This page provides clarity on ‘what is a discursive passage‘. Let’s dive deeper to , showcases 5 examples to guide students and teachers alike. Our resources are crafted to enhance understanding of discursive passages in academic contexts.
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Discursive Passage Meaning
A discursive passage is a form of writing or speech that takes us into a topic in a detailed and thoughtful manner.
It involves exploring various aspects, ideas, or opinions related to the subject matter. Such passages take firm examples and present a balanced discussion, offering different perspectives and considering multiple facets of the argument.
A discursive passage is often used in academic and journalistic contexts, where the writer or speaker examines a topic from various angles, critically analyzes evidence, and discusses different interpretations.
This approach encourages critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the subject. We hope you have understood what is the meaning of a Discursive Passage
Let’s now dive into the meaning in Hindi and understand discursive passage meaning in Hindi-
Discursive Passage Meaning in Hindi-
Discursive passage एक इस तरह का पैसेज होता है जो हमें किसी विषय पर गहराई से जानकारी देता है । इसमें दिए हुए विषय से जुड़े हर पहलु पर विचार किया गया होता है । हम को इसके बारे में गहराई से सोचना, समझना होता है।
हर तरह के नजरिए से चीज़ों का विचार करना होता है फिर पूछे गए प्रश्नों के उत्तर देने होते है।
छात्रों को वाक्यों के अलग-अलग मतलब निकालने होते हैं और बहुत सोच समझ के उत्तर देने होते हैं
साधारण पैराग्राफ में और Discursive passage में अंतर ये होता है की साधारण पैराग्राफ में उत्तर सामने लिखा दिख जाता है लेकिन Discursive passage में हमे गहराई से सोच समझ के और अनुमान के आधार पर उत्तर देना होता है। कई बार तो ऐसा लगता है की सभी options ठीक हैं लेकिन हर बार ये सच नहीं होता
ये तरीका हमें सोचने की गहराई और समझ बढ़ाने में मदद करता है। आशा है कि आपको विचार-विमर्शात्मक पाठ का मतलब समझ आ गया होगा।
आइये अब देखते हैं कुछ उदहारण-
Unseen Passage English: Exercise 1
I. Read the passage given below.
1. Cardamom, known as the queen of all spices, boasts a history as ancient as the human race itself. It is the dried fruit of a herbaceous perennial plant. A warm, humid climate, loamy soil rich in organic matter, distributed rainfall, and specialized cultivation and processing methods all combine to render Indian cardamom truly unique in aroma, flavor, size, and its distinct parrot green color.
2. Two types of cardamom are produced in India. The first type, the larger variety, holds less significance as it is not traded in the futures market. It is cultivated in the north-eastern regions of the country. The second type, produced in the southern states, is actively traded in the futures market. This variety is primarily cultivated in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. As per the futures market rules, only the 7 mm quality was initially traded in exchanges. However, the norms were relaxed, and now the 6 mm quality is also traded.
3. Cardamom is an expensive spice, second only to saffron. Indian cardamom is known in two main varieties: Malabar and Mysore. The Mysore variety, containing high levels of cineol and limonene, is more aromatic. India has emerged as the world’s largest producer and exporter of cardamom.
4. The main harvest season for cardamom in India spans from August to February. Cardamom reaches the yielding stage two years after plantation. The primary physical markets for cardamom include Kumily, Vandiperiyar, Thekkady, Puliyarmala in Kerala, and Bodinayakanur and Cumbum in Tamil Nadu.
5. Kerala is the principal producer of cardamom, contributing up to 60% of the total production. Karnataka accounts for around 25% of the production. In Tamil Nadu, Ooty is the major producer, contributing approximately 10-15% of the total output. Besides India, Guatemala also produces around 1,000-2,000 tons of cardamom annually. However, due to its lower quality, Guatemalan cardamom is available at cheaper rates.
Question 1- Why does the passage describe cardamom as the “queen of all spices”?
A. Due to its ancient history.
B. Because of its versatile usage in cooking.
C. Owing to its unique aroma and flavor.
D. Because it is the most expensive spice.
Question 2- What does the passage imply about the role of climate and soil in the cultivation of Indian cardamom?
