Chapter 17 of Winning English Grammar and Composition by Mureed Hussain Jasra (CSP)

CSS 2024 Solved English Precis and Composition

(Q) No 2. Write a précis of the following passage and suggest a suitable title: (20)

In the heart of bustling cities, urban green spaces stand as oases of tranquillity, providing respite from the hustle and bustle. Parks, adorned with vibrant flora, become havens for relaxation and recreation. The greenery offers a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, creating a delicate balance between urban development and environmental preservation. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, city parks play a crucial role in fostering community bonds. Families gather for picnics, friends engage in sports, and individuals find solace amidst nature’s embrace. These communal spaces serve as venues for cultural events, open-air concerts, and art installations, enriching the urban experience. The benefits of urban green spaces extend beyond leisure. They contribute to improved air quality, mitigate the urban heat island effect, and promote overall well-being. Access to nature within city limits becomes a vital aspect of mental health, offering a refuge for introspection and rejuvenation. However, the challenge lies in balancing the increasing urbanization with the preservation of green spaces. Sustainable urban planning becomes imperative to ensure the coexistence of concrete jungles and natural havens. Efforts to create and maintain parks, tree-lined avenues, and green rooftops become integral components of shaping cities that prioritize both human and environmental health. As cities evolve, the preservation and enhancement of urban green spaces become a shared responsibility. The vision is to cultivate urban landscapes that seamlessly integrate nature into the tapestry of city life, fostering a sustainable and harmonious cohabitation between human progress and the environment.

Precis

Urban green spaces provide a peaceful haven away from the bustling city. These parks balance development with environmental protection by supporting a variety of fauna while also offering to host the wildlife. By providing space for get-togethers, cultural events, and leisure pursuits, such places strengthen community bonds. Additionally, they enhance mental health, lessen urban heat, and improve air quality. However, maintaining these spaces amidst urbanization calls for coordinated action and sustainable planning. Building cities where human life and nature can coexist is the way forward for the green urban future.

Title: Urban Green Spaces, Human Life and Nature

Word Count of the Passage: 240
Word Count of the Precis: 80

(Q) No 3. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given at the end. (20)

“In the heart of innovation, where creativity dances with technology, a new era of possibilities emerges. The digital landscape, once a distant horizon, now envelops every facet of our lives. From communication to commerce, the symbiotic relationship between humanity and technology shapes the contours of our modern existence.

In this age of rapid change, the role of education becomes pivotal. The traditional classroom, with its four walls, expands into the boundless realms of the internet. E-learning platforms and virtual classrooms redefine the notion of education, offering a dynamic space for collaboration and knowledge exchange. The democratization of information, facilitated by digital platforms, challenges traditional hierarchies and empowers learners across the globe.

However, as we navigate the seas of technological progress, questions of ethics and inclusivity arise. The digital divide, a chasm separating those with access to technology from those without, underscores the need for inclusive policies. In this context, the role of educators extends beyond imparting knowledge to fostering a sense of responsibility and ethical conduct in the digital realm.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into various aspects of our lives further blurs the boundaries between human and machine. As AI algorithms make decisions that impact society, the importance of ethical considerations and transparency grows exponentially. The intersection of technology and ethics becomes a defining point in the evolution of our digital landscape.

As we stand at the crossroads of innovation, the challenge is not merely to embrace technological advancements but to do so with a mindful and ethical approach. The synergy between humanity and technology holds immense promise, but it is our collective responsibility to navigate this path with wisdom, ensuring that progress aligns with the principles of equity, inclusivity, and ethical awareness.”

Questions:

What is the main theme of the passage, and how does it emphasize the evolving relationship between humanity and technology?
According to the passage, how does education adapt to the digital landscape, and what challenges and opportunities does this transformation present?
Discuss the concept of the digital divide as presented in the passage. Why is inclusivity crucial in the context of technological advancements, and what role do educators play in addressing this divide?
Explore the role of ethics in the digital realm, especially concerning artificial intelligence. How does the passage highlight the intersection between technology and ethical considerations?
What is the message regarding the responsibility of individuals and society as a whole in navigating the intersection of humanity and technology? How can progress align with principles of equity, inclusivity, and ethical awareness?

Answers

What is the main theme of the passage, and how does it emphasize the evolving relationship between humanity and technology?

The main theme of the passage is digital innovation and the way it storms every facet of human life. The passages discuss the overstepping of technology in every human sphere. It emphasizes the evolving relationship between humanity in technology by shedding light on the growing human dependence on machines and ethical concerns arising from it.

According to the passage, how does education adapt to the digital landscape, and what challenges and opportunities does this transformation present?

Education adapts to this new change by introducing various e-learning platforms and remote learning, offering a diversified space for collaborative learning. This transformation brings opportunities for better access to education, and it introduces challenges such as the digital divide and a need for inclusive education policies.

