“Today there are many jobs where you need English. This is because the world has become smaller. Vast distances are shortened by speedy transports. We can talk to a person thousands of kilometers away on the phone or the Internet. So we can communicate with the whole world easily. English has made this communication easier.

There are many countries in the world with many languages, but to communicate with them, you cannot use all the languages. So you need a common language that you can use with more or less all the people in the world. English is that common language. You can talk to a Chinese toy maker, a French artist, an Arab ambassador or a Korean builder in one language-English.

English, for us in Bangladesh, is all the more important. As we have seen earlier, we are too many people in a small country. So if you learn English, you have the best opportunity to find a good job, both within and outside the country. And that is good news for millions of our unemployed youths.”

“But Miss, we learn English for 12 or 14 years, yet we do not find good jobs, ” says Rumi. She then tells the class about what happened to her brother. “Could you please tell us why?” Rumi asks.

“This is a very important question, Rumi. We should learn how to use English both orally and in writing for doing things as needed in our work, such as communicating with others at personal, social, national and international levels. But unfortunately, at the moment we are learning English mainly for our exams,” continues Ms Choudhury. “Remember. English can greatly help you become skilled workers.”

“But where and how can we learn such kind of English, Miss?” asks Ratan. Ms Choudhury says, “We can learn English both in and outside the classroom. Besides your textbooks, the radio, television, newspapers, magazines. computers and other supplementary materials will greatly help you. During our classroom activities, we’ll see how we can learn English.”

Bangla Translation: আজকাল অনেক কাজ আছে যেখানে ইংরেজি প্রয়োজন। এর কারণ হলো, পৃথিবীটি এখন ছোট হয়ে গেছে। দ্রুত চলাচলের মাধ্যমগুলোর কারণে বড় বড় দুরত্বগুলো এখন কমে এসেছে। আমরা ফোন বা ইন্টারনেটের মাধ্যমে হাজার হাজার কিলোমিটার দূরে থাকা কাউকে সাথে কথা বলতে পারি। ফলে আমরা সহজেই পৃথিবীজুড়ে যোগাযোগ করতে পারি। ইংরেজি এই যোগাযোগকে সহজ করেছে।

পৃথিবীতে অনেক দেশ এবং ভাষা রয়েছে, তবে তাদের সাথে যোগাযোগ করার জন্য আপনি সব ভাষা ব্যবহার করতে পারবেন না। তাই আপনাকে একটি সাধারণ ভাষা প্রয়োজন, যা আপনি বিশ্বের প্রায় সকল মানুষের সাথে ব্যবহার করতে পারেন। ইংরেজি সেই সাধারণ ভাষা। আপনি একজন চীনা খেলনা প্রস্তুতকারক, একজন ফরাসি শিল্পী, একজন আরব রাষ্ট্রদূত বা একজন কোরিয়ান নির্মাণশ্রমিকের সাথে একটি ভাষাতেই কথা বলতে পারেন—ইংরেজি।

বাংলাদেশের জন্য ইংরেজি আরও গুরুত্বপূর্ণ। যেমন আমরা আগে দেখেছি, আমাদের দেশে মানুষ অনেক এবং দেশ ছোট। তাই যদি আপনি ইংরেজি শিখেন, তবে আপনাকে একটি ভালো চাকরি পাওয়ার সেরা সুযোগ রয়েছে, দেশের মধ্যে কিংবা দেশের বাইরে। আর এটি আমাদের লাখ লাখ বেকার যুবকের জন্য একটি সুসংবাদ।

“কিন্তু মিস, আমরা ১২ অথবা ১৪ বছর ইংরেজি পড়ি, তবুও ভালো চাকরি পাই না,” রুমি বলল। তারপর সে ক্লাসে তার ভাইয়ের যে ঘটনা ঘটেছে, তা বলল। “দয়া করে আমাদের বলেন, কেন?” রুমি প্রশ্ন করে।

