
ARMY PUBLIC SCHOOL
English Communicative — Unseen Passage Worksheet
Class: IX
Max Marks: 10
Time Allowed: 20 Mins
General Instructions:
Read the passage thoroughly before attempting the questions.
All questions are compulsory. Marks are indicated against each section.
Passage: Climate Stress in the Wild
The deaths of eight Asiatic lion cubs in Gujarat’s Gir forest were caused by extreme heat-related stress and weakened
immunity, rather than any infectious disease outbreak, the State Forest Minister clarified recently. The clarification
comes days after forest authorities launched an intensive monitoring and disease-control exercise following suspicions
that the cubs may have succumbed to Babesia, a tick-borne parasitic infection known to affect wild animals. However,
extensive medical reports and laboratory tests confirmed that environmental factors were the primary cause of the
tragedy.
As temperatures soar across the country during the peak summer months, wildlife experts are raising alarms over
how climate change is directly impacting animal habitats. Gir forest, the last refuge of the endangered Asiatic lion, has
been facing unusually intense heatwaves. While adult lions are often resilient enough to adapt to harsh seasonal shifts,
newborn cubs are highly vulnerable. Extreme heat stress severely weakens their natural immune systems, making it
difficult for them to survive even minor environmental fluctuations.
In response to the crisis, the forest department has deployed specialized tracking teams to closely monitor prides
with young cubs. Artificial water holes are being filled daily, and shade shelters are being mapped out to ensure the
animals have access to cooler zones. Environmentalists emphasize that this incident is a stark reminder that conservation
is no longer just about protecting animals from poachers; it is increasingly about helping them survive a rapidly changing
climate.
SECTION A: MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (1 MARK EACH)
What was the actual cause of death of the eight lion cubs in the Gir forest?
a) A tick-borne parasitic infection b) Poaching and illegal hunting
c) Extreme heat-related stress and weak immunity d) Scarcity of food and prey
Why were authorities initially worried about an infectious disease outbreak?
a) Adult lions were also falling sick b) They suspected a parasitic infection called Babesia
c) Water sources in the forest were poisoned d) Nearby village cattle were dying
1.
2.
1.
2.
Army Public School — Class IX English Comprehension Page 1 of 2