Down to Earth Magazine, Editorial (The 
Hindu) etc.) 
 
 
 
1. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow: 
 
University of Cambridge, is an institution of higher education, the second-oldest university in 
the United Kingdom after the University of Oxford. It is located in the city of Cambridge, 
Cambridge shire. (para-1) 
 
The University of Cambridge is a loose confederation of academic faculties and departments, 
and 31 colleges. There are over 15,500 full-time students taught at the university: 11,000 
undergraduates and 4,500 graduates. Although the colleges and the university per se are 
separate bodies, all are parts of an integrated educational entity. The university examines 
candidates for degrees during their residency and at the conclusion of their studies; confers 
degrees; regulates the curricula of the colleges and the system of education; deals with 
disciplinary problems; and administers facilities, such as libraries, lecture rooms, and 
laboratories, that are beyond the scope of the colleges. The colleges provide their students 
with lodgings and meals, assign tutors, and offer social, cultural, and athletic activities. Every 
student at the University of Cambridge is a member of a college. (para-2) 
 
The academic year is divided into three terms of approximately eight weeks each: 
Michaelmas (autumn), Lent (late winter), and Easter (spring). Students are required to be in 
residence for the duration of each term. Much of the year's work is done, however, out of 
term time, during the holidays. Students usually study under the supervision of members of 
the college's faculties, who maintain close relationships with the small groups of students in 
their charge and assist them in preparing for university exams. (para-3) 
 
Bachelor of Arts degrees may be conferred, upon the satisfactory completion of exams, after 
nine terms, or three years of residency. The majority of students are candidates for honours 
degrees and take a special examination called a tripos (named after the three-legged stools on 
which examiners formerly sat). Successful candidates for triposes are classified as first, 
second, or third class according to their standing. Other degrees conferred by the university 
include the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, as well as higher doctorates in 
law, medicine, music, science, and theology. (para-4) 
 
 
The University of Cambridge figured prominently in the Protestant Reformation in the 16th 
century. The Dutch scholar Desiderius Erasmus was a professor of Greek and divinity at 
Cambridge from 1511 to 1514 and translated the New Testament from Greek into Latin 
there; the religious reformers William Tyndale, Hugh Latimer, and Thomas Cranmer were 
educated at Cambridge. As a result of the decrees of Henry VIII establishing the Church of 
England, the humanistic method of study replaced the scholastic. Canon law studies were 
ended, public lectures in Latin and Greek were held, and the Bible was studied in the light of 
contemporary learning. (para-5) 
 
A reaction took place, however, during the reign of Elizabeth I, when Cambridge became a 
stronghold of Puritanism. Restrictive legislation enacted in 1570 transferred teaching 
authority to the heads of the colleges. In 1604, early in the reign of James I, the university 
was granted the right to elect two members to the English Parliament; this right was ended in 
1949. During the 17th century the group of scholars known as the Cambridge Platonists 
emerged, and, through the influence of such faculty members as the scientists Isaac Barrow 
and Sir Isaac Newton, an emphasis on the study of mathematics and natural sciences 
developed for which Cambridge has subsequently become renowned. (para-6) 
(a) Answer the following questions in a sentence or two: 1x4= 4 
 
i. What is the duration of the three terms in every academic year? 
Answer: Approximately three weeks. 
 
ii. What are basic functions that the colleges perform in respect with the 
students? 
Answer: . The colleges provide their students with lodgings and meals, 
assign tutors, and offer social, cultural, and athletic activities. 
 
iii. Does the University provide only bachelor degrees? 
Answer: No, apart from bachelor degrees, the University also provides other 
degrees such as Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy, as well as higher 
doctorates in law, medicine, music, science, and theology. 
 
iv. In which period of history there was a massive shift in the fields of study 
for the University and what were they? 
 
Answer: In the 16
th
 century, due to the decrees passed by Henry VIII, there 
was a shift from scholastic studies to humanistic and thus public lectures in 
Latin and Greek and study of Bible were given importance. 
 
In the following two questions, find out the right answer from the 
choices given: 1x2=2 
v. What is not true about the students’ lifestyle? 
 
 (a) The students prepare their works  especially during the three terms of 
eight weeks in every academic session. 
 (b) The faculty members help the students in preparing for the exams. 
 (c) During the holidays the students have to work hard. 
 (d) The students spend more time in the colleges than at home 
Answer:  (a) The students prepare their works  especially during the three 
terms of eight weeks in every academic session. 
 
vii. What is not true about the changes that overtook the Cambridge 
University during the reign of Queen Elizabeth and during the 17
th
 century?   
(a) Study of Mathematics became a stronghold for the University. 
(b) More freedom was awarded to the University in different aspects 
through legislation. 
(c) The University’s right to elect two members to the Parliament was 
ended. 
(d) There were some other changes during the 17
th
 century. 
(e) Answer: More freedom was awarded to the University in different 
aspects through legislation. 
 
 
 
Page 5


 
SECTION - A 
Reading Comprehension - 15 Marks 
READING 
Reading Unseen Passages for Comprehension and Note Making 
This section will have two unseen passages followed by a variety of questions. The total length 
of the two passages shall be around 1100 (600 + 500). 
Question 1: Long Reading Passage of 600 Words 08 Marks 
Question 1 shall have two sets of questions 
a) 6 Questions carrying 1 mark each, out of which two shall be MCQs - 6x1= 6 M
b) Vocabulary Testing - 2 Questions carrying one mark each. 2x1= 2 Marks 
Question 2: Reading Passage of 500 Words for Summary and Note Making 07 Marks 
a) Note making - 5 Marks 
b) Summary - 2 Marks 
 
Reading skill is one of the cardinal skills of language. As listening paves the way 
for speaking skills, reading skill enhances the confidence of the learner in his written 
presentation. 
 Comprehension means understanding or perception. 
Points to remember while attempting this section. 
- Develop ability to comprehend the passage as a whole  
- Concentrate on the main ideas and important vocabulary 
- To save time, read the questions first and then the passage. 
- Answer the questions in simple language 
? Make a habit of regular reading of a newspaper, magazine 
(Speaking tree from The Times Of India, Down to Earth Magazine, Editorial (The 
Hindu) etc.) 
 
