COMPREHENSION PASSAGE (WORKSHEET SSC)

English with Mrk

Topic: Overtourism (Discursive Passage)
Grade: Class 10 (SSC Pattern)
Marks: 12

Name: __________________________

Date: ________________

Score: _____ / 12

Section A: Reading Skills

1. In recent years, the term "Overtourism" has frequently appeared in the headlines of Indian editorials. From the gridlocked roads of Shimla and Manali to the litter-strewn trails of the Himalayas, the post-pandemic travel boom has revealed a fragile conflict between economic growth and ecological preservation. While tourism is a vital engine for India's economy—providing livelihoods to millions of guides, hoteliers, and artisans—the unchecked influx of visitors is threatening the very destinations they come to admire.

2. The phenomenon of overtourism is not merely about crowded spaces; it is about the strain on local infrastructure. Hill stations designed for small populations are now buckling under the weight of traffic, water scarcity, and waste management crises. A recent report highlighted that popular destinations often consume three times more water per capita during peak season than the national average, leaving local residents to face acute shortages.

3. However, the narrative is shifting towards "Responsible Tourism." This concept moves beyond simply visiting a place; it emphasizes making a positive impact. Conscious travelers are now seeking "homestays" over luxury resorts, ensuring their money goes directly to local families rather than large corporations. There is a growing preference for "slow travel"—spending more time in one location to understand its culture deeply, rather than rushing through five tourist spots in a day.

4. Governments and local bodies are also waking up to the reality. Some regions have introduced "Green Taxes" or entry caps to limit the number of daily visitors. Yet, regulation alone is insufficient. The real change lies in the mindset of the traveler. It involves simple choices: carrying a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic, respecting local customs, and avoiding noise pollution in serene environments.

5. Ultimately, the goal is to balance the wanderlust of the traveler with the well-being of the host. If we continue to treat tourist destinations as mere commodities to be consumed and discarded, we risk losing them forever.

Questions (12 Marks)

Q1. The central conflict described in Paragraph 1 is between: (1 Mark)

(A) Foreign tourists and local tourists. (B) The need for luxury hotels and the need for homestays. (C) Economic growth through tourism and ecological preservation. (D) The government regulations and the travel agencies.

Q2. According to the passage, why are hill stations facing a crisis? (1 Mark)

(A) Because fewer people are visiting them post-pandemic. (B) Due to the lack of hotels and resorts. (C) Because they are buckling under the weight of traffic, water scarcity, and waste. (D) Because the local people do not want to work in the tourism sector.

Q3. Select the option that best defines "Slow Travel" as mentioned in Para 3. (1 Mark)

(A) Driving slowly on mountain roads to avoid accidents. (B) Spending more time in one place to understand the culture deeply. (C) Walking to the destination instead of taking a car. (D) Delaying the trip until the off-season.

Q4. Which statement is FALSE regarding the impact of overtourism? (1 Mark)

(A) It causes water shortages for local residents. (B) It leads to the construction of unauthorized hotels. (C) It reduces the income of local guides and artisans. (D) It creates waste management crises.

Q5. The author mentions "Green Taxes" in Para 4 as a method to: (1 Mark)

(A) Earn more profit for the central government. (B) Discourage people from traveling altogether. (C) Fund the construction of new airports. (D) Limit the number of visitors and manage environmental impact.

Q6. Complete the sentence: The shift towards "Responsible Tourism" emphasizes not just visiting a place, but making a _______________. (1 Mark)

Q7. True or False: Regulation by the government is sufficient to solve the problem of overtourism without any change in traveler mindset. (1 Mark)

True False

Q8. Why does the author suggest choosing "homestays" over "luxury resorts"? (1 Mark)

Q9. List two simple choices mentioned that a traveler can make to support sustainable tourism. (1 Mark)

Q10. What is the risk mentioned if we treat tourist destinations as "commodities"? (1 Mark)

Q11. (Vocabulary) Find a word from Para 5 which means "strong desire to travel". (1 Mark)

Q12. (Vocabulary) Find a word from Para 1 which is the opposite of "robust" or "strong". (1 Mark)

Teacher's Answer Key

1. (C) Economic growth vs ecological preservation.

2. (C) Buckling under weight of traffic/water/waste.

3. (B) Spending more time in one place.

4. (C) Reduces income (False).

5. (D) Limit visitors/manage impact.

6. ...positive impact.

7. False.

8. To ensure money goes to local families, not corporations.

9. Reusable water bottle, respecting customs, avoiding noise.

10. We risk losing them forever.

11. Wanderlust.

12. Fragile.