A discursive unseen passage is a piece of writing that explores a particular issue, subject or idea. It usually takes the form of an argument, expressing a point of view in a reasoned and logical way.
Discursive passages are often used to explore complex ideas or issues. In a discursive passage, the writer will present their argument clearly and try to persuade the reader to see their point of view. To solve good discursive passage, you need to be able to think critically and logically about you’re the given topic.
A discursive passage explores a topic in depth. It delves into the different facets of the topic, and presents multiple points of view. In contrast to an expository passage, which simply presents information, a discursive passage takes a more argumentative stance.
You can also download a PDF copy of the discursive passage for class 10
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PASSAGE-1
1. The choices we make on a daily basis—wearing a seatbelt, lifting heavy objects correctly or purposely staying out of any dangerous situation–can either ensure our safety or bring about potentially harmful circumstances.
2. You and I need to make a decision that we are going to get our lives in order. Exercising self-control, self-discipline and establishing boundaries and borders in our lives are some of the most important things we can do. A life with out discipline is one that’s filled with carelessness.
3. We can think it’s kind of exciting to live life on the edge. We like the image of “Yeah! That’s me! Living on the edge! Woo-hoo !” It’s become a popular way to look at life. But if you see, even highways have lines, which provide margins for our safety while we’re driving. If we go over one side, we’ll go into the ditch. If we cross over the line in the middle, we could get killed. And we like those lines because they help to keep us safe. Sometimes we don’t even realise how lines help to keep us safe.
4. I’m not proud of this, but for the first 20 years of my life at work, I ignored my limits. I felt horrible, physically, most of the time. I used to tell myself “I know I have limits and that I’ve reached them, but I’m going to ignore them and see if or how long I can get by with it.” I ran to doctors, trying to make myself feel better through pills, vitamins, natural stuff and anything I could get my hands on. Some of the doctors would tell me, “It’s just stress.” That just made me mad. I thought stress meant you don’t like what you do or can’t handle life, and I love what I do. But I kept pushing myself, travelling, doing speaking engagements and so on— simply exhausting myself.
5. Finally,I understood I was living an unsustainable life and needed to make some changes in my outlook and lifestyle.
6. You and I don’t have to be like everyone else or keep up with anyone else. Each of us needs to be exactly the way we are, and we don’t have to apologise for it. We’re not all alike and we need to find a comfort zone in which we can enjoy our lives instead of making ourselves sick with an overload of stress and pressure.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions.
(i) The reason why living on the edge has become popular, is because of the:
(a) constant need for something different.
(b) population being much younger.
(c) exhausting effort to make changes.
(d) strong tendency to stay within our limits.
(ii) Choose the option that best captures the central ‘idea of the passage from the given quotes.
| It’s all about quality of life and finding a happy balance between work and friends. — Philip Green | To go beyond is as wrong as to fall short. — Confucius |
| (1) | (2) |
| Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving. — Albert Einstein | Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create. — Jana Kingsford |
| (3) | (4) |
(a)Option (1) (b) Option (2)
(c)Option (3) (d) Option (4)
(iii) Which of the characteristics are apt about the writer in the following context: “I know I have limits and that I’ve reached them but I’m going to ignore them and see if or how long I can get by with it”?
1. Negligent 2. Indecisive 3. Spontaneous
4. Reckless 5. Purposeless 6. Patient
(a) 2 and 5 (b) 3 and 6 (c) 1 and 4 (d) 2 and 3
(iv) Which of the following will be the most appropriate title for the passage?
(a) Much too soon (b) Enough is enough
(c) How much is too much? (d) Have enough to do?
(v) The phrase “potentially harmful circumstances” refers to circumstances that can:
(a) certainly be dangerous (b) be fairly dangerous
(c) be possibly dangerous (d) seldom be dangerous
(vi) Select the option that makes the correct use of “unsustainable”, as used in pars 5.
(a) In the long run, the unsustainable officials followed emergency procedures.
(b) Emergency procedures were unsustainable by the officials.
(c) Officials reported an unsustainable set of events during the emergency.
(d) Officials admit that the emergency system is unsustainable in the longer run.
(vii) Choose the option that correctly states the two meanings of ‘outlook’, as used in the passage.
1. A person’s evaluation of life 2. A person’s experiences in life
3. A person’s point of view towards life 4. A person’s regrets in life
5. A person’s general attitude to life
(a) (1) and (4) (b) (2) and (3) (c) (3) and (5) (d) (4) and (5)
(viii) The author uses colloquial words such as “yeah, and “Woo-hoo!”. Which of the following is NOT a colloquial word?
