9 Spectacular Wonders English - 9 Spectacular Wonders

What does the expression “in full glory” mean in the context of the Valley of Flowers?

What is the main idea of the chapter “Spectacular Wonders”?

The word “bioluminescence” refers to

What is the meaning of the word “exotic” as used in the chapter?

What phrase is used to describe Chandipur Beach’s disappearing water?

The Rainbow Mountain is located in the Republic of Peru.

Magnetic Hill is known as “The Phenomenon That Defies Gravity”.

The disappearing sea at Chandipur happens due to rising tides.

The Sundarbans are home to the Bengal tiger.

The name of Sundarbans is derived from Sundari trees that are in large numbers.

Can a forest exist in a coastal zone? Yes, they are called mangrove forests, where trees take root under water in the low- oxygen soil. The roots slow down the movement of tidal waters, stabilizing the coastline and reducing erosion. The Sundarbans is one such mangrove forest spread over 1,400 kms in West Bengal, lying in the delta of rivers, such as the Ganga, the Brahmaputra, and the Meghna. The name is derived from sundari trees that are plentiful in the area.
The area is also populated by an extensive range of flora and fauna, including many bird species, the majestic Bengal tiger, and other threatened species, such as the estuarine crocodile and the Indian python.
Q.1. Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason.
The Sundarbans forest is called a ______ mangrove forest because
(trees grow in waterlogged, low-oxygen soil/it is located on a mountain/it is a dry forest)
Q.2. Select the correct option for Assertion (A) and Reason (R).
(A): The roots of mangrove trees help reduce coastal erosion.
(R): The roots slow down the movement of tidal waters, stabilizing the coastline.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Q.3. What does the term ‘mangrove forest’ mean in the extract?
A. Forests located in deserts.
B. Forests with trees that grow in waterlogged and salty soil in coastal areas.
C. Forests in high mountain regions.
D. Forests with very tall pine trees.
Q.4. Which rivers form the delta where the Sundarbans is located?
A. Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna.
B. Yamuna, Godavari, and Narmada.
C. Cauveiy, Krishna, and Mahanadi.
D. Indus, Sutlej, and Beas.

Situated 15 km from Kerala’s Kochi town, Kumbalangi is a beautiful village with vast green vegetation. In the serene backwaters of Kumbalangi village, one can see magically glowing waters at night. This phenomenon is called bioluminescence and is caused by a high concentration of micro-planktons in the sea, which are small organisms found in marine and freshwater. This beautiful sight has captured the attention of locals as well as tourists, making Kumbalangi an eco-tourism village in India. One can experience the village life in all its beauty and simplicity and acquaint oneself with their cuisine and culture.
Q.1. Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason.
The writer mentions the glowing waters of Kumbalangi to ______
(highlight a natural wonder/explain a scientific discovery/describe a cultural festival)
Q.2. Select the correct option for Assertion (A) and Reason (R).
(A): The glowing waters in Kumbalangi are caused by bioluminescence.
(R): Bioluminescence occurs due to the presence of micro-planktons in the water.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Q.3. What does the term ‘bioluminescence’ mean in this extract?
A. The glowing effect caused by electric lights underwater.
B. The natural light produced by living organisms like micro-planktons.
C. The reflection of moonlight on water.
D. The glow caused by pollution.
Q.4. Why is Kumbalangi called an eco tourism village?

In the travels around Leh-Ladakh, there is a fascinating sight which arouses curiosity to no end — the Magnetic Hill, a place where gravity takes a backseat!
Lying at a distance of around 30 km from Leh, the Magnetic Hill is marked by a yellow signboard which reads The Phenomenon That Defies Gravity’. It also instructs visitors to park vehicles in the box marked with a white point on the road, which is known as the Magnetic Road. When the vehicles are parked at the indicated spot, they begin moving forward at a speed of almost 20 km/h. This unusual place creates an optical illusion where vehicles appear to roll uphill, a sight that has left tourists in disbelief for years, caused by the peculiar alignment of surrounding slopes and the horizon line.
Q.1. Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason.
The writer introduces the Magnetic Hill with the phrase ‘gravity takes a backseat’ to ______
(create curiosity /explain a scientific fact / discourage visitors)
Q.2. Select the option that is correct for both Assertion (A) and Reason (R).
(A): Vehicles parked at the Magnetic Hill move forward on their own.
(R): The Magnetic Hill is a place where gravity is weaker than usual.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Q.3. What does the term ‘optical illusion’ mean in the context of Magnetic Hill?
A. A trick of the eye making vehicles seem to move uphill against gravity.
B. A magical power pulling vehicles uphill.
C. A mechanical fault in vehicles.
D. A natural force pushing vehicles downhill.
Q.4. Why do tourists find the Magnetic Hill phenomenon unbelievable?

