CBSE Based Unseen Passage Class 9

In the context of Class 9 English, CBSE-based unseen passages are an essential component of the curriculum, designed to enhance students’ reading comprehension skills. These passages typically fall into two main categories: discursive passages and case-based factual passages. In this blog, we will go deeper into the types of unseen passage for Class 9 as well as several unseen passages for Class 9 for mastering this crucial aspect of the curriculum. 

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Types of Unseen Passage Class 9

In Class 9, unseen passages can be categorised into various types based on their content and focus. Here are some common types of unseen passages:

1. Descriptive Passages:

These passages provide detailed descriptions of a person, place, or event. They often use vivid imagery to engage the reader’s senses.

Example: A passage describing a bustling market scene or a serene landscape.

2. Narrative Passages:

These tell a story or recount events, often featuring characters and a plot. They may include dialogues and emotional elements.

Example: A story about a character’s adventure or a historical event.

3. Expository Passages:

These passages aim to inform or explain a concept, idea, or process. They are factual and often include definitions, examples, and explanations.

Example: A passage explaining the water cycle or the importance of recycling.

4. Persuasive Passages:

These aim to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint or argument. They often include reasoning, evidence, and emotional appeals.

Example: A passage advocating for environmental conservation or healthy eating habits.

5. Informative Passages:

These provide factual information on a specific topic without trying to persuade the reader. They can cover various subjects like science, history, or current events.

Example: A passage discussing the life cycle of a butterfly or the impact of technology on society.

6. Poetic Passages:

These may include excerpts from poems or lyrical prose that evoke emotions through rhythm, rhyme, and figurative language.

Example: A passage that captures the beauty of nature through poetic language.

Also Read: Unseen Passage for Class 4: CBSE Worksheet

Unseen Passage Class 9 with Answers

Following are four unseen passages for Class 9 students, along with their questions and answers.

Passage 1: The Importance of Vultures

Vultures are vital to maintaining ecological balance due to their role as nature’s clean-up crew. These scavengers consume the carcasses of dead animals, preventing the accumulation of decaying matter that could lead to disease outbreaks. Unlike many predators, vultures feed exclusively on carrion, making them unique in their ecological niche. Their powerful digestive systems can neutralize harmful pathogens such as anthrax, botulism, and rabies, which might otherwise pose threats to both wildlife and humans.

A fascinating characteristic of vultures is their ability to travel vast distances. With wingspans often exceeding 10 feet, species like the Andean condor and the griffon vulture are capable of soaring at altitudes over 37,000 feet, taking advantage of thermal air currents. This energy-efficient flight allows them to search wide areas for food. While their beaks are not as robust as those of eagles, their specially adapted hooked shape allows them to efficiently tear apart carcasses.

Despite their importance, vulture populations are in rapid decline due to habitat loss, poisoning, and the use of veterinary drugs like diclofenac, which is toxic to vultures. This decline has caused cascading ecological effects, including the rise of feral dog populations, leading to increased incidences of rabies in some regions.

Protecting vultures through habitat conservation, banning harmful substances, and raising awareness about their ecological value is essential. Without these natural scavengers, ecosystems would face significant imbalances, threatening biodiversity and public health.

Questions:

1. Why are vultures’ digestive systems unique?
2. What factors contribute to the decline in vulture populations?
3. How does the decline of vultures impact ecosystems?
4. What can be done to protect vultures?
5. How do vultures find their food?

Answers:

1. Vultures have highly acidic stomachs that can break down dangerous pathogens like anthrax and botulism. This adaptation allows them to consume decaying flesh without getting sick, reducing the risk of disease spread in ecosystems.
2. Vulture populations are declining due to habitat loss, accidental poisoning from pesticides, and exposure to veterinary drugs like diclofenac. The drug, used to treat livestock, remains in animal carcasses and is fatal to vultures when ingested.
3. The absence of vultures leads to an accumulation of carcasses, fostering the growth of feral dog populations and rodents, which can spread diseases like rabies and plague. This disrupts the balance of ecosystems and poses health risks to humans and wildlife.
4. Effective conservation measures include banning harmful substances like diclofenac, protecting nesting and feeding habitats, and creating vulture breeding and rehabilitation programs. Public education about their ecological importance is also critical.
5. Vultures rely on their keen eyesight and sense of smell to locate carcasses from great distances. Some species, like turkey vultures, have an exceptionally developed olfactory sense that helps them detect decaying flesh even in dense forests.

