1. Dhaka Board—2023 

2. Rajshahi Board—2023

3. Cumilla Board-2023 

4. Chattogram Board—2023

5. Sylhet Board—2023

6. Jashore Board—2023

7. Dinajpur Board—2023 

8. Mymensingh Board—2023 

9. Barishal Board—2023 

Second Paper

10. Dhaka Board—2023 

11. Chattogram Board—2023 

12. Dinajpur Board—2023 

13. Rajshahi Board—2023 

14. Jessore Board—2023

15. Cumilla Board—2023 

16. Mymensingh Board—2023 

17. Barishal Board—2023 

18. Sylhet Board—2023 

1. Dhaka Board-2023

English First Paper According to the Syllabus of 2023]

[ Time-3 hours; Full marks-100

N.B. The figures in the margin indicate full marks. Answer all the questions.]

[ Part-I: Reading: [60 Marks]

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

Sheikh Kamal, the eldest son of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Bangamata Fazilatunnesa Mujib, was born at Tungipara in Gopalganj district. He spent his childhood there. Kamal received his secondary education at  Dhaka‘s BAF Shaheen school from where he passed his SSC examination. He was than admitted to Dhaka College, and after his HSC examination, he became a student at the department of sociology of Dhaka University. Kamal had a colorful life marked by liveliness and creativity. Besides his academic studies, he also pursued his passion for sports and cultural activities. He was a first division basketball and cricket player as well as a sports organizer. He was also interested in classical music, and became a student of Chhayanaut to learn Sitar under the tutelage of Ustad Ful Mohammad. Apart from Sitar, Kamal had a passion for Piano. He had a good collection of musical instruments on the second floor of their house at Dhanmondi, Road no. 32. it is well known to his friends that Sheikh Kamal used to begin his day practicing the Sitar and during the day played basketball or football or cricket. In the evening he was often seen on stage rehearsing a play. He took part in stage performance of Kabar written by prominent playwright shaheed Munir Chowdhury. Kamal was one of the founders of Dhaka theatre. He was also a founder of ‘Spondon Shilpi Gosthi’-a cultural organization. And who doesn’t know that Sheik Kamal was the founder of Abahoni Krira Chokro that introduced modern football in our country.
There are interesting traits in Kamal’s Character. He was the eldest son of a Prime Minister and later of a President. Yet, his life was very simple. He didn’t take any advantage of his father’s name and office. As he loved to spend time with his frineds at Tungipara in his childhood, he loved to do the same during his college and university days. Watching good movies with then in Madhumita, Naz or Balaka cinema hall was also something that he really liked.

A. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives: 0.5×10-5

(a) The word ‘liveliness’ refers to –

(i) loveliness (ii) weariness (iii) exuberance (iv) dullness

(b) The phrase ‘took part’ in the passage implies

(i) got out (ii) showed off (iii) partake (iv) abandoned

(c) Sheikh Kamal became a student of Chhayanaut with a view to

(i) learn sitar (ii) learning sitar (iii) learnt sitar (iv) have a sitar

(d) Sheikh Kamal had a great for classical music.

(i) indifference (ii) fascination (iiii) dislike (iv) apathy

(e) The phrase ‘well-known’ is a/an.

(i) adjective phrase (ii) adverbial phrase

(iii) noun phrase (iv) prepositional phrase

(f) ‘Tutelage’ in the text could be best replaced by

(i) tuition (ii) tutor (iii) address (iv) Guardianship

(g) Road no. 32 is a -.

(i) road only (ii) residence

(iii) part of the history of Bangladesh (iv) President house

(h) The play ‘Kabar’ is written by

(i) Ustad Ful Mohammad (ii) Dhaka Theatre

(iii) Spondon Shilpi Gosthi (iv) Shaheed Munir Chowdhury

(i) A playwright is a person who

(i) acts on the stage (ii) stages a play

(iii) writes a drama (iv) makes a cinema

(j) Sheikh Kamal started his day by

(i) playing cricket (ii) practicing the sitar

(iii) rehearsing a play (iv) playing

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

(a) What do you know about the parentage and birth place of Sheikh Kamal?

(b) Sheikh Kamal was both a sports lover and a good organizer. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.

(c) What do you know about Sheikh Kamal’s participation in cultural activities?

(d) What type of life did Sheikh Kamal lead?

(e) How did Sheikh Kamal spend his childhood?

2. Read the following text and make a flow chart showing Jerry’s extraordinary character in each of the boxes. (No. 1 has been done for you.) 1×5=5

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. 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 axe 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 axe 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.

