LAEnglish Grammar

MP Board · Class 8 · English Grammar · Unseen PassageRead the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: "Water is the elixir of life, a precious natural resource without which no living organism can survive on Earth. Although nearly three-fourths of the Earth's surface is covered with water, only a minuscule fraction—less than one percent—is fresh water suitable for human consumption, agriculture, and industrial use. With the rapid growth of global population, urbanization, and industrial pollution, fresh water resources are depleting at an alarming rate. Many regions across the world, including several states in India, are facing severe water scarcity and drought-like conditions. Wasting water through careless domestic usage, leaking pipes, and over-exploitation of groundwater has aggravated this global crisis. Water conservation has therefore become an urgent necessity rather than an option. Simple daily practices like harvesting rainwater, repairing leaks promptly, turning off running taps, and reusing wastewater for gardening can save thousands of liters of water. Conserving water today ensures a sustainable future for upcoming generations." Questions: Why is fresh water considered a limited and precious resource despite Earth having abundant water? Explain the main causes of water scarcity and list effective measures for water conservation mentioned in the passage. Find words from the passage that mean: (i) A miraculous liquid / Nectar (ii) Extremely small / Very tiny Suggest an appropriate title for the passage and summarize its main moral message.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answers:

1. Reason for Fresh Water Being a Limited Resource:\nAlthough about 75% (three-fourths) of the Earth's surface is covered with water, the vast majority of it exists as salty ocean water unfit for direct human consumption, farming, or industrial processes. Only a minuscule fraction—less than one percent—is fresh, drinkable water available in rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers. Because this usable fraction is extremely tiny and vital for all terrestrial life, fresh water is considered a limited and invaluable natural resource.

2. Causes of Water Scarcity and Conservation Measures:

  • Causes of Scarcity: Rapid growth in human population, unorganized urbanization, industrial water pollution, reckless domestic wastage, unrepaired leaky pipelines, and severe over-exploitation of underground water tables.
  • Conservation Measures:
    1. Practicing rainwater harvesting to recharge groundwater levels.
    2. Promptly repairing leaking taps and pipelines in homes and public spaces.
    3. Turning off running taps while brushing, washing, or cleaning.
    4. Reusing household wastewater (such as RO/kitchen runoff) for gardening and cleaning purposes.

3. Vocabulary:

  • (i) A miraculous liquid / Nectar: Elixir
  • (ii) Extremely small / Very tiny: Minuscule

4. Title and Main Moral Message:

  • Suitable Title: Save Water, Save the Future: The Urgency of Water Conservation
  • Main Moral Message: The passage emphasizes that water is indispensable for life, yet alarmingly scarce. We must treat every drop of water with extreme responsibility. Water conservation is an urgent civic duty; adopting mindful habits today will prevent catastrophic water crises tomorrow and safeguard the planet for future generations.
💡 Study Guide: This question tests core syllabus concepts from Unseen Passage. For formulas, key summaries, and mock exam reference guides, read the full Unseen Passage Revision Notes.
← All Chapter QuestionsEnglish Grammar Chapters