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An unseen passage for class 12 is an essential part of the English syllabus that helps students develop their reading comprehension skills. The term “unseen” means that the passage is not something students have read or studied before, making it a true test of their ability to understand and interpret new information. These passages are typically included in exams to assess a student’s ability to read, analyze, and answer questions based on the given text.
The unseen passage for class 12 is designed to challenge students with complex language, varied themes, and in-depth content. This practice not only improves their reading abilities but also helps them gain confidence in tackling unfamiliar texts. Whether it’s a narrative, descriptive, or argumentative passage, each unseen passage requires careful reading to grasp the central idea, identify supporting details, and infer meanings of unfamiliar words or phrases.
To perform well in this section, students need to practice regularly with different types of passages. By doing so, they can develop strategies to quickly identify the main points and answer questions accurately. A good way to start is by working with an unseen passage for class 12 with answers. This allows students to check their understanding and learn from their mistakes. The answers often include explanations that help clarify why a particular answer is correct, which is beneficial for improving overall comprehension skills.
Also Check: Unseen Passage for Class 6
Unseen Passage for Class 12 – Passage 1
1. A popular Russian saying suggests that when purchasing a home, one should focus more on the neighborhood than the house itself. In the past, it was challenging to control who your neighbors would be. However, with the advent of the Internet and the group buying model, it’s now possible to create your dream community when buying a home.
2. The concept of group buying, once applied in industries like automobiles, baby products, and pet care, is now gaining traction in the real estate sector. Numerous websites and brokerage firms in India are offering group deals on real estate projects, making this trend more accessible to homebuyers.
3. The process is straightforward. For instance, take the example of xxx.com, an integrated online and offline platform that showcases properties. This platform uses social media networks to inform potential buyers about attractive deals. Buyers can then engage in viral marketing to gather a large group of interested buyers, enabling them to negotiate a better discount with the developer.
4. Developers benefit from this model as they save on marketing costs and are willing to pay the platform a transaction fee, which is a percentage of the deal’s total value. For buyers, this model provides access to discounted rates without any additional fees, creating a win-win situation for everyone involved.
5. Developers also gain from improved cash flow, providing them with essential working capital. As the Founder of xxx.com mentions, “In today’s real estate market, bulk buying might be the solution to the market slowdown and the long-awaited cash flow.”
6. The discounts offered through group buying can be substantial, typically ranging from 5% to 30%, with an average discount of around 25% to 30% off market rates.
7. The group buying model relies heavily on customer participation. However, some wonder if this model is just a passing trend. It bears similarities to developers working with speculators who purchase properties in bulk before a project begins, often receiving discounts of 30% to 40%. The difference is that group buying companies generally offer developers the advantage of lower discounts compared to what they would provide to speculators.
8. There are some cautions to consider with this trend. Group buying tends to thrive when there is an oversupply of properties and sluggish market conditions, but it may not be as effective in a seller’s market.
9. Additionally, buyers need to be cautious, as developers might not always offer the best inventory in terms of location and utility. Buyers must exercise sound judgment to avoid falling into such traps.
Multiple Choice Questions
The discount size on group buying, compared to the usual discount to speculators, is usually:
(i) Less
(ii) More
(iii) Equal
(iv) Unpredictable
Ans: (ii) More
What may be the objective of the passage?
(i) To reveal fewer discounts being offered by the developers
(ii) To highlight the problems of the housing industry
(iii) To emphasize the importance of the neighborhood in one’s life
(iv) To improve information on group buying trends in real estate
Ans: (iv) To improve information on group buying trends in real estate
Group buying of real estate is done:
(i) Mainly offline
(ii) Only offline
(iii) Only through brokers
(iv) Either online or offline
Ans: (iv) Either online or offline
What does xxx.com represent in the passage?
(i) Developers
(ii) Financiers
(iii) Loan providers
(iv) None of these
Ans: (iv) None of these
The group buying model certainly did not start with:
(i) Cars
(ii) Real estate
(iii) Pet care products
(iv) Baby products
Ans: (ii) Real estate
Which of the following best describes the meaning of the Russian proverb mentioned?
(i) It is better to rent a house than to buy it.
(ii) Don’t buy a single flat, buy multiple flats.
(iii) Fools build houses, wise people live in them.
(iv) None of these
Ans: (ii) Don’t buy a single flat, buy multiple flats.
Which of the following is one of the questions posed in the passage?
(i) Is the group buying model a temporary fad?
(ii) Is the builder offering you the best inventory?
(iii) Should we buy a house or the neighborhood?
(iv) Are current market conditions favorable for this business model?
Ans: (i) Is the group buying model a temporary fad?
Which of the following is true in the context of the passage?
(i) Buyers have to pay higher fees and prices but get their dream neighborhood.
(ii) The customer buy-in model is not dependent on market conditions.
(iii) Group buying companies don’t purchase with the same objective as speculators.
(iv) Developers offer the best available property to group buyers.
Ans: (iii) Group buying companies don’t purchase with the same objective as speculators.
In which of the following situations may the Customer ‘buy-in’ model not work?