“এটি একটি খুব গুরুত্বপূর্ণ প্রশ্ন, রুমি। আমাদের ইংরেজি শিখতে হবে মৌখিক এবং লিখিতভাবে, যাতে আমরা আমাদের কাজের জন্য যা প্রয়োজন, যেমন—ব্যক্তিগত, সামাজিক, জাতীয় এবং আন্তর্জাতিক স্তরে অন্যদের সাথে যোগাযোগ করতে পারি। কিন্তু দুর্ভাগ্যবশত, বর্তমানে আমরা মূলত পরীক্ষা দেওয়ার জন্য ইংরেজি শিখছি,” মিস চৌধুরী বললেন। “মনে রেখো, ইংরেজি তোমাদের দক্ষ কর্মী হতে সাহায্য করতে পারে।“

“কিন্তু মিস, আমরা এই ধরনের ইংরেজি কোথায় এবং কিভাবে শিখব?” রতন প্রশ্ন করে। মিস চৌধুরী বলেন, “আমরা ইংরেজি ক্লাসরুমের ভেতরে এবং বাইরেও শিখতে পারি। তোমাদের পাঠ্যপুস্তকের পাশাপাশি, রেডিও, টেলিভিশন, সংবাদপত্র, ম্যাগাজিন, কম্পিউটার এবং অন্যান্য সহায়ক উপকরণগুলো তোমাদের ইংরেজি শিখতে অনেক সাহায্য করবে। আমাদের ক্লাসরুমের কার্যক্রমের মাধ্যমে, আমরা দেখব কীভাবে আমরা ইংরেজি শিখতে পারি।“

