1. Dhaka Board 2025

ENGLISH FIRST PAPER

[According to the Syllabus of 2025]

Subject Code: [107]

Time—3 hours Full marks—100 [N.B. The figures in the right margin indicate full marks.]

Part I—Reading Test Marks—60

1. Read the passage and answer the questions A and B:

At daylight, I was half-awakened by the sound of chopping. Again it was so even in texture that I went back to sleep. When I left my bed in the cool morning, the boy had come and gone, and a stack of kindling was neat against the cabin wall. He came after school in the afternoon and worked until time to return to the orphanage. His name was Jerry. He had been at the orphanage since he was four. I could picture him at four with same grave gray-blue eyes and the same independence? No, the word that comes to me is ‘integrity.’ …… It is bedded on courage, but it is more than brave. It is honest, but it is more than honesty. The ax handle broke one day. Jerry told the woodshop at the orphanage would repair it. I brought money to pay for the job and he refused it. “I’ll pay for it,” he said. “I broke it. I brought the ax down careless.” “But no one hits accurately every time.” I told him. “The fault was in the wood of the handle. I’ll see the man from whom I bought it.” It was only then that he would take the money. He was standing back of his own carelessness. He was a free-will agent and he chose to do careful work, and if he failed, he took the responsibility without subterfuge. And he did for me the unnecessary thing, the gracious thing, that we find done only by the great of heart. Things no training can teach for they are done on the instant, with no predicated experience. He found a subtle-hole beside the fireplace that I had not noticed. There, of his own accord, he put kindling and ‘medium’ wood, so that I might have dry fire materials ready in case of sudden wet weather. A stone was loose in the rough walk to the cabin. He dug a deeper hole and steadied it, although he came himself by a shortcut over the bank. I found that when I tried to return his thoughtfulness with such things as candy and apples, he was wordless. ‘Thank you’ was perhaps an expression for which he had had no use, for his courtesy was instinctive, he only looked at the gift and at me and a curtain lifted, so that I saw deep into the clear well of his eyes, and gratitude was there, and affection, soft over the firm granite of his character.

A. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives : Marks

(a) Jerry’s courtesy was –

(i) artificial (ii) acquired (iii) inborn (iv) taught

(b) What does the phrase ‘of his own accord’ indicate?

(i) Half-heartedly (ii) Reluctantly (iii) Naturally (iv) Willingly

(c) What does the word ‘subterfuge’ in the passage refer to?

(i) Deception (ii) Honesty (iii) openness (iv) Candidness

(d) Jerry wanted to get the ax handle

(i) repair (ii) fixed (iii) made (iv) reshaped

(e) Jerry chose to do careful work because of his

(i) intelligence (ii) courage (iii) meanness (iv) responsibility

(f) The author was half-awakened by the

(i) sound of barking (ii) sound of footsteps (iii) sound of sawing wood (iv) sound of rain

(g) ‘Cubbyhole’ means –

(i) a small enclosed space (ii) a noisy place (iii) a deep hole (iv) a snake hole

(h) ‘I saw deep into the clear well of his eyes.’ What did the writer see?

(i) Steadiness (ii) Gratefulness (iii) Farsightedness (iv) Freedom

(i) What does the word ‘integrity’ in the passage mean?

(i) Intuition (ii) Simplicity (iii) Uprightness (iv) Incompleteness

(j) Jerry had been at the orphanage

(i) for four years (ii) for eight years (iii) for twelve years (iv) for six years

B. Answer the following questions : 3×5=15

(a) What unnecessary things did Jerry do for the authoress?

(b) How would Jerry usually react after getting gifts from the authoress?

(c) Why did Jerry refuse to take money from the authoress to repair the ax handle?

(d) Why was the authoress impressed with Jerry?

(e) Do you like the personality of Jerry? Why?

2. Based on your reading of the passage, make short notes in each of the boxes in the flowchart showing the functions of education. (Number 1 has been done for you) : 1×5=5

Education not only furnishes us with knowledge, abilities and skills, it also teaches us values. Values can be individual, interpersonal, organizational or societal. Thus, students can enjoy social education, develop self-respect but also learn to respect others; they develop the importance of honesty and learn to trust others; they develop compassion and fellow feeling and become aware of the need to protect the environment. If students combine the values they learn at home with those that the school gives them, they will not deviate from the right path unless they fall into bad company. The famous French writer Victor Hugo once said, “He who opens a school door, closes a prison.”

Enriches us with knowledge -> 2. -> 3. -> 4. -> 5. -> 6.

Answer: 1. Enriches us with knowledge 2. Teaches us values 3. Teaches us to develop self-respect 4. Teaches us to respect others 5. Teaches us the importance of honesty 6. Teaches us to trust others

3. Write a summary of the following text

We spend money for different reasons. We buy foods, clothes or everyday essentials, pay for different services, entertain people, travel to places, help others in need or invest in business and thus spend money everyday. In fact, spending is a part of our life. Spending may make us happy or unhappy depending on how and why we spend. When we spend money on things that we need and within our limit, it is good. When it becomes a compulsive behaviour, it makes life stressful. Unnecessary spending or spending beyond one’s means has some bad effects. For one thing, it may lead to financial ruin or debt, and for another, it may create unhappiness within families. People who overspend are never satisfied with what they have. They always rush for brands, fashion items, designer clothes etc. Over a period of time it becomes an addiction which may eventually create psychological problems.

4. Read the text and fill in the blanks with suitable words from the box

Rokeya is a Bangladeshi girl (a) — is about to finish school but she has no hopes of (b) — on to college. Like millions of other parents, Rokeya’s parents think that educating a daughter is a (c) — of time and money. They have (d) — that they will now marry her off and use their (e) — resources for their son’s education. Rokeya used to (f) — about lessons and tests, but now she worries more about getting (g) — and having children. She used to dream about being a teacher, but now faces a life of household chores and (h) — up children. She used to be happy being a girl but now wishes she (i) — a boy. If she were a boy, she would be able to (j) — in college and university.

5. Fill in the blanks with an appropriate word

The world is producing millions of tons of domestic rubbish and (a) — industrial waste each year. It is becoming very difficult to find (b) — locations to (c) — rid of all these refuse. The dumping of (d) — kinds of waste is seriously (e) — the environment. We know that air is a/an (f) — element of our environment. But the air is polluted by (g) —. Water, another vital element of the environment, is polluted by different kinds of waste and filth. If we want to live a (h) — life, we should prevent the pollution of the environment. Total prevention may be (i) — but we can certainly reduce pollution by raising (j) — among people.

6. Re-arrange the sentences to make a coherent order

(a) As Saadi was dressed in his usual inexpensive attire, the courtier didn’t recognize him.

(b) On his way back home from the emperor’s palace, Saadi deliberately stopped at the same courtier’s house

(c) During the meal, however, the guest began to put the delicacies into the folds of his fine clothes.
(d) Sheikh Saadi, a renowned Persian poet, was travelling to the emperor’s palace.
(e) Saadi said that his clothes, in fact, deserved the food, reminding the host that last time he was shown poor hospitality because of his ordinary clothes.
(f) Seeing the expensive clothes of the guest, the courtier and his men were extremely hospitable, offering him a spread of fine dishes.
(g) Surprised, the courtier asked, “Why are you feeding your clothes, my honorable guest?”
(h) Night fell on the way, and the poet took shelter in a courtier’s house.
(i) This time, however, he was wearing the luxurious clothes given to him by the emperor.
(j) So, he treated the great man with indifference, offering him only a small meal and poor accommodation.

Part II—Guided Writing (Marks—40)

7. The graph shows the percentage of different types of books preserved in a college library. Analyze the graph in about 150 words.

30% Literature

25% Science

30% History and philosophy

20% Business

15% Sports

5% Others

8. Complete the story (add around 150 words):

It was a foggy winter morning. Dr. Rabbi was driving home from hospital after his exhausting overnight shift. Driving was difficult because of the haze. Suddenly, he felt he had driven past somebody sitting by the road. He stopped the car and backed up to see who it was. It was an elderly man, dressed in thin, ragged clothes ………………..

9. Write a letter to your Facebook friend in Australia:

Imagine you are Lisa/Latif. You have a Facebook friend in Australia. Recently, she/he has shown interest in visiting Bangladesh. Now write a letter to him/her giving a brief account of the sights and sounds of Bangladesh.

2. Rajshahi Board 2025

English first paper

[According to the Syllabus of 2025]

Subject Code: 107

Time—3 hours

Full marks—100

[N.B. The figures in the right margin indicate full marks.]

Part I—Reading Marks—60

Read the passage and answer the questions A and B:

Adolescents constitute a nation’s core resource for national renewal and growth. Adolescence is a period in life when transition from childhood to adulthood takes place and behaviours and life styles are shaped. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adolescence is the period which shapes the future of girls’ and boys’ lives. There are 28 million adolescents in Bangladesh; 13.7 million of them are girls and 14.3 million boys.
The situation of adolescent girls in Bangladesh is characterised by inequality and subordination within the family and society. This inequality leads to widespread practice of child marriage, marginalisation or exclusion from health, education and economic opportunities, and vulnerability to violence and sexual abuse.
In Bangladesh, the legal age of marriage is 18 for girls and 21 for boys. However, 33 percent of adolescent girls are married before the age of 15 and 60 percent become mothers by the age of 19. Research finds that adolescents with higher level of education and from more affluent families tend to marry at a later age.

1. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives:

(a) Which of the following is the correct meaning of ‘affluent’ used in this passage?

(i) Poor (ii) Comfortable (iii) Wealthy (iv) Frugal

(b) The word ‘adolescence’ in line can be replaced by:

(i) puberty (ii) adulthood (iii) infancy (iv) maturity

(c) The number of adolescents in Bangladesh is—

(i) 2.8 billion (ii) 28 billion (iii) 2.8 crore (iv) 28 crore

(d) Adolescent girls in Bangladesh experience—

(i) disparity (ii) equality (iii) freedom (iv) comfort and luxury

(e) “vulnerability to violence and sexual abuse.” Here the word ‘vulnerability’ is a/an”—

(i) noun (ii) noun phrase (iii) adjective (iv) adverb

(f) People with education and wealth get their adolescent girls married at a/an-

(i) early age (ii) later age (ii) urgent moment (iv) inconvenient time

(g) Why are adolescents considered a nation’s core resource?

(i) On account of their indomitable spirit. (ii) As they are the symbol of energy.

(iii) For national renewal and growth. (iv) Because of their loyalty to the nation.

(h) The word ‘constitute’ mentioned in the passage means-

(i) break up (ii) scatter (iii) disperse (iv) comprise

(i) The transition from childhood to adulthood takes place in life-

(i) during childhood (ii) in adolescence (iii) at various stages of growth (iv) during maturity

(j) The word ‘renewal’ mentioned in the passage means-

(i) regeneration (ii) destruction (iii) ruin (iv) annihilation

2. Answer the following questions:

(a) What does WHO say about adolescence?

(b) How many adolescents are boys and how many are girls in Bangladesh?

(c) How is the condition of the adolescent girls in Bangladesh?

(d) What is the legal age of marriage for boys and girls in our country?

(e) When do the boys become ready for marriage?

3. Read the following passage and make a flow chart showing the nature and functions of dream (one is done for you):

Dreams have fascinated philosophers for thousands of years, but only recently have dreams been subjected to empirical research and scientific study. Changes are that you’ve often found yourself puzzling over the content of a dream, or perhaps you’ve wondered why you dream at all.

First, let’s start by answering a basic question: What is a dream? A dream can include any of the images, thoughts and emotions that are experienced during sleep. Dreams can be extraordinarily vivid or very vague; filled with joyful emotions or frightening images; focused and understandable or unclear and confusing. Why do we dream? What purpose do dreams serve? While many theories have been proposed about the reason and function of dreams, no consensus has emerged. Considering the time we spend in a dreaming state, the fact that researchers do not yet understand the purpose of dreams may seem bizarre. However, it is important to consider that science is still unraveling the exact purpose and function of sleep itself. Some researchers suggest that dreams serve no real purpose, while others believe that dreaming is essential to mental, emotional and physical well-being.

1. Images during sleep 

2. Thoughts during sleep

3. Emotions during sleep

4. Images filled with joy

5. Images filled with fear

6. Well-being of mental, emotional, and physical state

or

 1. Images during sleep

2. Thoughts during sleep

3. Emotions during sleep

4. Vividness during sleep

5. Joyfulness during sleep

6. Confusions during sleep

 3. Write a summary of the following text:

Education aims to bring about positive changes in our behaviour. It helps us try to change our lives as well as the society we live in. Education that does not illuminate our minds or does not inspire us to work for the community is not complete at all. Education is not all about getting grades or receiving degrees—we use education to make life better; we are expected to apply the knowledge, skills and values that we learnt in a classroom in our engagement with the world that lies outside. And we can do so in many different ways. Let’s have a look at how education works.

Learners’ civic engagement is highly appreciated all over the world. Civic engagement means working across a difference in the civic life (the public life of the citizens as contrasted with private or personal life) of the community using knowledge, skills, values and motivation. Civic engagement promotes the quality of life in a community by contributing to the improvement of health and wellbeing. Civically engaged individuals recognize themselves as members of a larger social community and are concerned about civic issues. They consider themselves responsible citizens who take action or raise their voices against injustice, discrimination and other forms of social ills.

In civic engagement, issues of public concern are crucial. Civic engagement includes individual or group activities to protect public interests and change the way the community values itself. For example, if you are protesting against any unjust decision of the local municipality such as raising taxes or an action that might work against people’s interest, you are civically engaged and your action is considered a civic engagement. This protest can be done in different ways such as organizing rallies, collecting signatures, making human chains, writing petitions etc. You can also help control traffic in front of a school, assist children to cross the roads, work in a team to clean a park or a beach. You can also give some service to elderly people. These are all examples of civic engagement as what you do directly affects the community.

4. Read the following text and fill in the blanks with suitable words from the box. There are more words than needed. Make any grammatical changes if necessary.

Communicative competence refers to the (a) — to use language appropriately in various circumstances. There are two ways of (b) — communicative competence in a language. The first is (c) — which is similar to the way people develop ability in their (d) — tongue. They are only aware of the (e) — that they are (f) — the language for (g) — or it is a (h) — subconscious process in which users act on (i) of acquiring a language. In non-technical terms, acquisition is picking up a language.

Answer: (a) ability (b) developing (c) acquisition (d) mother (e) fact (f) using (g) communication (h) natural (i) aware

5. Fill in the gaps using suitable words:

The food (a) ______ of the young people of our country has changed greatly. Our young people are getting (b) ______ to fast foods and western foods day by day. Today they go to fast food shops and enjoy much eating (c) ______ such as pizza, burger, soft drinks etc. When fast foods (d) ______ high levels of salt, sugar and fat, then it is called (e) ______ food. It lacks fibre, (f) ______ and minerals. The use of such foods leads to obesity and other health problems. Because of this, young people are at the (g) ___ of chronic (h) ___ like heart disease and diabetes. Junk foods (i) ______ to obesity. So, we should be (j) ______ about having fast foods now and then.

Answer: (a) habit (b) addicted (c) foods (d) contain (e) junk (f) vitamins (g) risk (h) illnesses (i) lead (j) careful

6. Rearrange the following sentences to make a coherent order:

a. The angel took down his request and went away.

b. His name was Abu Elan Adrom.

c. Abu Elan requested him to put his name in the list because he loved mankind and his fellow brothers.

d. He again appeared to him and showed Abu that his name was on the top of the list.

e. The angel was writing the names of persons who loved God.

f. Once upon a time there was an honest and pure man.

g. He asked the angel if his name was there.

h. He was once sleeping peacefully.

i. In reply, the angel said that his name was not there.

j. Suddenly he woke up and saw an angel.

Answer: f → b → h → j → e → g → i → c → a → d

Part 2—Guided Writing Marks

7. The graph shows “the smart phone users” from 2017 to 2023. Describe the graph in at least 180 words highlighting the information given in the graph.

