WB Board 12 Reading Comprehension (Unseen)

Reading comprehension is an important part of the Class 12 WBCHSE English exam. Many students lose marks because they do not practice unseen passages properly. This page provides unseen reading comprehension passages with questions and answers in a clear and simple format. It will help you understand how to read, think, and answer correctly in exams. By practicing regularly, you can improve your reading skills, increase accuracy, and score higher marks.

Passage 1: The Role of Technology in Education

Technology has changed the system of education greatly. In the past, students depended mainly on textbooks and classroom teaching. Today, computers, smartphones, and the internet have made learning easier and faster. Students can attend online classes, watch educational videos, and search for information from anywhere. During the COVID-19 pandemic, online education became very important. Schools and colleges remained closed, but teachers continued classes through digital platforms. Technology helped students continue their studies from home. Educational apps and websites also provided notes, practice tests, and recorded lectures. However, technology has some disadvantages too. Many students become distracted by social media and online games. Excessive screen time can also affect health and eyesight. Moreover, poor students in rural areas sometimes cannot afford smartphones or internet connections, which creates inequality in education. Therefore, technology should be used wisely. It should support education, not replace discipline and hard work. Teachers and parents should guide students in the proper use of digital tools. If used correctly, technology can make education more interesting, effective, and accessible to all.

Answer the following Questions

1. How has technology changed education?
Ans: Technology has made education easier, faster, and more interesting through online classes, educational videos, websites, and digital learning tools.

2. Why did online education become important during the pandemic?
Ans: Online education became important because it allowed students to continue learning safely from home when schools remained closed.

3. What are the disadvantages of technology in education?
Ans: Technology can distract students through games and social media, affect health, and create inequality among poor students.

Passage 2: Importance of Trees

Trees are an essential part of our environment. They provide us with oxygen, fruits, wood, medicine, and shade. Without trees, life on Earth would become difficult because they maintain the balance of nature. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and help reduce pollution. Forests are home to many birds and animals. When trees are cut down carelessly, wildlife loses its shelter and food. Deforestation also increases the chances of floods, soil erosion, and climate change. In many cities, the number of trees is decreasing due to rapid urbanization and industrial growth. As a result, temperatures are rising and air quality is becoming poor. Planting trees is one of the simplest ways to protect the environment. Schools and social organizations often arrange tree plantation programmes to spread awareness among people. Students should actively participate in such programmes and encourage others to plant saplings in their surroundings. Trees also make places beautiful and peaceful. A green environment refreshes the mind and improves health. If every person plants and protects at least one tree, the Earth will become safer and healthier for future generations. Therefore, saving trees is the duty of every citizen.

Answer the following Questions

1. How do trees help reduce pollution?
Ans: Trees reduce pollution by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They help keep the air fresh, clean, and healthy for living beings.

2. What problems are caused by deforestation?
Ans: Deforestation causes floods, soil erosion, climate change, rising temperature, and destruction of wildlife habitats and natural balance.

3. Why should students participate in tree plantation programmes?
Ans: Students should participate in tree plantation programmes to protect nature, spread awareness, and help create a greener and healthier environment.

Passage 3: The Importance of Discipline

Discipline is one of the most important qualities in human life. It means following rules, maintaining order, and controlling one’s behaviour. A disciplined person respects time and performs duties sincerely. Discipline helps students achieve success in both academic and personal life. Student life is the best period to learn discipline. Students should attend school regularly, complete homework on time, and obey teachers and parents. A disciplined routine improves concentration and builds confidence. It also teaches responsibility and self-control. Lack of discipline often leads to failure and confusion. Students who waste time and ignore rules usually face difficulties in life. In society too, discipline is necessary for peace and progress. Traffic rules, school regulations, and social laws are all important for maintaining order. Great leaders and successful people always value discipline. They achieve their goals through hard work, punctuality, and determination. Therefore, every student should develop the habit of discipline from an early age. It is the key to success and a peaceful life.

Answer the following Questions

1. What is discipline?
Ans: Discipline means obeying rules, maintaining order, controlling behaviour, and performing duties sincerely and responsibly.

2. Why is student life important for learning discipline?
Ans: Student life teaches punctuality, responsibility, self-control, regular habits, and obedience, which are necessary for future success.

3. How does lack of discipline affect life?
Ans: Lack of discipline creates confusion, failure, irresponsibility, and many difficulties in both personal life and society.

Passage 4: The Benefits of Early Rising

Early rising is a very good habit. A person who rises early in the morning gets enough time to complete daily activities peacefully. The morning environment remains calm, fresh, and pollution-free. Early risers usually enjoy better physical and mental health. Students who wake up early can study with greater concentration because the surroundings remain quiet. Morning exercise and fresh air improve health and refresh the mind. Early rising also teaches punctuality, discipline, and proper time management. On the other hand, people who wake up late often feel lazy and rushed. They may fail to complete their work on time and lose valuable opportunities. An irregular lifestyle can also affect health negatively and reduce productivity. Many successful people follow the habit of early rising. They believe that the early morning hours are the best time for planning and productive work. Therefore, everyone should try to develop the habit of rising early in life.

Answer the following Questions

1. Why is early rising considered a good habit?
Ans: Early rising provides more time for work, improves health, refreshes the mind, and develops discipline and punctuality.

2. How does early rising help students?
Ans: Early rising helps students study peacefully with better concentration and maintain good physical and mental health.

3. What problems do late risers face?
Ans: Late risers often feel lazy, fail to manage time properly, and may suffer from poor health and reduced productivity.

Passage 5: The Festival of Durga Puja

Durga Puja is one of the most popular festivals in West Bengal. It is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm every year. The festival usually takes place during the autumn season and continues for several days. People worship Goddess Durga, who symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Before the festival begins, artisans work hard to make beautiful idols of the goddess. Colourful pandals are decorated with lights, flowers, and artistic designs. During the festival, people wear new clothes, visit pandals, and enjoy delicious food with friends and family members. Durga Puja is not only a religious festival but also a social and cultural event. Various cultural programmes, music performances, and competitions are organized in different places. The festival brings people together and creates a feeling of unity and happiness among all sections of society. On the final day, known as বিজয়া দশমী, the idols are immersed in rivers or ponds. People bid farewell to the goddess with emotional hearts and pray for peace and prosperity. Durga Puja reflects the rich culture and traditions of Bengal.

Answer the following Questions

1. Why is Durga Puja celebrated?
Ans: Durga Puja is celebrated to worship Goddess Durga and to symbolize the victory of good over evil.

2. How do people enjoy the festival?
Ans: People enjoy the festival by wearing new clothes, visiting pandals, participating in cultural programmes, and eating delicious food.

3. What happens on the final day of Durga Puja?
Ans: On the final day, the idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in water and people pray for peace and prosperity.

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