MP Board · Class 8 · English Grammar · Unseen PassageRead the following unseen passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: "Water is the true elixir of life and the fundamental prerequisite for the existence of all living organisms on Earth. Rivers, lakes, underground aquifers, and glaciers are the primary sources of fresh water that sustain agriculture, industrial processes, household needs, and natural ecosystems. Despite its indispensable role, human society faces an alarming global water crisis driven by rapid population growth, unbridled urbanization, industrial pollution, and irresponsible water wastage. Rivers across the world are increasingly contaminated with toxic industrial effluents, untreated sewage, and plastic waste, rendering them unfit for consumption and devastating aquatic life. Furthermore, excessive extraction of groundwater has led to a severe depletion of subterranean water tables in many regions. To tackle this critical issue, adopting rainwater harvesting, implementing efficient irrigation techniques like drip irrigation, and promoting public awareness regarding water conservation are imperative. Rainwater harvesting involves collecting and storing rainwater from rooftops and land surfaces for future reuse or groundwater recharge. Conserving every drop of water today is essential to secure a viable future for humanity." Questions: Why is water called the 'elixir of life', and what factors contribute to the modern global water crisis? What is rainwater harvesting, and how does it help combat water scarcity? Find words from the passage that mean: (i) Essential condition or requirement (ii) Subterranean body of rock that contains groundwater Provide a suitable title for the passage and explain its main message in detail.
Step-by-Step Solution
Comprehensive Answers:
1. Importance of Water and Causes of Water Crisis:\nWater is referred to as the 'elixir of life' because it is the fundamental prerequisite for the survival of every living entity on Earth. It sustains human life, agriculture, industrial operations, and delicate ecological balances. The modern global water crisis is primarily driven by:
- Rapid population growth and urbanization increasing total water demand.
- Severe contamination of freshwater bodies due to untreated sewage, plastic debris, and toxic industrial effluents.
- Irresponsible wastage in domestic and agricultural sectors.
- Excessive over-extraction of groundwater leading to depleted water tables.
2. Rainwater Harvesting and Its Benefits:\nRainwater harvesting is an environmental technique that involves collecting, capturing, and storing rainwater falling on rooftops or land surfaces instead of allowing it to run off as waste. It combats water scarcity by:
- Recharging depleted underground aquifers and restoring subterranean water levels.
- Providing an independent, reliable source of clean water during dry seasons.
- Reducing urban flooding and soil erosion caused by surface runoff.
3. Vocabulary:
- (i) Essential condition or requirement: Prerequisite
- (ii) Subterranean body of rock containing groundwater: Aquifer
4. Suitable Title and Central Message:
- Suitable Title: Water Conservation: Safeguarding the Elixir of Life
- Central Message: The passage emphasizes that water is a precious finite resource critical for sustaining life. Mismanagement and pollution threaten global survival. Therefore, society must adopt conservation measures such as rainwater harvesting, modern irrigation, and daily water-saving habits to ensure sustainable living 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.