8. The following is the beginning of a story. Complete it in your own words: Once an ant was very thirsty. He went to a river bank to drink water. When he began to drink water, a wave…

9. Suppose, you are Mudassir/Delta. Write a letter to your friend Tanim living in the USA about the celebration of 16 December in your college.

3. Dinajpur Board 2025

English first paper

[According to the Syllabus of 2025]

Subject Code: 107

Time—3 hours

Full marks—100

[N.B. The figures in the right margin indicate full marks.]

Part I—Reading Marks—60

Read the passage and answer the questions A and B:

The act of thinking deeply and calmly about something in a state of heightened awareness is known as meditation. It is an approach to train up the mind, similar to the way that there is an approach to training the body.
Voltaire explains, “Meditation is the dissolution of thoughts in eternal awareness for pure consciousness without objectification, knowing without thinking, merging finitude in infinity”.

From the ancient times, meditation has been a part of some religious traditions as a way of achieving the body’s release from worldly cares, and creating inner harmony. Meditation in our time is practiced by people to reduce stress and tension and improve focus. There are trainers who help beginners with some exercises to improve breathing and progressive relaxation. One of the most common approaches to meditation is concentration.

To develop concentration one needs to focus on a single point. Since focusing the mind is challenging, a beginner might meditate for only a few minutes and then work up to longer duration.

Meditation releases anxiety and brings a state of calmness. It increases the thinking ability of human brain so that people have a better control of their emotions. Those who practice meditation can work tirelessly for a longer period of time. Meditation helps improve blood circulation in the brain and other parts of the body. Finally, meditation improves creativity, self-awareness and tolerance.

1. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives:

(a) How does improved blood circulation help a human being?
(i) It develops the mind (ii) It helps all the organs of the body function properly (iii) It prevents pneumonia (iv) It increases thinking ability

(b) Meditation mostly brings about—fitness.
(i) psychological (ii) physical (iii) carnal (iv) exercise

(c) The word ‘beginners’ mentioned in the passage refers to—
(i) interns (ii) apprentices (iii) practitioners (iv) seniors

(d) Why do you need to focus on a single point?
(i) To finish meditation early (ii) To do well at your work place (iii) To develop concentration (iv) To think deeply

(e) Which of the following is not a feature of meditation?
(i) Serene thoughts (ii) Careful thinking (iii) Switching on the mind clock (iv) Merging with the mob

(f) What is the text about?
(i) Contemplation (ii) Negotiation (iii) Mental exercise (iv) Hypnotism

2. Answer the following questions:

(a) What is meditation? How does Voltaire explain meditation?

(b) Why has meditation been a part of some religious traditions from ancient period?

(c) What are the reasons for practising meditation in our time?

(d) How can you develop concentration?

(e) What happens when you meditate?

3. Read the following passage and make a flow chart showing the major features of St. Martin’s Island. (No. 1 is done for you):

The Island of St. Martin’s is the only coral island in Bangladesh located in the north-eastern part of Bay of Bengal. The roughly flat island is only about 3-6 meters above the sea level. The entire island can be walked about in 3 hours. The island is known for its unique natural beauty with white sandy beaches fringed with coconut palms and a diverse marine life. Due to the expansion of unregulated tourism, the island is facing increasing erosion, contamination of surface and ground water, wildlife displacement, and loss of biodiversity. Other threats include cutting of sand dune vegetation for fuel-wood and hotel-establishment; degradation of sand dune habitat; the harvesting of turtle eggs; indiscriminate exploitation of coral resources etc. To address this, the Government has declared some areas of the Island as Ecologically Critical Area (ECA), prohibiting unauthorized constructions there.

Only coral island in Bangladesh

Roughly flat island

Only about 3.6 meters above the sea level

Unique natural beauty with white sandy beaches

Diverse marine life

Unregulated tourism

Answer: Write a summary of the following texts:

We set out on the evening of July 21st. Food was scarce in the village. So Abdul packed a suitcase with two loaves and some tea and tins of milk and jam. We travelled in an uncomfortably crowded train, through a country of shadowy loveliness. It was a moonlit night of brooks and clouds; the land was mostly underwater, with paddy and coconut palms growing from it and a few raised cart-tracks and groups of cottages scattered among clumps of bushes, all reflected among shadows. Here and there was the red glow of a cooking fire or the lanterns of fishermen’s boats in open water. At dawn we reached Somamim, a small canal-side station among wide fields. From there we had eight more miles by country boat, some of it along the canal, some of it over the flooded paddy fields. I was looking forward to the tranquil water journey in the early morning, and imagine it must have been, for I fell instantly asleep and knew no more until we reached the landing place at Khorabec’s father’s house, in a blaze of sunlight. It turned out that his letter saying that he was bringing me was still on its way, but they rallied to the girls and gathered them to make us welcome, though as none of them spoke any English they could only stare and laugh and offer me coconut juice.

4. Read the following text and fill in the blanks with suitable words from the box. There are more words than needed. Make any grammatical change if necessary:

I know sometimes (a) ______ and etiquette seem arbitrary. But at the end of the day, these guidelines (b) ______ established as a universal set of (c) ______ behaviour so that we can all (d) ______ civilly around each other. Not everyone is going to be (e) ______ if you don’t follow these guidelines. But once you learn these basic table manners, you can see that they are not difficult to (g) ______. So, why not practise (h) ______ during meals? It certainly isn’t hard to (i) ______, but many people will (j) ______ that you are conscientious enough to behave like a proper (k) ______ at the table.

Answer: (a) manners (b) were (c) accepted (d) behave (e) offended (f) — (g) keep up (h) these (i) appreciate (j) notice (k) gentleperson

5. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words:

Our society is formed of average middle class. They are the (a) ______ sufferers of day to day soaring prices. (b) ______ being rich and big industrialists never look back and suffer (c) ______ giving prices as their income also increases. But the income of the middle class person is (d) ______ and their income increases. If at all, it is not proportionate to the (e) ______ prices. The result is that they are the (f) ______ of rising prices. But the poor can do nothing. After crying for some days, they try to (g) ______ their budget accordingly. Even the government is unable to (h) ______ the prices. It is also compelled to increase the rates of commodities under the control to reduce liquidity. The standard of living is also rising high in gestation. To increase the (i) ______ of the new products, electronic and print media are playing a major role. The purchase (j) ______ of money has declined. But there is no hope of checking price hikes.

Answer: (a) worst (b) Rich/High (c) due (d) limited (e) increasing (f) sufferers (g) adjust/increase (h) control/curb (i) production (j) power

6. The following sentences are jumbled. Re-arrange them in a proper sequence.

(i) Everyone frantically searched for the balloon with their name, colliding with each other, pushing around others, and there was utter chaos.

(ii) Each one was asked to write his/her name on the balloon using a marker pen and release it.

(iii) He then took all the attendees to the room and asked each one to randomly collect a balloon and give it to the person whose name was written on it.

(iv) Once a group of 50 people were attending a seminar.

(v) He then collected all the balloons and put them in another room.

(vi) Within minutes everyone had their own balloon.

(vii) The speaker began, “This is happening in our lives and our happiness lies in the happiness of other people.”

(viii) At the end of five minutes no one could find their own balloon.

(ix) He then took all the attendees to the room and asked them to find the balloon with their name within five minutes.

(x) The speaker gave a balloon to each attendee.

Answer: iv + x + ii + v + ix + i + viii + iii + xi + vii

PART II—Writing Test Marks—40

7. The pie chart below shows the interest of the students of a college in different subjects. Describe the graph highlighting the information given in the chart: 15

Biology 20%

English 15%

Bengali 30%

Physics 20%

Mathematics 15%

8. The following is the beginning of a story. Complete it in your own words. Give a title to it. Orpi is a student of Munshigonj Primary School. She is a student of class four. One day she found a money bag dropped by someone on her way to school………. 15

9. Suppose, you are Topu. One of your friends is infected with dengue fever and he/she is hospitalized. Now, write a letter to your friend showing sympathy. 10

4. Chattogram Board 2025

English 1st paper

Part I—Reading (Marks—60)

1. Read the following text and answer the questions A and B:

I have a dream that day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today. I have a dream that one day down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of ‘interposition’ and nullification’, that one day right down in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today. I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain. and the crooked places will be made straight, “and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.”

This is our hope. This is the faith that I will go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day……..

And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania…….. Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, and when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will able to ended un that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”

A. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives.

(a) The speaker expresses — through his speech.
(i) optimism (ii) pessimism (iii) despair (iv) greed

(b) The word ‘discord’ could be replaced by—
(i) entry (ii) obesity (iii) strife (iv) treaty

(c) The word ‘exalted’ in the passage means—

(i) humble (ii) elevated (iii) humiliated (iv) bewildered

(d) The word ‘Prodigious’ in the passage implies—
(i) talented (ii) unproductive (iii) gigantic (iv) impotent

 (e) What is the synonym of ‘Sweltering’?
(i) Soothing (ii) Pleasing (iii) Scorching (iv) Tranquil

(f) What does the word ‘Crooked’ mean?
(i) Clever (ii) Simple (iii) Uneven (iv) Straight

(g) What does the phrase ‘Let freedom ring’ mean?
(i) Freedom should make sounds (ii) Freedom should make people alert (iii) Freedom should be achieved (iv) People may achieve freedom

(h) The word ‘Symphony’ indicates— conditions of people in a country.
(i) anarchic (ii) chaotic (iii) peaceful (iv) wretched

 (i) The word ‘vicious’ mentioned in the passage means—
(i) hateful (ii) generous (iii) ruthless (iv) auspicious

(j) The word ‘despair’ refers to—
(i) rejection (ii) attraction (iii) frustration (iv) inspiration

B. Answer the following questions:

(a) What does the speaker dream about the children of Georgia?
(b) How were the Black treated before achieving their freedom?
(c) What transformation will happen in the state of Mississippi?
(d) “One day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low.” Explain in your own words.
(e) What does the speaker dream for his four children?

2. Read the following text and make a flow chart showing the situation of adolescent girls in Bangladesh:

In Bangladesh, the legal age of marriage for girls is 18. However, 33% of our girls get married before they are 15 and 60% of them become mothers by the time they reach 19.
When an adolescent girl gets married, she usually drops out of school and thus loses her mobility. She gets confined to full-time work in her in-law’s household. She loses social status and all the opportunities of economic independence. In her in-law’s house, she gets marginalized. She becomes vulnerable to all sorts of abuse, including dowry-related violence. In our country, it is still a common practice for the brides family to pay dowry. Dowry demands can continue even after marriage.
An adolescent bride, even if her in-laws are supportive, faces enormous health risk during pregnancy and child birth.
Majority of our people are uninformed or insufficiently informed about contraception and reproductive health.
This leads to increased mortality rates among adolescent brides during childbirth.
1. Getting married early → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6

3. Summarize the following text:

“He is at the epicenter of our time, ours in South Africa, and yours, wherever you are,” Nadine Gordimer, the South African writer and Nobel Laureate for Literature, once remarked.
The years Mandela spend behind bars made him the world’s most celebrated political prisoner and a leader of mythic stature for millions of black South Africans and other oppressed people far beyond his country’s borders. Charged with capital offences in the 1963 Rivonia Trial, his statement from the dock was his political testimony.
“During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination.” “I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities,” he told the court.
“It is an ideal I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”
Friends adored Mandela and fondly called him “Madiba,” the clan name by which he was known. People lauded his humanity, kindness and dignity.

4. Fill in the blanks with suitable words from the box. There are more words than needed. Make any grammatical change if necessary:

hang, sake, balance, ecology, link, alter, ecosystem, know, responsible, rise, example, fixed, interrelated, world.

All things that make up the environment are (a) —– The way in which people, animals and `plants are related to each other and to their surroundings is (b) —– as ecology. The (c) —– is a complex web that (d) —– animals, plants and every other life form in the biosphere. All these things (e) —– together. The system is in a steady state of dynamic (f) —– which means that by (g) —– any one part of the web you can affect all the other parts. For (h) —–, the destruction of forests may have serious (i) —– consequences. It is the (j) —– of human beings to prevent the environment from being spoilt.

5. Fill in the blanks with an appropriate word in each gap:

Bangladesh is a (a) —– populated country, but a large number of her people are (b) —– . It is not possible for her to ensure (c) —– to the teeming millions. Self-example fixed employment is a possible (d) —– to this problem. It means that people themselves should (e) —– avenues for self-employment. Facilities for training in (f) —– trades and vacations are available (g) —– the country. The youths, in particular, can train themselves in any of these trades and turn into a useful (h) —–. The Govt. also (i) —– easy loans and counselling with a view to helping them start an (j) —– earning activity.

6. The following sentences are jumbled. Rearrange them in proper sequence:

(a) “Where is my son?” asked the grocer,
(b) Then one day, the fruit-seller said to the grocer, “I am going to the town to do some shopping. Please, send your son with me to carry my things.”
(c) The grocer said, “The mice ate away your balance and weights. So, I can’t return those to you.”
(d) “A crow carried your son away,” replied the fruit-seller.
(e) One day, a grocer borrowed a balance and weights from a fruit-seller.
(f) The grocer sent his son with the fruit-seller but he came back alone from the town.
(g) “You liar, how can a crow carry away such a big boy?” the grocer shouted angrily.
(h) The lame excuse of the dishonest grocer made the fruit-seller very angry. But he controlled his temper.
(i) “Just the same way as mice can eat away the balance and weights,” said the fruit-seller.
(j) After a few days, the fruit-seller asked the grocer to return his balance and weights.

Part II—Guided Writing (Marks—40)

7. The pie chart shows the result a survey on supporters of different games. Now, describe the chart in at least 80 words.
DIFFERENT GAME SUPPORTERS IN BANGLADESH

8. The following is the beginning of a story. Complete it in your words:

One day, I was on the way to my college. It was raining and I took shelter under a shed adjacent to our college. I found an old man groaning……..

9. Suppose, you have received a birthday gift from your friend. Now, write a letter to your friend thanking him/her for the birthday gift.

5. Cumilla Board 2025

English 1st paper

Part 1—Reading (Marks—60)

1. Read the passage and answer the questions below:

The famous Greek philosopher Aristotle said, “Man is by nature a social animal.” What he meant was that man, by instinct, seeks company of others and establishes relationships much like most animals of the wild, for companionship and for physical and emotional support. Unlike the animals, however, man’s relationships give meaning to his existence and inspires him to do well in education, in workplace or in a profession that he pursues. Relationships are of different kinds. Some are familial and intimate, formed by blood and by marriage, some are social like the ones we have with friends and some are made in school where we form close bonds with classmates and teachers. Relationships can also be fostered in work place, which may quickly change from professional to social. There are relationships also between human beings and animals, between children and their toys that they cannot part with.

All these relationships keep us close to each other and provide us all kinds of support, love and affection. A person who has no family feels the pain of loneliness and isolation. There is no one to laugh or cry with him/her. When we share our joy with someone, it simply redoubles and when we suffer a loss and someone shares our sorrow, it lessens. Relationships are thus needed for our emotional health.

To build relationships, we need to have trust and respect for each other, and love where this is needed. We cannot be selfish and possessive if we want to establish an effective relationship. But quite often we see people quarreling and fighting with each other which only brings misery and loss to all.

A. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives:

(a) The word ‘seek’ mentioned in the passage means— .
(i) achieve (ii) find (iii) pursue (iv) obtain

(b) The wild animals also need— .
(i) accommodation (ii) food (iii) job (iv) company

(c) The synonym of ‘inspire’ is—.
(i) love (ii) expire (iii) encourage (iv) entertain

 (d) What is the noun form of ‘intimate’ mentioned in the passage?
(i) intimation (ii) intimacy (iii) intimately (iv) intimater

(e) What does a man pursue?
(i) Society (ii) Establishment (iii) Relationship (iv) Knowledge

(f) The word ‘professional’ mentioned in the passage is a/an—.
(i) adjective (ii) adverb (iii) noun (iv) verb

(g) ‘Trust and respect’ are the pre-conditions of—.
(i) relationship (ii) education (iii) happiness (iv) society

 (h) The word ‘misery’ can be replaced by—.
(i) pleasure (ii) suffering (iii) violence (iv) impulse

(i) A philosopher is a person who—.
(i) predicts something (ii) criticises something (iii) researches deeply (iv) think deeply

(j) Relationship keeps us in—.
(i) inimical touch (ii) social touch (iii) intimate touch (iv) familial touch

B. Answer the following questions:

(a) Differentiate man’s relationships from those of other animals.

