READING SECTION

PASSAGE 1
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow: (12 Marks)
(1) Forest conservation is essential for our fight against climate change. Forests act as carbon sinks and
help foster biodiversity. However, human activity and rising emissions have broken this delicate
balance. Flooding, drought, and habitat loss are results of this phenomenon.
(2) India must achieve a steep climate target within this decade. We need to accelerate our carbon
offsetting and sequestration efforts if we intend to reduce our carbon emissions by one billion tonnes by
2030. A Global Forest Watch report states that we have lost over two million hectares of tree cover in the
last 21 years. On average, we are losing approximately one lakh hectare of tree cover every year. In this
context, tree cover refers to any vegetation that exceeds a height of five meters.
(3) Interpreting the available forest data is also a challenge. According to the Indian State of Forest
Report, the country's forest cover has marginally increased, but the increase accounts for plantations and
patches as well. Thus, collecting accurate and highly granular forest data is extremely important for
safeguarding them. More importantly, making this data accessible to multiple stakeholders at once will
further accelerate conservation efforts.
(4) Another issue that threatens our biodiversity is topsoil erosion. Nutrient-rich topsoil is a crucial layer
of the earth without which flora, fauna, and our entire agricultural ecosystem would not exist.
Unfortunately, climate change is washing away this essential layer. India loses approximately 16 tonnes
per hectare of topsoil annually. This is much greater than normal levels; in foothill regions, the loss
increases by 25 times.
(5) We must understand how this affects the lives of citizens. Apart from the devastating impact on our
environment, this has a huge effect on the livelihoods of the rural population. Lack of topsoil means that
forests and arable lands will not be able to retain water, which further leads to flash floods, unpredictable
droughts, and several other problems. The agricultural industry is the worst affected. Due to low
groundwater reserves, irrigation becomes a challenge. And consistently degrading crop yields result in
huge economic losses. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural Research estimates a loss of over
200 billion rupees annually due to topsoil erosion. However, solving such a complex and multifaceted
issue requires multiple interventions, both from the technological front and policy-wise. Watershed
development is one such method that helps tackle both these problems together.
(6) Government initiatives such as the National Afforestation Program (NAP) and Integrated Watershed
Management Program (IWMP) are underway to help increase the forest area. In India, watershed
development (WSD) projects are heavily funded by governments. But the scale of these projects, the
awareness around WSD, and the approach are constant challenges.
(7) WSDs can help the flora and fauna of an area thrive while mitigating the devastating impacts of climate
change. The urgency to develop WSD across the country's green areas has skyrocketed, and we require the
right technology to fulfil such a goal.
(8) Before delving into how we can integrate drone technology to save our forests, it is essential to
understand watersheds first. Watersheds are crucial for low-lying areas as they regulate water flow, prevent
flash floods, and protect the topsoil from surface runoff.
(9) Effective watersheds contribute in several ways to society. Firstly, they help harbour a lot of biodiversity
that is essential to saving our forests. Secondly, they have a direct impact on the lives of the rural population.
From water availability to agriculture, they provide numerous benefits. WSD often involves building
conservation structures such as check dams and reservoirs, which not only employ manual labourers but also
promote horticulture and aquaculture activities. Therefore, indirectly, watersheds could help strengthen the
hyper-local economy and prevent high migration to cities.
(10) The current rate of population growth will induce extreme stress on our limited resources. Alongside
awareness about watershed development, there needs to be transparent collaboration between governments,
NGOs, and private stakeholders. This is critical for the fight against climate change and for averting the
water shortage crisis. The more liberalized this process becomes, the faster we can combat this issue and
save our forests.
1. What is the primary function of watersheds mentioned in the passage? (1)
a. Regulate air flow b. Prevent flash floods
c. Increase topsoil erosion d. Promote urbanization
2. How does topsoil erosion impact rural livelihoods and agricultural productivity in India, according
to the passage? (30-40 words) (2)
3. What does "biodiversity" refer to in the context of environmental conservation? (1) 4. What is
emphasized as a critical factor for effectively combating climate change and water shortage crisis in
the passage?
(1) a. Increase in population growth b. Transparent collaboration between governments, NGOs,
and private stakeholders
c. Implementation of urbanization projects d. Reduction in forest conservation efforts 5) According
to the passage, what is the impact of topsoil erosion on agriculture in India? (1)
a. Increase in crop yields b. Enhancement of groundwater reserves
c.Challenge in irrigation due to low groundwater reserves d. Reduction in economic losses.
6.Why is transparent collaboration among stakeholders emphasized for combating climate change
and water shortage crises? (2)
7. Which government initiatives are mentioned as efforts to increase forest area in India? (1)
a. National Afforestation Program (NAP) b. Integrated Watershed Management Program (IWMP)
c. National Irrigation Program (NIP) d. Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (REGS)
8. Explain the term "topsoil erosion" as mentioned in the passage. (1)
9. State whether the following statement is true or false (1)
According to the Global Forest Watch report, India has experienced a significant increase in tree
cover over the past two decades.
10. Find a word from the passage which is a synonym of ‘regularly’ (para 5) (1)

