Unseen passage for Class 9 - Passage 12

Unseen passage - The onset of this enjoyable season, characterized by the sun obscured behind overcast skies, brings joy to many eagerly anticipating the experience of reveling in the rain. However, not all aspects of the rainy season are glamorous, particularly when considering endless traffic jams, poorly maintained roads marked by potholes, uncleared garbage, and the prevalence of waterborne diseases. Viral infections such as colds and coughs also become more prominent.

Most infectious diseases that are prevalent during the rainy season can be averted by adopting a simple habit – regular handwashing. Regularly scrubbing hands with water and soap can be effective in preventing the contraction of respiratory and diarrheal diseases.

Children, possessing a lower level of immunity, especially need to make handwashing an integral part of their routine. Engaging in play, particularly during the monsoon season, exposes children to germs, and they may unknowingly become infected by touching their nose, eyes, or mouth. According to the Food and Drug Administration, the human influenza virus can survive on surfaces for up to eight hours, making individuals susceptible to infection each time they touch a contaminated surface. Hence, frequent handwashing is essential.

To make the most of the rainy season, it is advisable to follow some straightforward guidelines. If choosing to get wet in the rain, changing into dry clothes promptly is essential. Raw food items should be handled with care, and vegetables and fruits must be thoroughly washed before consumption. Additionally, maintaining strict kitchen hygiene is crucial for enjoying one of the most beautiful seasons of the year. Opting for homemade fresh food over fast food from the market also contributes to a trouble-free rainy season.

Unseen passage - With just 10 days remaining before schools reopen post-holidays, parents find themselves in a time crunch, expressing concern about completing their children's homework. While the youngsters have relished their vacation time, it is the parents who are extensively utilizing the internet, creating charts, composing essays, and crafting science models. Certain busy parents, despite their financial means, are compelled to enroll their children in "holiday homework special" classes due to time constraints.

Sarita, who conducts classes specifically for finishing children's homework, mentions charging fees ranging from Rs. 1000 to 5000 per child, contingent on the class level and the volume of homework. Many schools either award prizes for the best homework or incorporate the marks into internal assessments. This practice nearly obliges parents to seek the highest quality of homework assistance. A significant number of parents express dissatisfaction, stating that the homework level is so challenging that their children struggle to comprehend it. Moreover, some lament the excessive quantity of holiday homework, making it challenging for children to complete within the stipulated vacation period.

Despite the challenges, all parents unanimously agree on the essential nature of holiday homework for their children. Some believe that homework serves to establish and fortify bonds between parents and children, fostering closeness. Others argue that holiday homework ensures that children remain connected with their studies during the break from school.