A. They are essential but not unique to India.
B. They uniquely contribute to the quality of Indian cardamom.
C. They have little impact on the cultivation process.
D. They are more important for cardamom than other spices.
Question 3- According to the passage, why might the larger variety of cardamom be less significant in the market?
A. It has a weaker aroma and flavor.
B. It is not traded in the futures market.
C. It is only cultivated in limited areas.
D. It is more expensive than the smaller variety.
Question 4- What does the passage suggest about the global production of cardamom?
A. India and Guatemala are the only producers of cardamom.
B. Guatemala rivals India in the quality of cardamom.
C. India leads in quality, while Guatemala competes in price.
D. Indian cardamom is less expensive than its global counterparts.
Question 5- Complete the following sentence based on the passage: “Indian cardamom is distinct because of its _______, which contributes to its high demand in the global market.”
Question 6- Based on the passage, how does the cultivation of cardamom in India reflect the country’s agricultural practices and climate?
Question 7- True or False: According to the passage, the main reason for the lower market significance of the larger variety of cardamom is its limited cultivation area.
Question 8- The passage contains words that have opposite meanings. From the following sets (a) to (e), identify two sets of antonyms:
(1) Ancient and Modern
(2) Unique and Common
(3) Expensive and Cheap
(4) Limited and Extensive
(5) Humid and Arid
(a) Option 1 and 3
(b) Option 2 and 4
(c) Option 3 and 5
(d) Option 1 and 5
(e) Option 2 and 5
Question 9- Which of the following titles would be the most appropriate for the passage?
A. “The Global Spice Trade: A Comprehensive Overview”
B. “Cardamom: The Queen of Spices and Its Journey”
C. “Agricultural Practices in India: A Case Study”
D. “The Economic Impact of Spices in the International Market”
Question 10- State whether the following lines from the passage display an example of a simple, complex, emotionally charged, or downright weird passage.
“Cardamom is an expensive spice, second only to saffron. Indian cardamom is known in two main varieties: Malabar and Mysore.”
Solution
Answer-1: C. Owing to its unique aroma and flavor.
Answer-2: B. They uniquely contribute to the quality of Indian cardamom.
Answer-3: B. It is not traded in the futures market.
Answer-4: C. India leads in quality, while Guatemala competes in price.
Answer-5: special aroma and color or similar
Answer-6: Indian cardamom cultivation showcases specialized agricultural practices tailored to the warm, humid climate and rich, loamy soil, highlighting regional agricultural adaptability.
Answer-7: False.
Answer-8: (c) Option 3 and 5 – “Expensive and Cheap” and “Humid and Arid”
Answer-9: B. “Cardamom: The Queen of Spices and Its Journey”
Answer-10: Simple.
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Comprehension Passage Reading: Exercise 2
1. Many people believe that science and religion are contrary to each other. However, this notion is incorrect. As a matter of fact, both are correlated with each other. There is no doubt that the methods of science and religion are different.
2. The method of science involves observation, experimentation, and experience. Science takes recourse to a progressive march towards perfection. The tenets of religion are faith, intuition, and the spoken word of the enlightened. In general, while science leans towards reason and rationality, spirituality is the essence of religion.
3. In earlier times when humans appeared on Earth, they were overawed by the violent and powerful aspects of nature. In some instances, the usefulness of different natural objects overwhelmed them. Thus began the worship of forces of nature — fire, the sun, the rivers, the rocks, the trees, the snakes, etc.
The holy scriptures were written by those who had developed harmony between external nature and their inner selves. Their objective was to ennoble, elevate, and liberate the human spirit and mind. However, the priestly class assumed the monopoly of scriptural knowledge and interpretation to its own advantage.
4. Thus, the entire human race was in chains. Truth was flouted, and progressive, liberal, and truthful ideas, or ideas expressing doubt and skepticism, were suppressed, with their proponents often punished. It was under these trying circumstances that science emerged as a savior of mankind. However, its path was neither smooth nor safe. Scientists and free thinkers were tortured. This was the fate of Copernicus, Galileo, Bruno, and others. Yet, alongside these challenges, science continued to gain ground.