PASSAGE 2

Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow: (12 Marks)
(1)In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, the integration of artificial intelligence
(AI) into various aspects of our lives has become increasingly prevalent. From virtual assistants to
self-driving cars, AI has revolutionized industries and reshaped the way we live, work, and interact
with the world around us. One area where AI holds immense potential for transformation is
education. By harnessing the power of AI, educators can create more personalized learning
experiences, improve student outcomes, and prepare learners for the challenges of the 21st century.
(2) At its core, AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines, enabling them to
perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, problemsolving,
and decision-making. In the field of education, AI technologies offer a wide range of applications,
including adaptive learning platforms, intelligent tutoring systems, virtual reality simulations, and
data-driven analytics tools. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize the traditional
classroom model and cater to the diverse needs and learning styles of individual students.
(3) One of the most significant benefits of AI in education is its ability to personalize learning
experiences for students. By analysing vast amounts of data on student performance, preferences,
and behaviours, AI-powered systems can generate personalized learning paths and recommendations
 tailored to each student's unique strengths, weaknesses, and interests. This personalized approach
allows students to learn at their own pace, receive targeted support and feedback, and engage more
deeply with the material, ultimately leading to improved learning outcomes.
(4) Furthermore, AI can enhance the effectiveness of teaching and instruction by providing educators
with valuable insights and resources to support their practice. For example, AIpowered analytics
tools can analyse student data to identify trends, patterns, and areas of improvement, enabling
teachers to adapt their instruction and interventions accordingly. Additionally, intelligent tutoring
systems can provide real-time feedback and guidance to students, supplementing traditional
classroom instruction and helping students master complex concepts more effectively.
(5) Moreover, AI technologies can facilitate the creation of immersive and interactive learning
experiences that transcend the limitations of traditional textbooks and lectures. Virtual reality
simulations, for example, allow students to explore and interact with complex concepts in a
simulated environment, making learning more engaging, memorable, and effective. Similarly, AI-
powered chatbots and virtual assistants can provide students with on-demand support and guidance,
answering questions, providing explanations, and offering assistance whenever needed.
(6) In addition to personalized learning and enhanced instruction, AI can also play a crucial role in
addressing systemic challenges and inequalities in education. For example, AI-powered adaptive
learning platforms can help bridge the gap between privileged and disadvantaged students by
providing access to high-quality educational resources and support regardless of socio-economic
background or geographic location. Similarly, AI technologies can support language acquisition and
literacy development for students with diverse linguistic backgrounds, facilitating greater inclusivity
and equity in the classroom.
(7) However, despite its immense potential, the widespread adoption of AI in education also raises
important ethical and practical considerations. Concerns about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the
displacement of human teachers are just a few of the challenges that must be addressed to ensure that
AI technologies are deployed responsibly and ethically in educational settings. Additionally, there is
a need for ongoing research and evaluation to assess the effectiveness of AI-powered interventions
and to identify best practices for integrating AI into teaching and learning.
(8) In conclusion, artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize education by personalizing
learning experiences, enhancing instruction, and addressing systemic inequalities. By harnessing the
power of AI, educators can create more engaging, effective, and equitable learning environments that
empower students to reach their full potential. However, realizing the full benefits of AI in education
will require careful consideration of ethical, privacy, and equity concerns, as well as ongoing
research and collaboration to ensure that AI technologies are deployed responsibly and ethically to
benefit all learners.
1. What is one of the primary benefits of integrating AI into education, as stated in the passage?
(1)
a. Reducing the need for human teachers
b. Creating more engaging and effective learning environments
c. Increasing the cost of educational resources
d. Limiting access to high-quality education
2. What is the tone of the writer in the given lines from para 7? Rationalise your response in about 40
words. (2)
“However, despite its immense potential, the widespread adoption of AI in education also raises important
ethical and practical considerations. Concerns about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the displacement of
human teachers are just a few of the challenges that must be addressed to ensure that AI technologies are
deployed responsibly and ethically in educational settings. Additionally, there is a need for ongoing research
and evaluation to assess the effectiveness of AI-powered interventions and to identify best practices for
integrating AI into teaching and learning.”
3. Complete the sentence appropriately: (1)
The ethical concern mentioned in the passage related to AI in education is ________.
4. The passage includes some words that are opposites of each other. From the sets (a) to (e)
below, identify two sets of antonyms: (1)
a. Integration and Segregation
b. Passive and Uninvolving
c. Equalities and Fairness
d. Disadvantages and Drawbacks
e. Enhance and Diminish
5. What term describes the potential of AI to transcend the limitations of traditional textbooks and lectures,
creating more engaging and memorable learning experiences and why? (1)
6. Based on the reading of the passage, examine in about 40 words, the effect that AI has had on human life?
(2)
7. What is one of the potential benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, as discussed in the
passage? (1)
a. Curbing virtual reality simulations.
b. Enhancing instruction through real-time feedback.
c. Ignoring ethical concerns in education.
d. Inhibiting collaboration among students.
8. State whether the following statement is True or False with reference to the given extract. (1)
AI-powered analytics tools cannot analyse student data to identify trends, patterns, and areas of
improvement, therefore, they do not enable teachers to adapt their instruction and interventions accordingly.
9. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an application of AI in education in the passage? (1)
a. Virtual reality simulations
b. Adaptive learning platforms
c. Social media platforms
d. Intelligent tutoring systems
10. Which term from the passage refers to the process of AI systems tailoring learning paths
and recommendations to suit individual students' strengths, weaknesses, and interests? (1)
a. Integration
b. Personalization
c. Revolutionization
d. Responsibly

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