Discuss the concept of the digital divide as presented in the passage. Why is inclusivity crucial in the context of technological advancements, and what role do educators play in addressing this divide?

The passage presents the concept of the digital divide as the gap between those who have access to technology and those who do not, is widening with every passing day. Inclusivity is crucial in technological advancement to ensure the fair and equitable inclusion of each segment of society. Educators play the role in addressing this divide by promoting digital literacy and fostering ethical conduct in the digital realms.

Explore the role of ethics in the digital realm, especially concerning artificial intelligence. How does the passage highlight the intersection between technology and ethical considerations?

Ethics plays a vital role in the digital realm, especially concerning artificial intelligence. The passage underscores the importance of ethical considerations and transparency as AI algorithms make decisions that impact society. It highlights the intersection between technology and ethical awareness by emphasizing the need for responsible use of technology.

What is the message regarding the responsibility of individuals and society as a whole in navigating the intersection of humanity and technology? How can progress align with principles of equity, inclusivity, and ethical awareness?

The passage stresses upon the watchful and ethical approach while navigating the intersection of humanity and technology. Progress should align with principles of equity, inclusivity, and ethical awareness through responsible and ethical use of technology. This underscores the need for wisdom in embracing technology to ensure that its benefits are distributed equitably and ethically.

(Q) No 4. Correct only FIVE of the following: (10)

Chewing slowly, the pepperoni pizza tasted delicious.
Kicking and screaming, the exasperated father dragged his toddler out of the grocery store.
A young girl in the corner, holding the red balloon.
Whom do you like more?
He ordered a meal from the restaurant that was high in protein.
My favourite pizza topping is mushrooms they are really tasty I also like Pizza with olives.
The group asked to share the report that Shirly and me prepared.
I managed finishing the painting.

Solution:

As I chewed slowly, the pepperoni pizza tasted delicious. OR Chewing slowly, I thought the pepperoni pizza tasted delicious.
Kicking and screaming, the toddler was dragged out of the grocery store by his exasperated father.
A young girl stood in the corner, holding a red balloon.
Who do you like more?
He ordered a meal from the restaurant that was high in protein.
My favourite pizza topping is mushrooms; they are really tasty. I also like Pizza with olives.
The group asked to share the report that Shirly and I prepared.
I managed to finish the painting.

(Q) No 5. (a) Rewrite any five of the following sentences with corrected punctuation without splitting a sentence or adding/changing any word. (05)

The cordless vacuum one of the least interesting of the household appliances got its start as a moon drill.
Dr. Seuss books are famous for their delightful rhymes and nonsense words If I ran a zoo, however, likely gave us the real word nerd.
There are many theories about Edgar Allan Poe’s mysterious death, including rabies, alcoholism, and a truly strange possibility he may have been a victim of a voter fraud scheme.
The film critic said, “One of the most misquoted lines in movie history is Play is again, Sam.”
Poorly named animals include: the flying fox, which is really a bat the electric eel, which is really a knifefish and honey badger, which is the only member of its genus and species!
Sits right on the US Canadian border with the stage in Quebec and many of the seats in Vermont.
Most carnivorous plants attract and digest insects and other invertebrates but some larger pitcher plants have been known to digest frogs, rodents, and other vertebrates.
Harvey is a good driver moreover he is a very friendly one.

Solution:

The cordless vacuum one of the least interesting of the household appliances got its start as a moon drill.

The cordless vacuum, one of the least interesting of the household appliances, got its start as a moon drill.

Dr. Seuss’s books are famous for their delightful rhymes and nonsense words If I ran a zoo, however, likely gave us the real word nerd.

Dr. Seuss’ books are famous for their delightful rhymes and nonsense words – ‘If I Ran a Zoo,’ however, likely gave us the real word nerd.

There are many theories about Edgar Allan Poe’s mysterious death, including rabies, alcoholism, and a truly strange possibility he may have been a victim of a voter fraud scheme.

There are many theories about Edgar Allan Poe’s mysterious death, including rabies, alcoholism, and a truly strange possibility: he may have been a victim of a voter fraud scheme.

The film critic said, “One of the most misquoted lines in movie history is Play is again, Sam.”

The film critic said, “One of the most misquoted lines in movie history is ‘Play it again, Sam.’”

Poorly named animals include: the flying fox, which is really a bat the electric eel, which is really a knifefish and honey badger, which is the only member of its genus and species!

Poorly named animals include the flying fox, which is really a bat; the electric eel, which is really a knifefish; and the honey badger, which is the only member of its genus and species.

The Haskell Opera House sits right on the US Canadian border with the stage in Quebec and many of the seats in Vermont.

The Haskell Opera House sits right on the US-Canadian border, with the stage in Quebec and many of the seats in Vermont.