Question 1- What is the relationship between science and religion according to the passage?
A. Opposed
B. Unrelated
C. Complementary
D. Independent
Question 2- Why did early humans worship natural forces?
A. Fear
B. Awe and utility
C. Scientific curiosity
D. Religious directives
Question 3- What was the role of the priestly class in knowledge dissemination?
A. Democratic
B. Self-serving
C. Scientifically supportive
D. Indifferent
Question 4- What was the historical context for the emergence of science?
A. Welcomed
B. Resisted
C. Insignificant
D. Irrelevant
Question-5 Complete the following sentence based on the passage: “In its early stages, science faced significant challenges, including ________.”
Question-6 Based on the passage, how did the early worship of natural forces contribute to the development of religion and spirituality?
Question-7 True or False: The passage suggests that science and religion have always had a harmonious relationship without any conflict.
Question-8 The passage includes some words that are opposites of each other. From the sets (a)-(e) below, identify two sets of antonyms:
(1) Progressive and Regressive (2) Worship and Disregard
(3) Freedom and Oppression (4) Truth and Falsehood
(5) Encouragement and Persecution
(a) Option 1 and 2 (b) Option 2 and 3
(c) Option 3 and 4 (d) Option 1 and 5
(e) Option 4 and 5
Question-9 Which of the following titles would be the most appropriate for the passage?
A. “The Evolution of Religious Practices”
B. “Science and Religion: A Historical Perspective”
C. “The Rise and Fall of Ancient Civilizations”
D. “The Persecution of Early Scientific Thinkers”
Question-10 State whether the following line from the passage is an example of historical narration, scientific analysis, religious reflection, or cultural critique.
“It was in these trying circumstances that science emerged as a savior of mankind.”
Solution
Answer-1: C. Complementary
Answer-2: B. Awe and utility
Answer-3: B. Self-serving
Answer-4: B. Resisted
Answer-5: persecution and skepticism or similar
Answer-6: Early worship of natural forces likely laid the foundation for organized religion, reflecting humanity’s awe and quest for understanding the unknown.
Answer-7: False.
Answer-8: (d) Option 1 and 5 – “Progressive and Regressive” and “Encouragement and Persecution”
Answer-9: B. “Science and Religion: A Historical Perspective”
Answer-10: Historical narration.
Advanced Unseen Passage English: Exercise 3
1. Throughout human history, the leading causes of death have been infection and trauma. Modern medicine has achieved significant victories against both, and the major causes of ill health and death are now chronic degenerative diseases, such as coronary artery disease, arthritis, cataracts, and cancer. These diseases have a long latency period before symptoms appear and a diagnosis is made. It follows that the majority of apparently healthy people are actually pre-ill.
2. Many national surveys reveal that malnutrition is common in developed countries. This is not the calorie or micronutrient deficiency associated with developing nations; rather, it is a depletion of multiple micronutrients, often combined with caloric balance or excess. The incidence and severity of Type B malnutrition would likely be shown to be worse if newer micronutrient groups such as essential fatty acids and flavonoids were included in the surveys.
3. However, the pharmaceutical model has also created an unhealthy dependency culture, in which relatively few of us accept responsibility for maintaining our own health. Instead, we have handed over this responsibility to health professionals who know very little about health maintenance or disease prevention.
4. Based on pharmaceutical thinking, most intervention studies have attempted to measure the impact of a single micronutrient on the incidence of disease. The classical approach contends that if you give a compound formula to test subjects and obtain positive results, you cannot know which ingredient is exerting the benefit, so you must test each ingredient individually.
5. So, do we need to analyze each individual’s nutritional status and then tailor a formula specifically for him or her? While we do not have the resources to analyze millions of individual cases, there is no need to do so. The vast majority of people consume suboptimal amounts of most micronutrients, and most of these micronutrients are very safe. Accordingly, a comprehensive and universal program of micronutrient support is probably the most cost-effective and safest way to improve the general health of the nation.