(b) “Man is by nature a social animal.”— Explain.
(c) Describe the importance of relationship.
(d) What happens to a person who has no family?
(e) Name different types of relationships.

2. Read the following text and make a flow chart showing the function of education. (One is done for you):

Education gives us knowledge and a set of abilities to function meaningfully in life, such as the ability to decide things rationally and make the right choices. As we learn how to read, write and do the basic operations of arithmetic, we gain a degree of self-confidence. We learn to think for ourselves and articulate our thoughts; we pick up skills to communicate with others and manage our affairs well. Education helps us think independently and make our own opinions. As we know more about the world, we appreciate the good things it offers us but also become critical of the deviations from the values it imparts and the rise of hatred or conflict that follows.

The first thing education does is to give us an awareness about ourselves which leads to the development of our personality. As we begin school, we feel the need to belong to the class and make friends. We then expand our sense of belonging to include the school at large, our community and finally our country. Education thus prepares every child to become an active member of the community and work for its welfare.

Giving us knowledge → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6

3. Write a summary of the following poem:

Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.

4. Fill in the blanks with suitable words from the box. There are more words than needed. Make any grammatical change if necessary:
even, distance, watch, information, become, source, run, show, channels, vary, set, programmes.

Television has (a) —– the most common and widespread (b) —– of entertainment of the present world. A wide range of programmes of (c) —– interest is telecast on numerous (d) —– . Almost every middle class and (e) —– working class families have a television set today. Television (f) —– are not only enjoyable but also highly educative. For example, television is used for (g) —– learning. Courses (h) —– by the Open University are (i) —– on BTV. Several channels like the discovery and The National Geographic channels telecast highly (j) —– programmes.

5. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words:

Modern life (a) —– much on transport. We can very well understand how (b) —– transport is when it is (c) —– by natural calamities or during socio-political crises. In fact, transport has made it (d) —– us to reach places previously (e) —– . It has also helped the (f) —– of trade and commerce and to (g) —– new knowledge and ideas. (h) —-, transport has (i) —– friendship and (j) —– among nations and people around the globe.

6. Rearrange the following sentences to make a coherent order:

(a) He showed it to his wife.
(b) The lands yielded him some crops.
(c) However, he picked it up and carried it home.
(d) With that he supported his family.
(e) One day he was walking through the fields.
(f) While walking he came across a purse of gold.
(g) He had a few acres of land.
(h) There lived a farmer in a village.
(i) He thought that it might have been dropped by a passer-by.
(j) He was thinking how he could add to his income.

Part 2—Guided Writing (Marks—40)

7. The graph shows “The number of people living below the poverty line from 1995 to 2010.” Describe the graph highlighting the information given in the graph.

8. Following is the beginning of a story. Complete it in your own words:
Rini was a student of class eight. Her parents could not afford to pay for her schooling. But she was determined to continue her study at any cost. So, she …………….

9. Suppose, your friend has borrowed one of your important books. Your test examination is knocking at the door. So, you need the book badly. Now write a letter to your friend asking him to return the book.

6. Mymensingh Board 2025

English 1st paper

Part I—Reading Test (Marks—60)

1. Read the passage and answer the questions A and B :

The orphanage is high in the Carolina Mountains. I was there in autumn. I wanted quiet isolation to do some troublesome writing. I wanted mountain air to blow out the malaria from too long a time in the sub tropics. I was homesick too, for the flaming of maples in October, and for cornshocks and pumpkins and black-walnut trees. I found them all living in a cabin belonged to the orphanage, half a mile beyond the orphanage farm. When I took the cabin, I asked for a boy or man to come and chop wood for the fire place. I looked up from my typewriter one late afternoon, a little startled. A boy stood at the door and my pointer dog, my companion, was at his side and had not barked to warn me. The boy was probably twelve years old but undersized. He wore overalls and a torn shirt and was barefooted. He said, “I can chop some wood today.” “You? But you’re small.” “Size don’t matter chopping wood,” he said. “Some of the big boys don’t chop good. I’ve been chopping wood at the orphanage a long time.” “Very well, there’s the axe. Go ahead and see what you can do.”

I went back to work closing the door …….. . He began to chop. The blows were rhythmic and steady and shortly I had forgotten him, the sound no more of an interruption than a consisted rain. I suppose an hour and half passed and I heard the boy’s steps on the cabin stoop …… . The boy said, “I have to go to supper now.” He said, “I can come again tomorrow.” I said, “I’ll pay you now for what you have done,” thinking I should probably have to insist on an older boy ….. . We went together back of the cabin. An astonishing amount of wood had been cut ……. “But you’ve done as much as a man.” I said, “This is a splendid pile.”

A. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives:

(a) Why did the authoress want isolation?
(i) due to homesickness (ii) for doing some difficult writing
(iii) to enjoy the beauty of nature (iv) due to frustration

(b) After taking the cabin, the authoress — a boy to chop wood.
(i) summon (ii) required (iii) requested for (iv) requesting for

(c) The boy was — twelve years old.

(i) certainly (ii) precisely (iii) approximately (iv) surely

(d) The word ‘rhythmic’ means—
(i) passionate (ii) melodious (iii) sturring (iv) sentimental

 (e) The word splendid means—
(i) sordid (iii) massive (iii) mean (iv) triffling

(f) The cabin was — the orphanage.
(i) far away from (ii) inside (iii) behind (iv) close to

(g) The word ‘startled’ means—
(i) indifferent (ii) dignified (iii) stabled (iv) astonished

(h) The word ‘astonishing’ means—
(i) tedious (ii) astounding (iii) unimpressive (iv) insipid

 (i) Jerry was—
(i) undersized (ii) adult (iii) adolescent (iv) neo-natal

(j) I was there in autumn. Here the word ‘there’ is an/a—
(i) verb (ii) adverb (iii) pronoun (iv) adjective

B. Answer the following questions :

(a) Why did the writer go to the Carolina Mountain?
(b) Describe the cabin in which the authoress stayed.
(c) How did Jerry chop wood?
(d) Why was the writer startled?
(e) ‘Size don’t matter in chopping wood.”— What does it imply?

2. Read the following text and make a flow chart showing the leading events of Shilpi’s life (No. I has been done for you):

Shilpi was only 15 years old when she married Rasid in 2006. Marrying off daughters at an early age is a standard practice for many families living in Rural Bangladesh. After her wedding Shilpi joined a local empowerment group that provide adolescent girls with the tools needed to gradually change cultural practices, particularly those pertaining to early marriage and pregnancy. The groups activities include discussions on how to most effectively change behaviour related to reproductive health as well as one-on-one counseling. It also offers peer-to-peer support and life skills training that helps adolescents say no to early marriage.

The empowerment group is one of more than 10,000 groups supported by some local Non Government Organizations (NGOs) working all over Bangladesh. These NGOs work through Canada’s adolescent reproductive health project which also aims to increase access to quality health services for adolescents. During one of the group sessions, Shilpi came to understand the potentially harmful effects of early marriage and pregnancy.
1. Got married at 15 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6

3. Write a summary of the following poem:

Dreams
—Lamgston Huges

Hold fast to dreams
For if dream die
Life is a broken winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.

4. Fill in the gaps with suitable words from the box (make any grammatical changes if necessary). There are more words in the box that you need:

need, has, joint, on, for, be, in, nuclear, at, extended, sharing, were.

Mohima lives in an (a) —– family. She (b) —– a first year college student. Her annual exams are knocking (c) —– the door. So, she (d) —– to study a lot. But conditions in her family are not suitable (e) —– her study. As the family in which she lives is an extended family, she does not (f) —– a room of her own. She is to (g) —– her room with her younger brother and sisters and at time with her cousin. Besides being an extended family, there is so much noise and confusions (h) —– it. Under there adverse situations, she can hardly concentrate (i) —– her studies. Now she wishes she (j) —– in a nuclear family.

5. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words in each gap :

About 70 years ago, tourism was not a much used word (a) —– it is now. Today many people (b) —–holidays as a part of life. Consequently holiday making has become a major (c) —–. It has created a considerable (d) —– of jobs. Leisure time has increased for modern people due to (e) —– advancement. The (f) —– technology has brought greater opportunities for (g) —– travel. Previously travel in remote countries were considered a (h) —–. But today cheap holiday packages have made travel anywhere within our (i) —–. Thus the foreign visitors (j) —– employment for local population.

6. Rearrange the following sentences to make a coherent order:

(a) He donated the thief some money to start a business.
(b) The box was full of gold and money.
(c) A thief entered his house at night.
(d) The man said, “Sir. I am very poor. So, I have no food in my house.”
(e) He was well-known for his kindness.
(f) Hazi Muhammad Mohsin took him to another room and opened a box.
(g) Hazi Muhammad Mohsin was a very kind hearted man.
(h) He woke up and caught hold of the thief.
(i) He helped the poor and helpless people with food and clothes.
(j) He took pity on the poor.

Part II—Guided Writing (Marks—40)

7. The graph below shows the number of people living below the poverty line from 2005-2020. Describe the graph:

8. The following is the beginning of a story. Complete it in your word:

Once a crow was sitting on the branch of a tree. It had a piece of meat in its beak. Suddenly a fox came there ……….

9. Write a letter to your friend telling him how you spent the summer vacation.

7. Jessore Board 2025

English 1st paper

Part I—Reading (Marks—60)

1. Read the following text and answer the questions in A and B:

A Plate of hot French fries and a huge burger with hot cheese oozing out of it, with a carbonated drink; looks like a treat! This calorie-rich junk food does look mouth-watering but is known to be nutritionally poor. Junk food or fast food has become an increasingly popular food choice. Ideally, junk foods are defined as processed foods with negligible nutrient value and are often high in salt, sugar and fat. But we often confuse fast foods with junk foods. How are they different? Or what is junk food really?

Junk foods are processed foods consisting of high colories, but that is considered only as a broad umbrella. These foods are prepared in a way that they look appealing and are enjoyable so you are chemically programmed to ask for more. According to Dr. Sunali Sharma, a dietician and nutritionist, “Commercial products including salted snack foods, chewing gum, candy, sugary desserts, fried fast food and sweetened carbonated beverages that have little or no nutritional value but are high in calories, salt and fats may be considered junk foods. Though not all fast foods are junk foods, a great number of them are. For instance, a salad may be fast food, but is definitely not junk food. Some foods like burgers, pizzas and tacos may alternate between junk and healthy categories depending on the ingredients, calories and process of manufacturing.

Fragment consumption of junk food increases the intake of excess fat, simple carbohydrates and processed sugar which may lead to a higher risk of obesity and cardiovascular diseases among other chronic health problems. The resulting obesity may begin clogging up the arteries and lay the basis of an impending heart attack. It has also been suggested that eating junk food affects the brain in the same way as consuming addictive drugs. An addiction to junk food may even result in the rejection of healthier food options like fruits, vegetables, salads etc, leading to further lack of nourishment.

A. Choose the correct answer from the following alternatives.

(a) The word ‘appealing’ mentioned in the passage means— .
(i) charming (ii) shocking (iii) hopeless (iv) disgusting

(b) The phrase ‘Clogging up’ refers to— .
(i) entering (ii) going (iii) crumble (iv) blocking

 (c) “An addiction to junk food may even result in the rejection of healthier food”— Here the word ‘rejection’ means—
(i) approval (ii) refusal (iii) acceptance (iv) choice

(d) What is the synonym of the word ‘nutrient’?
(i) unhealthy (ii) nourishing (iii) decline (iv) calorie

(e) ‘Cardiovascular diseases’ is related to our—.
(i) heart (ii) muscle (iii) neuron (iv) bone

(f) The purpose of the use of cheese is to—.
(i) make the burger tasty (ii) see the burger lucrative (iii) make the burger spicy (iv) make the burger hot

 (g) Which of the following is not a junk food?
(i) burger (ii) chewing gum (iii) candy (iv) salad

(h) Which of the following is not true about junk food?
(i) It is full of high calories (ii) It involves the risk of heart failure (iii) People may become fat eating junk food (iv) It has high nutrient value

(i) The word ‘enjoyable’ is a/an— .
(i) pronoun (ii) adjective (iii) adverb (iv) preposition

(j) What does ooze out of a huge burger?
(i) cheese (ii) sauce (iii) salt (iv) oil

B. Answer the following questions:

(a) What do you mean by junk food?
(b) Why has eating junk food been compared to consuming addictive drugs?
(c) What are the common ingredients of junk foods?
(d) Why does one want to eat junk foods more?
(e) Why is junk food ban for health?

2. Read the passage and make a flow chart showing the functions of education. (No. 1 has been done for you):

Education gives us knowledge and a set of abilities to function meaningfully in life, such as the ability to decide things rationally and make the right choices. As we learn how to read, write and do the basic operations of arithmetic, we gain a degree of self-confidence. We learn to think for ourselves and articulate our thoughts, we pick up skills to communicate with others and manage our affairs as well. Education helps us think independently and make our own opinions. As we know more about the world, we appreciate the good things it offers us but also become critical of the deviations from the values it imparts and the rise of hatred or conflict that follows.

The first thing education does is to give us an awareness about ourselves which leads to the development of our personality. As we begin school, we feel the need to belong to the class and make friends. We then expand our sense of belonging to include the school at large, our community and finally our country. Education thus prepares every child to become an active member of the community and work for its welfare.
1. Ability to decide things rationally → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6

3. Summarize the following text:

Relationships are of different kinds. Some are familial and intimate, formed by blood and by marriage, some are social like the ones we have with friends and some are made in school where we form close bonds with classmates and teachers. Relationships can also be fostered in workplace, which may quickly change from professional to social. There are relationships also between human beings and animals, between children and their toys that they cannot part with.
All these relationships keep us close to each other and provide us all kinds of support, love and affection. A person who has no family feels the pains of loneliness and isolation. There is no one to laugh or cry with him/her. When we share our joy with someone, it simply redoubles, and when we suffer a loss and someone shares our sorrow, it lessens. Relationships are thus needed for our emotional health.

4. Fill in the blanks with suitable words from the box. There are more words than needed. Make any grammatical change if necessary:
warmth, cut, rise, anticipation, habitats, increase, reckless, severe, imperative, extinct, catastrophe, raise.

The destruction of forests and other (a) —– is causing the (b) —– of various plants and animals everyday. In the last 25 years alone the world has lost one-third of its natural wealth. Forests are being (c) —– down. Moreover, they are being burnt (d) —– resulting in an (e) —– in carbon dioxide and ultimately the water level (f) —– as a consequence of global (g) —–. It is (h) —– that the new century will face an over whelming environmental (i) —– . It is therefore (j) —– to check the reckless pollution of the environment.

5. Fill in the blanks with an appropriate word in each gap:

From the moment we are born, we cannot (a) —– alone. We are always in (b) —– assistance of (c) —– others around us. We need clothes, which others (d) —– houses, which others (e) —– and food, which others (f) —– . We have to earn our livelihood by (g) —– for others, while they get their livelihood by working for us. As children, we need our parents to be our comforters, and take (h) —– of us in body and (i) —– As we grow up, we need the care of others, we cannot exist a day (j) —– our fellowmen.