 
 
1. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow: 
 
University of Cambridge, is an institution of higher education, the second-oldest university in 
the United Kingdom after the University of Oxford. It is located in the city of Cambridge, 
Cambridge shire. (para-1) 
 
The University of Cambridge is a loose confederation of academic faculties and departments, 
and 31 colleges. There are over 15,500 full-time students taught at the university: 11,000 
undergraduates and 4,500 graduates. Although the colleges and the university per se are 
separate bodies, all are parts of an integrated educational entity. The university examines 
candidates for degrees during their residency and at the conclusion of their studies; confers 
degrees; regulates the curricula of the colleges and the system of education; deals with 
disciplinary problems; and administers facilities, such as libraries, lecture rooms, and 
laboratories, that are beyond the scope of the colleges. The colleges provide their students 
with lodgings and meals, assign tutors, and offer social, cultural, and athletic activities. Every 
student at the University of Cambridge is a member of a college. (para-2) 
 
The academic year is divided into three terms of approximately eight weeks each: 
Michaelmas (autumn), Lent (late winter), and Easter (spring). Students are required to be in 
residence for the duration of each term. Much of the year's work is done, however, out of 
term time, during the holidays. Students usually study under the supervision of members of 
the college's faculties, who maintain close relationships with the small groups of students in 
their charge and assist them in preparing for university exams. (para-3) 
 
Bachelor of Arts degrees may be conferred, upon the satisfactory completion of exams, after 
nine terms, or three years of residency. The majority of students are candidates for honours 
degrees and take a special examination called a tripos (named after the three-legged stools on 
which examiners formerly sat). Successful candidates for triposes are classified as first, 
second, or third class according to their standing. Other degrees conferred by the university 
include the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, as well as higher doctorates in 
law, medicine, music, science, and theology. (para-4) 
 
 
The University of Cambridge figured prominently in the Protestant Reformation in the 16th 
century. The Dutch scholar Desiderius Erasmus was a professor of Greek and divinity at 
Cambridge from 1511 to 1514 and translated the New Testament from Greek into Latin 
there; the religious reformers William Tyndale, Hugh Latimer, and Thomas Cranmer were 
educated at Cambridge. As a result of the decrees of Henry VIII establishing the Church of 
England, the humanistic method of study replaced the scholastic. Canon law studies were 
ended, public lectures in Latin and Greek were held, and the Bible was studied in the light of 
contemporary learning. (para-5) 
 
A reaction took place, however, during the reign of Elizabeth I, when Cambridge became a 
stronghold of Puritanism. Restrictive legislation enacted in 1570 transferred teaching 
authority to the heads of the colleges. In 1604, early in the reign of James I, the university 
was granted the right to elect two members to the English Parliament; this right was ended in 
1949. During the 17th century the group of scholars known as the Cambridge Platonists 
emerged, and, through the influence of such faculty members as the scientists Isaac Barrow 
and Sir Isaac Newton, an emphasis on the study of mathematics and natural sciences 
developed for which Cambridge has subsequently become renowned. (para-6) 
(a) Answer the following questions in a sentence or two: 1x4= 4 
 
i. What is the duration of the three terms in every academic year? 
Answer: Approximately three weeks. 
 
ii. What are basic functions that the colleges perform in respect with the 
students? 
Answer: . The colleges provide their students with lodgings and meals, 
assign tutors, and offer social, cultural, and athletic activities. 
 
iii. Does the University provide only bachelor degrees? 
Answer: No, apart from bachelor degrees, the University also provides other 
degrees such as Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy, as well as higher 
doctorates in law, medicine, music, science, and theology. 
 
iv. In which period of history there was a massive shift in the fields of study 
for the University and what were they? 
 
Answer: In the 16
th
 century, due to the decrees passed by Henry VIII, there 
was a shift from scholastic studies to humanistic and thus public lectures in 
Latin and Greek and study of Bible were given importance. 
 
In the following two questions, find out the right answer from the 
choices given: 1x2=2 
v. What is not true about the students’ lifestyle? 
 
 (a) The students prepare their works  especially during the three terms of 
eight weeks in every academic session. 
 (b) The faculty members help the students in preparing for the exams. 
 (c) During the holidays the students have to work hard. 
 (d) The students spend more time in the colleges than at home 
Answer:  (a) The students prepare their works  especially during the three 
terms of eight weeks in every academic session. 
 
vii. What is not true about the changes that overtook the Cambridge 
University during the reign of Queen Elizabeth and during the 17
th
 century?   
(a) Study of Mathematics became a stronghold for the University. 
(b) More freedom was awarded to the University in different aspects 
through legislation. 
(c) The University’s right to elect two members to the Parliament was 
ended. 
(d) There were some other changes during the 17
th
 century. 
(e) Answer: More freedom was awarded to the University in different 
aspects through legislation. 
 
 
 
(b). Find out words from the passage which mean the following: 1x2=2 
 (i) alliance (Para-2) 
 (ii) educational (Para-5) 
nswer: (i) Alliance – Confederation  
 (ii) educational - Scholastic