(i) Buyer’s market
(ii) When markets are booming with ample supply
(iii) When there is a short supply
(iv) When houses are comparatively cheap
Ans: (iii) When there is a short supply
Which of the following is not true in the context of the passage?
(i) Speculators also buy in bulk.
(ii) Social media networks are used for marketing group buying.
(iii) Group buying companies charge a transaction fee from both buyers and developers.
(iv) Speculators get better discounts compared to other group buying companies.
Ans: (iii) Group buying companies charge a transaction fee from both buyers and developers.
Also Check: Unseen Passage for Class 8
Vocabulary Questions
Choose the word(s) most nearly the same in meaning as the word “DICTATE” as used in the passage:
(i) Read
(ii) Manipulate
(iii) Speak
(iv) Wish
Ans: (iii) Speak
Choose the word(s) most nearly the same in meaning as the word “CATCH ON” as used in the passage:
(i) Continue on
(ii) Get interested
(iii) Enthusiastic about
(iv) Become popular
Ans: (iv) Become popular
Choose the word most nearly the same in meaning as the word “FAD” as used in the passage:
(i) Period
(ii) Trend
(iii) Focus
(iv) Luxury
Ans: (ii) Trend
Choose the word most opposite in meaning to the word “ASTUTE” as used in the passage:
(i) Intelligent
(ii) Sharp
(iii) Insider
(iv) Naive
Ans: (iv) Naive
Choose the word most opposite in meaning to the word “INTEGRATED” as used in the passage:
(i) Inorganic
(ii) Refreshed
(iii) Isolated
(iv) Volatile
Ans: (iii) Isolated
Unseen Passage for Class 12 – Passage 2
1. Introduction to Brain Injury Treatment
Scientists have recently developed a gel that helps brains recover from traumatic injuries, such as those suffered in combat, car accidents, falls, or gunshot wounds. This gel, created by Dr. Ning Zhang at Clemson University in South Carolina, is injected in liquid form at the injury site, stimulating the growth of stem cells.
2. Challenges in Repairing Brain Injuries
Brain injuries are notoriously difficult to repair because the damaged tissues tend to swell, causing additional harm to the surrounding cells. Traditional treatments have focused on minimizing this secondary damage by lowering the temperature or relieving pressure at the injury site, though these methods have often been ineffective.
3. New Approaches to Brain Injury Treatment
Recently, scientists have explored transplanting donor brain cells to repair damaged tissue. However, this approach has shown limited success, as the donor cells often fail to grow or stimulate repair due to inflammation and scarring at the injury site. Additionally, the injury site usually has a limited blood supply and connective tissue, hindering the donor cells from receiving the necessary nutrients.
4. Dr. Zhang’s Innovative Gel
Dr. Zhang’s gel can be customized with different chemicals to stimulate various biological processes at the injury site. In previous studies on rats, she used the gel to restore full blood supply to the brain injury site, potentially creating a more favorable environment for donor cells. In a subsequent study, Dr. Zhang loaded the gel with immature stem cells and the necessary chemicals for their development into adult brain cells. Rats with severe brain injuries treated with this mixture for eight weeks showed significant recovery.
5. Future Prospects
The new gel holds promise for treating patients at various stages of injury and is expected to be ready for human testing in about three years.
Also Check: Unseen Passage for Class 9
Multiple Choice Questions
What kind of brain injuries can the gel mentioned in the passage treat?
(i) Car accidents
(ii) Gunshot injury
(iii) Falls
(iv) All of these
Ans: (iv) All of these
Why are brain injuries hard to mend according to the passage?
(i) Because it is difficult to find good doctors to repair them.
(ii) Because injured tissues swell and cause additional damage to cells.
(iii) Because the person dies instantly after a head injury.
(iv) All of the above
Ans: (ii) Because injured tissues swell and cause additional damage to cells.
Which statement is true according to the passage?
(i) Dr. Ning Zhang at Clemson University in South Carolina developed a gel to help the brain recover from injuries.
(ii) The gel developed for curing brain injuries is injected in gaseous form.
(iii) Gunshot wounds are the worst brain injuries and cannot be cured.
(iv) The new gel will be ready for testing in humans in the next five years.
Ans: (i) Dr. Ning Zhang at Clemson University in South Carolina developed a gel to help the brain recover from injuries.
What animals did Dr. Ning Zhang use to test her gel?
(i) Cows
(ii) Mice
(iii) Rats
(iv) Dogs
Ans: (iii) Rats
Which of the following statements is false regarding Dr. Zhang’s study?
A. She applied the gel on rats to help reestablish full blood supply at the brain injury site.
B. Dr. Zhang loaded the gel with immature stem cells and chemicals needed to develop into adult brain cells.
C. When rats with minor brain injuries were treated with the mixture for eight weeks, they showed significant recovery.
Ans: (ii) Only C
Why do donor cells often fail to grow according to the passage?
(i) Due to inflammation and scarring present at the injury site.
(ii) Because it is the most sensitive part of the body.
(iii) Because damaged brain cells take three years to repair.