6. The following sentences are jumbled. Rearrange them in proper sequence:

(i) And that person was his loving mother.
(ii) His father got angry for this kind of activity.
(iii) Because he always asked, “Why, why, why.” (iv) The boy often undertook some risky adventures.
(v) He was Thomas Alva Edison.
(vi) But there was only one person who did never feel annoyeda with the boy.
(vii) For example, once the boy set his father’s barn of fire only to see how it could burn.
(viii) Do you know who this boy was?
(ix) Sometimes it was difficult to satisfy him with answer.
(x) A young boy of six or seven became the subject of talk in a village.

Part II—Guided Writing (Marks—40)

7. The graph below shows an increase in the number of overseas students at the universities which usually takes place over a period of time. Describe the graph in 150 wrods.

8. The following is the beginning of a story. Complete it in your own words:

Shimul was a schoolgirl, whose parents were landless. They were unable to bear her educational expenses. But Shimul was determined………………………….

9. Suppose, you are Zaman living in Dhaka. You have a penfriend who lives in Australia. Now, write a letter to your friend describing the foods and food habits in Bangladesh.

8. Barishal Board 2025

English 1st paper

Part I—Reading (Marks—60)

1. Read the passage and answer the questions A and B:

Dreams have fascinated philosophers for thousands of years, but only recently have dreams been subjected to empirical research and scientific study. Chances are that you’ve often found yourself puzzling over the content of a dream, or perhaps you’ve wondered why you dream at all.

First, let’s start by answering a basic question: What is a dream? A dream cantinclude any of the images, thoughts and emotions that are experienced during sleep Dreams can be extraordinarily vivid or very vague: filled with joyful emotions or frightening images; focused and understandable or unclear and confusing.

Why do we dream? What purpose do dreams serve? While many theories have been proposed about the reason and function of dreams, no consensus has emerged. Considering the time we spend in a dreaming state, the fact that researchers do not yet understand the purpose of dreams may seem baffling. However it is important to consider that science is still unravelling the exact purpose and function of sleep itself Some researchers suggest that dreams serve no real purpose, while others believe that dreaming is essential to mental, emotional and physical well-being.

Next, let’s learn more about some of the most prominent dream theories. Consistent with the psychoanalytic perspective, (Sigmund Freud’s theory of dreams suggests that dreams are a representation of subconscious desires, thoughts and motivations According to Freud, people are driven by aggressive and sexual instincts that are repressed from conscious awareness. While these thoughts are not consciously expressed, they find their way into our awareness via dreams. In his famous book ‘The Interpretation of Dreams’ (1899), Freud wrote that dreams are “…………. disguised fulfillments of repressed wishes.”

A. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives:

(a) “The Interpretation of Dreams” is a—
(i) biological book (ii) theoretical book (iii) detective book (iv) gothic book

(b) Dreams can be—
(i) understable (ii) puzzling (iii) vivid (iv) all the three

 (c) What does ‘baffling’ mean?
(i) clear (ii) transparent (iii) confusing (iv) surprising

(d) The word ‘cognitive’ is related to—
(i) feeling (ii) watching (iii) mental process (iv) activity

(e) According to Sigmund Freud,—
(i) dreams are a representation of conscious desires (ii) our unexpressed thoughts find their ways through dream
(iii) dreams are undisguised fulfillment of repressed wishes (iv) all the above

(f) What does ‘clutter’ mean?
(i) clear (ii) order (iii) tidiness (iv) mess

 (g) What does the word ‘disguised’ mean in the passage?
(i) hidden (ii) real (iii) genuine (iv) fake

(h) ‘Puzzling over the content of a dream’— what does it imply?
(i) thinking deeply about the subject of dream (ii) thinking deeply about the condition of dream
(iii) thinking deeply about the satisfaction of dream (iv) thinking lightly about the subject of dream

(i) Sigmund Freud was a—
(i) physicist (ii) neurotic (iii) psychologist (iv) palmist

(j) We may often find ourselves— during dream.
(i) perplexed (ii) sorry (iii) sa (iv) sadness

B. Answer the following questions:

(a) What is the theory of Sigmund Freud about dream?
(b) How much has science been successful in explaining things?
(c) What are the benefits of dreams?
(d) What does the expression ‘disguised fulfillments of repressed wishes’ mean?
(e) Define dream in your own language.

2. Read the following text and make a flow chart showing information about civic engagement. (one has been done for you)

In civic engagement, issues of public concern are crucial. Civic engagement includes individual or group activities to protect public interests and change the way the community values itself. For example, if you are protesting against any unjust decision of the local municipality such as raising taxes or an act that might work against people’s interest, you are civically engaged and your action is considered a civic engagement. This protest can be done in different ways such as organizing rallies, collecting signatures, making human chains, writing petitions, etc. You can also help control traffic in front of a school, help children to cross the roads, work in a team to clean a park or a sea beach. You can also give some services to elderly people. These are all examples of civic engagement as what you do directly affects the community:
1. To help children-to cross the road → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6

3. Summarize the following text:

In a traditional society like ours, little boys and girls are given separate sets of toys. While toys for boys include cars, guns or footballs, girls have to be satisfied with dolls often Barbie dolls and doll-houses or miniature cooking utensils The underlying assumption is that boys are active and full of vigour, but girls are naive and lack the intelligence or energy to match their male counterparts. This false assumption has been shattered plenty of times in the recent decades as girls began to show their power and women began competing with men in almost all areas of life It has been conclusively proved wrong most recently by the girls of Kalsindur, a village in a remote area in Dhobaura Upazila in Mymensing district. The villagers are mostly low-income but hardworking people. Even a few years ago, there was no electricity in the village. But some girls have illuminated the village both literally and metaphorically with their belief in themselves and their skill in the game of football. The village has emerged now as a footballer factory and a symbol of girl power. And in recognition of their success, the village was provided electricity by the governmen

4. Fill in the blanks with the suitable word from the box. There are more words than needed. Make any grammatical change if necessary:

gentleperson, appreciate, propere, realize, offended, keep up, accepted, are, behave, manners, named, virtue, accepted.

I know sometimes (a) —– and etiquette seem arbitrary. But at the end of the day, these guidelines (b) —– established as a universal set of (c) —– behaviour so that we can all (d) —– civily around each other. Not everyone is going to be (e) —– if you don’t follow these guidelines. But once you learn these basic table manners, you (f) —– that they’re not difficult to (g) —– So why not practice (h) —– dining etiquette? It certainly isn’t hard to try, and many people will (i) —– that you are conscientious enough to behave like a proper (j) —– all table.

5. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words in each gap:

Modern civilization is the (a) —– of science. Science has worked (b) —– a magician in the world. We can’t do even a (c) —– day without the help of science. Many quick means (d) —– communication like telephone, telex, fax, telegram, satellite etc are (e) —– greatest wonders of science. Nowadays a message can be sent from one corner of the world to another in the twinkle of (f) —– eye. Science has brought a revolutionary (g) —– in all fields. In the field of medical science (h) —– has got eyes, lame has got legs, deaf has got hearing power. (i) —– diseases which were incurable in the past are now easily (j) —–.

6. The following sentences are jumbled. Rearrange them in proper sequence:

(i) All the servants were called and interrogated.
(ii) In order to find out the thief, the judge chalked out an intelligent plan.
(iii) Once a gold necklace was lost from a rich man’s house.
(iv) The servants were summoned to the court but they denied having stolen the necklace.
(v) When the servants came to the court the next day, the thief had already cut off an inch of his stick.
(vi) But nobody confessed their guilt.
(vii) So, the owner of the house lodged a complaint in the court.
viii) The judge found one of the sticks shorter than the others and in this way he could easily catch the thief.
(ix) Naturally, it was suspected that one of the servants had stolen the necklace.
(x) He gave each of the suspects a stick of equal length and said that one of the sticks would increase by an inch the next day.

Part II—Writing (Marks—40)

7. The pie chart below shows the time allocation of a student’s daily activities. Describe the chart in 150 words. You should highlight and summarize the information in the chart.

8. The following is the beginning of a story. Complete it in your own words:

There was a naughty cowboy who grazed his cows beside a forest. He used to make fun with people crying Tiger! Tiger! …………

9. Suppose, you have received a birthday gift from your friend. Now, write a letter to your friend thanking him/her for the birthday gift.

9. Sylhet Board 2025

ENGLISH FIRST PAPER

Subject Code: 107

Time-3 hours

Full marks-100

(N.B. The figures in the right margin indicate full marks.J

Part 1-Reading

Marks-60

1. Read the passage and answer the questions A and B:

The famous Greek philosopher Aristotle said, “Man is by nature a social animal.” What he meant was that man, by instinct, seeks company of others and establishes relationships much like most animals of the wild, for companionship and for physical and emotional support. Unlike the animals, however, man’s relationships give meaning to his existence and inspires him to do well in education, in workplace or in a profession that he pursues. Relationships are of different kinds. Some are familial and intimate, formed by blood and by markiage, some are social like the ones we have with friends and some are made in school where we form close bonds with classmates and teachers. Relationships can also be fostered in work place, which may quickly change from professional to social. There are relationships also between human beings and animals, between children and their toys that they cannot part with.

All these relationships keep us close to each other and provide us all kinds of support, love and affection. A person who has no family feels the pain of loneliness and isolation. There is no one to laugh or cry with him/her. When we share our joy with someone, it simply redoubles and when we suffer a loss and someone shares our sorrow, it lessens. Relationships are thus needed for our emotional health.

To build relationships, we need to have trust and respect for each other, and love where this is needed. We cannot be selfish and possessive if we want to establish an effective relationship. But quite often we see people quarreling and fighting with each other which only brings misery and loss to all.

A. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives:

(a) The word ‘seek’ mentioned in the passage means-.

(i) achieve (ii) find (iii) pursue (iv) obtain

(b) The wild animals also need-

(i) accommodation (ii) food (iii) job (iv)  company

(c) The synonym of ‘inspire’ is.

(i) love (ii) expire (iii) encourage (iv) entertain

(d) What is the noun form of ‘intimate’ mentioned in the passage?

(i) intimation (ii) intimacy (iii) intimately (iv) intimater

(e) What does a man pursue?

(i) Society (ii) Establishment (iii) Relationship (iv) Knowledge

(f) The word ‘professional’ mentioned in the passage is a/an.

(i) adjective (ii) adverb (iii) noun (iv) verb

(g) Trust and respect’ are the pre-conditions of.

(i) Relationship (ii) education (iii) happiness (iv) society

(h) The word ‘misery’ can be replaced by-.

(i) pleasure (ii) suffering (iii) violence (iv) impulse

(i) A philosopher is a person who.

(i) predicis something (ii) criticises something (iii) researches deeply (iv) think deeply

(j) Relationship keeps us in -.

(i) inimical touch (ii) social touch (ii) intimate touch (iv) familial touch

B. Answer the following questions: 3×5

(a) Differentiate man’s relationships from those of other animals.

(b) “Man is by nature a social animal.” Explain.

(c) Describe the importance of relationship.

(d) What happens to a person who has no family?

(e) Name different types of relationships.

2. Read the following text and make a flow chart showing the function of education. (One is done for you):

Education gives us knowledge and a set of abilities to function meaningfully in life, such as the ability to decide things rationally and make the right choices. As we learn how to read, write and do the basic operations of arithmetic, we gain a degree of self-confidence. We learn to think for ourselves and articulate our thoughts; we pick up skills to communicate with others and manage our affairs well.

Education help us think independently and make our own opiniens As we know more about the world, we appreciate good things it offers us but also become critical of the deviations from the values it imparts and the rise of hatred or conflict that follows.

The first thing education does is to give us an awareness about ourselves which leads to the development of our personality. As we begin school, we feel the need to belong to the class and make friends. We then expand our sense of belonging to include the school at large, our community and finally our country. Education thus prepares every child to become an active member of the community and work for its welfare.

1. Giving us knowledge2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

3. Write a summary of the following poem:

Hold fast to dreams

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird

That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams

For when dreams go

Life is a barren field

Frozen with snow.

4.  Read the following text and fill in the blanks with suitable words from the box. There are more words than needed. Make any grammatical change if necessary: 0-5×10-5

Television has (a) — the most common and widespread (b) — of entertainment of the present world. A wide range of programmes of (c) — interest is telecast on (d) — channels. Almost every middle class and (e) — working class families have a television set today. Television programmes are not only (f) — but also highly educative. For example, television is used for (g) — learning. Courses (h) — by the Open University are (i) — on BTV. Several channels like the Discovery and the National Geographic channels telecast highly (j) — programmes.Answer

5. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words: 1 * 10 = 10

Modern life (a) — much on transport. We can very well (b) — how important transport is when it is (c) — by natural calamities or during socio-political crises. In fact, transport has made it (d) — for us to reach places previously (e) —. It has (f) — helped the flourish of trade and commerce and to (g) — new knowledge and ideas. (h) — transport has (i) — friendship and understanding among nations and people (j) — the globe.

6. Rearrange the following sentences to make a coherent order: 1 * 10 = 10

(a) He showed it to his wife.

(b) The lands yielded him some crops.

(c) However, he picked it up and carried it home.

(d) With that he supported his family.

(e) One day he was walking through the fields.

While walking he came across a purse of gold.

(g) He had a few acres of land.

(h) There lived a farmer in a village.

(i) He thought that it might have been dropped by a passer-by.

(j) He was thinking how he could add to his income.

Part 2-Guided Writing

Marks-40

7. The graph below shows “The number of people living below the poverty line from 1995 to 2010.” Describe the graph highlighting the information given in the graph. 15

THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE LIVING BELOW THE POVERTY LINE (%) 15

8. The following is the beginning of a story. Complete it in your own words: Rini was a student of class eight. Her parents Could not afford to pay for her schooling. But she was determined to continue her study at any cost. So, she…..

9. Suppose, your friend has borrowed one of your important books. Your test examination is knocking at the door. So, you need the book badly. Now write a letter to your friend asking him to return the book. 10

10. Dhaka Board 2025

ENGLISH SECOND PAPER

[According to the Syllabus of 2025]

Time—3 hours
Full marks—100

[N.B. The figures in the right margin indicate full marks.]

Part A—Grammar

Marks—60

1. Complete the text with suitable prepositions:
Charity is a noble virtue. A person should be endowed (a) ______ this virtue. It makes people think favourably (b) ______ their fellowmen and do them good. It is also the cheerful giving of one’s possession to someone (c) ______ need. This quality brings happiness (d) ______ earth and strengthens the ties of relationship (e) ______ men. It should not be measured (f) ______ terms of money. Rather, it should be measured (g) ______ the sacrifice that one makes. In fact, it is a form (h) ______ self-sacrifice (i) ______ which our society cannot progress. So, everybody should practise this habit (j) ______ childhood.

2. Complete the sentences with suitable words/phrases from the box:

 (a) You ______ not touch the crocodile. It may be dangerous.
(b) She has never boiled an egg, ______ prepared an entire meal.
(c) It is raining outside. He will go to the shop’s ______ the rain stops.
(d) I don’t need a lift. I ______ walk.
(e) They ______ solve these problems soon or the project will fail.
(f) The house was dirty, ______ was John who cleaned the house.
(g) ______ goes a proverb that morning shows the day.
(h) ______ an alligator ______? I have never seen it.
(i) He ______ of German parents. In fact, he lived most of his life abroad.
(j) ______ the journey ______? It was very enjoyable to me.

3. Complete the sentences with suitable clauses/phrases:
(a) Whenever I go to visit the factory, I ______. He must account for his absence.
(b) You are now sick. Call me in case ______.
(c) She confessed that ______. So he pardoned her.
(d) It was very cold. They had to put on warm clothes so that ______.
(e) The market is not far away from here. It will take them ten minutes ______.
(f) The man tried heart and soul to get the job but could not. Had he got the job, ______.
(g) Though we were thirsty ______, The water of the bottle was not pure.
(h) They had to postpone their journey because of ______.
(i) Man is a social being. So, he cannot always do whatever ______.
(j) United we stand, ______.