Most carnivorous plants attract and digest insects and other invertebrates but some larger pitcher plants have been known to digest frogs, rodents, and other vertebrates.

Most carnivorous plants attract and digest insects and other invertebrates, but some larger pitcher plants have been known to digest frogs, rodents, and other vertebrates.

Harvey is a good driver moreover he is a very friendly one.

Harvey is a good driver; moreover, he is a very friendly one.

(b) Re-write the following sentences (ONLY FIVE) after filling in the blanks with appropriate Prepositions. (05)

His research is characterized a deep understanding of genetic mutations.
The solution is contingent _ various factors.
The experiment is predicated _ the assumption of uniform conditions.
The project is commensurate __ the skills of the research team.
The methodology is impervious _ eternal influences.
The discussion oscillated _ two main points.
His proposal hinges _ securing adequate findings.
The model is contingent _ _ accurate data inputs.

Solution

His research is characterized by a deep understanding of genetic mutations.
The solution is contingent on/ upon various factors.
The experiment is predicated on the assumption of uniform conditions.
The project is commensurate with the skills of the research team.
The methodology is impervious to external influences.
The discussion oscillated between two main points.
His proposal hinges on/upon securing adequate findings.
The model is contingent upon accurate data inputs.

(Q) No 6. Use only FIVE pairs of words in sentences clearly illustrating their meanings.(10)

(i) Creak, Creek:

The glass broke with a creaking
I love the Suffolk coast and its small creeks and marshes.

(ii) Palate, Palette:

He has an aching palate, and he has to see a dentist.
He carries the palette in one hand and the paintbrush in the other.

(iii) Elicit, Illicit:

The beauty of her dress elicited the praise out of the mouth of everyone.
A good man always keeps himself away from illicit

(iv) Peal, Peel:

All the students rushed out of their classes, as they heard the peal of the bell.
He peeled the apple with deliberate care.

(v) Taut, Taught:

Her anger was visible in her taut
This subject is taught by Prof. John.

(vi) Faint, Feint:

When I entered the room, there was a faint murmur of their voices.
The boxer made a feint with his right, then followed with a left hook.

(vii) Rheum, Room:

Ali has the rheum running down his nose due to a severe cold.
The house was full, and there was no room left for my friends.

(viii) Wreak, Reck:

Unregulated spending wreaked havoc on the economy of the Mughals.
He is considerate enough to reck for all his family members and their conditions.

(Q) No 7: Translate the following into English, keeping in view figurative and idiomatic expressions;

جب فلسطین کا کا خود ساختہ تنازعہ تصفیہ کے لیے اقوام متحدہ کے روبرو پیش ہوا تو اس نمائنده عالمی ادارے نے فلسطینی عوام کے حق خود ارادیت کو تسلیم کرتے ہوئے ان مسائل کے حل کا فارمولا بھی خود طے کیا ۔ تنازعہ فلسطین کا دو ریاستی حل تجویز کیا گیا مگر اس کے لیے منظور ہونے والی اقوام متحدہ کی قراردادوں پر گزشتہ سات دہائیوں میں عمل درآمد کی نوبت ہی نہیں آنے دی گئی۔ اس کے برعکس امریکہ کی ایما پر اسرائیلی فوجیں آج کے دن تک نہتے اور بے گناہ معصوم فلسطینیوں کے خون سے ہولی کھیل رہی ہیں اور غزہ کا علاقہ گزشتہ اڑھائی ماہ سے جاری جنگ میں مکمل طور پر برباد ہو چکا ہے ۔ اس جنگ میں امریکی کمک کے ساتھ اسرائیلی فوجوں نے بیس ہزار سے زائد فلسطینیوں بشمول خواتین اور بچوں کو بے دردی سے شہید کیا ہے اور زندہ بچ جانے والے انسانوں کے لیے کوئی ٹھکانہ محفوظ نہیں رہنے دیا جو اب خوراک اور ادویات کی کم یابی کے باعث بھی زندگی سے ہاتھ دھو رہے ہیں

When the asymmetric conflict of Palestine came before the United Nations for resolution, the global organisation, recognising the right to self-determination of Palestinians, proposed a formula for resolving the issues related to it. A two-state solution to the issue of Palestine was purported, but the resolutions passed for it have not been implemented for the last seven decades. Conversely, the Israeli forces, on the behest of the United States, are indulged in the massacre of unarmed and innocent Palestinians till today; and the land of Gaza has completely vanished by the ongoing war for the last two and a half months. In this war, Israeli forces, with US backing, have brutally martyred more than twenty thousand Palestinians including women and children. There is no place left for the survivors; who are losing their lives owing to the inadequate supply of food and medicines.

(Courtesy Winning English Grammar and Composition by Mureed Hussain Jasra, CSP)

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