1. Read the passage and answer the questions A and B:
The orphanage is high in the Carolina mountains. I was there in the 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 subtropics. I was homesick too, for the flaming of maples in October, and for corn shocks and pumpkins and black-walnut trees…. I found them all living in a cabin that 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 fireplace….
ক্যারোলিনা পাহাড়ের উপরে অনাথাশ্রমটি অবস্থিত। আমি সেখানে শরতের সময় ছিলাম। আমি নীরবতা, নিঃসঙ্গতা এবং কিছু সমস্যাযুক্ত লেখার জন্য শান্ত পরিবেশ চেয়েছিলাম। দীর্ঘ সময় ধরে উপক্রান্তীয় অঞ্চলে থাকার কারণে আমি যে ম্যালেরিয়ায় আক্রান্ত হয়েছিলাম, তা পরিত্রাণ পেতে পাহাড়ের হাওয়া চেয়েছিলাম। আমি অক্টোবরে ম্যাপল গাছের শিখা, ভুট্টার ঝুড়ি এবং কালো আখরোট গাছের জন্যও শিহরিত ছিলাম। আমি এই সবকিছুই অনাথাশ্রমের অর্ধ মাইল দূরে একটি কেবিনে খুঁজে পেয়েছিলাম। যখন আমি কেবিনটি নিলাম, আমি একটি ছেলে বা লোককে চেয়েছিলাম যে আসবে এবং চুল্লির জন্য কাঠ কাটবে।
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.”
এক বিকেলের শেষের দিকে আমি টাইপরাইটার থেকে চোখ তুলে তাকালাম, একটু বিস্মিত। একটি ছেলে দরজার কাছে দাঁড়িয়ে ছিল এবং আমার শিকারি কুকুর, আমার সঙ্গী, তার পাশে ছিল এবং আমাকে সতর্ক করার জন্য চেঁচায়নি। ছেলেটি সম্ভবত বারো বছর বয়সী, কিন্তু আকারে ছোট। সে ওভারঅল এবং ছেঁড়া শার্ট পরেছিল এবং খালি পায়ে ছিল। সে বলল, “আমি আজ কিছু কাঠ কাটা করতে পারি।” …..”তুমি? কিন্তু তুমি ছোট।“
“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 ax. Go ahead and see what you can do.”
I went back to work, closing the door….
“কাঠ কাটা করতে আকার কোনো ব্যাপার না,” সে বলল। “কিছু বড় ছেলেরা ভালো কাঠ কাটে না। আমি অনেক দিন ধরে অনাথাশ্রমে কাঠ কেটে আসছি।” “ঠিক আছে। এখানে কুঠার আছে। এগিয়ে যাও এবং দেখাও তুমি কী করতে পারো।” আমি দরজা বন্ধ করে আবার কাজে ফিরে গেলাম….
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 consistent rain. I suppose an hour and a 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’ve done,” thinking I should probably have to insist on an older boy….
সে কাটা শুরু করল। আঘাতগুলি ছিল ছন্দময় এবং স্থির, এবং আমি অল্প সময়ের মধ্যেই তাকে ভুলে গিয়েছিলাম, শব্দটি ধারাবাহিক বৃষ্টির মতো আর কোনো বাধা সৃষ্টি করছিল না। আমি মনে করি দেড় ঘণ্টা কেটে গেছে এবং আমি কেবিনের সোপানে ছেলের পদক্ষেপ শুনলাম।…ছেলেটি বলল, “এখন আমার রাতের খাবার খেতে যেতে হবে,” সে বলল। “আমি আবার আগামীকাল আসতে পারি।” আমি বললাম, “আমি এখনই তোমাকে তোমার কাজের জন্য অর্থ প্রদান করব,” ভাবছিলাম হয়তো আমাকে কোনো বড় ছেলেকে জোর করে আনতে হবে….
We went together back of the cabin. An astonishing amount of solid wood had been cut…. “But you’ve done as much as a man,” I said. “This is a splendid pile.”
I looked at him, actually, for the first time. His hair was the color of the corn shocks and his eyes, very direct, were like the mountain sky when rain is pending gray, with a shadowing of that miraculous blue…. I gave him a quarter.
“You may come tomorrow afternoon,” I said, “and thank you very much.” He looked at me, and at the coin, and seemed to want to speak, but , could not, and turned away…..
