Question Bank — The Ailing Planet: the Green Movement's Role

Section A — MCQs (10 questions, 1 mark each)

1. What does the notice in the Lusaka zoo cage signify?
   a) The presence of a dangerous wild animal
   b) Human beings as the most dangerous species
   c) The need to protect zoo animals
   d) The success of the Green Movement

2. Which of the following best defines “sustainable development” as per the text?
   a) Rapid industrial growth
   b) Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations
   c) Complete ban on use of natural resources
   d) Focus only on economic profits

3. The author compares the shift from mechanistic to ecological view with the ideas of:
   a) James Speth
   b) Lester Brown
   c) Copernicus
   d) Margaret Thatcher

4. According to the text, the earth’s four principal biological systems are:
   a) fisheries, forests, grasslands and croplands
   b) oceans, rivers, mountains and deserts
   c) industries, agriculture, trade and transport
   d) minerals, petroleum, synthetics and firewood

5. The phrase “ignominious darkness” refers to:
   a) unnamed species living in forests
   b) species that remain undiscovered and unclassified
   c) darkness caused by deforestation
   d) lack of education in poor countries

Assertion-Reason Questions

6. Assertion (A): The growth of world population is one of the strongest factors distorting the future of human society.
   Reason (R): Every four days the world population increases by one million and development becomes difficult.
   a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
   b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
   c) A is true but R is false.
   d) A is false but R is true.

7. Assertion (A): Laws are never respected nor enforced in India.
   Reason (R): Article 48A of the Constitution has failed to protect the environment.
   a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
   b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
   c) A is true but R is false.
   d) A is false but R is true.

8. The rate at which India is losing its forests, according to reliable data, is:
   a) 3.7 million acres a year
   b) 40–50 million acres a year
   c) 1.4 million acres a year
   d) eight times the government statistics

9. “No generation has a freehold on this earth” was said by:
   a) Nani Palkhivala
   b) Lester Brown
   c) Margaret Thatcher
   d) Edgar S. Woolard

10. The text suggests that the best contraceptive is:
    a) compulsory sterilisation
    b) development
    c) government laws
    d) international commissions

Section B — Reference to Context (3 extracts, 4 marks each)

Extract 1

“The world’s most dangerous animal.” (Inside the cage there is no animal but a mirror.)

1. Who is referred to as “the world’s most dangerous animal”?
2. What does the mirror in the cage symbolise?
3. Identify the literary device used in the notice.
4. What inference can be drawn about human responsibility from this extract?

Extract 2

“We have not inherited this earth from our forefathers; we have borrowed it from our children.”

1. Who is the speaker of these words in the context of the article?
2. Explain the meaning of the statement in relation to environmental responsibility.
3. Identify the figure of speech used.
4. How does this line support the concept of sustainable development?

Extract 3

“It has been well said that forests precede mankind; deserts follow.”

1. What does the statement imply about human impact on nature?
2. How is this idea supported by the depletion of tropical forests mentioned in the text?
3. Name the literary device used.
4. What vocabulary item from the unit is closest in meaning to “precede”?

Section C — Short Answer (5 questions, 3 marks each)

1. Why does the author call the earth “an ailing planet”?
2. What is the significance of the Brandt Commission’s question about leaving “a scorched planet”?
3. How are the earth’s principal biological systems being depleted?
4. Explain the statement: “Development is the best contraceptive.”
5. What role does the author envisage for industry in the “Era of Responsibility”?

Section D — Long Answer (2 questions, 6 marks each)

1. “We have shifted irrevocably from the mechanistic view to a holistic and ecological view of the world.” Discuss the shift in human perception as presented in the article.
2. “The choice is really between control of population and perpetuation of poverty.” Elaborate with reference to the problems highlighted in the unit.

Section E — Language and Writing (2 questions, 4 marks each)

1. From the unit, explain the meanings of the following Latin expressions (any four): inter alia, prima facie, ad hoc, in camera, ad infinitum.
2. Write a paragraph (80–100 words) on “The Role of the Youth in Protecting the Environment” drawing ideas from the unit.