(a) Hooked (b) Guy (c) Stuff (d) Stress
(ix) The author attempts to offer advice to …… ……. through this write-up.
(x) What does the author mean when he says, “to get our lives in order”?
Answers:
(i) (a) constant need for something different.
(ii)(d) Option (4)
(iii) (c) 1 and 4
(iv) (c) How much is too much?
(v) (c) be possibly dangerous
(vi) (d) Officials admit that the emergency system is unsustainable in the longer run.
(vii) (c) (3) and (5)
(viii) (d) Stress
(ix) the readers
(x) The author means to say ‘to organise our lives’.
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PASSAGE-2
1. The road to success is not straight; there is a curve called failure, a loop called confusion, speed bumps called friends, caution lights called family, and you will have flats called jobs. But, if you have a spare called determination, an engine called perseverance, insurance called faith, and a driver called God, you will make it to a place called success! In spite of all our planning and preparation, unexpected challenges are certain to arise. The bumps in the road are unavoidable, but you’ll never get to your destination if you aren’t willing to drive over them. The difference between a disaster and triumph lies in whether or not you’re prepared and willing to weather the storm. If you’re ready, those bumps will become stepping-stones.
2. The key thing to realize is that working harder is same as working smarter. How do you work smarter? You just need to have the right skills. People want improved circumstances and better life without an improved self. They want victory without paying the price or making efforts. It really cannot happen without the other. Any improvements that have not been generated by improving yourself are superficial and short-lived. If you want to have a better future, you have to change yourself. Stop worrying about the various challenges that will come your way. Just believe in yourself and use them as stepping-stones.
3. “Success” is getting whatever you want out of life without violating the rights of others. It is not an accident Success is the result of our attitude and our attitude is a choice. Hence success is a matter of choice and not chance. Today success represents a holistic and positive attitude to life. Attitude is everything. Success is not restricted within some kind of brick and mortar premises. It assumes the individuality of a complete act executed with perfection; material achievements do not define life. We don’t remember sports stars for the products they endorse but the spirit of achievement they represent. In the abundance of positive attitude underline the grandeur of a truly rewarding rich life.
4. Success can be measured from two standpoints—the external and the internal. Externally it is the measure of a job well done and recognition. Internally it is the feeling of achievement and wholeness derived from the completion of a task or fulfillment of desire.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions.
(i) The internal measure of our success is the feeling of achievement:
(a) from the completion of a task.
(b) from the fulfilment of desire.
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Neither (a) nor (b)
(ii) In para I, `unexpected challenges’ refers to:
(a) financial problem
(b) health problem
(c) lack of time
(d) All of these
(iii) “If you are ready, those bumps will become stepping-stones.” Through this sentence the writer tells us to:
(a) ignore ups and downs while working to achieve our goal.
(b) work with a proper plan to achieve our goal.
(c) focus only on our goal and ignore all responsibilities.
(d) take all challenges with strong determination.
(iv) Which one of the following quotes captures the central idea of the passage?
| It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation. —Herman Melville | Success is not final; failure is not total. It is the courage to continue that counts. —Winston Churchill |
| (1) | (2) |
| The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same. — Colin R. Davis | Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it. —Henry David Thoreau |
| (3) | (4) |
(a) Option 1 (b) Option 2
(c) Option 3 (d) Option 4
(v) In order to work smarter, we must have:
(a) improved circumstances.
(b) right skills.
(c) better life.
(d) All of these
(vi) If we want to have a better future, we have to:
(a) change ourselves.
(b) stop worrying about the various challenges.
(c) believe in ourselves.
(d) All of these
(vii) Success can be measured from true standpoints — the external and the internal. The external measure is the measure of:
(a) a job well done
(b) recognition
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Neither (a) nor (b)
(viii) Select the option that makes the correct use of ‘destination’ as used in para 1.
(a) We will reach our destination by 6 o’clock.
(b) She is working hard to reach her destination.
(c) Shimla is her favourite destination.
(d) The cinema hall is the largest entertainment destination in the city.
(ix) According to the passage, success can be achieved by working smarter not diligently. (True/False)
(x) The synonym of the word ‘viewpoint’ as given in para 3 is …………
Answers:
(i)(c) Both (a) and (b)
(ii) (d) All of these
(iii) (d) take all challenges with strong determination.
(iv) (b) Option 2
(v) (b) right skills.
