Reading (Passage) Read the following passage carefully IKEBANA art Jule You might like Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. The term Ikebana comes from two Japanese words - The meaning to live' and 'bana' meaning flowers. The flowers are used in odd numbers and placed in an arrangement tor asymmetrical triangle. The length of the flowers in the Begin by asking arrangement is proportionate to the vase. Three main lengths are used to signify man, earth and heaven. The angle at which each flower is placed is different to provide rhythm and movement to the arrangement Do you ev fowers W Do you beautiful vases is an a Once the basic techniques are mastered, one is free to express oneself using plant materials like branches. barks, leaves, grass, moss, flowe

Question

Reading (Passage) 

 Read the following passage carefully.

IKEBANA 

1. Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. The term 'Ikebana' comes from two Japanese words - 'Ike', meaning 'to live' and 'bana', meaning 'flowers'.
2. The flowers are used in odd numbers and placed in an asymmetrical triangle. The length of the flowers in the arrangement is proportionate to the vase. Three main lengths are used to signify man, earth and heaven. The angle at which each flower is placed is different to provide rhythm and movement to the arrangement.
3. Once the basic techniques are mastered, one is free to express oneself using plant materials like branches, barks, leaves, grass, moss, flowers, fruits or even seeds. The arrangement can be made on a platter, a vase, a cup, a wine glass or on anything that catches one's fancy.
4. What makes Ikebana different from other flower arrangements is its asymmetrical composition, the use of 'empty' space and lack of clutter. 'Less' is regarded as 'plenty'. One can create a beautiful arrangement with just one flower.
5. Ikebana brings one close to nature. One gets to know the feel and texture of various flowers and the seasons when they are in bloom. The art instils patience and discipline and is a good stress buster, especially when one is bogged down by homework and studies. It teaches one to be in the present, and as the arrangement does not last long, one learns not to become attached to things. Last but not the least, when one realizes that one can create a good Ikebana arrangement with only a few flowers, one understands that it is possible to have a good life with only a few possessions.

Source: The Hindu

1. On the basis of your reading of the passage, complete the following statements by filling in each blank with not more than three words. 

(a) 'Ikebana' is an art of..................................... 

(b) 'Ike' and 'bana' in Japanese respectively mean........................... and............................ 

(c) The main features of an Ikebana arrangement are:

(i) ................................... of flowers are used

(ii)................................. is at uneven triangles

(iii).........................is proportionate to the vase

(iv) Three different lengths signify-man,................................ 

(v) Different angle of each flower provides....................................to the arrangement

(d) Two ways in which Ikebana is different from other flower arrangements are:

(i).................................................................. 

(ii)................................................................. 

(e) Some values or lessons that the art of Ikebana teaches are:

(i) Closeness to............................. 

(ii)......................................................... 

(iii)........................................................ 

(iv) Living in the..................................... 

(v) Detachment................................... 

(vi) Living with only a few.............................. 

2. Answer the following questions in about 30-40 words each.

(a) Is Ikebana restricted to flowers only? Why/Why not?

..............................................................................................................................

(b) How can you say that the art of Ikebana believes in simplicity?

............................................................................................................................... 

(c) In what ways does Ikebana bring one close to nature?

............................................................................................................................... 

3. Which of the following images DOES NOT show Ikebana flower arrangement?

(i) Option 1                            (iii) Option 3

(ii) Option 2                           (iv) Option 4

4. If something 'catches your fancy', you do not find it

(i) interesting                       (iii) unattractive

(ii) appealing                        (iv) pleasing

5. Tick() the option that CANNOT replace the expression 'bogged down' used in paragraph 5 of the passage.

(i) slowed down                          (iii)stuck

(ii) burdened                                (iv) busy

6.Do you think the Japanese art of Ikebana is worth learning and practicing? Say 'Yes' or 'No'. Give reasons, using examples from the text to support your opinion. 

....................................................................................................................... 

Answer 1

1. (a) 'Ikebana' is an art of flower arrangement.

(b) 'Ike' and 'bana' in Japanese respectively mean 'to live' and 'flowers'.

(c) The main features of an Ikebana arrangement are:

(i) Odd numbers of flowers are used.

(ii) Asymmetrical triangles are formed.

(iii) Length of flowers is proportionate to the vase.

(iv) Three different lengths signify man, earth, and heaven.

(v) Different angles of each flower provide rhythm and movement to the arrangement.

(d) Two ways in which Ikebana is different from other flower arrangements are:

(i) Asymmetrical composition and use of empty space.

(ii) Emphasis on simplicity and creating beauty with just one flower.

(e) Some values or lessons that the art of Ikebana teaches are:

(i) Closeness to nature.

(ii) Patience and discipline.

(iii) Living in the present.

(iv) Detachment from material possessions.

(v) Living with only a few possessions.

2. (a) Ikebana is not restricted to flowers only. Once the basic techniques are mastered, one can use various plant materials like branches, leaves, grass, moss, fruits, and seeds to create Ikebana arrangements.

(b) The art of Ikebana believes in simplicity because it focuses on asymmetrical composition, the use of empty space, and the idea that "less is plenty." It emphasizes creating beauty with just one flower and teaches that a good life can be achieved with only a few possessions.

(c) Ikebana brings one close to nature by using various plant materials and making arrangements that reflect the feel, texture, and seasonal blooming of flowers. It encourages an appreciation for the natural world and the interconnectedness between humans and the environment.

4. (ii) appealing

5. (iv) busy

6. Yes. The Japanese art of Ikebana is worth learning and practicing. It teaches values such as closeness to nature, patience, discipline, living in the present, and detachment from material possessions. It allows individuals to express themselves creatively using various plant materials. Ikebana's emphasis on simplicity and creating beauty with just a few elements can be applied to life, showing that a good life can be lived with only a few possessions.