Question-1 What does the passage suggest about modern medicine’s impact on health?
A. It has eliminated all diseases.
B. Only focuses on chronic diseases.
C. Shifted focus from infection to chronic diseases.
D. Neglected the importance of nutrition.
Question-2 According to the passage, what is a major health issue in developed countries?
A. Caloric excess only.
B. General malnutrition.
C. Multiple micronutrient depletion.
D. Over-reliance on medication.
Question-3 What is implied about individuals’ roles in their own health care?
A. Fully self-reliant.
B. Dependent on professionals.
C. Balanced with professional care.
D. Irrelevant in modern healthcare.
Question-4 What does the passage indicate about the effectiveness of a universal micronutrient program?
A. Ineffective and costly.
B. Necessary for individual cases.
C. Most effective and safe for general health.
D. Limited to specific groups.
Question-5 Complete the following sentence based on the passage: “In contrast to the pharmaceutical model, a comprehensive micronutrient program aims to ________.”
Question-6 How does the pharmaceutical model’s approach to health maintenance differ from a universal micronutrient program, as suggested in the passage?
Question-7 True or False: The passage suggests that the current health care model effectively addresses both acute diseases and chronic degenerative diseases.
Question-8 The passage includes some words that are opposites of each other. From the sets (a)-(e) below, identify two sets of antonyms:
(1) Infection and Health (2) Dependency and Independence
(3) Acute and Chronic (4) Excess and Deficiency
(5) Prevention and Neglect
(a) Option 1 and 3 (b) Option 2 and 4
(c) Option 3 and 5 (d) Option 1 and 4
(e) Option 2 and 5
Question-9 Which of the following titles would be the most appropriate for the passage?
A. “Nutritional Health Trends”
B. “Modern Medicine’s Impact”
C. “Micronutrients in Health”
D. “Health Dependency Issues”
Question-10 State whether the following line from the passage is an example of factual reporting, critical analysis, speculative reasoning, or scientific explanation.
“Many national surveys reveal that malnutrition is common in developed countries, not as calorie or micronutrient deficiency but as multiple micronutrient depletion.”
Solution
Answer-1: C. Shifted focus from infection to chronic diseases.
Answer-2: C. Multiple micronutrient depletion.
Answer-3: B. Dependent on professionals.
Answer-4: C. Most effective and safe for general health.
Answer-5: improve general health universally or similar
Answer-6: The pharmaceutical model promotes dependency on health professionals for specific treatments, while a universal micronutrient program encourages broad, preventive health measures.
Answer-7: False.
Answer-8: (b) Option 2 and 4 – “Dependency and Independence” and “Excess and Deficiency”
Answer-9: B. “Modern Medicine’s Impact”
Answer-10: Factual reporting.
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Mastering Comprehension Passage Reading: Exercise 4
1. Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. When areas in and around Leh began to experience water shortages, life didn’t grind to a halt. Why? Because Chewang Norphel, a retired civil engineer from the Jammu and Kashmir government, came up with the idea of artificial glaciers.
2. Ladakh, a cold desert at an altitude of 3,000-3,500 meters above sea level, has a low average annual rainfall of only 50 mm. Glaciers have always been the sole source of water. Agriculture there is completely dependent on glacier melt, unlike the rest of river/monsoon-fed India. But over the years, with the increasing effects of climate change, rainfall and snowfall patterns have been changing, resulting in severe shortages and drought situations. Given the severe winter conditions, the window for farming is usually limited to one harvest season.
3. The artificial glaciers are located between the natural glacier above and the village below. The one closer to the village and lowest in altitude melts first, providing water during April/May, the crucial sowing season. Additional layers of ice ensure a continuous water supply to the fields. As a result, farmers have been able to manage two crops instead of one. The cost to create one artificial glacier starts at about ₹1,50,000.
4. Fondly called the “Glacier Man,” Mr. Norphel has designed over 15 artificial glaciers in and around Leh since 1987. In recognition of his pioneering efforts, he was conferred the Padma Shri by President Pranab Mukherjee in 2015.
