unseen passage Preparation for JTET

 

Passage-1

 

In the heart of a bustling city stood a small, unassuming bookstore that had been around for decades. Its faded sign, "Old Pages," hinted at a rich history, but to many, it was just another store amidst the urban sprawl. The interior of Old Pages was a world unto itself, with towering shelves filled with books of every genre imaginable. The air was thick with the scent of old paper and ink, and a creaky wooden floor added to the store's charm.

The owner, Mr. Thompson, was a man of advanced age with a twinkle in his eye and a passion for literature. He knew each book on his shelves and each customer who walked through the door. Despite the rise of digital reading devices and online bookstores, Old Pages thrived. Mr. Thompson believed in the magic of physical books and the personal connection between reader and story that digital media couldn’t replicate.

One rainy afternoon, a young woman named Emma stumbled into the store seeking refuge from the downpour. She was drenched and shivering, clutching a stack of books to her chest as if they were a lifeline. Mr. Thompson greeted her with a warm smile and offered her a cup of tea while she dried off. As Emma sipped her tea and looked around, she was struck by the store’s cozy atmosphere. She began to browse the shelves, her fingers trailing over the spines of old volumes.

Emma was particularly drawn to a section of classic novels. Her eyes fell upon an old, leather-bound book that seemed to call out to her. She pulled it from the shelf and opened it carefully. The pages were yellowed with age, but the text was still crisp and readable. As she read the first few lines, she felt a profound sense of connection to the words, as if the book had been waiting for her.

Mr. Thompson noticed her interest and approached with a gentle smile. “That’s one of my favorites,” he said. “It’s amazing how a book can feel so personal, isn’t it?”

Emma nodded, entranced by the book’s content. “I can’t believe how different this feels from reading on a screen,” she replied.

“That’s the magic of physical books,” Mr. Thompson said. “They hold a piece of history and a part of the author’s soul. Every page turned is a bridge to the past, and every story is a shared experience.”

Emma left Old Pages that day with the leather-bound book in hand and a newfound appreciation for the tactile experience of reading. The rain had stopped, and as she walked back into the city, she felt as if she had discovered a hidden treasure. Old Pages was more than just a bookstore; it was a sanctuary for those who valued the timeless joy of reading.

 

 Multiple Choice Questions

 

1. What does the sign "Old Pages" suggest about the bookstore?

   - A) It sells only old books.

   - B) It has been doing business for a long time.

   - C) It is a modern store.

   - D) It specializes in digital books.  

   Answer: B) It has been in business for a long time.

 

2. What is the primary reason Old Pages continues to thrive despite modern advancements?

   - A) It has the latest technology.

   - B) It has a large online presence.

   - C) Mr. Thompson’s passion for physical books.

   - D) It sells books at very low prices.  

   Answer: C) Mr. Thompson’s passion for physical books.

 

3. What was Emma's initial reason for entering the bookstore?

   - A) To buy a new book.

   - B) To escape from the rain.

   - C) To meet Mr. Thompson.

   - D) To attend a book signing.  

   Answer: B) To escape from the rain.

 

4. How does Emma feel about the old, leather-bound book she discovers?

   - A) Disinterested and indifferent.

   - B) Intrigued and connected to it.

   - C) Frustrated with its condition.

   - D) Overwhelmed by its price.  

   Answer: B) Intrigued and connected to it.

 

5. What does Mr. Thompson believe about physical books?

   - A) They are outdated and impractical.

   - B) They hold a piece of history and the author’s soul.

   - C) They are not as valuable as digital books.

   - D) They are only suitable for collectors.  

   Answer: B) They hold a piece of history and the author’s soul.

 

6. What does the author imply about the atmosphere of Old Pages?

   - A) It is noisy and chaotic.

   - B) It is impersonal and sterile.

   - C) It is cozy and inviting.

   - D) It is modern and sleek.  

   Answer: C) It is cozy and inviting.

 

7. What does Emma’s reaction to the book reveal about her?

   - A) She prefers digital reading.

   - B) She is an avid reader who values traditional books.

   - C) She is not interested in classic literature.

   - D) She finds old books irrelevant.  

   Answer: B) She is an avid reader who values traditional books.

 

8. How does Mr. Thompson’s attitude towards books influence Emma’s experience?

   - A) It makes her feel less interested in the book.

   - B) It makes her appreciate the physical experience of reading more.

   - C) It discourages her from buying the book.

   - D) It makes her choose a different book.  

   Answer: B) It makes her appreciate the physical experience of reading more.

 

9. What does the passage suggest about the relationship between readers and physical books?

   - A) Physical books are less personal than digital ones.

   - B) Physical books offer a deeper connection and experience.

   - C) Digital books are preferred by most readers.

   - D) Physical books are only valued by collectors.  

   Answer: B) Physical books offer a deeper connection and experience.

 

10. What effect does Emma’s visit to Old Pages have on her?

    - A) She feels the same as before she entered.

    - B) She discovers a hidden treasure and gains a new appreciation for physical books.

    - C) She decides to switch to digital reading exclusively.

    - D) She decides to avoid bookstores in the future.   

    Answer: B) She discovers a hidden treasure and gains a new appreciation for physical books.