‘Stepwells’- Reading Answer Explanation – CAM – 10
Here are explanations of the Questions of passage named, ‘Stepwells’ which is from the Cambridge 10 book. The Questions that have been asked are ‘True/False/Not Given’ and ‘Blanks’. You will find the locations of the Reading Answers, Keywords(highlighted and underlined) and justifications.
READING PASSAGE 1: Stepwells
| Question | Answer |
| 1 | FALSE |
| 2 | TRUE |
| 3 | N0T GIVEN |
| 4 | NOT GIVEN |
| 5 | TRUE |
| 6 | PAVILIONS |
| 7 | DROUGHT |
| 8 | TOURISTS |
| 9 | EARTHQUAKE |
| 10 | 4/FOUR SIDES |
| 11 | TANK |
| 12 | VERANDAS/ VERANDAHS |
| 13 | UNDERWATER |
Questions 1–5
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?
In boxes 1–5 on your answer sheet, write
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
1. Examples of ancient stepwells can be found all over the world.
Location: 2nd paragraph
Explanation: The answer to this question is in the third line of the paragraph. ‘Most stepwells are found dotted round the desert areas of Gujarat (where they are called vav) and Rajasthan (where they are called baori), while a few also survive in Delhi…’Here, the question statement contradicts the passage statement. The writer states that most stepwells are found in Gujarat and Rajasthan. Thus, this statement clarifies that these are not found all over the world.
Answer: False
‘Stepwells’- Reading Answer Explanation – CAM – 10
2. Stepwells had a range of functions, in addition to those related to water collection.
Location: 2nd paragraph
Explanation: The main keyword is ‘water collection’ and its reference is there in the second line of the paragraph. ‘ During their heyday, they were places of gathering, of leisure and relaxation and of worship for villagers of all but the lowest classes…’ In the last line, ‘Some were located in near villages as public spaces for the community; others were positioned beside ponds as resting places for travellers…’These statements states that stepwells were also used as public spaces and resting places besides water collection. Here, ‘gathering’ and collection’ means the same. Thus, the answer is True
Answer: True
3. The few existing stepwells in Delhi are more attractive than those found elsewhere.
Location: 2nd paragraph
Explanation: Even though the writer talks about the existence of few stepwells in Delhi and elsewhere. ‘Most stepwells are found dotted round the desert areas of Gujarat (where they are called vav) and Rajasthan (where they are called baori), while a few also survive in Delhi…’ But there is no information about which stepwells are more attractive. Thus, no information available.
Answer: Not Given
‘Stepwells’- Reading Answer Explanation – CAM – 10
4. It took workers many years to build the stone steps characteristic of stepwells.
Location: 3rd paragraph
Explanation: Though the main keyword ‘stone steps’ is there in the beginning of the paragraph. But the writer did not give any information whether the workers took many years or not. Thus, no information available.
Answer: Not Given
5. The number of steps above the water level in a stepwell altered during the course of a year.
Location: 3rd paragraph
Explanation: The main keyword ‘water level’ helps to find an answer in the last line of the paragraph. ‘When the water level was high, the user needed only to descend a few steps to reach it; when it was low, several levels would have to be negotiated…’This statement clarifies that when there is any change in water level then number of steps also varies during the course of a year.
Answer: True
Questions 6–8
Answer the questions below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 6–8 on your answer sheet.
6. Which part of some stepwells provided shade for people?
Location: 4th paragraph
Explanation: The answer to this question is in the third line of the paragraph. ‘Built from stone and supported by pillars, they also included pavilions that sheltered visitors from the relentless heat…’Here, ‘sheltered visitors from the relentless heat’ means ‘ ‘provided shade’ Thus, the answer is ‘pavilions’
Answer: Pavilions
7. What type of serious climatic event, which took place in Rajasthan, is mentioned in the article?
Location: 5th paragraph
Explanation: The main keyword is ‘climate event’ and its reference is there in the last line of the paragraph. ‘Their condition hasn’t been helped by recent dry spells: southern Rajasthan suffered an eight-year drought between 1996 and 2004…’ Here, ‘drought’ is a serious climate event.
Answer: Drought
‘Stepwells’- Reading Answer Explanation – CAM – 10
8. Who are frequent visitors to stepwells nowadays?
Location: Last paragraph
Explanation: The location of the answer is in the second line of the paragraph. ‘Tourists flock to wells in far-flung corners of north-western India to gaze in wonder…’Here, the paragraph starts with today and it is the synonym of nowadays. Moreover, ‘flock’ means ‘frequently’
Answer: Tourists
Question 9-13
Complete the table below.
Choose ONE WORD AND /OR A NUMBER from the passage for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 9-13 on your answer sheet.
| Stepwells | Date | Features | Other notes |
| Rani Ki Vav | Late 11th century | As many as 500 sculptures decorate the monument | Restored in the 1990s
Excellent condition, despite the 9 …………… of 2001. |
| Surya Kund | 1026 | Steps on the 10 …………… produce a geometric pattern Carved shrines. |
Looks more like a 11 …………… than a well. |
| Raniji Ki Baori | 1699 | Intricately carved monument | One of 21 baoris in the area commissioned by Queen Nathavatji |
| Chand Baori | 850 AD | Steps take you down 11 storeys to the bottom | Old, deep and very dramatic Has 12 …………… which provide a view to the steps. |
| Neemrana Ki Baori | 1700 | Has two 13 …………… levels. | Used by public today |
‘Stepwells’- Reading Answer Explanation – CAM – 10
9. Excellent condition, despite the 9 …………… of 2001.
Location: 7th paragraph
Explanation: The main keyword ‘2001’ helps to find an answer in the last line of the paragraph. ‘Incredibly, in January 2001, this ancient structure survived an earthquake that measured 7.6 on the Richter scale…’Here, ‘ancient structure survived…’ clarifies that it remained in excellent condition despite the earthquake of 2001. Thus, the answer is clear.
Answer: earthquake.
‘Stepwells’- Reading Answer Explanation – CAM – 10
Steps on the 10 …………… produce a geometric pattern
Carved shrines.
Location: 8th paragraph
Explanation: The location of the answer is in the second last line of the paragraph. ‘rather than a well, but displays the hallmarks of stepwell architecture, including four sides of steps that descend to the bottom in a stunning geometrical formation….’Here, ‘geometrical formation’ and ‘geometric pattern’ means the same. Thus, the answer is ‘4 sides’
Answer: 4 sides
Looks more like a 11 …………… than a well.
Location: 8th paragraph
Explanation: The main keyword is ‘well’ and its reference is there in the second line of the paragraph. ‘It actually resembles a tank (kund means reservoir or pond) rather than a well…’Here, ‘resemble’ means ‘looks more like…’Thus, this statement clarifies the answer.
Answer: Tank
Has 12 …………… which provide a view to the steps.
Location: 10th paragraph
Explanation: The answer to this question is in the last lines of the paragraph. ‘. On the fourth side, verandas which are supported by ornate pillars overlook the steps…’Here, the writer states that verandas overlook the steps. Here, ‘overlook the steps’ and ‘provide a view to’ means the same.
Answer: Verandas
Has two 13 …………… levels.
Location: 11th paragraph
Explanation: The location of the answer is in the last line of the paragraph. ‘it is nine storeys deep, with the last two being underwater…’Thus, this line clearly states that the answer is ‘underwater’
Answer: Underwater
‘Stepwells’- Reading Answer Explanation – CAM – 10
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