(vi) (d) All of these
(vii) (c) Both (a) and (b)
(viii) (b) She is working hard to reach her destination.
(ix) False
(x) attitude
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PASSAGE-3
1. Overpowering prey is a challenge for creatures that do not have limbs. Some species like Russell’s viper inject poison. Some others opt for an alternative non-chemical method — rat snakes, for instance, catch and push their prey against the ground, while pythons use their muscle power to crush their prey to death. But snakes can’t be neatly divided into poisonous and non-poisonous categories.
2. Even species I listed as non-poisonous aren’t completely free of poison. The common Sand Boa, for instance, produces secretions particularly poisonous to birds. So the species doesn’t take any chance – it crushes its prey and injects poison as an extra step. Do vipers need poison powerful enough to kill hundreds of rats with just one drop? After all, they eat only one or two at a time. While hunting animals try their worst to kill most efficiently, their prey use any trick to avoid becoming a meal, such as developing immunity to poison. For instance, Californian ground squirrels are resistant to Northern Pacific rattlesnake poison.
3. Competition with prey is not the only thing driving snakes to evolve more and more deadly poison. Snakes also struggle to avoid becoming prey themselves. Some snake killers have partial immunity to poison. Famously, mongooses are highly resistant to cobra poison, and with their speed and agility, kill snakes fearlessly. It would be the death of cobras as a species if they didn’t evolve a more deadly poison to stop mongooses. Poison has another important role. It’s an extreme meat softener; specific enzymes break up the insides of the prey. Normally, a reptile depends on the sun’s warm rays to aid digestion.
4. But I wonder if we cannot use venom in our favour. In remote parts of India, local hospitality often involves leather-tough meat. I chew and chew until my jaws ache. If I spit it out or refuse, our hosts would be offended, I swallow like a python stuffing a deer down its throat and hope I don’t choke. If only I had poison.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions.
(i) “But snakes can’t be neatly divided into poisonous and non-poisonous categories.” Choose the term which best matches the statement.
(a) Over-confidence
(b) Certainty
(c) Dilemma
(d) Ignorance
(ii) Which of the characteristics is apt about the writer in the context: “If I spit it out or refuse, our hosts would be offended”?
(a) Reckless
(b) Compelled
(c) Patient
(d) Negligent
(iii) Hunting animals try their worst to kill their prey. What does their prey do to avoid becoming their meal?
(a) It develops strength to fight with them.
(b) It develops immunity to poison/venom.
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Neither (a) nor (b)
(iv) Some snake killers have partial immunity to:
(a) dangerous bacteria
(b) dangerous virus
(c) poisonous air
(d) poison
(v) The narrator chews and chews the leather-tough meat until his jaws ache, for fear of:
(a) his hosts
(b) his guests
(c) pythons
(d) choking
(vi) Which one of these animals is NOT a reptile?
(a) Option (1)
(b) Option (2)
(c) Option (3)
(d) Option (4)
(vii) Select the option that makes the correct use of ‘driving’, as used in para 3.
(a) Don’t talk while driving your car.
(b) He is driving his sheep into a field.
(c) Hunger is driving him to speak lie.
(d) He is driving his team efficiently.
(viii) A mongoose cannot kill a cobra. (True/False)
(ix) Snakes strive to evolve a more deadly poison, so that their prey have no chance to ………..
(x) Choose the option that correctly states the meanings of ‘offended’, as used in pare 4.
1. disgusting
2. upset
3. wrong
4. displeased
5. unlawful
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 5 (d) 4 and 5
Answers:
(i) (c) Dilemma
(ii) (b) Compelled
(iii) (b) It develops immunity to poison/venom.
(iv) (d) poison
(v) (a) his hosts
(vi) (c) Option (3)
(vii) (c) Hunger is driving him to speak lie.
(viii) False
(ix) remain alive
(x) (b) 2 and 4
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PASSAGE- 4
1. “Why does humanity need Superman?”, wrote Lois Lane, the reporter from the Superman series. It’s a very relevant question in our context too. Why do we need superheroes? We are all enchanted by the action sequences in superhero movies, and also by how the superhero can always save the day – and with good reasons. If you’re trying to guess what it is, you can forget about powers like super-strength, laser vision, or — our personal favourite — the ability to consume any type of matter in the universe. The underlying reason we’re so enamoured of them is quite possibly the best superhero power – the way they can inspire and motivate us. From the smallest boy and girl wonders, to the oldest Captains – each superhero has had their own lesson to impart unto all of us.