4. Fill in the gaps with correct verb forms:
In this world truth (a) ______ (reign) over falsehood. Those who are always in the habit of (b) ______ (speak) the truth (c) ______ (respect), everywhere. But those who are involved in telling lies (d) ______ (shine) in life. That is why, we see that many great men in the history used to (e) ______ (preach) truth among their countrymen. (f) ______ (be) truthful is essential for our society. It (g) ______ (hold) the highest value in (h) ______ (make) our society better. This quality (i) ______ (consider) as one of the essential factors that empower us from within. A truthful man is a (j) ______ (trust) person. And this trust (k) ______ (build) confidence in us. Confidence makes us (l) ______ (feel) better. When we start (m) ______ (get) comfortable with speaking the truth, we will begin to prosper. So, we should try hard (n) ______ (stay) away from the lies.

5. Change the narrative style using indirect speech:
“Where are you going?” said the merchant. “I was coming to see you.” “What do you want?” “To earn my bread by the labour of my hands.” “Do you really want work?” said the merchant. “Yes, if you have any.” “Then follow me and carry a box from a shop to my house.” “I do not see how I can do that,” said the youth.

6. Use modifiers as directed:
The necessity of learning English is the demand of today’s world. But many people in (a) —— (Pre-modify the noun with a possessive) country do not realize it. As we are living in a (b) —— (Pre-modify the noun with an adjective) village, it has become essential (c) —— (Post-modify the adjective with an infinitive phrase). So, if we know English (d) —— (Post-modify the verb with an adverb), we can communicate with people all over the world. Surely, English has become an important element of our (e) —— (Use an adjective to pre-modify the noun) development. This language ensures an (f) —— (Use an adjective to pre-modify the noun) access to all the information in the world computers. (g) —— (Use a participle phrase to pre-modify the clause), we can progress personally and professionally. If we fail to have a good command over the language, we will lag behind (h) —— (Post-modify the verb using an adverbial). With (i) —— (Use a demonstrative to pre-modify the noun) language, we can get access to art, literature and culture from various countries. So, it is clear that English is (j) —— (Use an adverb to pre-modify the verb) spoken all over the world.

Use appropriate sentence connectors:
A thing of beauty is a joy forever. (a) ——, a flower is a symbol of beauty and purity. (b) —— flower cultivation was rare in our country. (c) —— the scenario has been changed. (d) —— people cultivate flowers not only for enjoying their beauty but also for earning money. (e) ——, in big cities and towns, many flower shops have flourished and different types of flowers are sold there. (f) ——, the demand of flowers is increasing day by day. (g) ——, they are of great use to us. (h) —— flowers play an important role in making our mood cheerful and happy. (i) ——, they are used for decorating homes. (j) ——, flowers are regarded as a symbol of mourning and tribute to someone. (k) ——, in many popular and social events, flowers are needed for some or spot decoration. (l) ——, we express our love and affection towards anyone with flowers. (m) ——, flowers are a great source of honey, perfume, medicine and even food. (n) ——, the use of flowers in our daily life has become wide in different ways.

Answer: (a) In fact (b) Once (c) But (d) At present (e) In addition (f) Consequently (g) So (h) Indeed (i) Firstly (j) Secondly (k) Thirdly (l) Fourthly (m) Finally (n) Thus

8.Write synonyms/antonyms:
There can be no progress without efforts. Life loses its interest if there is no struggle. For example, games become dull if there is no competition in them and if the result is easily foreseen. No matter we win the game or lose it. The sooner the contest, the greater the enjoyment. A victory is not a real triumph unless both the sides are equally matched. Whether we like it or not, life is a continuous competitive examination.

(a) progress (synonym) (b) efforts (synonym) (c) interest (synonym) (d) struggle (antonym) (e) dull (antonym) (f) competition (synonym) (g) easily (antonym) (h) win (antonym) (i) enjoyment (synonym) (j) victory (antonym) (k) real (synonym) (l) equally (antonym) (m) like (synonym) (n) continuous (antonym)

Answer: (a) advancement (b) attempts (c) eagerness (d) ease (e) lively (f) contest (g) difficultly (h) lose (i) pleasure (j) defeat (k) genuine (l) unequally (m) prefer (n) discontinuous

9. Correct punctuation and capitalization:
Kamal : Where your pen?
Rony : It’s gone.
Kamal : Gone.
Rony : Yes,it was on the desk a few minutes ago. Now there in no sign of it.
Kamal : I left it on the desk.
Rony : Its my favourite pen. What can I do
Kamal : Legs complain to the Principal.
Rony : For what
Kamal : For your pen.
Rony : Youre mad, I’ll complain to the Principal for a pen.

Part B—Composition

Marks—40

10. Suppose you are a student of a college in Dhaka. Many outsiders disturb the students in your college campus during class hours. Now, on behalf of the students, write an application to your Principal for taking measures against the outsiders. (10 Marks)

11. Write a paragraph on “The Importance of Moral Values” within 200 words. (15 Marks)

12. Write a paragraph on “Frequent Road Accidents—Its Causes and Effects in Bangladesh” within 200 words. (15 Marks)

11. Cumilla Board 2025

ENGLISH II SECOND PAPER [According to the Syllabus of 2025]

Time— 3 hours Full marks— 100 [N.B. The figures in the right margin indicate full marks.]

Part A—Grammar Marks—60

1. Fill in the gaps with appropriate preposition: 0.5×10=5

Love for motherland is inherent (a) ___ man. A man who is devoid (b) ___ love for his motherland is not a true patriot. A genuine patriot loves his motherland (c) ___ the core of his heart. He dedicates his whole life (d) ___ the service of his own country. He is prepared to lay (e) ___ his life for the greatest interest of his motherland. Our freedom fighters are the proud sons of our country. They took pride (f) ___ fighting for the country (g) ___ our enemy. They never retreated (h) ___ the battle field rather swooped (i) ___ the enemy valiantly. Their sacrifice will end (j) ___ vain if we fail to build our own country.

Answer: (a) in (b) of (c) from (d) to (e) down (f) in (g) against (h) from (i) on/upon (j) in

2. Complete the sentences with suitable phrases/words given in the box. 0.5×10=5

(a) Rifat is suffering from tooth-ache. He — see a dentist.

(b) Rima — in Indonesia and raised in America and now she has a dual citizenship.

(c) The game is delayed due to rain. It will resume — the rain stops.

(d) In modern times, — has been a great change in the attitude of man regarding superstitious belief.

(e) You look very anxious. And you cannot continue your study any longer. You — take rest.

(f) I like typing, I — use the key-board than write with a pen.

(g) We aren’t being able to save the trees — our forest.

(h) — mother’s love — ? It is incomparable.

(i) — is unfortunate that many students spoil their time by using facebook.

(j) — the frozen mountain peak — ? It looks like a white dome.

3. Complete the sentences using suitable clauses/phrases. Marks 1×10=10

(a) Your H.S.C Examination is knocking at the door. You have to study intensely so that —

(b) Time flies very fast. Five years have passed since —

(c) I got a scholarship when — Everybody was happy.

(d) I was very busy with my examination. If I — , I would have joined your birthday celebration.

(e) A village market is a place where — This place is full of hue and cry.

(f) Their salary is so high. The government should assist him lest —

(g) Early rising gives a man enough free time. Had I been an early riser, —

(h) There is nobody — Hence happiness is a relative term.

(i) I worked hard although —

(j) The crown is a symbol of a king. Uneasy lies the head —

4. Read the text and fill in the gaps with the correct form of verbs as per subject and context. 0.5×14=7

A teacher (a) — (compare) with an architect. Teachers (b) — (Gull) the architects of a nation. They (c) — (play) an important role in order to build a nation. They are used (d) — (mold) the illiterate people worthily. Citizens that the teachers (e) — (hold) in high respect in our country. They are habituated to (f) — (keep) a humble life in the midst of want. Still they (g) — (weep) the light of education (h) — (burn) with a view to (i) — (remove) the darkness of illiteracy. It is high time we (j) — (change) our outlook towards the teachers. A man developed countries, teachers (k) — (give) high respect. A most important truth, which we are apt (l) — (forget), is that a teacher can never truly teach unless he is still (m) — (learn) himself. A lamp can never light another lamp unless it (n) — (continue) to burn its own flame. Tagore said

5. Change the narrative style by using indirect speeches: 7

“What kind of stories did Aesop tell?” asked Anwar. “Fables”, replied Mrs. Amin. “Do you know what fables are? No” replied Anwar. “Well,” said Mrs. Amin, “fables are stories with a message or a moral.” “Who is Aesop and where does he live?” asked Anwar. “Aesop entertained people telling stories,” said Mrs. Amin.

6. Read the following text and use modifiers as directed in the blank spaces:

Long ago there lived (a) — (use article to pre-modify the noun) merchant. He used to deal in salt. He had a donkey to carry the load. He used to sell (b) — (Use possessive to pre-modify the noun) salt loaded on the donkey. He had to cross a stream (c) — (Use an infinitive) to other village. Once his donkey fell (d) — (post modify the verb with prepositional phrase) and (e) — (Use quantifier to pre-modify the noun) of the salt was dissolved in water. The donkey (f) — (Use an adverb to pre- modify the verb) crossed the stream due to the light weight of salt (g) — (post modify the verb with prepositional phrase). The donkey was happy. The merchant next day loaded the donkey with a lot of cotton. The donkey once again repeated the (h) — (Use adjective to pre-modify the noun) trick. He fell into the stream (i) — (Use a demonstrative to pre-modify the noun) time his load became very heavy. The donkey carried the heavy load. It was very tiring for him to move on. The donkey now realized his mistake. He stopped falling down into (j) — (Use determiner to pre-modify the noun) stream. The merchant had taught the donkey a good lesson.

7. Use appropriate sentence connectors in the blank spaces of the following passage: 0.5×14=7

Unemployment is a great curse. (a) — all the countries of the world suffer from the curse. (b) — nowhere in the world this problem is so acute as in our country. (c) — there are many reasons behind it. (d) — our country is industrially backward. (e) — our traditional education system is not service-oriented. (f) — our students and youths have false sense of dignity. (g) — they run after job only, (h) — unemployment problem should be removed at any cost. (i) — we want to remove it truly. Our education system should be changed. (j) — more mills and factories should be established. (k) — the educated youth should change their attitude to life. (l) — they can work in agriculture field, cultivate fish, grow vegetables etc. (m) — they can start small business. (n) — self employment is a possible solution to this great problem.

Answer: (a) At present/Now/In fact (b) But/Truly speaking (c) Obviously/However/Surely (d) Firstly (e) Secondly (f) Thirdly (g) So/ therefore (h) Hence (i) In fact/ Indeed (j) Additionally (k) Moreover (l) Besides (m) On top of that/ Also (n) Therefore

8. Read the passage and write the antonym or synonym of the words as directed below: 0.5×14=7

Sincerity is the root of success of all work. One can go a long way if he does a job with sincerity. The great men are sincere because they know that sincerity is the key to success. Those who do not follow the rules of sincerity can never go a long way. Sincerity is the secret of victory. If any work is not done with sincerity, one will never receive desiring output from it. So, we should be sincere in every walk of life.

(a) Sincerity (antonym) (b) success (antonym) (c) job (synonym) (d) great (antonym) (e) because (synonym) (f) know (synonym) (g) key (synonym) (h) follow (antonym) (i) rules (synonym) (j) never (antonym) (k) long (antonym) (l) victory (synonym) (m) desirable (antonym) (n) output (synonym)

Answer: (a) Insincerity (b) failure (c) work/task (d) ordinary/small (e) as/since (f) realize/learn/apprehend (g) way/tool (h) disobey/ignore (i) laws/codes (j) always (k) short/brief (l) triumph (m) undesirable (n) result/outcome

9. There are fourteen errors in the use of punctuation marks in the following text. Re-write the text correcting the errors and make capitalization if necessary: 0.5×14=7

Son : Have you finished your cooking mother My time is up if I do not start now I will be again late today.

Mother : I will need only ten minutes more by this time you dress up yourself.

Son : I have already done it now I am waiting for food.

Mother : I am coming my child dont worry I will give you a drop if necessary.

Son : In that case, I have no problem to wait. Please ask your driver to make the car ready.

Mother : Ok. No problem, I myself will drop you at your college.

Son : Thats like a good mother.

Part B – Composition Marks—40

10. Imagine you are Rifat, a student of ABC college. Now, write an application to your Principal to establish a debating club. 10

11. Write a paragraph within 200 words describing the “Importance of Tree Plantation”. 15

12. Write a paragraph on “The Causes and Effects of Road Accident” within 200 words. 15

12. Barishal Board 2025

ENGLISH SECOND PAPER

Time—3 hours Full marks—100 [N.B. The figures in the right margin indicate full marks.]

Part A—Grammar Marks—60

1. Fill in the gaps with appropriate prepositions: Marks 0.5×10=5

Man is the best creation (a) — Almighty. Actually, he is the most intelligent living being (b) — earth. That is why, man is regarded (c) — a rational animal. But man becomes the worst animal when he is devoid (d) — sense and rationality. Man is endowed (e) — such qualities as are denied (f) — other animals. So, to build (g) — civilization and to beautify the earth is possible only (h) — man (i) — his thinking power, hard work and inventions. However, man is also responsible (j) — mass destruction of human civilization.

Answer: (a) of (b) on (c) as (d) of (e) with (f) from (g) up (h) for (i) with (j) for

2. Complete the sentences with suitable phrases/words given in the box. 0.5×10=5

(a) The man is still alive. We — hospitalize him soon to save his life.

(b) — is only early in the morning when we get fresh air.

(c) My cousin — in Singapore and raised in America. Now he has a dual citizenship.

(d) You — start your journey at this moment. The river is calm now and the weather is also good.

(e) Kamrul: — the university admission test —? Aris: It’s not easy. It’s really hard and competitive.

(f) My father is very rigid. He can’t tolerate any type of corruption. He — resign the post than compromise with corruption.

(g) This is a swimming pool. So, we — go fish here.

(h) Teacher: Learners! — the national flowers of Bangladesh—? Students: It looks a bit like the lotus.

(i) His mentality is so mean. He doesn’t deserve to be my enemy. — my friend.

(j) Mr. Arif took a loan from a bank before starting the business. He repaid the loan — he made some profit from the business.

3. Complete the sentences using suitable clauses/phrases. Marks 1×10=10

(a) Everyone appreciates Mim for her intelligence. She is so intelligent that —

(b) His only daughter lives in Canada. It is many years since —

(c) To tell a lie is a bad habit. The cowboy was used to —

(d) Don’t waste time. Do hurry lest —

(e) I have bought a lottery ticket. If I win the lottery, —

(f) There goes a proverb that — So, we must make the proper use of time.

(g) It’s my dream to establish a hospital for the poor. Had I been a millionaire, —

(h) Eve-teasing is a heinous crime. It is high time we —

(i) My brother had no job then. He went to Dhaka with a view to—

(j) English is an international language. If you do not learn English, —

4. Read the text and fill in the gaps with the correct form of verbs as per subject and context. 0.5×14=7

In the current social and economic system of Bangladesh, everyone (a) — (depend) on his income in order to (b) — (meet) the daily needs. However, most people of our country (c) — (not earn) enough to live comfortably. People of low income are to (d) — (struggle) a lot to buy food, clothes and medicines because prices of everything (e) — (rise) high day by day. Generally, people in rural areas (f) — (feel) the pressure even more as they earn less. In fact, they (g) — (have) fewer opportunities to improve their financial condition. When prices up, many families (h) — (not buy) enough healthy food and this causes malnourishment of the children. Sometimes they cannot help (i) — (borrow) money, which (j) — (lead) to debt. High prices also (k) — (affect) their children’s education. Many a student (l) — (drop) out of school as their parents cannot afford to (m) — (bear) their educational expenses. But for the true development of our country, proper education must be (n) — (ensure) at any cost.

