Comprehension Practice Paper 2
Read the following passage. (12)
1. India’s handloom industry is one of the oldest and most important cottage industries in the
country. It plays a vital role in preserving traditional textile art and providing employment to millions
of weavers across rural and semi-urban areas. Each region of India has its unique weaving
techniques, patterns, and fabrics that reflect the local culture and heritage. For instance, the bright,
intricate designs of Kanjeevaram silk sarees from Tamil Nadu are distinct from the geometric
patterns of the Assamese Mekhela Chador.
2. The handloom industry is largely decentralized, with weavers working out of their homes or in
small cooperative societies. This gives the industry a flexible structure, allowing artisans to work
independently and create personalized, handcrafted textiles. Many families have passed down their
weaving skills for generations, preserving the cultural identity of their communities. The connection
between the weavers and their craft is deeply personal, with each piece of fabric representing a
blend of tradition and creativity.
3. Despite its cultural significance, the handloom sector faces several challenges. With the rise of
mechanized textile mills and mass-produced clothing, handwoven fabrics have become more
expensive and less accessible to the average consumer. This has led to a decline in demand, leaving
many weavers struggling to make a sustainable living. Additionally, competition from cheaper
synthetic fabrics and the lack of market access for rural weavers have further impacted the
industry’s growth.
4. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to revive the handloom industry through
government initiatives, fashion collaborations, and consumer awareness campaigns. By promoting
the use of handloom products and supporting sustainable fashion, many organizations hope to
create a new market for handwoven fabrics. This shift towards conscious consumption has the
potential to preserve traditional weaving techniques while providing fair wages and better working
conditions for weavers.
5. The future of India’s handloom industry depends on balancing the preservation of its cultural
heritage with the modernization of its production methods. Sustainable practices, coupled with
innovative marketing strategies, can help the industry thrive in a competitive market, ensuring that
the art of handloom weaving continues to flourish for generations to come.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
i.According to paragraph 1, how does India’s handloom industry contribute to preserving culture? (1)
ii.How does the decentralized nature of the handloom industry benefit weavers, as mentioned in
paragraph 2? (1)
iii.Read and complete the following sentence suitably. (1)
The phrase “a flexible structure” in paragraph 2 suggests that the handloom industry allows weavers
to work independently and craft unique products.
Choose the correct response from the two options to complete the sentence.
The handloom industry has a flexible structure because _____.
(A) it enables weavers to work from home and follow traditional methods
(B) it allows consumers to access mass-produced textiles
iv. Complete the following with ONE example, with reference to paragraph 3 : (1)
The decline in demand for handwoven fabrics is caused by _____.
v. Why does the writer mention government initiatives in paragraph 4? (1)
Because
(A) It highlights efforts to revive the handloom industry by creating a new market.
(B) It explains how handloom weavers benefit from modern textile mills.
(C) It describes how mass production has improved the handloom sector.
(D) It shows how mechanized factories are outcompeting weavers.
vi. Provide ONE textual evidence with reference to paragraph 3, to support the following :
Weavers face difficulties in competing with synthetic fabrics. (1)
vii. In the line, ‘The future of India’s handloom industry depends on balancing the preservation of
its cultural heritage with the modernization of its production methods’ (Paragraph 5), what does the
phrase ‘balancing the preservation of its cultural heritage’ suggest about the challenges the industry
faces? (2)
viii. Complete the analogy with ONE word from paragraph 4 : (1)
weaving: craftsmanship :: handlooms: _____
(A) flexibility (B) tradition (C) production (D) sustainability
ix. Why is it fair to say that the statement ‘the handloom industry is essential to preserving India’s
cultural heritage’ in paragraph 1 uses factual language? (1)
(A) It refers to the historical importance of handwoven textiles in Indian culture.
(B) It explains how mechanized textile mills are improving the industry.
(C) It compares the handloom industry to mass-produced clothing.
(D) It describes the impact of handloom products on rural areas.
x. Assess the potential challenges or benefits of modernizing India’s handloom industry, as
suggested in paragraph 5. (2)
