1. Hiking is a great source of pleasure for us, besides being beneficial for our health. Once we leave the crowded street of a city and go out for a walking tour away from the mad world, we really feel free. The open air has a bracing effect on the mind. The congestion of the city, the uproar and tumult, the intolerable noise of traffic, and the hectic daily routine are all forgotten and the mind is at ease. We then feel like running, leaping, singing, and laughing. We travel merrily mile after mile in the company of friends and associates.
2. Hiking takes us into the midst of nature. The sight of a waterfall, flowers, streams, trees, and bushes is pleasing. A connection is established between us and nature. Various sounds of nature, like the murmur of a brook or the singing of a bird, acquire a new meaning and significance for us.
3. You enjoy the beauty of nature. Minute observations like a snake casting its slough, a mouse peeping out of its hole, a squirrel leaping about on the branches of a tree, a bird flying past us – all these are noticed and they arouse our interest. We have no business worries, no fear of examination, and no anxiety about the home. We have the leisure to stand, walk, and talk. It is more thrilling and pleasurable to hike in a mountain region than in the plains. The excitement of climbing up to the top of a hill, the adventure of coming down a slope, the grandeur of sunset behind a mountain – all these sights lend a rare charm and interest to our journey.
4. We walk along a zigzag motor road or cut across a mountain path in search of adventure. We may have bright sunny weather or get caught in a rain shower. We may look below us into the yawning chasm or up at the mountain peak. The feeling of unlimited freedom makes our hearts leap with joy.
5. Hiking is one of the healthiest sports. It ensures a complete escape from the urgent and busy activities of life and therefore gives solace to our brain. It regains its lost energy and is able to do twice as much work as before.
6. The fresh air, beautiful mountains, majestic trees, and chirping sound of birds make one’s mind and soul at peace with nature.
Source: CBSE Class 10 Question Paper 2022-23
Write the best answer for the following Hiking Unseen Passage with multiple choice questions –
i To go out for a walking tour is:
a) to stroll
b) to ramble
c) to hike
d) to saunter
Answer: b) to ramble
ii Why does the writer say that the mind is at ease when you hike?
a) Because hiking is an inexpensive activity.
b) Because it brings families together.
c) Because of the intolerable noise of traffic.
d) Because the depressing daily routine is forgotten.
Answer: d) Because the depressing daily routine is forgotten.
iii Complete the following with a phrase: The various sounds of nature acquire:
Answer: new meaning and significance to us.
iv Infer one reason for the following based on information in paragraph 2. A contact is established between us and nature.
Answer: Hiking allows us to immerse ourselves in nature and appreciate its beauty, which fosters a deeper connection and appreciation for the natural world.
v Complete the following analogy correctly with a word from paragraph 2.
Aroma: cooking; fragrance: _______.
a) flowers
b) trees
c) bushes
d) streams
Answer: a) flowers
vi Give one reason why it is a pleasure to hike in the mountains than in the plains.
a) Because observation is sharpened.
b) Because of the excitement of climbing up and the adventure of coming down.
c) Because it is leisure to stand, walk, and talk.
d) Because there are no worries.
Answer: b) Because of the excitement of climbing up and the adventure of coming down.
vii Hiking gives the brain the rest it needs because:
a) it is a short-time activity.
b) it is one of the healthiest sports.
c) it makes us sleep peacefully.
d) it is an escape from our busy schedule.
Answer: d) it is an escape from our busy schedule.
viii List any two examples of minute observations you make while on a hike.
Answer: Answers may vary but could include observing a snake shedding its skin, a mouse peeking out of its hole, a squirrel leaping on tree branches, or a bird flying past.
ix Supply one point to justify the following: Hiking gives us a feeling of unlimited joy.
Answer: Hiking allows us to escape from the stresses of daily life and immerse ourselves in nature, which can bring about a sense of wonder, freedom, and joy.
x Substitute the word “leap with joy” with one word similar in meaning in the following sentence from the passage: The feeling of unlimited freedom makes our hearts leap with joy.
Answer: Soar with joy.
Recommended Comprehension Passage