The British officer's secretary sent word to the Maharaja through the dewan that the durai himself did not have to kill the tiger. The Maharaja could do the actual killing. What was important to the durai was a photograph of himself holding the gun and standing over the tiger's carcass. But the Maharaja would not agree even to this proposal. If he relented now, what would he do if other British officers turned up for tiger hunts?
Because he prevented a British officer from fulfilling his desire, the Maharaja stood in danger of losing his kingdom itself.
(The Tiger King)
Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank:
The last line of the extract reflects attitude of the British officers. (an oppressive/a courageous)
Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank:
The last line of the extract reflects attitude of the British officers. (an oppressive/a courageous)
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Solution and Explanation
The British officer sought to assert dominance, not engage in hunting, by demanding a symbolic photograph. This request, reinforced by a threat to the Maharaja’s kingdom, illustrates how colonial authorities leveraged personal desires for political control.
Why did the durai want to take a photograph with the tiger’s carcass?
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Solution and Explanation
The Tiger King's refusal to the request of the durai reflects:
- his concern for the tiger population.
- his courage to deny permission to the British officer.
- his ego and selfishness.
- his strained rapport with the British officer.
- his concern for the tiger population.
- his courage to deny permission to the British officer.
- his ego and selfishness.
- his strained rapport with the British officer.
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Solution and Explanation
The Maharaja's refusal stemmed from his personal commitment to eliminate all tigers and disprove a prophecy. His motivation was personal ambition rather than environmental concern. His refusal to compromise for a photograph underscored his inflated ego and preoccupation with the prophecy.
Complete the following suitably:
Maharaja's action put his kingdom in danger.
Complete the following suitably:
Maharaja's action put his kingdom in danger.
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Solution and Explanation
Top Questions on Reading Comprehension
(1) Pancakes, a beloved breakfast dish across the world, has a surprisingly long and diverse history. Archaeological evidence shows that people were cooking pancakes as food as far back as 30,000 years ago on hot stones and primitive griddles.
(2) In ancient Greece and Rome, pancakes were made from wheat flour, olive oil, honey, and curdled milk. They were often served as a sweet treat during festivals or special occasions. In medieval Europe, pancakes became a popular dish during Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent began. In France, thin crepes became a national delicacy, often filled with sweet or savoury ingredients. In Russia, blinis were made using buckwheat flour and served with sour cream or caviar. In Ethiopia, the spongy injera became a staple food, made from teff flour and used as both a plate and utensil. Similarly, in China, pancakes are often savoury while in Japan, fluffy “souffl´ e pancakes” have become a modern favourite.
(3) The American version of pancakes, thick and soft, gained popularity in the 18th century. The use of baking powder made them light and airy, and they were often served with butter and maple syrup– a symbol of hearty comfort food. Over time, pancakes became a universal dish, symbolizing community and celebration. Whether sweet or savoury, thick or thin, every culture has found a way to adapt this simple food to its own taste and traditions.
(4) India has its own rich tradition of similar dishes that have been enjoyed for centuries. Across the country, almost every region has a version of a pancake– whether sweet or savoury– made from grains, pulses, or rice. These Indian pancakes not only satisfy hunger but also reflect the diversity of India’s culinary culture. In South India, dosas and adai are the most famous forms of pancakes. Made from a fermented batter of rice and lentils, dosas are crisp and light, while adai is thicker and more filling. The fermentation process adds a unique sour flavor and makes them nutritious and easy to digest. In Kerala, the appam, made with fermented rice batter and coconut milk, is soft in the center and crispy at the edges. Moving north, we find the western style cheela, a simple and wholesome Indian pancake made from gram flour, spiced with onions, chillies and coriander. In Maharashtra, the thalipeeth is a multigrain pancake that uses flours like jowar, bajra and rice mixed with spices and vegetables. It is both flavorful and filling, providing a good balance of carbohydrates and proteins.
(5) In the eastern parts of India, pitha is a traditional pancake made during festivals and special occasions. Varieties like patishapta in Bengal are sweet, filled with coconut and jaggery. In Assam and Odisha, pithas can be steamed, fried, or roasted, depending on the custom and region. In the western deserts of Rajasthan and Gujarat, people prepare chilla and handvo, which are savoury western pancake-like dishes baked in traditional ovens. These pancakes are a blank canvas for toppings, waiting for a splash of fruit or a scattering of condiments.
(6) Today, pancakes continue to evolve with new recipes, from vegan and gluten-free varieties to those infused with fruits, oats, or even protein powder. Despite their many forms, they remain a timeless reminder of how food connects mankind through shared history and creativity. Each pancake tells a story of regional identity, food traditions and a deep love for food that brings people together. Pancakes are warm, edible hugs that are a perfect comfort on a bleak day.- CBSE Class X - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
(1) Rate of Internet Reach in India : 2014–2024
The rate of internet reach in India rose over 52% in 2024 from about 14% in 2014. Although these figures seem relatively low, it meant that more than half of the population of 1.4 billion people had internet access that year. This also ranked the country second in the world in terms of active internet users.
(2) Internet availability and accessibility By 2021 the number of internet connections across the country tripled in urban areas because of a higher density of population leading to an increase in the number of connections. However, despite of incredibly low internet prices, internet usage in India has yet to reach its full potential. Lack of awareness about the internet in India persists, especially in rural areas and among women, driven by digital divide, infrastructure limitations, and a lack of perceived need for the internet. This hinders digital adoption, with many not knowing how to use the internet or even being aware of its existence. Targeted awareness campaigns and digital literacy programs are crucial to bridge this gap and ensure people understand and can benefit from the digital ecosystem.
(3) Digital living Home to one of the largest bases of netizens in the world, India is abuzz with internet activities being carried out every moment of every day. From information and research to shopping and entertainment to living in smart homes, Indians have welcomed digital living with open arms.
Rate of Internet Reach in India
- CBSE Class X - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
Extract: “We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation. We pledge ourselves to liberate all our people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination. Never, never, and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another. The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement.”
(Nelson Mandela– Long Walk to Freedom)- CBSE Class X - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
Extract: OOP : I haven’t a clue. I’ve been to seven galaxies, but I’ve never seen anything like this. Maybe they’re hats. (He opens a book and puts it on his head.) Say, maybe this is a haberdashery!
OMEGA:(bowinglow) Perhaps the Great and Mighty Think-Tank will give us the benefit of his thought on the matter.
THINK-TANK:Elementary, my dear Omega. Hold one of the items up so that I may view it closely. (Omega holds a book on the palm of her hand.) Yes, yes, I understand now. Since Earth creatures are always eating, the place in which you find yourselves is undoubtedly a crude refreshment stand.
OMEGA:(to Iota and Oop) He says we’re in a refreshment stand.
OOP:Well, the Earthlings certainly have a strange diet. (The Book that Saved the Earth)- CBSE Class X - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
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