5. Change the narrative style by using indirect speeches: 7

After telling the story of a sinking ship, the teacher asked the students, “What do you think the drowning woman told to her husband?” According to most of the students, the woman said, “Please save my life.” From the back a boy said, “I believe, she would have said— ‘take care of our child’.” Being surprised the teacher asked him, “Have you heard the story before?” “No, sir, actually these were also my mom’s last words to my dad before she died from a serious disease.”

6. Read the following text and use modifiers as directed in the blank spaces: Marks 0.5×10=5

Yesterday a beggar came to our house. He stood at the gate wearing a (a) — (pre-modify the noun) dress. He was (b) — (pre-modify the adjective) poor but could not speak clearly. He told me that he had been starving for two days and requested me (c) — (use an infinitive phrase to post-modify the verb). I felt pity for the (d) — (pre-modify the noun) man. I told him (e) — (use an infinitive phrase to post-modify the verb) and gave him (f) — (use a quantifier to pre-modify the verb) food. He began to eat instantly. He was eating (g) — (post-modify the verb with an adverbial phrase). I noticed that the clothes he wore were not only dirty but also torn. So, I gave him some clothes too. He became extremely happy getting (h) — (pre-modify the noun with a demonstrative) clothes. He was (i) — (pre-modify the adjective with an intensifier) happy that tears of joy came out of his eyes. He then thanked me and blessed me (j) — (use a prepositional phrase).

Answer: (a) dirty/ragged/tattered (b) extremely/very (c) to give him some food (d) helpless/poor (e) to wait outside (f) some (g) with great eagerness (h) those (i) very (j) so (j) with a grateful heart.

7. Use appropriate sentence connectors in the blank spaces of the following passage: 0.5×14=7

A journey is always a source of pleasure. (a) — a journey by boat is more interesting than any other journey. (b) — Bangladesh is a land of rivers. It is very easy to enjoy a journey by boat here. During last autumn, our college was closed. (c) — I was a suitable time for me to make a journey by boat. (d) — I proposed to some of my friends to join me and they at once accepted my proposal. (e) — we made a plan. (f) — we hired a boat and started journey at 11 am. We were very fortunate indeed as the boatman was very expert. (g) — the weather was calm and quiet. (h) — a gentle breeze was silently pushing the sail. (i) — we had no trouble during the journey. (j) — we had a lot of enjoyment! (k) — the boat was dancing on the small waves and it thrilled us a lot. (l) — we also enjoyed a ‘Bhatiali’ song sung by the boatman. (m) — we were delighted at the sights on either bank of the river. (n) — when the sun was setting, the scene enchanted us very much.

Answer: (a) In fact/Indeed (b) Since/ As (c) So/ That’s why/ Therefore (d) Thus/ As a result (e) Firstly/ At first (f) Then/Secondly/ Next (g) At that time (h) In addition/ Additionally/Moreover (i) As a result/ Therefore/So (j) In fact (k) Besides (l) Additionally/ Moreover (m) Meanwhile (n) Finally/ At last

8. Read the passage and then write the antonym or synonym of the words as directed below: 7

The language which is used all over the world for smooth communication is called an international language. The English language has achieved the prestige of being that language. It is very familiar to the educated society in the whole world. We cannot keep pace with the modern world without knowing English. Most of the research works and books on science and knowledge of the world are in English. International relation as well as trade and commerce is being continued through English. Moreover, people having a good command over English are highly valued in the high market. So, one can fully realise how important it is to learn English.

(a) used (antonym): (b) smooth (antonym): (c) international (synonym): (d) prestige (synonym): (e) familiar (antonym): (f) educated (synonym): (g) modern (antonym): (h) knowledge (antonym): (i) trade (synonym): (j) continued (antonym): (k) whole (synonym): (l) highly (synonym): (m) realize (synonym): (n) important (synonym):

Answer: (a) unused (b) stiff/rough/uneven (c) local/national (d) status/fame/honor (e) unfamiliar/strange (f) schooled/civilized (g) outdated/ ancient (h) ignorance/nescience (i) exchange/business (j) stoppage (k) entire (l) greatly (m) understand (n) significant

9. There are fourteen errors in the use of punctuation marks in the following text. Re-write the text correcting the errors :

Rifah : Hello, Maria. Why are you looking so sad?

Maria : The news of the death of all members of a family made me sad.

Rifah : How pathetic. Really its very sad that there’s not a single day you’d find without news of road accidents.

Maria : Can you tell me the reasons of so many road accidents

Rifah : Reckless driving violation of traffic signals overloaded vehicles and lack of traffic police are the main causes of road accident I think.

Maria : What can be done to reduce road accident Do you have any idea?

Rifah : Drivers should be given proper training. Unfit and unlicensed vehicles should be banned. Besides, people should be made aware of traffic rules and signals.

Maria : Thank you for the discussion.

Rifah : You’re welcome.

Part B—Composition Marks—40

10. Suppose, you are a student of class XII. You along with other students are planning about holding a cricket match between class XI and XII. Now, on behalf of the students, write an application to the Principal of your college for seeking permission to arrange a friendly cricket match in the college playground. 10

11. Write a paragraph on “The Celebration of Pahela Baishakh in Bangladesh” (within 200 words). 15

12. Write a paragraph describing “Uses and Abuses of Social Media”. (use 200 words) 15

13. Sylhet Board 2025

ENGLISH SECOND PAPER [According to the Syllabus of 2025]

Time—3 hours Full marks—100 [N.B. The figures in the right margin indicate full marks.]

Part A—Grammar Marks—60

1. Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions: Marks 0.5×10=5

Robert Hayden was born (a) — a poor family (b) — Detriot in USA in 1913 and had a difficult childhood beset (c) — enough problems. He was raised (d) — part (e) — four parents and missed a father’s caring love. But in his sonnet, which is (f) — a childhood memory, he writes (g) — a father probably his own who is harsh and often angry but does love his son (h) — his own way. Hayden, a black American, wrote (i) — black experiences and history. He died (j) — 1980.

Answer: (a) into (b) in (c) by (d) in (e) by (f) about (g) about (h) in (i) about (j) in

2. Complete the sentences with suitable phrases/words given in the box: 0.5×10=5

(a) Manners make a man. Students — practise good manners in everyday life.

(b) You look exhausted. You — take rest to refresh yourself.

(c) Mahab has not yet got 1st dose of Covid-19 vaccine. — booster dose.

(d) Our spring is very charming. During spring, various kinds of flowers bloom. — seems that everything has got a new life.

(e) Rodela: — the frozen mountain peak —? Namira: It looks like a white dome.

(f) Kazi Nazrul is our rebel poet. He — in Churulia of West Bengal.

(g) The sky is cloudy, and it may storm at any moment. So, we should start our journey — possible.

(h) — your family —? I belong to a nuclear family.

(i) I — remain silent than quarrel with them.

(j) — was a time people used to travel on foot or riding animals.

3. Complete the sentences using suitable clauses/phrases. Marks 1×10=10

(a) Rudaba could not recognise me at first. It was many years since we —

(b) Student politics, now a days, has become a serious issue. It is high time we —

(c) A newspaper is a storehouse of knowledge. A man can be benefited in many ways —

(d) Traffic jam in Dhaka has been unbearable these days. Had I got a Helicopter —

(e) A book fair is an attraction for the city-dwellers. Book-lovers gather in the fair so that —

(f) Our college has the best teachers of the country. The teachers are not only highly educated —

(g) Human body needs a balanced diet. If we take a balanced diet, it —

(h) Rahim Mia is a quack. He behaves as if —

(i) Success depends on the proper use of time. You will surely succeed provided that —

(j) Time plays a very crucial role in human life. We cannot prosper in life unless —

4. Fill in the gaps with the correct forms of verbs as per subject and context: 0.5×14=7

Festivals (a) — (be) common to all societies and cultures. With the change of social and economic structures, the nature of festivals also (b) — (change). But some festivals (c) — (be) so deeply (d) — (root) in the social organism that they (e) — (continue) to entertain, from generation to generation. Some of the festivals (f) — (bear) the mark of the community and nationality. Some (g) — (have) the stamp of religion and again some (h) — (bear) the impression of politics. The festivals, which (i) — (get started) in the primitive society centering on the prayer for food (j) — (have) now been (k) — (fill) with various colours and varieties. The main foundation of festivals (l) — (be) ritual and most of the ancient rituals (m) — (be) collective activities. Many of the rituals were (n) — (relate) to agriculture and were determined by lunar months.

5. Change the narrative style by using indirect speeches: Marks 7

“Have you seen your mother, Jerry?” “I see her in every summer. She sends for me.” The authoress wanted to say to, “Why are you not with her? How can she let you go away again?” He said, “She comes up here from Mannville whenever she can. She does not have a job now.”

6. Read the following text and use modifiers as directed in the blank spaces: 0.5×10=5

Weather affects our life (a) — (post-modify the verb). We put on (b) — (pre-modify the noun) clothes when it is cold. We go out with an umbrella in the (c) — (pre-modify the noun) season. During the summer we use fans (d) — (post-modify the verb with an infinitive phrase). However, sunshine and rain are (e) — (pre- modify the adjective with an intensifier) essential for us. Winter is also helpful for us. Vegetables grow (f) — (post-modify the verb with an adverbial phrase) in winter. (g) — (pre-modify the noun) rainfall helps to grow bumper crops. All the seasons have more or (h) — (pre-modify the noun) advantages. And they have (i) — (pre-modify the noun with a determiner) great influence on the environment. But the weather pattern is changing (j) — (post- modify the verb) because of global warming.

Answer: (a) greatly (b) warm (c) rainy (d) to cool ourselves (e) very (f) plentifully in our country (g) Timely/Adequate/Moderate (h) less (i) a (i) rapidly/noticeably

7. Use appropriate sentence connectors in the blank spaces of the following passage: 0.5×14=7

In life we want to be perfect. (a) —, to attain perfection is impossible (b) —, man is basically imperfect. (c) —, we should try to be great. (d) —, it is not easy to be great because we have to attain certain virtues. (e) —, we should be truthful (f) — truthfulness gives rise to many other virtues. (g) — we have to be honest (h) — honest people are valued everywhere. (i) — dishonest people are hated by all. (j) — we can conclude that to be great is more important than to be perfect. (k) — the idea of perfection varies from person to person. (l) —, one’s idea of perfection changes, (m) — learning how to be perfect is basically a lifelong deal. (n) —, the road to perfection is something that we learn and understand along this journey of life.

Answer: (a) However (b) as/since (c) Rather/Nevertheless/However (d) As a matter of fact/In fact/Generally/Usually/Again (e) First/Firstly/First of all (f) as because (g) Second/Secondly (h) because (i) On the other hand/On the contrary (j) At last/Finally (k) Because (l) Again (m) So (n) Yet

8. Read the passage and then write the antonym or synonym of the words as directed below:

In our society, economic value of women’s work and thier contribution is mostly unrecognized. Usually, it is taken as a voluntary work. So, the financial cost of running a home which is almost always done by women is not monetized. This is most dramatically revealed in rural areas. Research has proved that if women’s work is monetized, then the GDP makes a significant jump and so does the worth of women’s work and their contribution to the economy.

(a) value (synonym) (b) contribution (synonym) (c) unrecognized (antonym) (d) usually (synonym) (e) voluntary (synonym) (f) cost (synonym) (g) dramatically (antonym) (h) revealed (antonym) (i) rural (antonym) (j) research (synonym) (k) monetized (antonym) (l) significant (antonym) (m) worth (antonym) (n) economy (synonym)

Answer: (a) importance/significance (b) participation/achievement (c) recognized (d) generally/typically (e) spontaneous/discretionary (f) charge (g) mildly/subtly (h) concealed (i) urban (j) study/analysis (k) unpaid (l) insignificant (m) worthlessness (n) market

9. There are fourteen errors in the use of punctuation marks in the following text. Re-write the text correcting the errors. Use capital if necessary. 0.5×14=7

Sammam: May I come in sir

Mr. Ahmed: Yes of course my problem

Sammam: I dont know, sir. I am told to meet you in the teachers common room

Mr. Ahmed: oh I forgot, that. why did you do so badly in science in your last examination

Sammam: sir I should have informed you earlier My father was very sick and I had to accompany him almost the whole night before the exam. so I couldnt revise the lessons.

Mr. Ahmed: oh Its a pity!

Part B—Composition Marks—40

10. Write an application to the Principal of your college seeking permission to organize a relief campaign. 10

11. Write a paragraph of about 200 words on “Qualities of a Good Citizen”. 15

12. Write a paragraph of about 200 words comparing and contrasting “The Types of Entertainment in the Urban and Rural Areas of Bangladesh”. 15

14. Dinajpur Board 2025

ENGLISH SECOND PAPER

[According to the Syllabus of 2025]

Subject Code: 1 0 8
Time—3 hours
Full marks—100

[N.B. The figures in the right margin indicate full marks.]

Part A—Grammar

Marks—60

1. Complete the text with suitable preposition:
Many people do not get enough nutrition (a) — what they eat. Many children become blind because they do not get necessary nutrition. Diarrhoea is a common disease. This is because many do not drink clean water or they eat dirty food. So, they often suffer (b) — diarrhoea. The condition (c) — our villages is very serious. The best way to keep in good health is to follow the rules (d) — cleanliness. A large number (e) — people do not follow the rules (f) — health. It is a great problem (g) — our country. So, (h) — order to keep in sound health, all the people must be strict (i) — the rules (j) — health.

2. Complete the sentences with suitable words/phrases from the box:

(a) Our spring is very charming. During spring various kinds of flowers bloom. — seems that everything has got a new life.
(b) — the weather — today?
(c) Don’t disturb me. You — leave me alone at this moment.
(d) The poor man — starve than beg.
(e) — exists no life on the Mars.
(f) Baby: Mom, — an owl — ?
(g) Sir Walter Scott was both a poet and a novelist. He — in 1971.
(h) Everybody — pay the electricity bill in time.
(i) — we reached the station, the train started.
(j) He did not even see a hill, — a mountain.

3. Complete the sentences with suitable clauses/phrases:
(a) It is swimming _____, It makes us strong.
(b) Though early rising is difficult, _____. Everybody should rise early.
(c) A barking dog _____. Do you know it?
(d) You are very tired. You would better ____.
(e) The novel written by Milton is very interesting. I read it when ____.
(f) Truthfulness is a great virtue because ____.
(g) Corrupt persons are not only dishonest but also criminals. Now it is high time we ____.
(h) A library is a place where ____. So, every education institution should have a library.
(i) I worked hard though ____.
(j) I closed the door of my room so that ____.

4. Fill in the gaps with correct verb forms:
Jerry is an orphan. He (a) ____ (come) to the orphanage at the age of four. He (b) ____ (lose) his parents in his infancy. Then, he (c) ____ (commit) to the care of the orphanage. He could hardly (d) ____ (recollect) his parents’ memory. In spite of (e) ____ (be) an orphan, he had developed a strong fabric of morality. His inimitable morality (f) ____ (draw) him close to the writer. The writer (g) ____ (impress) with him. She started (h) ____ (show) affection for him. Jerry (i) ____ (take) her as his mother. He fabricated a lie (j) ____ (win) her heart. The orphan boy (k) ____ (come) closer to her. She also (l) ____ (love) him like her son. Once she (m) ____ (leave) the place but she (n) ____ (cherish) the memory of the boy till her old age.

5. Change the narrative style using indirect speech:
“Why are you putting up the food in your pocket, Sir? Why don’t you eat?” asked the noble man. “I am doing the right thing. My dress deserves these rich dishes.” replied Sheikh Saadi. “I don’t understand what you mean to say.” said the noble man. “And I’m sorry.”

6. Use modifiers as directed:
It was a hot (a) — (noun adjective) day. A (b) — (pre-modify noun) crow flew all over the fields looking for water. For a long time, she could not find any water. She felt (c) — (intensifier) weak, almost giving up hope. Suddenly, she saw a water jug below her. She flew (d) — (post-modify verb) to see if there was any water inside. Yes, she could see some water inside the jug. The crow tried (e) — (infinitive phrase). Sadly, she found that the neck of the jug was too narrow. Then she tried to push the jug down for the water to flow out. But she found (f) — (demonstrative) jug too heavy. The crow thought (g) — (phrase) what to do. (h) — (participle) she saw some pebbles nearly. She (i) — (pre-modify verb) had a good idea. She started picking up the pebbles one by one, dropping each into the jug. As more and more pebbles filled in the jug, the water level kept rising. Soon it was high (j) — (post-modify adjective) for the crow to drink. The crow quenched its thirst and flew away.