2. Whether it’s Batman saving Gotham city, Superman saving humanity, or our very own Krissh saving his fellow countrymen – we need superheroes because they give us the hope and strength we need to fight the injustice we encounter today. It’s like Batman once said, “Sometimes the truth isn’t good enough. Sometimes people deserve more. Sometimes people deserve to have their faith rewarded.” Yes, it’s true that we need faith today, when we know a lot tends to go wrong, whether it is with regard to terrorism, or growing crime – people need the hope and strength they get from superheroes. That’s why we need superheroes, because of how they give us a sense of right, which helps us fight the injustice happening around us. It was best summarised by Superman when he said that “There is a superhero in all of us, we just need the courage to put on the cape,” and by Batman in the Dark Knight, when he said that “You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.”
3. So, every time we choose to see a superhero movie, it gives us a nudge to fight the unjust with our own ideas o r capabilities. Every child and adult that watches superhero movies will be motivated to rise above the injustice happening in the real world. It’s not just about the power, but also the principle. You and I can also be a superhero just by helping our neighbours, and by standing against what is wrong. Whether the situation is political or apolitical, injustice can be fought with thoughts of righteousness and courage.
4. From the day we are born, we are told that power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely, but superheroes fan our subconscious desire for greatness. They also teach us that the greatest power is the integrity that keeps us from going down the wrong path. None of us will ever leap a tall building in a single bound, change the course of a mighty river, or bend steel with our bare hands but we can always return that lost wallet with its contents intact, tell the truth when it matters, stand our ground when it’s easier to walk away and unto others as we would want them to do unto us.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions.
(i) Identify the sentence where the word “bestow” has been used incorrectly.
(a) He was ever-ready to take blame on himself and bestow praise on others.
(b) During the ceremony, the Prime Minister will bestow medals of honour to the brave soldiers who rescued their comrades.
(c) The king will bestow a title and land to the man who saved the princess.
(d) If you want to avoid a misunderstanding, I bestow you to consider your words before speaking.
(ii) According to the writer, how can a common man become a superhero?
1. Bend steel, change the course of rivers
2. Stand up against injustice, return that wallet intact
3. Help around the neighbourhood
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1 and 2
(iii) Select the option that makes the correct use of “righteousness”, as used in para 3.
(a) Both sides in the dispute adopted a tone of moral righteousness.
(b) The newspaper reports are a righteousness of gossip.
(c) She was confused about obligation and righteousness.
(d) Cultural contexts bring righteousness in international relations.
(iv) What are the two things we need to fight injustice today?
(a) Superpower and superhero
(b) Truth and faith
(c) Hope and strength
(d) Hope and confidence
(v) What are the two meanings of “encounter” as used in para 2 ?
1. To experience something unpleasant
2. To experience something unexpected
3. To affect something
4. To cover with a thin layer
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 2 and 3
(vi) Despite our age and status in life, few enigmatic qualities endear us to superheroes. Select the correct options from below:
1. Give our subconscious a desire for greatness
2. Have a lesson to bestow
3. Inspire and motivate us
4. Give us hope to fight the bad
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(vii) “There is a superhero in all of us, we just need the courage to put on the cape.” By this, Superman is implying that:
(a) the cape is heavy and not everyone can bear it
(b) we all have special powers
(c) the ability to fight the unjust with our own ideas or capabilities is present in all of us
(d) society needs superheroes
(viii) Write a suitable title for this passage.
(ix) The central idea of the passage is ‘Fight the injustice’. (True/False)
(x) The antonym of ‘fragility’ as given in para 4 is ………..
Answers:
(i)(d) If you want to avoid a misunderstanding, I bestow you to consider your words before speaking.
(ii) (b) 2 and 3
(iii) (a) Both sides in the dispute adopted a tone of moral righteousness .
(iv) (c) Hope and strength
(v) (a) 1 and 2
(vi) (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(vii) (c) the ability to fight the unjust with our own ideas or capabilities is present in all of us
(viii) Humanity Needs Superheroes
(ix) True
(x) integrity
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PASSAGE-5
1. Nature is our mother, our first teacher. The greatest lesson that she teaches us is to maintain an equilibrium in life. We learn to maintain composure through our joys, sorrows and fears. In fact, there are a thousand lessons that nature can teach us, provided we look for them.
2. With time, a sapling grows into a full-grown tree; something so tiny and delicate develops into a strong tree capable of supporting others. No matter how tall it grows, how much it may flourish, or how many animals and birds it may support, its roots are firmly buried from where it once rose. That’s a lesson -to keep ourselves grounded, respect and embrace our roots, and give something back to those humble beginnings that nurtured us into who we are.