Passage 2: Deity Beliefs and Health

Dietary beliefs play a significant role in shaping our approach to health, yet many widely accepted notions are being challenged by modern research. One example is the relationship between sodium intake and heart health. For years, individuals with high blood pressure were strictly advised to minimise sodium consumption, as excess salt was believed to increase hypertension and cardiovascular risks. However, a recent study from Boston University indicates that both extremely low and high sodium intakes are associated with elevated risks of heart disease. Moderate sodium consumption appears to be the most beneficial, emphasising the importance of balance rather than elimination.

This finding aligns with emerging perspectives that extremes in dietary practices can often do more harm than good. For instance, very restrictive diets can lead to nutritional deficiencies, while overindulgence increases risks of obesity and metabolic disorders. It’s also worth noting that individual factors such as age, genetic predispositions, and physical activity levels significantly influence dietary needs.

The takeaway is clear: while general guidelines are helpful, personalized nutrition is becoming increasingly important. Consulting healthcare professionals to assess individual dietary requirements is crucial for achieving optimal health. This evidence-based approach ensures that dietary choices promote long-term well-being without succumbing to myths or outdated beliefs.

Questions:

1. What does the study from Boston University reveal about sodium intake?
2. Why is excessive sodium traditionally considered harmful?
3. How can very low sodium intake harm the heart?
4. Why is personalised nutrition important?
5. What is the key takeaway from this discussion on diet beliefs?

Answers:

1. The study found that both very low and very high sodium consumption can increase the risk of heart disease, suggesting that moderate sodium intake is the healthiest option.
2. High sodium intake is linked to increased blood pressure, which is a significant risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.
3. Extremely low sodium levels may lead to imbalances in electrolytes, reduced blood volume, and inadequate hydration, which can strain the heart and other organs.
4. Individual factors such as genetics, activity levels, and health conditions influence dietary needs. Personalised nutrition ensures a tailored approach to meet specific requirements, reducing risks of deficiencies or overconsumption.
5. The key takeaway is to avoid extreme dietary practices and focus on moderation and balance. Consulting healthcare professionals for personalised guidance can help achieve optimal health.

Passage 3: The Impact of Social Media

Social media has revolutionised how we connect, communicate, and share our lives. However, it also raises critical questions about privacy, mental health, and the true nature of relationships. One example is a young man who decided to quit Facebook after three years of active use, severing ties with over 300 virtual contacts. His discomfort stemmed from Facebook’s Timeline feature, which organised and displayed his personal posts, photos, and milestones in a public, easily accessible format. This made him question the implications of sharing intimate details of his life online and the permanence of digital footprints.

This scenario is reflective of a broader societal concern: the tension between the benefits of connectivity and the risks to privacy. Social media platforms encourage oversharing, often blurring the lines between public and private spheres. Moreover, the constant curation of a digital persona can lead to stress, anxiety, and a distorted sense of identity, as users strive to project a polished version of their lives.

While social media fosters communication and community building, it is essential to approach it mindfully. Striking a balance by setting privacy controls, limiting screen time, and reflecting on what and how much to share can mitigate negative impacts. Ultimately, reevaluating our relationship with social media is vital for mental well-being and personal security.

Questions:

1. Why did the young man quit Facebook?
2. What does “Timeline” refer to in this context?
3. What are the risks of sharing personal information online?
4. How can social media impact mental health?
5. What steps can individuals take to use social media mindfully?

Answers:

1. He felt uncomfortable with how Facebook’s Timeline feature publicly displayed his personal information and life events, prompting concerns about privacy and overexposure.
2.  A feature on Facebook that displays a chronological history of a user’s activities.
3. Oversharing can lead to privacy breaches, cyberbullying, identity theft, and unwanted digital footprints that may have long-term repercussions.
4. Constantly curating and comparing oneself to others online can lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and feelings of inadequacy.
5. Users can set strict privacy controls, limit screen time, think critically before sharing, and periodically review and delete unnecessary posts or connections.