আমরা একসাথে কেবিনের পেছনে গিয়েছিলাম। বিশাল পরিমাণে শক্ত কাঠ কাটা হয়েছে…. “কিন্তু তুমি একজন মানুষের মতোই কাজ করেছ,” আমি বললাম। “এটি একটি চমৎকার স্তূপ।” আমি প্রথমবারের মতো তাকে ভালোভাবে দেখলাম। তার চুল ছিল ভুট্টার শকের রঙের মতো এবং তার চোখ, খুব সরাসরি, ছিল পাহাড়ের আকাশের মতো যখন বৃষ্টি আসছে, ধূসর, সেই অলৌকিক নীলের ছায়া নিয়ে…. আমি তাকে একটি কোয়ার্টার দিলাম। “তুমি আগামীকাল বিকেলে আসতে পারো,” আমি বললাম, “এবং অনেক ধন্যবাদ।” সে আমাকে এবং মুদ্রাটির দিকে তাকাল, এবং কথা বলতে চাইল, কিন্তু পারল না, এবং ঘুরে চলে গেল…
At daylight I was half wakened 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 the 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 said 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.”
দিনের আলোতে আমি কাঠ কাটার শব্দে অর্ধেক জেগে উঠেছিলাম। এটি এতটাই মসৃণ ছিল যে আমি আবার ঘুমাতে চলে গেলাম। শীতল সকালে যখন আমি বিছানা ছেড়েছিলাম, তখন ছেলেটি এসে চলে গেছে, এবং কেবিনের দেয়ালের পাশে কাঠের স্তূপ ছিল। সে বিকেলে স্কুলের পর আসে এবং অনাথাশ্রমে ফিরে যাওয়ার সময় পর্যন্ত কাজ করত। তার নাম ছিল জেরি।… সে চার বছর বয়স থেকে অনাথাশ্রমে ছিল। আমি তাকে চার বছর বয়সে কল্পনা করতে পারি, একই গুরুতর ধূসর–নীল চোখ এবং একই স্বাধীনতা? না, আমার কাছে আসা শব্দটি হল “অখণ্ডতা“…. এটি সাহসের উপর ভিত্তি করে, কিন্তু এটি সাহসের চেয়েও বেশি। এটি সৎ, কিন্তু এটি সততার চেয়েও বেশি। একদিন কুঠারের হাতল ভেঙে গেল। জেরি বলল অনাথাশ্রমের কাঠের দোকান এটি মেরামত করবে। আমি কাজের জন্য টাকা আনলাম এবং সে তা গ্রহণ করতে অস্বীকার করল। “আমি এর জন্য অর্থ প্রদান করব,” সে বলল। “আমি এটি ভেঙে ফেলেছি। আমি কুঠারটি অসাবধানীভাবে নামিয়েছিলাম।” “কিন্তু সবাই প্রতিবার সঠিকভাবে আঘাত করতে পারে না,” আমি তাকে বললাম। “দোষটি ছিল হাতলের কাঠে। আমি এটি কিনেছিলাম এমন লোকটির সাথে কথা বলব।“
A. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives.
a. Why did the author decide to stay in the Carolina mountains?
(i) To find peace and solitude for writing (ii) To visit an orphanage
(iii) To explore mountain trails (iv) To escape from city life
b. What was the condition of the author’s health when he arrived in the mountains?
(i) He was completely healthy (ii) He had malaria
(iii) He had a cold (iv) He was recovering from an injury
c. How did the author describe his feeling towards October?
(i) He disliked the cold weather (ii) He was homesick for October landscapes
(iii) He preferred the summer heat (iv) He had no particular feelings
d. What did the author request from the orphanage upon taking the cabin?
(i) Food supplies (ii) Medical help (iii) Someone to chop wood (iv) A guide
e. How did the author’s dog react to the boy’s arrival?
(i) The dog barked loudly (ii) The dog was silent
(iii) The dog ran away (iv) The dog attacked the boy
f. How did the boy prove his competence to the author?
(i) By chopping wood effectively (ii) By fixing the cabin door
(iii) By cooking a meal (iv) By taking care of the dog
g. What was the author’s initial impression of the boy’s ability to chop wood?