1. What is said to have made the world smaller?
   Technology
   ii. Transportation
   iii. Communication
   iv. Education
   Answer: ii. Transportation
2. Why is English important for global communication?
   It is easy to learn
   ii. It is a common language
   iii. It is the most widely spoken
   iv. It is used for exams
   Answer: ii. It is a common language
3. Which language is highlighted as a global medium of communication?
   Spanish
   ii. French
   iii. Arabic
   iv. English
   Answer: iv. English
4. What is the primary purpose of learning English, as discussed in the passage?
   To pass exams
   ii. To get a job
   iii. To travel
   iv. To socialize
   Answer: ii. To get a job
5. Why is English particularly important for Bangladeshis?
   It is the official language
   ii. It opens job opportunities
   iii. It is a native language
   iv. It is spoken by the majority
   Answer: ii. It opens job opportunities
6. How long do students in Bangladesh typically learn English?
   10-12 years
   ii. 12-14 years
   iii. 14-16 years
   iv. 16-18 years
   Answer: ii. 12-14 years
7. What concern does Rumi express in the passage?
   Lack of job opportunities
   ii. Poor exam results
   iii. Limited access to education
   iv. Difficulty learning English
   Answer: i. Lack of job opportunities
8. What does Rumi want to know from Ms. Choudhury?
   How to learn English better
   ii. Why English doesn’t help with job searches
   iii. Why English is difficult to learn
   iv. What jobs are available for graduates
   Answer: ii. Why English doesn’t help with job searches
9. What does Ms. Choudhury say about the way English is currently being taught?
   It focuses on practical use
   ii. It focuses on exams
   iii. It is not important
   iv. It is only taught orally
   Answer: ii. It focuses on exams
10. According to Ms. Choudhury, what is necessary to use English effectively?
    Memorizing grammar rules
    ii. Learning only vocabulary
    iii. Learning to communicate orally and in writing
    iv. Passing English exams
    Answer: iii. Learning to communicate orally and in writing
11. What suggestion does Ms. Choudhury make for improving English learning?
    Use textbooks only
    ii. Only focus on writing
    iii. Use other materials like radio, TV, and computers
    iv. Limit learning to the classroom
    Answer: iii. Use other materials like radio, TV, and computers
12. What does the passage say about English’s role in global jobs?
    It is only useful for local jobs
    ii. It is a requirement for most jobs
    iii. It is irrelevant to most job markets
    iv. It is not important for career growth
    Answer: ii. It is a requirement for most jobs
13. What is one way English helps in global communication?
    It simplifies technology
    ii. It helps people from different countries communicate
    iii. It reduces cultural differences
    iv. It provides jobs
    Answer: ii. It helps people from different countries communicate
14. Why is English essential for Bangladesh, according to the narrator?
    It is the national language
    ii. It provides access to global business opportunities
    iii. It is the language of government
    iv. It is the most common language in Asia
    Answer: ii. It provides access to global business opportunities
15. What does Ms. Choudhury identify as the problem with how English is learned?
    Lack of resources
    ii. Focus on exams, not practical use
    iii. Limited exposure to native speakers
    iv. Emphasis on speaking only
    Answer: ii. Focus on exams, not practical use
16. What did Ratan ask Ms. Choudhury?
    Where to find a job
    ii. How to learn practical English
    iii. How to pass the exam
    iv. Why English is difficult
    Answer: ii. How to learn practical English
17. What does Ms. Choudhury recommend using outside of textbooks to learn English?
    Social media
    ii. Television and newspapers
    iii. English-speaking friends
    iv. Mobile apps
    Answer: ii. Television and newspapers
18. What is one key factor in finding a good job, according to the passage?
    Learning a local language
    ii. A high score in exams
    iii. Proficiency in English
    iv. Having a degree
    Answer: iii. Proficiency in English
19. What does Ms. Choudhury suggest about communication at work?
    It requires knowledge of only one language
    ii. It is not important
    iii. It involves both oral and written communication
    iv. It is limited to personal communication
    Answer: iii. It involves both oral and written communication
20. What does the passage suggest about the importance of English in the modern world?
    It is losing importance
    ii. It helps with global communication
    iii. It is only important in education
    iv. It is a requirement for citizenship
    Answer: ii. It helps with global communication
21. What concern does Rumi express about her brother’s experience?
    He learned English but couldn’t find a job
    ii. He failed his exams
    iii. He didn’t get a chance to study
    iv. He wasn’t interested in English
    Answer: i. He learned English but couldn’t find a job
22. What does Ms. Choudhury say about learning English for exams?
    It is enough for finding a job
    ii. It should be the main focus
    iii. It is not sufficient for real-world use
    iv. It is unnecessary
    Answer: iii. It is not sufficient for real-world use
23. How does the passage describe the world in terms of communication?
    The world is shrinking
    ii. Communication is difficult
    iii. Technology has no impact
    iv. Language barriers are increasing
    Answer: i. The world is shrinking
24. Why does Ms. Choudhury say English is useful for becoming a skilled worker?
    It is required for many professions
    ii. It allows communication in all industries
    iii. It helps in exams
    iv. It makes people better at writing
    Answer: ii. It allows communication in all industries
25. What is the primary benefit of learning English mentioned in the passage?
    To improve education
    ii. To travel abroad
    iii. To secure a job
    iv. To communicate with friends
    Answer: iii. To secure a job
26. How does Ms. Choudhury suggest students can improve their English?
    By focusing solely on grammar
    ii. By reading books only
    iii. By using various resources outside the classroom
    iv. By watching movies in English
    Answer: iii. By using various resources outside the classroom
27. What does Rumi’s question imply about English education?
    It is very effective
    ii. It should be improved for real-world use