7. Use appropriate connectors:
Happiness is a relative term. (a) —— it depends upon some factors. Contentment is the key to happiness. (b) —— contentment varies from person to person. (c) ——, a beggar may be contented with only ten taka. (d) ——, a wealthy person may be unsatisfied even after getting one million taka. It is said (e) —— contentment brings happiness. (f) —— we must learn to be contented with (g) —— we have. This learning is the simplest way to remain happy. (h) ——, we must remember that our life is short and, in this short life, we cannot get everything what we want. If we want everything, we will not get happiness. (i) —— we will get frustrated and we will plunge into the world of sadness. (j) ——, it is always better to be contented with what we have than to live in eternal sadness. (k) ——, we should bear in mind that great men of the world didn’t long for much wealth (l) —— they remained happy with a little. (m) ——, man can mould his own life worthy (n) —— he values the necessity of life morally.

Answer: (a) Because (b) In fact/Additionally/Moreover/Also (c) For example/For instance (d) Meanwhile/On the other hand/On the contrary (e) that (f) So/ Therefore (g) what (h) Actually/In fact (i) Rather (j) Hence (k) Moreover (l) but (m) Therefore (n) If

8. Write synonyms/antonyms:
The National Memorial is the symbol of the nation’s respect for the martyrs of the War of Liberation. It is located at Savar, Dhaka. Its foundation was laid on the first anniversary of the Victory Day in 1972. The entire complex covers an area of 126 acres. It will include a mosque, a library and a museum. The museum will preserve the relics of the Liberation War. There is a series of 7 towers that rise by stages to a height of 150 feet. These seven towers represent the seven heroes who made supreme sacrifice in the Liberation War. The height of the towers stands for the high sacrifice of every martyr. There are several graves of the martyrs close to the tower. Standing before the graves we bow down our heads to show respect to them for their sacrifice.

(a) symbol (synonym) (b) foundation (synonym) (c) entire (antonym) (d) cover (antonym) (e) include (antonym) (f) preserve (antonym) (g) represent (synonym) (h) sacrifice (synonym) (i) height (synonym) (j) before (antonym) (k) graves (synonym) (l) bow (synonym) (m) respect (antonym) (n) sacrifice (synonym)

Answer: (a) sign/emblem (b) base/groundwork (c) partial (d) exclude (e) exclude (f) damage/ruin (g) symbolize (h) offering (i) magnitude (j) behind (k) tombs (l) bend (m) disrespect (n) offering

9. Correct punctuation and capitalization:
Dhakas infrastructure doesnt match the scale of its population Just 7 percent of the city is covered by roads compared with around 25 percent of parts and Vienna.dhaka also suffers from the absence of a planned road network.there are 650 major intersections but only 60 traffic lights, many of which dont work that means the police force isnt enforcing driving or parking rules where theyre in the intersections directing traffic

Part B—Composition

Marks—40

10. Write an application to the Principal of your college requesting him to arrange extra classes on English for weak students. (10 Marks)

11. Write a paragraph on “Uses and Abuses of Internet” (≈200 words). (15 Marks)

12. Write a paragraph showing causes and effects of ‘Climate Change’ (≈200 words). (15 Marks)

15. Rajshahi Board 2025

ENGLISH Second Paper

[According to the Syllabus of 2025]

Subject Code: 108

Time-3 hours

Full marks-100

[N.B. The figures in the right margin indicate full marks.]

Part A-Grammar

Marks-60

1. Complete the text with suitable prepositions: Marks 0.5 * 10 = 5

It is known (a) ______ all that one day all will pass away (b) _____ this earth. So, we have no escape (c) ______ death. One day we all _____ will roll down (d) _______ the icy lap of death. Because death is common (e) _____ all. So, we should not mourn (f) _____ the dead. But those who die (g) _____ the country are immortal. Thein memories do not sink (h) _____ oblivion. There is no medicine that can save a man (i) _____ death. So, we should always be ready (j) _____ death.

2. Complete the sentences with suitable phrases/words given in the box :

(a) A.K. Fazlul Haq ____ in Barishal. He was a scholar and a renowned politician.

(b)The thief ran away _______ we saw him. He couldn’t steal anything from the house.

(c)The rickshaw-puller cannot afford to buy two square meals a day, ________ a rickshaw. He is very poor.

(d)A brave warrior _________ die than yield to enemies. He is a patriot.

(e)You ________ apply to the principal of your college for granting you a stipend. He will surely see to it.

(f)In our country a farmer ________ work hard day in and day out. He is our food provider through our creator.

(g)________ your principal __________ ? He is a noble man.

(h)_______ is unfortunate that many students spoil most of their time by using Facebook.

(i)Now, we get information within some seconds. Cell phones are doing this miraculous thing. But ________ was a time when we had to wait day after day for a letter to come and bring the news about our near and dear ones.

(j)Son : Dad, _______ an alien ______ ? Father : Well, aliens are believed to come from another planet by UFOs. Films and science fictions tell us about them. They are really awesome.

3. Complete the sentences using suitable clauses/phrases: Marks 1 * 10 = 10

(a) I think you are not punctual in studies. Be punctual lest —.

(b) The film ended fantastically. If you had enjoyed the film, —.

(c) Though it is uncertain, —.

(d) Fahim could not get A+ in English provided —.

(e) Scarcely had we reached the station —.

(f) What is lotted —.

(g) Food adulteration is a crime. It is high time —.

(h) — as if she were a mad girl.

(i) Mahin is going to build  —. I must help him.

(j) I saw that  —. So I didn’t disturb him.

4. Read the text and fill in the gaps with correct form of verbs as per subject and context:

Change (a) _____ (be) the order of nature because we know the proverb that old order changes (b) _____ (yield) place to the new. So, nothing (c) _____ (remain) new forever. The same we (d) _____ (notice) in entertainment also. Old and traditional forms (e) ____ (change) and (f) _____ (modify) by new and modern forms of entertainment. Many of them (g) _____ (exist) any longer. Today TV channels and satellite (h) _____  (supersede) radio; similarly band and pop music (i) _____ (replace) our popular old songs. Football (j) _____ (lose) its appeal day by day. Cricket and other games (k) _____ (become) more and more popular. Our idea about the popularity of entertainment also (l) _____ (change). We’ve started (m) _____ (look) upon our forms of all life in a new way and (n) ______ (get) habituated to it.

5. Change the narrative style by using indirect speeches: 7

“Have you killed the rats?” said the Mayor. “Yes, I have,” replied the piper. “Give me the promised money.” “How funny you are!” said the Mayor. “Take only fifty.” “I was supposed to be given fifty thousand guilders,” said the piper. “What have you done? The work you have done is very simple,” said the Mayor.

6. Read the following text and use modifiers as directed in the blank spaces: 0.5 * 10 = 5

Bangladesh is criss-crossed with hundreds of rivers. (a) _____ (use a demonstrative to pre-modify the noun) rivers are the gifts of Almighty Allah. They play a very important role in our (b) _____ (pre-modify the noun) economy. There are hundreds of big and small rivers in (c) _____ (use possessive to pre-modify the noun) country. The big rivers flow (d) _____ (use adverbial phrase to post-modify the verb) but small ones flow only during the rainy season. Our rivers are of great use and important to us. They are (e) _____ (pre-modify the verb) related to our economy and prosperity of our country. These rivers are sources of communication, wealth and property, energy and fish. All the rivers play a (f) ______  (pre-modify the noun) role in our (g)_____  (use a noun adjective to pre-modify the noun) system. We use boats, launches, steamers (h) ______ (use infinitive to pre-modify the noun) goods through riverway which is cheaper and easier than carrying by land in our country. Moreover, people (i) ______ (use present participle to post-modify the noun) by the riverside can earn their livelihood by catching fish. The silt (j) ______ (use past participle to post-modify the noun) by the river water increases the fertility of our agricultural land.

7. Use appropriate sentence connectors in the bank spaces of the following passage :

There is a proverb (a) _____ every man is for himself. (b) _____ it does not mean that he will be selfish. (c) _____ only works for himself destroying the rights of others. (d)_____ it means that he will protect his own right, without harming others. He will show love and respect (e) _____ for his relatives (f) _______ for other fellow beings. (g) ______ sometimes we find some people (h) ______ think of themselves only (i) _____ snatch away other’s part. (j) ______ educational institutions don’t mould our children’s mind with moral lessons. (k) _____ they are busy with how they can produce huge number of citizens with certificates. (l) _____ these men are in their professions, they start thinking of them merely (m) _______ indulge in personal gaining. (n) ______ our education needs to make us learn how to be a man for men.

Ans: (a) that (b) But (c) who (d) Rather (e) not only/both (f) but also/and (g) Yet (h) who (i) and (j) Moreover (k) Instead/Because (l) While/ As soon as (m) in order to (n) So/Hence/Therefore

8. Read the passage and then write the antonym or synonym of the words as directed below: 0.5 * 14 = 7

There are many people who have conservative outlook. Quite early in life, they learn to believe that everything in this world is predetermined and all that happen to them are ordained by God. From this belief, the poor generally accept their poverty and all their sorrows and sufferings without trying much to overcome them. They also have same sort of attitude towards illness and diseases.

(a) People (synonym); (b) conservative (antonym); (c) early (antonym); (d) believe (synonym); (e) world (synonym); (f) all (antonym); (g) poverty (antonym); (h) sufferings (synonym); (i) much (antonym); (j) overcome (synonym); (k) same (antonym); (l) attitude (synonym); (m) illness (synonym); (n) disease (antonym).

16. Chattagram Board 2025

ENGLISH Second Paper

[According to the Syllabus of 2025]

Subject Code: 108

Time-3 hours

Full marks-100

[N.B. The figures in the right margin indicate full marks.]

Part A-Grammar

Marks-60

1. Complete the text with suitable prepositions: Marks 0.5 * 10 = 5

The vast number (a) _____ plant species underwater forms a beautiful ecosystem. The plants which stay underwater depend (b) _____ the light coming (c) _____ the sun (d) _____ their growth. They also draw the atmospheric carbon dioxide (e) _____ the air above and convert them (f) _____ oxygen. The flora (g) _____ the surface (h) _____ the water adds (i) _____ the aesthetic beauty. These plants sometimes span vast lengths below the surface (j) _____ the ocean.

2. Complete the sentences with suitable phrases/words given in the box :

(a)Most of the kids are fun-loving. They _____ play than study.

 (b)_____ the weather _____ today?

 (c)Rani is an examinee. She _____ study a lot to make a good result.

 (d)I have been suffering from cold and cough. I can’t speak clearly _____ sing.

 (e)_____ seems to be a crowd on the road. Lets go and see.

 (f)Florence Nightingale was a nurse. She _______ in Italy.

 (g)______ a plane flying above from below? It looks like a _____ bird.

 (h)It is a cold day. ______ the sun rises, the fog disappears.

 (i)______ is a lack of communication. They don’t understand the problem at all.

 (j)We ______ go home. It’s getting dark.

 3. Complete the sentences using suitable clauses/phrases: Marks 1 * 10 = 10

(a)I think you are irregular in studies. Be attentive lest ______

 (b)There are many obstacles in our way to success. We must work hard so that _______

 (c)Jamil had an accident yesterday while he ______

 (d)There goes a proverb that ____ So, we should make friendship with a gentleman.

 (e)Corruption is a bottleneck to our national development. It is high time ______

 (f)He, who _____ makes a glorious result in the examination.

 (g)Whenever he speaks in English, ______ Infact, we learn through mistakes.

 (h)We are a free nation now. 1971 is the year ______

 (i)Man proposes, ______

 (j)Danger comes where ______ So, we have to be careful in our life.

4. Read the text and fill in the gaps with correct form of verbs as per subject and context:

A mother is a supreme gift (a) _____ (bestow) upon us by Allah. She (b) ____ (exercise) an undeniable influence in (c) ____ (mould) the character of a child and also in (d) _____ (shape) their future destiny. A mother (e) _____ (regard) as the best teacher, guide and protector. An educated mother (f) ______ (mange) the family in a far better way than a mother who has (g) _____ (have) no schooling. She (h) _____ (be) more interested in (i) _____ (get) her children educated. She (j) _____ (sacrifice) her own happiness to (k) ______ (ensure) a better future for her children. So, often it (l) _____ (say) that the hands that (m) _____ (rock) the cradle (n) _____ (rule) the world.

5. Change the narrative style by using indirect speeches: 7

“Oh, my Lord do not kill the child”, said the woman. “Let her have it.” The king said, “Now everything is clear to me”. Pointing to the woman, he said to the servant, “Give her the child. She is the mother of the child.”

6. Read the following text and use modifiers as directed in the blank spaces: 0.5 * 10 = 5

Once a wolf went to a stream to quench (a) ________ (use possessive to pre-modify the noun) thirst with water. While he was drinking water, he saw (b) _______ (use article to pre-modify the noun) lamb that was also drinking water over there. At the sight of the lamb, his mouth began (c) ______ (use an infinitive phrase to post modify the verb). He turned to the lamb and said, “How dare you make the water muddy? Can’t you see that I am drinking water from the (d) ______ (use an adjective to pre-modify the noun) stream?” The lamb got so (e) ______ (use an adverb to pre-modify the adjective) frightened that it could not speak for a while. Then it replied, “Sir, I beg (f) _____ (use possessive to pre-modify the noun) pardon. The water is running down (g) _____ (post modify the verb with prepositional phrase) to me. How can I make it muddy?” The wolf said, “But you bleated me and called me names (h) _____ (post modify the verb with an adverb).” The lamb replied, “Sir, I was not even born then. How could I abuse you last year?” The wolf (i) ______ (use a relative pronoun to post modify the noun) was determined to eat (j) _____ (use a demonstrative to pre-modify the noun) poor lamb, said to it, “Then it must have been your father, or mother or brother. You must suffer for your race.”

7. Use appropriate sentence connectors in the bank spaces of the following passage 

Happiness is a relative term. (a) ____ it depends upon some factors. (b) ____, contentment is the key to happiness. (c) ____ contentment varies from person to person. (d)____, a beggar may be contented with only ten taka. (e) ____ a wealthy person may be dissatisfied even after getting one million taka. (f) ____ , it is said that contentment brings happiness. (g) ____ , we must learn to be contented with what we have. (h) ____ this learning is the simpliest way to remain happy. (i) ____ , we must remember that our life is short. (j) ____ in this short life we cannot get everything (k) ____ we want. (l) ____ we want everything, we will not get happiness. (m) ____ we will get frustrated and we will plunge into the world of sadness. (n) ___, it is always better to be contented with what we have than to live in eternal sadness. 

Ans: (a) As; (b)Moreover/Furthermore/Also; (c) However; (d) For example/for instance; (e) Meanwhile/On the other hand; (f) Consequently/As a result; (g)Therefore; (h) Actually/In fact; (i) Additionally; (j) However; (k) even if; (l) If; (m) Rather; (n) Therefore

8. Read the passage and then write the antonym or synonym of the words as directed below: 0.5 * 14 = 7

To forgive an injury is often considered to be the sign of weakness. It is really a sign of strength, It is easy to allow one to be carried away by resentment and hated into the act of vengeance but it takes strong character to restrain these natural passions. The man who forgives an injury proves himself to be a superior to the man who wronged him and the wrongdoor to shame. Forgiveness may even turn a foc into a friend. So. mercy is a noblest form of revenge.