Passage 4: The Global Pandemic

The emergence of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) triggered a global pandemic that profoundly disrupted life on multiple fronts. Economies experienced severe contractions as industries shut down, unemployment rose, and supply chains faltered. Healthcare systems were overwhelmed with patients, exposing critical shortages of medical equipment, personnel, and infrastructure. Education also faced significant upheaval, with schools and universities transitioning to remote learning, often widening the digital divide.

Despite advancements in science and technology, the pandemic revealed vulnerabilities in global preparedness for health crises. The rapid spread of the virus highlighted gaps in surveillance systems, unequal access to healthcare, and the challenges of managing misinformation. It underscored the interconnectedness of nations, as well as the importance of collaborative efforts in combating global threats.

On the positive side, the pandemic spurred unprecedented innovation. Vaccines were developed and distributed at record speeds, telemedicine became more widely adopted, and societies adapted to remote work and digital collaboration. However, the pandemic also brought to light the stark inequalities in healthcare access and economic resilience between developed and developing nations.

Ultimately, the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing the need for stronger global health systems, investment in research and preparedness, and fostering equitable access to resources to navigate future challenges effectively.

Questions:

1. What has been the impact of the coronavirus pandemic?
2. How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect economies globally?
3. How does the passage describe humanity’s preparedness against the virus?
4. How did the pandemic impact education?
5. What challenges did healthcare systems face during the pandemic?

Answers:

1.  It has disrupted economies, healthcare systems, and education globally.
2. The pandemic caused widespread economic disruptions, including industry shutdowns, unemployment spikes, reduced consumer spending, and strained supply chains, leading to significant recessions in many countries.
3. It suggests that despite advanced science and technology, humanity was challenged by an invisible virus.
4. Schools and universities shifted to online learning, which exposed a digital divide. Many students lacked access to the internet or devices, resulting in unequal learning opportunities and disruptions in education.
5. Healthcare systems were overwhelmed by patient surges, leading to shortages of medical supplies, ventilators, hospital beds, and trained medical personnel. This highlighted the need for better resource allocation and emergency preparedness.

Also Read: Unseen Passage for Class 6: CBSE Free Worksheets

Unseen Passage Class 9 PDF

Here are two unseen passage Class 9 students with questions and answers in this PDF.

Also Read: Unseen Passage for Class 5: CBSE Worksheet

Short Unseen Passage Class 9

Here are two factual unseen passage Class 9 students, along with questions and answers.

Passage 6: The Water Cycle

The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, is a continuous process through which water circulates in the environment. It involves several stages: evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection. Water from oceans, rivers, and lakes evaporates into the atmosphere due to heat from the sun. As it rises, it cools and condenses into clouds. Eventually, the water falls back to Earth as precipitation in the form of rain, snow, or hail. This water then collects in bodies of water or infiltrates into the ground, replenishing groundwater supplies and continuing the cycle.

Questions:

1. What are the main stages of the water cycle?
2. How does evaporation occur in the water cycle?
3. What happens to water after it condenses into clouds?

Answers:

1. Evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
2. Water evaporates into the atmosphere due to heat from the sun.
3. It falls back to Earth as precipitation.

Passage 7: The Benefits of Reading

Reading is a fundamental skill that provides numerous benefits. It enhances vocabulary and language skills while improving comprehension abilities. Regular reading stimulates mental processes and can reduce stress by providing an escape into different worlds and ideas. Furthermore, reading can increase knowledge on various subjects and improve focus and concentration. Whether through fiction or non-fiction, books can inspire creativity and critical thinking in readers of all ages.

Questions:

1. What are some benefits of reading mentioned in the passage?
2. How does reading affect stress levels?
3. In what ways can reading inspire creativity?

Answers:

1. Enhances vocabulary, improves comprehension, stimulates mental processes, reduces stress, increases knowledge, and improves focus.
2. It can reduce stress by providing an escape into different worlds and ideas.
3. By exposing readers to new ideas and perspectives through fiction or non-fiction.

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