    iii. It focuses too much on speaking
    iv. It is the key to passing exams
    Answer: ii. It should be improved for real-world use
28. Why is English described as a “common language”?
    It is spoken by the most people
    ii. It can be understood by people from different countries
    iii. It is only used in business
    iv. It is easy to learn
    Answer: ii. It can be understood by people from different countries
29. What did Ms. Choudhury say about learning English for work?
    It’s unnecessary
    ii. It should be focused on grammar
    iii. It should include both speaking and writing skills
    iv. It is only needed for travel
    Answer: iii. It should include both speaking and writing skills
30. What type of English is emphasized in the passage?
    Theoretical English
    ii. Written English
    iii. Practical English
    iv. Literary English
    Answer: iii. Practical English
31. What does Ms. Choudhury suggest is the main issue with how English is learned in schools?
    There is not enough focus on grammar
    ii. Students are not taught how to use it in real-world scenarios
    iii. It is too focused on oral skills
    iv. The exams are too easy
    Answer: ii. Students are not taught how to use it in real-world scenarios
32. Why does the narrator emphasize the importance of English?
    It is the official language of many countries
    ii. It is required for communication in the modern world
    iii. It is the most widely spoken language
    iv. It is easy to learn
    Answer: ii. It is required for communication in the modern world
33. What does Ms. Choudhury believe students should focus on when learning English?
    Exam preparation
    ii. Practical communication skills
    iii. Memorization of vocabulary
    iv. Pronunciation
    Answer: ii. Practical communication skills
34. What medium is NOT mentioned by Ms. Choudhury as a resource for learning English?
    Radio
    ii. Television
    iii. Computers
    iv. Social media
    Answer: iv. Social media
35. What does Ms. Choudhury say about English learning materials?
    They should only include textbooks
    ii. They should be used outside the classroom
    iii. They should be in English-speaking countries
    iv. They should be taught by native speakers
    Answer: ii. They should be used outside the classroom
36. What does the passage imply about the connection between English and jobs?
    It is irrelevant to job opportunities
    ii. It is a key to finding a good job
    iii. It is only necessary for working abroad
    iv. It makes no difference in job prospects
    Answer: ii. It is a key to finding a good job
37. Why is it difficult for some to find jobs despite learning English?
    They have not learned enough vocabulary
    ii. They have not learned how to use English practically
    iii. They don’t have access to technology
    iv. They are not fluent in speaking
    Answer: ii. They have not learned how to use English practically
38. What is one of the benefits of learning English mentioned in the passage?
    It helps with personal relationships
    ii. It improves education
    iii. It enhances job prospects
    iv. It helps with technology
    Answer: iii. It enhances job prospects
39. According to the passage, what is necessary for real-world English communication?
    Understanding grammar rules
    ii. Speaking fluently
    iii. Being able to communicate both orally and in writing
    iv. Listening to native speakers
    Answer: iii. Being able to communicate both orally and in writing
40. What does Rumi’s concern highlight about the education system?
    It focuses too much on exams and not practical use
    ii. It doesn’t prepare students for real-world challenges
    iii. It lacks a focus on grammar
    iv. It doesn’t provide enough learning materials
    Answer: i. It focuses too much on exams and not practical use
41. What is a suggested solution for improving English skills?
    More grammar lessons
    ii. More exam practice
    iii. Exposure to real-life English through media
    iv. Fewer English classes
    Answer: iii. Exposure to real-life English through media
42. How does the passage suggest the world has changed in terms of communication?
    Communication is more difficult
    ii. The world is less connected
    iii. Distances have been shortened through transportation and technology
    iv. People are less willing to communicate
    Answer: iii. Distances have been shortened through transportation and technology
43. What role does English play in communicating with people from different countries?
    It is the only language spoken
    ii. It is a common means of communication
    iii. It is not effective for communication
    iv. It is only used in business
    Answer: ii. It is a common means of communication
44. How does Ms. Choudhury believe students should approach learning English?
    Focus on memorizing vocabulary
    ii. Use English primarily in exams
    iii. Use English as a tool for communication in daily life
    iv. Limit learning to writing only
    Answer: iii. Use English as a tool for communication in daily life
45. Why is learning practical English emphasized in the passage?
    It helps with writing skills
    ii. It helps with job prospects and global communication
    iii. It focuses on passing exams
    iv. It makes students fluent
    Answer: ii. It helps with job prospects and global communication
46. What does Ratan’s question about learning English indicate?
    A desire to focus on grammar
    ii. A concern about learning practical English
    iii. A need for more vocabulary practice
    iv. A question about passing exams
    Answer: ii. A concern about learning practical English
47. What is one example of a global communication situation mentioned in the passage?
    Talking to a friend in another country
    ii. Communicating with a Chinese toy maker
    iii. Speaking to a teacher
    iv. Writing an essay for school
    Answer: ii. Communicating with a Chinese toy maker
48. What does the passage suggest about the need for English in the job market?
    It is not needed in most jobs
    ii. It is important for communication at international and national levels
    iii. It is necessary only for technical jobs
    iv. It is only needed for jobs in the government
    Answer: ii. It is important for communication at international and national levels
49. How does the narrator describe the world today?
    Difficult to navigate
    ii. Smaller and more connected
    iii. Full of barriers
    iv. More isolated
    Answer: ii. Smaller and more connected