(a) forgive (synonym) (b) considered (antonym) (c) strength (antonym) (d) resentment (synonym) (e) vengeance (synonym) (f) character (synonym) (g) restrain (synonym) (h) passions (antonym) (i) superior (antonym) (j)shame (synonym) (k) forgiveness (antonym) (l) foe (antonym) (m) merey (antonym) (n) revenge (synonym).

9. There are fourteen errors in the use of punctuation marks in the following text. Rewrite the text correcting the errors:

Sajib : Have you heard the latest news

Rakib : No whats happened

Sojib : Well it seems Rana and Robi have broken off friendship

Rakib : Really I must say it doesn’t surprise me

Sojib : Why do you think so?

Rakib : Rana was very selfish. They were bound to break off today or tomorrow

Sojib : Yes the sooner the better

Rakib : But Robi is a good boy. Hes a pretty tough character.

Sojib : I’m just surprised at the beginning of their friendship. How could they stay together? Two opposite characters

Rakib : friendship never follows a rule.

Part B Composition

Marks-40

10. Suppose you are a student of a college in Gazipur. Write an application to the Principal for the permission to arrange a freshers’ reception in the college campus. 

11. Write a paragraph on “The Effects of Social Medin” within 200 words.15

12. Write a paragraph on “Causes and Effects of Global Warming” within 200 words. 15

17. Mymensingh Board 2025

ENGLISH Second Paper

[According to the Syllabus of 2025]

Subject Code: 108

Time-3 hours

Full marks-100

[N.B. The figures in the right margin indicate full marks.]

Part A-Grammar

Marks-60

1. Complete the text with suitable prepositions: Marks 0.5 * 10 = 5

Gen Z refers (a) ______ the group of people born after 1996. They are called so because they are digital natives who have grown (b) _______ with technology like smartphones and the internet. Normally, Gen Z kids are fond (c) _______ using digital devices and gadgets daily. They are also very good (d) _____ using online apps and looking (e) ________ information whenever they need. This generation is absorbed (f) ________ important issues like politics, social inequality and even environmental concerns. Gen Z is different (g) _______ other generations because they are always connected (h) _______ social media and other online platforms. They enjoy learning (i) _______ new things (j) _________ videos and websites.

2. Complete the sentences with suitable phrases/words given in the box :

(a) Truth is sometimes too bitter to digest. You _______ not ask me the truth.

(b) I cannot tolerate such an insult. I ______ leave this place immediately than endure further humiliation.

(c) Steve Jobs _____ into a humble family, by dint of merit, he transformed the world of technology.

(d) The audience leaves the spot _______  Nambi finishes his storytelling.

(e) I don’t think he can finish a single chapter, _____ the whole book in one night.

(f) ______ are many challenges in life, but with determination, we can overcome them all.

(g) Mountaineering seems to be very exciting. ______ it ______ standing on the peak of a mountain?

(h) _____ is important to remember that success requires patience and hard work.

(i) I _______  finish this project by tomorrow, or all my efforts will be in vain once the deadline passes.

(j) I’ve never seen a snow leopard in the wild. ____ it really _____ ?

3. Complete the sentences using suitable clauses/phrases: Marks 1 * 10 = 10

 (a) I bought a fiction of the Harry Potter Series. The story was so —.

(b) He was too old —. Yet, he did not listen to the warnings.

(c) I met some of my school friends at the reunion. It was nearly ten years since —.

(d) Rupa has gained weight. It is high time she —. Otherwise, she will become bulky.

(e) The girl was all alone in the room. When I entered, she looked at me as though —.

(f) Cinderella suffered the cruelty of her step sisters. Had she had the courage to speak her mind, —.

(g) The woman bought some antique glasses. She carried them carefully lest they —.

(h) Our farmers are very hardworking. They work hard so that —.

(i) During exams, Article 144 is imposed in and around the exam hall. You cannot enter the exam hall unless —.

(j) Many of the politicians are corrupt. People hate them because —.

4. Read the text and fill in the gaps with correct form of verbs as per subject and context:

One day in 1976, Professor Muhammad Yunus (a) ______ (visit) a poor village near Chittagong University. He (b) _____ (meet) a poor woman who made bamboo stools for a living. Although she (c) _____ (work) hard, she (d) _______ (remain) poor because she (e) ______ (force) to pay a high price for the bamboo. She did not have enough money (f) ______ (buy) the bamboo and used to (g) ____ (take) loans from the moneylenders on an exorbitant interest. Professor Yunus (h) _____ (know) that he could not simply (i) _______ (give) her the money she needed because it (j) _______ (rob) the woman of her dignity. Instead, he (k) _______ (ask) the people in the village how much money they (l) ______ (need) to start their own business and free themselves from poverty. He (m) _______ (lend) the equivalent of about US$27-00 from his pocket to 42 women of the village. Those women (n) _______ (set) up their small business and started to earn money to support their families.

5. Change the narrative style by using indirect speeches: 7

The three witches stood amidst the swirling mist. 

“When shall we three meet again?” asked the first witch.

“When the hurly-burly is done; when the battle is lost and won,” replied the second witch. 

“Where is the place?” inquired the third with her impatient tone. 

“Upon the health,” answered the first.

Ans : The three witches stood amidst the swirling mist. The first witch asked when the three of them would meet again. The second witch replied that they would meet again when the hurly-burly was done, and when the battle was lost and won. The third witch inquired with her impatient tone where the place was. The first witch answered that it would be upon the heath.

6. Read the following text and use modifiers as directed in the blank spaces: 0.5 * 10 = 5

Al Mahmud, (a) ______ (use an appositive), was born in Brahmanbaria in 1936. He is renowned for (b) _____ (use participle to pre-modify the noun) rural life and culture. He emerged as a (c) ______ (pre-modify the noun) poet in the 1960s and played a (d) ______ (pre-modify the noun) role in modernizing Bengali poetry. His celebrated works, which include ‘Lok Lokantor’, ‘Kaler Kolosh’ and ‘Sonali Kabin’, show (e) _____ (post modify the verb) his mastery in vivid imagery and symbolism. (f) _____ (use possessive) poetry often explores themes of love and loss, struggle and socio-political conditions of Bangladesh. Despite a number of controversies for his political ideology, his literary contributions remained unparalleled. His influence on (g) ______ (use a noun adjective to pre-modify the noun) poetry continues (h) _____ (use an infinitive to post-modify the verb) the later generations of poets. This (i) _______ (pre-modify the noun) genius passed away (j) ______ (use a prepositional phrase to post-modify the verb) of 82 in 2019.

7. Use appropriate sentence connectors in the bank spaces of the following passage 

Mobile phone has added a new dimension to our daily life. It has brought the world closer to us. (a) _____ , it has made the worldwide communication easier. (b) ______, we can talk to others, chat with friends and send e-mails. (c) _______ , using social media has become handy with this device. (d) ______ , we can capture our special moments. (e) ________, many other apps help us learn new things. (f) ______ , mobile phone can show us the whole world through the internet. (g) _______ , it has been a part and parcel in our life. We cannot go for a single day without using it. (h) _______, it is not free from defects. It has some negative sides also. (i) _______ , excessive use of mobile phone may damage our hearing power. (j) ______, it is a means of wasting time. (k) _______, many crimes are being done with the use of mobiles. (l) _____ , harmful radiation from it may cause cancer to the users. (m) ______, we are not aware of these bad effects. (n)

Ans: (a) In fact/Indeed/Actually (b) Besides (c) Moreover (d) In other words (e) In addition (f) Thus/In this way (g) So/Hence/Therefore (h) Yet/Nevertheless (i) Firstly (j) Secondly (k) Thirdly (l) Finally (m) Yet/Nevertheless (n)As a result/As a consequence

8. Read the passage and then write the antonym or synonym of the words as directed below: 0.5 * 14 = 7

Bangladesh is blessed with huge inland open water resources. It has numerous rivers, canals, beels, lakes and vast areas of floodplains. Hakaluki haor is one of the major wetlands of Bangladesh. With a land area of 18.386 hectares, it supports a rich biodiversity and provides direct and indirect livelihood benefits to nearly 190,000 people. This haor was declared an Ecologically Critical Area in 1999 by the government of Bangladesh. Hakaluki is a complex ecosystent, containing more than 238 interconnected beels and jalmahals. The The most important beels are Chatla, Pinlarkona. Dulla, Sakua, Barajalla, Balijhuri, Lamba, Tekonia, Haorkhal, Tural, Baghalkuri and Chinaura.

(a) blessed (antonym)  (b) huge (synonym)  (c) open (antonym) (d) resource (synonym) (e) numerous (synonym) (f) area (synonym) (g) vast (antonym (h)major (synonym) (i)supports (antonym) (j) provides (synonym) (k) benefit (synonym) (l) nearly (antonym) (m) critical (antonym) (n) important (antonym)

9. There are fourteen errors in the use of punctuation marks in the following text. Rewrite the text correcting the errors:

Journalist: Hello Mrs Sharif. Im going to ask you a few questions today about how things used to be in the past. Firstly how long have you been living in Dhaka 

Mrs Sharif: Since my childhood For more than forty-five years. 

Journalist: Thats a pretty long time indeed. could you please tell us how people used to get water for their everyday use when you were a child 

Mrs Sharif: Well we used to have water supplied by the Dhaka WASA in those days also but many houses had wells too. Besides there used to be many ponds in the neighbourhood where people used to bathe wash clothes and take water from, for their household use. there didnt use to be so many people in dhaka in those days so there wasnt a very big demand for the supply of water.

Part B Composition

Marks-40

10. Suppose you are a student of City Govt. Women’s College, Chattogram. Write an application to the Principal of your college to set up a smart board in your classroom.10

11. Write a paragraph on “Your Most Intimate Childhood Friend” within200 words.15

12. Write a paragraph comparing and contrasting school life and college life within 200 words.15

18. Jessore Board 2025

ENGLISH Second Paper

[According to the Syllabus of 2025]

Subject Code: 108

Time-3 hours

Full marks-100

[N.B. The figures in the right margin indicate full marks.]

Part A-Grammar

Marks-60

1. Complete the text with suitable prepositions: Marks 0.5 * 10 = 5

The old man told him (a) ____ his last journey (b) ____ the sea. They had sailed away (c) ____ the South, he said, until they arrived (d) _____ cold grey seas. Even the sea was frozen, and ice was all (e) _____ those (f) ____ those days there were no steamships, and the big white sails (g) ____ their ship opened wide as the strong wind blew them quickly (h) _____ the icy waters. The weather was very cold and there were no birds or animals (i) _____ that snow covered country, but one day the sailors saw an albatross flying (j) ____ the ship.

2. Complete the sentences with suitable phrases/words given in the box :

(a) He cannot buy a pen ____ a box of pens.

(b) ____ we reached the station than the train started.

(c) All seasons are very charming. During spring various kinds of flowers bloom ____ which seems that everything has got a new life.

(d) Baby :  Mom, _____ an owl ____ ?

(e) Don’t disturb me, you _____ leave me alone at this moment.

(f) The poor man ____ starve than beg.

(g) _____ exists no life on mars.

(h) ____ taking tea with me?

(i) Sir Walter Scott was both a poet and a novelist. He ____ in 1771.

(j) He was meritorious ____ to understand English literature.

3. Complete the sentences using suitable clauses/phrases: Marks 1 * 10 = 10

(a) He walks fast lest —.

(b) A pen which was bought —.

(c) I closed the door of my room so that —.

(d) The poem is too hard —.

(e) Unless you came —.

(f) If I were a rich man, —.

(g) I wanted to learn English instead of  —.

(h) Inspite of his being poor, —.

(i) Because of her being small  —.

(j) Learn English properly till  —.

4. Read the text and fill in the gaps with correct form of verbs as per subject and context:

Books (a) ____ (possess) as essence of immortality. They (b) _____ (be) the most precious products of human efforts. Temptations (c) _____ (crumble) into ashes. Pictures and statues (d) _____ (decay) but books (e) _____ (survive). Time is of no account for great thoughts which (f) _____ (be) as fresh today as they (g) ____ (be) when came through the authors’ minds ages ago. What (h) ____ (be) then thought or said still (i) ______ speak to us. Books (j) _____ (introduce) us to the best society. They (k) ______ (bring) us into the presence of the noblest minds that have ever (l) _____ (live). We hear what they (m) ____ (think) or said. We see them as if they (n) ____ (be) really alive.

5. Change the narrative style by using indirect speeches: 7

“I will pay for it.” he said. “I broke it. I brought the axe down careless.” “But no one hits accurately every time.” I told him, “The fault was in the wood of the handle. I will see the man from whom I bought it.” “Thanks” he said.

6. Read the following text and use modifiers as directed in the blank spaces: 0.5 * 10 = 5

A day in which it rains (a) _____ (post modify the verb) all day long, is called a rainy day. The sky remains overcast with (b) ____ (pre modify the noun) clouds. People cannot go out without (c) ____ (pre modify the noun with a determiner) umbrella. It affects our (d) _____ (pre modify the noun) activities. Even the school and colleges are shut down. But many people like (e) _____ (post modify the verb with an infinitive phrase) in the rain. They go to an (f) _____ (pre modify the noun) space and enjoy the rain. The working class people suffer a lot (g) _____ (post modify the verb). They do not work and spend (h) ____ (post modify the noun) day which brings misfortune to them. They cannot earn (i) ____ (post modify the verb with an infinitive) their family. So, a (j) _____ (pre modify the noun) day is a curse to the poor.

7. Use appropriate sentence connectors in the bank spaces of the following passage 

Most of the people of Bangladesh are not able to realise the importance of water. (a) ____ millions of liters are wasted every year. (b) ____ facing pure water crisis, (c) _____ Government campaign may help to reduce unnecessary water consumption. (d) _____ water is a very important resource for various reasons. (e) _____ we need to drink clean water to survive. (f) _____ we need to keep ourselves clean, (g) _____ without water, we cannot grow crops. (h) _____ we cannot provide animals with food. (i) _____ Government should do more to make people recognize this. (j) _____ the human population is growing, the climate is changing too. (k) ____ there may not be enough water for everyone in future. (l) _____ water treatment processes cost a lot and use a large amount of electricity. (m) _____ reduced water consumption would save money and electricity for the future. It will reduce green house gas emissions. (n) ____ we should encourage people to change wasteful habits now before it is too late.

Ans: (a) Rather/Instead , (b) With a view to/Regarding , (c) under these circumstances , (d) In fact/Indeed , (e) Besides , (f) Moreover , (g) because , (h) Consequently/As a result , (i) So , (j) As/Since , (k) Hence , (l) Ian ddition , (m) In this way , (n) Therefore ;

8. Read the passage and then write the antonym or synonym of the words as directed below: 0.5 * 14 = 7

Today women are playing an important role in all spheres of life. Once they were dominated by men. They are no longer confined within the four walls of their parents or husbands’ house. They have come out of the kitchen and are working hand in hand with men. By taking higher education they are becoming pilots, doctors, engineers, teachers, administrators etc. They have been able to prove their worth. They are contributing much to the economy of the country. Now it has come to the realization of the men that true development of the country is never possible keeping half of the population idle at home. So it needs no telling that women are playing a great role in the socio-economic condition of our country.

(a) importance (antonym (b) sphere (synonym) (c) dominate (synonym) (d) confined (synonym) (e) walls (synonym)

(f) house (synonym) (g) education (antonym) (h) able (antonym) (i) worth (synonym) (j) economy (synonym) (k) realization (synonym) (l) never (antonym) (m) population (synonym) (n) condition (synonym)

9. There are fourteen errors in the use of punctuation marks in the following text. Rewrite the text correcting the errors:

My dear friends said the piper I know a charm by which I can rid you of these rats but you must pay me one thousand guilders for this service One thousand guilders cried the men then the Mayor said ok well give you one thousand guilders when will you start work now said the piper.

Part B Composition

Marks-40

10. Write an application to the Principal of your college asking for a debating club. 10

11. Write a paragraph on ‘The Importance of Games and Sports’. 15

12. Write a paragraph on “City Life and Village Life” comparing and contrasting their features. 15