(iv) Because donor cells are always infected.
Ans: (i) Due to inflammation and scarring present at the injury site.
Vocabulary Questions
Choose the word most nearly opposite in meaning to the word “TRAUMATIC” as used in the passage:
(i) Painful
(ii) Outrageous
(iii) Minor
(iv) Ridiculous
Ans: (iii) Minor
Choose the word most nearly opposite in meaning to the word “STIMULATES” as used in the passage:
(i) Manage
(ii) Vibrate
(iii) Dedicate
(iv) Prevents
Ans: (iv) Prevents
Choose the word most similar in meaning to the word “COMBAT” as used in the passage:
(i) Fight
(ii) Demonstration
(iii) Harmony
(iv) Accord
Ans: (i) Fight
Choose the word most similar in meaning to the word “SIGNIFICANT” as used in the passage:
(i) Daily
(ii) Noticeable
(iii) Leisurely
(iv) Accurate
Ans: (ii) Noticeable
Unseen Passage for Class 12 – Passage 3
1. How Ceylon Achieved Political Independence
Political independence came to Ceylon in a way that was quite different from Burma. Unlike Burma, Ceylon did not experience Japanese occupation, revolutionary enthusiasm, or a sudden break from its past. The country did not have a liberation movement like the one led by the Indian National Congress. There was no civil disobedience, no noncooperation, and no imprisonment of national leaders. Instead, Ceylon gained independence through peaceful negotiations.
2. The Unique Path to Independence
Since there was no struggle in Ceylon, the usual outcome of a struggle—the strengthening of national unity through sacrifice—was absent. Ceylon’s path to independence was through peaceful negotiations, which was not entirely beneficial. A key reason for this unique approach was the advanced level of Westernization in Ceylon compared to other colonies. Ceylon had been under colonial rule for nearly 450 years, first by the Portuguese, then the Dutch, and finally the British. This long period of colonization led to the emergence of a highly Anglicized upper class, educated in Christian missionary schools that were increasingly modeled on British lines. These individuals were so similar to their colonial rulers in their outlook, manners, and social habits that they were often referred to as “brown sahibs.” The negotiations between these Ceylonese and the British were almost like discussions between members of the same social club.
3. The Role of the Anglicized Elite
After the First World War, this elite group formed the Ceylonese National Congress, hoping it would grow strong like its Indian counterpart. However, the Congress collapsed a few years before Ceylon gained independence. During British rule, Ceylonese leaders did not feel the need to make radical or egalitarian appeals for public support, and nationalism did not take root among the masses. This lack of mass support made the British feel confident that these leaders could handle more political responsibility.
Do Check: Unseen Passage for Class 7
Comprehension Questions
The method of gaining political independence in Ceylon was most similar to which of the following countries?
(i) Burma
(ii) India
(iii) Vietnam
(iv) None of these
Answer: (iv) None of these
The Ceylonese struggle for freedom was marked by:
(i) civil disobedience
(ii) revolutionary fervor
(iii) terrorist activities by nationalists
(iv) peaceful negotiations
Answer: (iv) peaceful negotiations
What is often the usual outcome of a liberation struggle according to the author?
(i) Strengthening of national solidarity through national sacrifice
(ii) It leaves much bitterness between rulers and the ruled
(iii) It increases divisive forces in the post-independence polity
(iv) People receive practical training in governance
Answer: (i) Strengthening of national solidarity through national sacrifice
Before gaining political independence, how long did Ceylon experience colonial rule?
(i) Nearly one hundred and fifty years
(ii) Nearly four hundred and fifty years
(iii) Exactly three hundred years
(iv) Nearly a century
Answer: (ii) Nearly four hundred and fifty years
Which colonial powers ruled over Ceylon?
(i) The Portuguese
(ii) The Dutch
(iii) The British
(iv) All of these
Answer: (iv) All of these
The Anglicized upper class of Ceylon emerged from:
(i) The successors of the native rulers
(ii) Schools founded and run by Christian missions in Ceylon
(iii) The mixed descendants of British and Ceylonese people
(iv) The children of English officials and administrators in Ceylon
Answer: (ii) Schools founded and run by Christian missions in Ceylon
What was the name of the political group formed by the Anglicized upper class in Ceylon?
(i) Ceylonese National Congress
(ii) A radical party
(iii) Socialist Democratic Forum
(iv) Ceylonese Freedom Party
Answer: (i) Ceylonese National Congress
Why did nationalism fail to take root among the masses in Ceylon?
(i) The Ceylonese were not politically conscious
(ii) English education made them reluctant to oppose their colonial rulers
(iii) Ceylonese leaders did not make radical or egalitarian appeals for public support
(iv) All of these
Answer: (iii) Ceylonese leaders did not make radical or egalitarian appeals for public support
Who were referred to as “brown sahibs” in Ceylon?
(i) The Englishmen serving in Ceylon
(ii) The native peasantry of Ceylon
(iii) The Anglicized upper class educated in schools modeled on British lines
(iv) Those born from inter-race marriages
Answer: (iii) The Anglicized upper class educated in schools modeled on British lines