B. Answer the following questions.

1. What makes the world smaller today?
2. How has transportation affected communication?
3. Why is English considered a global language?
4. Where can you communicate with people using English?
5. What is the importance of English for Bangladeshis?
6. Who is responsible for helping students learn practical English?
7. Why do many students in Bangladesh struggle to find good jobs despite learning English?
8. How can English be used at both personal and professional levels?
9. What does Rumi question about the role of English in getting a good job?
10. Why is learning English mainly focused on exams in Bangladesh?
11. What does Ms. Choudhury say about the way English is taught in schools?
12. How can students improve their English outside the classroom?
13. What materials can help students learn English besides textbooks?
14. Why does Ms. Choudhury emphasize the need to learn practical English?
15. How can students learn to use English both orally and in writing?
16. What did Rumi say about her brother’s experience with English and job searching?
17. Where can students practice English outside of the classroom?
18. Why does Ms. Choudhury think English is important for skilled workers?
19. How does learning English impact job opportunities within Bangladesh?
20. What did Ratan ask Ms. Choudhury about learning English?
21. Why is it important to use resources like radio, television, and computers in learning English?
22. What does the passage suggest about the relationship between English and job markets?
23. How does the use of English help people communicate globally?
24. Why is it important for students to learn to communicate in both spoken and written English?
25. How does the passage describe the role of English in global communication?
26. What does Ms. Choudhury recommend for improving English learning outside the classroom?
27. Why is English described as a common language in the passage?
28. How does learning English help in finding a job according to the passage?
29. What does Rumi’s question imply about the education system in Bangladesh?
30. Why is English important for becoming skilled in various professions?
31. How does the passage explain the connection between English and global communication?
32. What does Ms. Choudhury say about learning English for exams versus practical use?
33. How can technology help students improve their English skills?
34. Why does Ms. Choudhury mention using other learning materials like newspapers and magazines?
35. What is the main concern of students learning English for 12-14 years, according to the passage?
36. How does the passage describe the effect of globalization on the need for English?
37. What is the primary reason for learning English, as suggested in the passage?
38. Where is it useful to communicate in English, according to Ms. Choudhury?
39. Why do the youths in Bangladesh face difficulties in finding jobs despite learning English?
40. How does Ms. Choudhury suggest students can improve their language skills?
41. What does Ms. Choudhury suggest is missing from the current English education system?
42. Why is English the most widely used language for international communication?
43. How do speedy transports help in reducing distances for communication?
44. What does Rumi expect from Ms. Choudhury regarding English education?
45. Why is it essential to learn English for global communication in today’s world?
46. How does Ms. Choudhury respond to Ratan’s question about learning English?
47. What advice does Ms. Choudhury give to students for enhancing their English outside of class?
48. Why is English necessary for communicating with people from different countries?
49. How can English help students in becoming better communicators in their professional lives?
50. What role does English play in Bangladesh’s future job market, as mentioned in the passage?