Magy's English Edu. Club
Cambridge 10 Academic Reading Test One Passage One
Stepwells
Do the following statements agree with the information given in reading Passage 1?
Write TRUE, FALSE, or NOT GIVEN.
1. Examples of ancient stepwells can be found all over the world.
The answer is FALSE.
In paragraph one, during the sixth and seventh centuries, the inhabitants of the modern-day states of Gujarat and Rajasthan in northwestern India developed a method of gaining access to clean, fresh groundwater during the dry season for drinking, bathing, watering animals, and irrigation.
2. Stepwells had a range of functions, in addition to those related to water collection.
The answer is TRUE.
In paragraph two, during their heyday, they were places of gathering, of leisure and relaxation, and of worship for villagers of all but the lowest classes.
3. The few existing stepwells in Delhi are more attractive than those found elsewhere.
The answer is NOT GIVEN.
In paragraph two, 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.
4. It took workers many years to build the stone steps characteristic of stepwells.
The answer is NOT GIVEN.
In paragraph three, as the name suggests, stepwells comprise a series of descending from ground level to the water source (normally an underground aquifer) as it receds following the rains.
5. The number of steps above the water level in a stepwell altered during the course of a year.
The answer is TRUE.
In paragraph three, 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.
Answer the questions below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.
6. Which part of some stepwells provided shade for people?
The answer is PAVILIONS.
In paragraph four, built from stone and supported by pillars, they also included pavilions that sheltered visitors from the relentless heat.
7. What type of serious climatic event, which took place in southern Rajasthan, is mentioned in the article?
The answer is DROUGHT.
In paragraph five, their condition hasn’t been helped by recent dry spells: southern Rajasthan suffered an eight-year drought between 1996 and 2004.
8. Who are frequent visitors to stepwells nowadays?
The answer is TOURISTS.
In paragraph thirteen, tourists flock to wells in far-flung corners of northwestern India to gaze in wonder at these architectural marvels from hundreds of years ago.
Complete the table.
Choose ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER from the passage for each answer.
Stepwell: Rani Ki Vav
9. Excellent condition, despite the ……. of 2001
The answer is EARTHQUAKE.
In paragraph seven, incredibly, in January 2001, this ancient structure survived an earthquake that measured 7.6 on the Richter scale.
Stepwell: Surya Kund
10. Steps on the ……… produce a geometrical pattern
The answer is 4/FOUR SIDES.
In paragraph eight, it actually resembles a tank (kund means reservoir or pond) 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.
11. Looks more like a ……. than a well
The answer is TANK.
In paragraph eight, it actually resembles a tank (kund means reservoir or pond) 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.
Stepwell: Chand Baori
12. Has ……. which provide a view of the steps
The answer is VERANDAS/VERANDAHS.
In paragraph eleven, on the fourth side, verandas, which are supported by ornate pillars, overlook the steps.
Stepwell: Neemrana Ki Baori
13. Has two ……….. levels
The answer is UNDERWATER.
In paragraph G, finally