3. Then there is the message of peaceful coexistence. ‘I am because we are.’ Nature provides every creature a chance to exist. However, the existence of one creature or being depends on the existence of the other. The tiger eats the antelope; without the antelope, the tiger wouldn’t survive. Likewise, without tigers, the over-abundance of antelopes would cause them to starve to death.
4. I wonder if you have noticed that when birds or squirrels see a predator, they give out an alarm call to their fellow creatures, of the lurking danger. They put themselves in danger to save the lives of others. Many animals, like the salmon, usually die after they spawn, but this doesn’t stop them. One life extinguished for the betterment of others is a small price to pay.
5. The snow melts in the warmth of spring to give birth to fresh green leaves. In autumn these leaves age into shades of gold only to be buried in the cold grave of winter. Change is inevitable; the sooner we embrace this, the better it is for us. We must also understand that even in pain there is growth. If you cut a hole in the tree, it will grow around it. No matter what may come in its way, a river will continue to flow. Similarly, no matter what grief may break your heart, nature teaches us that life goes on.
6. Keep in mind life isn’t about making lists and trying to be one step ahead of others. Life is to live. Take a break-stop being a workaholic, and smell the roses, do whatever makes you feel happy and most of all spend some time with nature to pick up invaluable lessons.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions.
(i) According to the author, what, from the following, is the greatest lesson being taught by nature?
(a) Balanced in our emotions.
(b) Partial to joys in life.
(c) Afraid of unhappiness.
(d) Indifferent to fears.
(ii) Select the option that suitably completes the dialogue with reference to paragraph II.
Jai: I’ve done well for myself in this school. I’m the best they have. I can get admission anywhere. This is my moment!
Sid: Congratulations! Just remember, we should ……….
(a) become strong despite our weakness.
(b) be kind and supportive towards everyone.
(c) respect the origins from where we have grown.
(d) nurture ourselves well from the beginning.
(iii) Choose the option that best conveys the message in —’I am because we are.’
(a) Tigers are dependent on antelope
(b) Antelope are dependent on tigers
(c) Humans are dependent on animals
(d)Everyone is dependent on each other
(iv) What qualities do the birds and squirrels display when they warn others of possible danger? Choose one option from the following:
(a) Observation skills and alertness.
(b) Tendency to get easily frightened.
(c) Selfless assistance to help others.
(d) Determination to protect themselves.
(v) Select the option with the underlined words that can suitably replace lurking (paragraph 4).
(a) The policeman pulled up the person who was wandering aimlessly through the city.
(b) The thief knew that remaining hidden was the best strategy to avoid being caught
(c) The policeman was caught on camera while pouncing with force, to grab the fleeing culprit.
(d) The thief was walking boldly into the house thinking it was devoid of residents.
(vi) A Portmanteau words like smog (smoke + fog), is a blend of words in which parts of multiple words are combined into a new word.
From the options given below, select a Portmanteau word that appears in the para 6.
(a) coexistence
(b) workaholic
(c) full-grown
(d) flourish
(vii) Select the qualities from paragraph III, that the author wants us to imbibe.
Being–
(1) acceptive
(2) passionate
(3) emotional
(4) resilient
(5) perceptive
(a) (2), (4) and (5)
(b) (1), (3) and (4)
(c) (1), (4) and (6)
(d) (3), (4) and (5)
(viii) Choose the option that lists the quote best expressing the central idea of the passage.
(a) Nature: She pardons no mistakes. Her yea is yea, and her nay, nay. — Ralph Waldo Emerson
(b)Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. — A. Einstein
(c)Nature never deceives us; it is we who deceive ourselves. — Jean Jacques Rousseau
(d) All the ugliness of the world can best be forgotten in the beauty of nature! —Mehmet Murat
(ix) In para 6, the writer advises us to have ………. for ourselves.
(x) Find a word in para 4 which means ‘being present secretly’.
Answers:
(i)(a) Balanced in our emotions.
(ii) (c) respect the origins from where we have grown.
(iii) (d) Everyone is dependent on each other
(iv) (c) Selfless assistance to help others.
(v) (b) The thief knew that remaining hidden was the best strategy to avoid being caught.
(vi) (b) workaholic
(vii) (c) (1), (4) and (5)
(viii) (b) Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. —A. Einstein
(ix) free time
(x) lurking
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