(i) He was confident in the boy’s skills (ii) He doubted the boy’s abilities
(iii) He ignored the boy (iv) He was sure the boy would fail
h. How did the boy respond to the author’s offer of payment?
(i) He accepted eagerly (ii) He hesitated but accepted
(iii) He refused the money (iv) He demanded more money
i. What did the author notice about the boy’s eyes?
(i) They were dull and lifeless (ii) They were dark and mysterious
(iii) They were gray-blue and direct (iv) They were green and sparkling
j. How often did the boy come to chop wood for the author?
(i) Once a week (ii) Every morning
(iii) Twice a week (iv) Every afternoon after school
k. What did the author notice about the amount of wood chopped by the boy?
(i) It was insufficient (ii) It was average
(iii) It was astonishingly large (iv) It was poorly done
l. Why did the author give the boy a quarter?
(i) As a gift (ii) As payment for his work
(iii) As a reward for good behavior (iv) As an advance for future work
m. What did the boy do with the broken ax handle?
(i) He threw it away (ii) He asked the author to fix it
(iii) He repaired it himself (iv) He took it to the orphanage woodshop for repair
n. How did the boy show his integrity when the ax handle broke?
(i) He blamed the author (ii) He accepted responsibility
(iii) He ignored the issue (iv) He demanded compensation
o. What was the author’s reaction to the boy’s refusal of money for the ax repair?
(i) He was angry (ii) He was surprised
(iii) He insisted on paying (iv) He agreed with the boy
p. Why did the author want the boy to come back the next day?
(i) To help with more work (ii) To give him more money
(iii) To teach him new skills (iv) To keep him company
q. How did the author feel about the boy’s presence in his life?
(i) Annoyed (ii) Indifferent (iii) Appreciative (iv) Overwhelmed
r. How did the author describe the boy’s independence?
(i) As stubbornness (ii) As recklessness (iii) As integrity (iv) As arrogance
s. How did the author view the boy’s eyes?
(i) As a window to his soul (ii) As a sign of his innocence
(iii) As a reflection of the mountain sky (iv) As a mark of his intelligence
t. What did the author find astonishing about the boy’s work?
(i) His speed (ii) His accuracy (iii) The amount of wood chopped (iv) His strength
u. How did the boy handle the ax handle breaking?
(i) He repaired it quietly (ii) He asked for help
(iii) He took responsibility and refused money (iv) He ignored the damage
v. Why did the author initially doubt the boy’s ability to chop wood?
(i) Because of the boy’s size (ii) Because the boy was young
(iii) Because the boy was barefoot (iv) Because the boy looked tired
x. What was the primary reason the author stayed in the mountains?
(i) To escape city life (ii) To recover from malaria (iii) To write in solitude (iv) To explore nature
y. How did the author feel about the boy’s refusal to take money for the broken ax handle?
(i) Frustrated (ii) Impressed (iii) Disappointed (iv) Relieved
z. How did the boy demonstrate his courage?
(i) By standing up to the author (ii) By taking responsibility for the broken ax
(iii) By climbing the mountains (iv) By working long hours
z1. What did the author appreciate about the boy’s work ethic?
(i) His punctuality (ii) His thoroughness
(iii) His willingness to work hard (iv) All of the above
z2. How did the boy’s work affect the author’s writing?
(i) It disturbed him (ii) It inspired him
(iii) It provided a comforting background rhythm (iv) It made him anxious
z3. What did the author realize about the boy after observing his work?
(i) That the boy was stronger than he looked (ii) That the boy needed more supervision
(iii) That the boy was too young for such tasks (iv) That the boy was lazy
z4. How did the boy’s eyes reflect his character?
(i) They showed fear (ii) They displayed determination and honesty
(iii) They indicated sadness (iv) They revealed anger
z5. How did the author describe the boy’s hair?
(i) Dark and curly (ii) Light and fluffy (iii) The color of corn shocks (iv) Black and straight
Answer the following questions: 3×5=15
- Why did the author choose to stay in the mountains?
- What was the author’s main goal during his stay in the cabin?
- When did the author first notice the boy standing at the door?
- Who accompanied the boy to the cabin but did not bark to warn the author?
- What did the boy offer to do for the author?
- Why was the author initially surprised by the boy’s offer to chop wood?
- How did the author describe the boy’s eyes?