5. There are a few basic steps involved in creating an artificial glacier.
6. River or stream water at a higher altitude is diverted to a shaded area of the hill, facing north, where the winter sun is blocked by a ridge of a mountain range. At the start of winter, around November, the diverted water is made to flow onto the sloping hill face through distribution channels. Stone embankments are built at regular intervals to impede the flow of water, creating shallow pools that freeze, forming a cascade of ice along the slope. Ice formation continues for 3-4 months, resulting in a large accumulation of ice, which is referred to as an “artificial glacier.”
Question-1 What does the passage imply about Chewang Norphel’s motivation for creating artificial glaciers?
A. To gain fame and recognition.
B. To address the water shortage in Leh.
C. To showcase engineering skills.
D. To transform the landscape of Ladakh.
Question-2 According to the passage, how has climate change affected agriculture in Ladakh?
A. It has improved agricultural conditions.
B. It has caused unpredictable weather patterns.
C. It has led to an increase in rainfall.
D. It has resulted in severe shortages and droughts.
Question-3 What is suggested about the cost-effectiveness of artificial glaciers?
A. They are too expensive to build.
B. They offer a cost-effective solution for water issues.
C. Their maintenance costs outweigh their benefits.
D. They are less efficient than natural glaciers.
Question-4 What can be inferred about the impact of artificial glaciers on local farming?
A. They have limited influence on crop yields.
B. They have enabled farmers to manage two crops instead of one.
C. They are mainly used for non-agricultural purposes.
D. They have decreased the quality of the crops.
Question-5 Complete the following sentence based on the passage: “Artificial glaciers in Ladakh are crucial because they ________.”
Question-6 Based on the passage, how do artificial glaciers reflect human innovation in response to environmental challenges?
Question-7 True or False: The passage implies that the creation of artificial glaciers in Ladakh has been ineffective in addressing the region’s water shortages.
Question-8 The passage includes some words that are opposites of each other. From the sets (a)-(e) below, identify two sets of antonyms:
(1) Shortage and Abundance (2) Effective and Ineffective
(3) Retired and Active (4) Increase and Decrease
(5) Dependency and Self-reliance
(a) Option 1 and 2 (b) Option 2 and 3
(c) Option 3 and 4 (d) Option 1 and 5
(e) Option 4 and 5
Question-9 Which of the following titles would be the most appropriate for the passage?
A. “The Challenges of Climate Change in Ladakh”
B. “Chewang Norphel: The Pioneer of Artificial Glaciers”
C. “Innovations in Water Management in Arid Regions”
D. “The History of Agricultural Practices in Ladakh”
Question-10 State whether the following line from the passage is an example of innovative solution, environmental concern, historical recount, or scientific explanation.
“Chewang Norphel, a retired civil engineer, came up with the idea of artificial glaciers to address water shortages in Leh.”
Solution
Answer-1: B. To address the water shortage in Leh.
Answer-2: D. It has resulted in severe shortages and droughts.
Answer-3: B. They offer a cost-effective solution for water issues.
Answer-4: B. They have enabled farmers to manage two crops instead of one.
Answer-5: provide a reliable source of water for agriculture or similar
Answer-6: Artificial glaciers exemplify human ingenuity in adapting to environmental changes by creating sustainable water sources in arid, challenging landscapes.
Answer-7: False.
Answer-8: (d) Option 1 and 5 – “Shortage and Abundance” and “Dependency and Self-reliance”
Answer-9: B. “Chewang Norphel: The Pioneer of Artificial Glaciers”
Answer-10: Innovative solution.
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Unseen Passage with MCQ : Exercise 5
1. A prominent feature of macaque monkeys is the presence of cheek pouches, in which these primates temporarily store food. Offer them their favorite food, and they will stuff all they can into these cheek pouches, which puff up on the sides. The food will be digested later.
2. Most macaques obtain a significant portion of their food on the ground, gleaning fruits, insects, leaves, shoots, and more. Even spiders are welcome in the varied diet of these ever-curious monkeys. Most macaques are somewhat squat and thickset in build.
