Comprehension Passage: The Journey of a River
(Word count: 1,600)
Water has always been an essential part of life on Earth. Among its many forms, rivers hold a
special place, shaping landscapes and sustaining ecosystems. A river’s journey begins as a
tiny trickle in the high mountains, fed by melting glaciers or springs. Over time, this trickle
gathers strength, growing into streams and eventually a river. As it flows, the river carves
through mountains, meanders through valleys, and eventually reaches the vast expanse of an
ocean or sea.
Take the Ganges in India, for example. It starts in the icy Himalayan peaks and travels 2,525
kilometers to the Bay of Bengal. Along the way, it provides water for drinking, farming, and
industry for millions of people. The river is considered sacred in Hinduism, and many gather
along its banks to perform rituals. However, like many rivers worldwide, the Ganges faces
pollution, threatening its ability to sustain life.
Rivers don’t just benefit humans. They provide habitats for countless species of plants, fish,
and animals. Mangroves and deltas formed at river mouths are nurseries for marine life, while
otters and kingfishers thrive along riverbanks. Rivers also transport nutrients, enriching the
soil and making nearby lands fertile for agriculture.
But a river’s journey isn’t always smooth. Sometimes, natural barriers like rocks or man-
made structures like dams hinder its flow. These obstacles can disrupt ecosystems and reduce
the river’s ability to nurture life. For example, dams might provide electricity, but they can
block fish migration and alter natural water cycles.
Human activity has a profound impact on rivers. Industrial waste, untreated sewage, and
plastic pollution often find their way into rivers, damaging aquatic ecosystems. Efforts are
being made worldwide to clean rivers, from community cleanup drives to advanced
technologies that remove pollutants.
Rivers also play a crucial role in culture and history. The Nile, the longest river in the world,
was the lifeline of ancient Egyptian civilization. Its annual floods brought fertile soil to the
desert, enabling agriculture to flourish. Similarly, the Mississippi River in the United States
has been a major trade route and cultural symbol.
Despite their importance, rivers are often taken for granted. Understanding their role in
supporting life and maintaining balance in nature can help us appreciate and protect them.
The journey of a river is a story of resilience, life, and interdependence—a reminder of how
nature sustains us and the responsibility we have to care for it.
Questions (Total Marks: 15)
1. How does a river begin its journey? (2 marks)
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2. Describe two ways rivers benefit humans and two ways they support wildlife. (4 marks)
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3. What is the cultural significance of the Ganges and the Nile rivers? (2 marks)
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4. List two challenges rivers face due to human activity. (2 marks)
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5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of dams mentioned in the passage? (3 marks)
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6. Explain how rivers contribute to agriculture. (1 mark)
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7. Why is it important to protect rivers? (1 mark)
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Activitie.
Activity: Write a Short Poem or Story (Marks 5
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Active and Passive Voice (10 Marks)
1. Fill in the blanks (5 marks):
o The cake ___ (bake) by the chef yesterday.
o The children ___ (teach) by their favorite teacher last week.
o She ___ (complete) her assignment before it was due. (Active Voice)
o The trees ___ (plant) every spring by the community.
o They ___ (organize) a meeting for the new project. (Active Voice)
2. Identify the voice (3 marks):
o "The homework was done by the students."
o "He painted a beautiful picture."
o "The invitation cards were sent by Sarah."
3. Rewrite the sentences in the opposite voice (2 marks):
o "The teacher explains the lesson."
o "The flowers were watered by the gardener."
The Tenses (All 12) (10 Marks)
1. Fill in the blanks with the correct tense (6 marks):
o She ___ (study) for her exams every night. (Present Simple)
o We ___ (visit) the museum tomorrow. (Future Continuous)
o He ___ (watch) TV when the lights went out. (Past Continuous)
o By next year, they ___ (complete) the project. (Future Perfect)
o I ___ (live) here since 2005. (Present Perfect Continuous)
o The train ___ (leave) the station before we arrived. (Past Perfect)
2. Match the sentences with the tense (4 marks):
o "He will be traveling at this time tomorrow." (__)
o "She had already left before the meeting started." (__)
o "They are playing in the garden right now." (__)
o "I eat breakfast every morning." (__)
Direct and Indirect Speech (10 Marks)
1. Convert the following into indirect speech (5 marks):
o She said, "I am going to the market."
o He asked, "Can you help me?"
o "Where have you been?" she asked.
o "I will call you tomorrow," he promised.
o "Do not forget to bring the book," she reminded him.
2. Choose the correct form of indirect speech (5 marks):
o She said, "I like chocolate."
a) She said she liked chocolate.
b) She said she likes chocolate.
o He said, "I am writing an essay."
a) He said he is writing an essay.
b) He said he was writing an essay.
Metaphors and Similes (10 Marks)
1. Identify if the sentence contains a metaphor or a simile (5 marks):
o "Her smile was as bright as the sun."
o "The classroom was a zoo during the break."
o "His heart was a stone after the incident."
o "She danced like a leaf in the wind."
o "The thunder was a roaring lion."
2. Fill in the blanks to create similes (5 marks):
o As ___ as ice.
o As busy as a ___.
o She sang like a ___.
o He was as strong as a ___.
o Her voice was as sweet as ___.
Types of Sentences (10 Marks)
1. Match the sentences to the type (declarative, interrogative, imperative,
exclamatory) (5 marks):
o "What a beautiful day it is!"
o "Please pass the salt."
o "The Earth revolves around the Sun."
o "Can you help me with this task?"
o "Close the door behind you."
2. Rewrite the following as the specified type of sentence (5 marks):
o Declarative: "He is playing football." (Exclamatory)
o Interrogative: "You are joining us." (Declarative)
Translation from Urdu to English (10 Marks)
Translate the following sentences:
1. وہ سکول جا رہی ہے۔
2. کل ہم نے باغ میں کھیل کھیلا۔
3. کیا تم نے کتاب ختم کی؟
4. بارش ہو رہی ہے۔
5. ہم جلدی جا رہے ہیں۔
Application Writing (10 Marks)
Write an application to the principal requesting permission to organize a charity event in
school. Use polite and formal language.
Story Writing (10 Marks)
Write a short story titled "The Mystery of the Lost Map." Include characters, a setting, and
a resolution in about 150-200 words.
Character Sketch (10 Marks)
Write a character sketch of your favorite teacher, describing their personality, teaching style,
and why you admire them.
Autobiography Writing (10 Marks)
Imagine you are a famous inventor. Write an autobiography about how you achieved success
and your most notable invention.
Idioms (10 Marks)
1. Match the idioms to their meanings (5 marks):
o A blessing in disguise
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o Pull someone's leg
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o Time flies when you're having fun
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o No pain, no gain
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o Break the ice
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2. Use the idioms in sentences (5 marks):
o Benefit of the doubt
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o Under the weather
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o Call it a day
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o It costs an arm and a leg
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o Better late than never
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