- What was the boy wearing when he first appeared at the cabin?
- Where did the boy say he had learned to chop wood?
- What was the author’s reaction after seeing the amount of wood the boy chopped?
- Why did the author think he might need an older boy for chopping wood?
- How did the boy prove his competence to the author?
- What did the author give the boy after his first day of chopping wood?
- How did the boy respond when offered payment for repairing the ax handle?
- What time of day did the author wake up to the sound of chopping?
- Where did the boy place the stack of kindling he chopped?
- Why did the boy refuse the money for repairing the ax handle?
- What quality did the author notice in the boy beyond bravery and honesty?
- How did the author feel about the boy’s integrity?
- What season did the author miss that led him to the mountains?
- What did the author ask for when he took the cabin?
- Where had the boy been living since he was four years old?
- What does the author compare the boy’s hair color to?
- Why did the author think the boy might have difficulty speaking?
- How did the boy show responsibility for the broken ax handle?
- What did the author think of the sound of the boy chopping wood?
- When did the boy usually come to chop wood?
- What did the author realize about the boy’s work ethic?
- What did the author appreciate most about the boy’s character?
- Why did the author feel grateful for the boy’s help?
2. Based on your reading of the following passage, make short notes in each of the boxes in the flow chart showing some major activities of the Boy in the passage. 1×5=5
Activities of the Boy in the Passage
i. Arrived at the cabin to chop wood
ii. Initially surprised the author by standing at the door with the dog
iii. Stated his experience and offered to chop wood
iv. Began chopping wood with rhythmic and steady blows
v. Came back after school each day to chop more wood
vi. Woke the author up early morning with the sound of chopping
vii. Created a neat stack of kindling against the cabin wall
viii. Impressed the author with the amount of wood chopped
ix. Refused money for repairing the broken ax handle
Daily Routine of the Boy Chopping Wood
i. Arrived at the cabin after school
ii. Chopped wood in a steady, rhythmic manner
iii. Checked in with the author before leaving
iv. Returned the next day early in the morning
v. Left a neat stack of kindling by the cabin wall
vi. Repaired the broken ax handle at the orphanage woodshop
vii. Declined payment for the repair, showing integrity
viii. Continued chopping wood regularly
vi. Built a good rapport with the author
x. Showed responsibility and dedication to his work
The Author’s Experience with the Boy
i. Arrived at the cabin for isolation and writing
ii. Requested help to chop wood
iii. Met the boy who offered to chop wood
iv. Observed the boy’s efficient work
v. Noted the boy’s appearance and demeanor
vi. Paid the boy for his work
vii. Was surprised by the boy’s early morning wood chopping
viii. Recognized the boy’s integrity and honesty
xi. Appreciated the boy’s continuous hard work
x. Developed a bond with the boy over time
Boy’s Attributes and Actions
i. Stood silently at the door without alarming the dog
ii. Offered to chop wood despite his small size
iii. Demonstrated exceptional wood chopping skills
iv. Showed up regularly after school
v. Worked quietly, creating minimal disturbance
iv. Repaired the ax handle on his own initiative
vii. Refused money for the repair, taking responsibility
viii. Displayed qualities of integrity and honesty
xi. Was consistent and reliable in his work
x. Maintained a respectful relationship with the author
The Author’s Impressions and Reactions
i. Initially surprised by the boy’s presence at the door
ii. Noted the boy’s small size and attire
iii. Impressed by the boy’s wood chopping skills
iv. Paid the boy for his work
v. Surprised by the early morning chopping sounds
vi. Impressed by the neat stack of kindling
vii. Realized the boy’s integrity and responsibility
viii. Appreciated the boy’s honesty in refusing money for the ax repair
xi. Developed a sense of admiration for the boy
x. Felt grateful for the boy’s help and dedication
The Author’s Experience in the Mountains
i. Chose the cabin for quiet and isolation
ii. Met the boy who offered to chop wood
iii. Observed the boy’s efficient work
iv. Paid the boy for his efforts
v. Surprised by the boy’s early morning wood chopping
vi. Recognized the boy’s integrity and responsibility
vii. Appreciated the boy’s continuous hard work
viii. Developed a bond with the boy over time
xi. Felt a sense of admiration for the boy’s character
x. Grateful for the boy’s help and dedication