3. Macaques are often regarded as the hardiest of all monkeys. There are half a dozen species of macaques in the Indian region. While four of these (lion-tailed, pig-tailed, stump-tailed, and Assamese) have restricted distributional ranges—the first in the Nilgiri mountains of South India and the latter three in the northeast—the Rhesus and Bonnet macaques are widespread.
4. The Rhesus monkey, with the human blood factor named after it, was once exported in large numbers for medical research, especially for testing newly developed drugs, including the development of the Salk vaccine against poliomyelitis. Common in North India, the Rhesus can be easily recognized by a prominent patch of reddish-orange fur on its loins and rump.
5. Ascending up to almost 9,000 feet in the Himalayas, the Rhesus monkey is found down south at the Godavari River and is possibly slowly expanding its range. Small numbers occur in Mumbai’s Borivali National Park, often mixing with troops of Bonnet macaques and Langurs.
6. The Bonnet macaque has a longer tail and lacks the reddish-orange patch on its hindquarters. However, it is distinguished by a centrally parted mane of dark, long hair, which gives it its common name.
7. This species is the common monkey of peninsular and southern India, found south of the Godavari River. It is frequently seen in Mumbai’s National Park.
8. The Bonnet macaque also keeps you company on Elephanta Island at Khandala, Matheran, and at a host of other tourist spots in Southern India. I find it to be slightly less of a temple monkey than the Rhesus in much of North India, where a curious blend of religious and sentimental reasons just manages to prevent it from being molested and persecuted.
Question-1 Why are cheek pouches significant in macaque monkeys, according to the passage?
A. For communication purposes.
B. To store food temporarily.
C. As a part of mating rituals.
D. For water storage.
Question-2 What does the passage imply about the dietary habits of macaques?
A. They are strictly herbivores.
B. They have a diverse diet.
C. They primarily feed on insects.
D. They eat only fruits.
Question-3 According to the passage, what factor contributes to the Rhesus monkey’s recognition in North India?
A. Its role in religious practices.
B. A distinctive reddish-orange fur patch.
C. Its presence in urban areas.
D. Its large population size.
Question-4 What is suggested about the Bonnet macaque’s distribution in India?
A. Found only in the Himalayas.
B. Common in both North and South India.
C. Restricted to peninsular and southern India.
D. Limited to the Nilgiri mountains.
Question-5 Complete the following sentence based on the passage: “The artificial glaciers created by Chewang Norphel are beneficial because they ________.”
Question-6 Based on the passage, how do macaque monkeys adapt to their environment for survival?
Question-7 True or False: The passage suggests that all macaque species mentioned have a widespread distribution throughout India.
Question-8 The passage includes some words that are opposites of each other. From the sets (a)-(e) below, identify two sets of antonyms:
(1) Temporary and Permanent (2) Restricted and Widespread
(3) Urban and Rural (4) Increase and Decrease
(5) Diversity and Uniformity
(a) Option 1 and 2 (b) Option 2 and 3
(c) Option 3 and 4 (d) Option 1 and 5
(e) Option 4 and 5
Question-9 Which of the following titles would be the most appropriate for the passage?
A. “Macaque Adaptations”
B. “India’s Macaques”
C. “Macaque Diets”
D. “Artificial Glaciers”
Question-10 State whether the following line from the passage is an example of a descriptive observation, a scientific fact, an emotional reflection, or a hypothetical scenario.
“Most macaques obtain a good amount of their food on the ground, gleaning for fruits, insects, leaves, shoots, and more.”
Solution
Answer-1: B. To store food temporarily.
Answer-2: B. They have a diverse diet.
Answer-3: B. A distinctive reddish-orange fur patch.
Answer-4: C. Restricted to peninsular and southern India.
Answer-5: provide a solution to the water scarcity in Leh or similar
Answer-6: Macaque monkeys adapt by utilizing cheek pouches for food storage and having a diverse diet, enabling them to thrive in varied environments.
Answer-7: False.
Answer-8: (a) Option 1 and 2 – “Temporary and Permanent” and “Restricted and Widespread”
Answer-9: A. “Macaque Adaptations”
Answer-10: Descriptive observation.