The Lonar Crater Lake is a geological wonder, nestled in the town of Lonar in Buldhana district, Maharashtra. It is believed to have been formed thousands of years ago. This ancient landform, consisting of a giant hole, came into existence when a colossal meteorite, blazing at an extremely high speed, crashed into the Earth, leaving behind a stunning mark. It is the only crater in India formed in basaltic rock by a meteorite impact and ranks as the third largest in the world, placing it among the top five largest craters globally.
The crater’s perfectly circular depression cradles a unique saline lake at its core, creating a striking visual contrast against the surrounding rugged terrain. This site is a rare and extraordinary blend of celestial impact and terrestrial beauty. The rim of the meteor crater offers a breathtaking spectacle of nature’s power and the enduring allure of our planet’s ancient past.
Q.1. Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason.
The writer’s purpose in describing the Lonar Crater Lake’s formation by a meteorite is to ______
(highlight its geological importance/ evoke awe about natural phenomena/ emphasize its uniqueness in India and the world)
Q.2. Select the option that is correct for both Assertion (A) and Reason (R).
(A): The Lonar Crater Lake was formed by a meteorite impact.
(R): It is the only crater in India formed in basaltic rock and ranks among the top five largest craters globally.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Q.3. What does the term ‘basaltic rock’ suggest about the crater?
A. The crater is made of sedimentary rock.
B. The crater is made of volcanic rock formed from lava.
C. The crater is made of sand.
D. The crater is man-made.
Q.4. Why is the Lonar Crater Lake considered a ‘geological wonder’?

Imagine building a bridge without the use of cement, stones, concrete, etc. Is it possible? The living root bridges are incredible feats of engineering built by indigenous people of Meghalaya. The living root bridges are one of Meghalaya’s most beautiful and tangible UNESCO World Heritage sites. Crossing the many waterways without bridges was difficult for people in the past, especially during monsoons. Attempts to use bamboo or wooden bridges across these waterways proved futile as these bridges could not last long in the heavy rains and strong waters. Living root bridges are an innovative and indigenous solution to solve this age-old problem.
They are made of intertwined roots which are a sort of magic, but they aren’t imaginary. These bridges have been built for centuries by the indigenous people of the land. It is a naturally built ecosystem of local flora. It also symbolises the relationship and knowledge that the local people have over their region and the cultural significance that it holds for them. Under ideal conditions, a root bridge is thought to be able to persist for hundreds of years. These bridges frequently rise 50 to 100 feet in the air. The state’s longest living root bridge is said to be a whopping 175 feet in length. There are approximately 100 or so known living root bridges across different villages.
Q.1. Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason.
The writer’s most likely purpose to describe the living root bridges without mentioning cement or concrete is to ______ (engage the reader’s curiosity/ highlight the uniqueness of the bridges/show how indigenous people use nature creatively)
Q.2. Select the option that is correct for both Assertion (A) and Reason (R).
(A): The living root bridges are built by intertwining roots instead of using cement or wood.
(R): Bamboo and wooden bridges failed during monsoons due to heavy rains and strong water currents.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Q.3. What does the term ‘indigenous’ suggest about the people who built the living root bridges?
A. Foreigners
B. Local/native inhabitants
C. Tourists
D. Government officials
Q.4. What does the writer want to convey with the phrase ‘a sort of magic’ used for the living root bridges?
A. The bridges are fake
B. The bridges are mysterious but real and fascinating
C. The bridges are made by wizards
D. The bridges are fragile and weak

How do natural wonders reflect the power of nature?

Why is the Valley of Flowers ideal for nature lovers?

How do the root bridges solve an age-old problem?

What is the Kallanai Dam known for?

What makes Hampi in Karnataka a man¬made wonder?

How are the Living Root Bridges built in Meghalaya?

What makes the Valley of Flowers a spectacular natural wonder?

How do man-made structures like the Kallanai Dam reflect India’s engineering past?

Discuss the architecture and uniqueness of Hampi’s Vittala Temple.

What is the historical and cultural importance of Nalanda University?

You just read vivid descriptions of the natural wonders of our country. Write a descriptive essay for your school magazine describing anything from nature that attracted your attention. It may be an object, a place, or an event experienced by you. Remember to give a title to your essay.

Assertion (A): Lonar Crater Lake is an important scientific site.
Reason (R): It was formed by a volcanic eruption in recent years.

Assertion (A): The Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya can last for centuries.
Reason (R): They are made of iron and concrete by local engineers.

The Magnetic Hill is also known as “The Phenomenon That Defies __________.” (Gravity, erosion, mangrove)

Bioluminescence is caused by tiny organisms called __________. (micro-planktons, Gravity, intertwined)

The Chandipur beach is famous for its __________ sea. (disappearing, micro-planktons, erosion)

Each colour on the Rainbow Mountain represents a different __________. (time in history, minerals, Chandipur)

The Sundarbans help reduce coastal __________. (erosion, disappearing, Gravity)