Q4. A. Read the following passage and do the given activities :- [10 Marks]
A1. Answer in one word or two:- (02)
i. The Queen of the spices.
ii. The areas of cultivation of the first type of cardamom.
iii. Any one area of cultivation of the second type of cardamom
iv. The small variety of cardamom is known for—
Cardamom, the Queen of all spices, has a history as old as the human race. It is the dried fruit of a herbaceous perennial plant. Warm humid climate, loamy soil rich in organic matter, distributed rainfall and special cultivation and processing methods all combine to make Indian cardamom truly unique in aroma, flavour, size and it has a parrot green colour.
Two types of cardamom are produced in India. The first type is the large one, which has not much significance as it is not traded in the international market. It is cultivated in North-eastern area of the country. The second type is produced in the Southern states and these are traded in the international market. These are mainly cultivated in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. As per the international market rules, only 7 mm quality was previously traded in exchanges. But later, it relaxed its norms, and now 6 mm quality is also traded in the exchanges. Special to Indian taste buds, cardamom is not only unique to our land but also to our senses. The addition of this fragrant spice can add layers of taste to
your tea, food and overall dining experience.
The small variety is known for its exotic quality throughout the world. Traditional auction markets also exist for trading in small cardamom in the country.
Al.
Ans.
i. Cardamom
ii. North-eastern area of India
iii. Kerala
iv. Its exotic quality
A2. Provide information: Indian cardamom is said to be unique in aroma, flavor, size and colour due to — (02)
i. _______________ ii. _______________
iii. _______________ iv. _______________
Ans.
i. Warm humid climate
ii. Loamy soil rich in organic matter
iii. Distributed rainfall
iv. Special cultivation and processing methods
A3. Write the synonyms for the following from the passage :- (02)
a) unusual b) pleasant smell c) importance d) holding moisture
Ans.
a) unique
b) aroma
c) significance
d) humid
A4. Do as directed:- (02)
i. The first type is the large one, which has not much significance. ( Identify the subordinate clause )
Ans. which has not much significance – Subordinate clause
ii. Cardamom is not only unique to our land but also to our senses. (Rewrite the sentence using ‘as well as’)
Ans. Cardamom is unique to our land as well as to our senses.
A5. Indian food is incomplete without spices. State your view. (02)
Ans. Spices play a key role in Indian dishes. They add rich flavours, colours and a very appealing aroma to our cuisine. Spices also have great health benefits and help in avoiding extra calories. Indian food is well known for its spices, making it one of the most delicious and extraordinary cuisines in the world. Spices make Indian food unique and it seems impossible to achieve the peculiar taste without these spices.
Q4. B. Write a short summary of the passage given in Q.4.A. and suggest a suitable title. [05 Marks]
Ans. The Queen of Spices: Cardamom
Cardamom is obtained from a herbaceous perennial plant and is as old as the human race. Indian cardamom is extraordinary in all aspects owing to the Indian climate and soil. Out of the two types produced in India, the first is less significant and is not traded in the international market while the second one is. The first type is cultivated in North-east India, whereas the second type is mainly produced in Southern India. 6mm quality, which was not allowed to be traded internationally previously, has now been approved. Cardamom elevates the food with its fragrance and taste, especially when added to Indian cuisine. It is exotic in quality and is also traded in auction markets in the country.