From Papyrus to Paper Unseen Passage Solution For Class 10

From ancient times, humans have sought ways to record information and communicate with each other. The earliest forms of writing were etched into stone or scratched onto clay tablets. These materials were heavy and difficult to transport, making them impractical for everyday use.

In the ancient world, papyrus was a popular material for writing. It was made from the reeds of the papyrus plant, which grew in abundance along the Nile River in Egypt. Papyrus was lightweight and flexible, making it more portable than stone or clay. However, it was also relatively expensive and fragile, making it unsuitable for widespread use.

In the 12th century, paper was invented in China. Paper was made from a pulp of plant fibers, which were then pressed together to form a sheet. This process was much cheaper and easier than making papyrus, and it allowed for the production of paper on a large scale.

Paper quickly spread to other parts of the world, and by the 15th century, it was the dominant material for writing in Europe. This revolutionized communication and led to a surge in literacy and education.

Questions:

1. What were the earliest forms of writing?
2. What was papyrus made from?
3. Why was papyrus not suitable for widespread use?
4. When and where was paper invented?
5. How was paper made?
6. What impact did the invention of paper have on communication?
7. What impact did the invention of paper have on literacy and education?
8. What are some of the advantages of paper over papyrus?
9. What are some of the disadvantages of paper?
10. How has paper changed over time?

Answers:

1. The earliest forms of writing were etched into stone or scratched onto clay tablets.
2. Papyrus was made from the reeds of the papyrus plant.
3. Papyrus was not suitable for widespread use because it was relatively expensive and fragile.
4. Paper was invented in China in the 12th century.
5. Paper was made from a pulp of plant fibers, which were then pressed together to form a sheet.
6. The invention of paper revolutionized communication and led to a surge in literacy and education.
7. The invention of paper had a significant impact on literacy and education by making it easier and cheaper to produce books and other written materials.
8. Some of the advantages of paper over papyrus include that it is cheaper to produce, more durable, and easier to transport.
9. Some of the disadvantages of paper include that it can be expensive, difficult to recycle, and destroyed by fire or water.
10. Paper has changed over time in a number of ways, including becoming cheaper and more common, being used for a wider variety of purposes, and becoming more environmentally friendly.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. Which of the following is NOT a material that was used for writing in the ancient world?
   • a) Stone
   • b) Clay
   • c) Papyrus
   • d) Paper
2. Papyrus was made from the reeds of which plant?
   • a) The papyrus plant
   • b) The Nile River
   • c) Egypt
   • d) China
3. Which of the following is TRUE about papyrus?
   • a) It was lightweight and flexible.
   • b) It was expensive and fragile.
   • c) It was suitable for widespread use.
   • d) All of the above
4. Paper was invented in China in what century?
   • a) The 12th century
   • b) The 15th century
   • c) The 18th century
   • d) The 20th century
5. Paper is made from a pulp of what?
   • a) Stone
   • b) Clay
   • c) Plant fibers
   • d) Water
6. What impact did the invention of paper have on communication?
   • a) It made communication more expensive.
   • b) It made communication more difficult.
   • c) It made communication more efficient.
   • d) It made communication less common.
7. What impact did the invention of paper have on literacy and education?
   • a) It decreased literacy and education.
   • b) It had no impact on literacy and education.
   • c) It increased literacy and education.
   • d) It made literacy and education more expensive.
8. Which of the following is NOT an advantage of paper over papyrus?
   • a) It is cheaper to produce.
   • b) It is more durable.
   • c) It is easier to transport.
   • d) It is more colorful.
9. Which of the following is NOT a disadvantage of paper?
   • a) It can be expensive.
   • b) It can be difficult to recycle.
   • c) It can be destroyed by fire or water.
   • d) It is made from a renewable resource.
10. How has paper changed over time?
    • a) It has become cheaper and more common.
    • b) It has become more expensive and less common.
    • c) It has become more colorful and decorative.
    • d) It has become less important in the digital age.

Answers to Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. d) Paper
2. a) The papyrus plant
3. b) It was expensive and fragile.
4. a) The 12th century
5. c) Plant fibers
6. c) It made communication more efficient.
7. c) It increased literacy and education.
8. d) It is more colorful.
9. d) It is made from a renewable resource.
10. a) It has become cheaper and more common.