1.  A boy of integrity  2 3 4 5 6

3. Write a summary of the following text:

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 fitness is an approach to training the body. Meditation in our time is practiced by people to reduce stress and tension, and improve focus. There are trainers who help beginners with some exercise such as improved breathing and progressive relaxation. One of the most common approaches to meditation is concentration. 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, mediation improves creativity, self-awareness and tolerance.

4. Read the following text and fill in the blanks with a suitable word from the box. There are more words than needed. Make any grammatical change if necessary. 0.5×10-5

Football is the most popular and exciting event for all classes of people. The World Cup football is the (a) — earth show in the world. It is the most (b) — international tournament of football. The competition takes place once in every four years. FIFA World Cup-2022 was (c) December. 32 teams of (d) — in Qatar from 20 November to 18 nations participated in the tournament. (e) — over $ 220 billion were spent in organizing this tournament. There were 64 matches played in eight venues across five cities. The final match was (f) — French and Argentina. Argentina was (g) — Messi was (h) — really a great source of (i) — between champion and captain Lionel the best player of the tournament. The 2022 World Cup was and will be ever (j) —.

5. Fill in the blanks with an appropriate word in each gap : 1×10=10

The Padma Bridge is a multi-purpose road-rail bridge over the (a) — Padma river in Bangladesh. It is the longest bridge in Bangladesh. At first the World Bank intended to (b) — for the construction of the bridge and later (c) — their decision. But this mega project has been built with domestic funding without (d) — aid. It is 6.15 km long and 18.10 m wide. There is a four-lane highway on the upper level and a one-lane railway on the lower level. The construction journey was started on 7 December 2014 and completed by May 2022. The dream of Bengalis has come to the reality after (e) — various uncertainties. The bridge was (f) — by the Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on June 25 of 2022. Through the opening of the bridge, 19 districts of the southwestern region have been directly (g) — the eastern part of the country. The importance of the Padma Bridge is (h) — in economic development and in changing the living (i) — of millions of people. The world has (j) — the historical achievement of the people of Bangladesh through this construction of the Padma Bridge. The Padma Bridge symbolizes Bangladesh’s self-esteem.

6. The following sentences are jumbled. Rearrange them in a proper sequence. 1×10=10

(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 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 checked 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 graph chart shows the choice of profession by educated people in our country. Describe the graph in 150 words. 15

8. The following is the beginning of a story and complete it in your own language:

There was a pond full of frogs. Some of them often put their heads out of the water and croaked loudly. One day some boys were playing by the side of the pond. When they heard the frogs croaking

9. Suppose you are Mukta. You have recently been to the Sundarbans. Now write a letter to your friend narrating the scenic beauty. 10

2. Rajshahi Board-2023

English First Paper [According to the Syllabus of 2023]

Time-3 hours; Full marks-100 ‘

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

Part I-Reading: Marks-60

1. Read the following text 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 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 we 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 quarrelling and fighting with each other which only brings misery and loss to all.

A. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives: 0.5×10=5

(a) The word ‘intimate’ could be replaced by

(i) differentiate (ii) close (iii) knowledge (iv) intrigue

(b) Which of the following has the closest meaning of the word ‘Possessive’?

(i) Dominating (ii) Supportive (iii) Productive (iv) Overprotective

(c) A Philosopher is a person who

(i) thinks deeply and seriously about life and other basic matters.

(ii) studies the origin of the universe.

(iii) systematically gathers and uses research and evidence.

(iv) tells other about their character and predicts future.

(d) The word ‘instinct’ could be replaced by

(i) impulse (ii) unconcern (iii) mishap (iv) detachment

(e) Man seeks company of others. The word ‘company’ can be replaced by.

(i) farm (ii) association (iii) affection (iv) support

(f) Man’s relationships give meaning to his existence. The word ‘existence’ can be replaced by

(i) attachment (ii) entity (iii) motivation (iv) inspiration

(g) The synonym of ‘foster’ is

(i) agony (ii) near (iii) chase. (iv) nurture

(h) The synonym of ‘isolation’ is

(i) detachment ( ii) entertainment (iii) fierce (iv) acquaintance

(i) Man establishes relationships for physical and emotional

(i) health (ii) help (iii) treatment (iv) pleasure

(j)The wild animals also need

(i) food (ii) house (iii) company (iv) occupation

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

(a) How do relationships help us with mental health?

(b) How do we increase our joy and decrease our misery?

(c) “A person who has no family feels the pain of loneliness and isolation.”- Explain.

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

(e) Why is relationship so important?

2. Read the following text and make a flow-chart showing the major features of the Island of St. Martin’s. (One has been done for you) 1×5=5

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 above 3.6 metre 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 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.

1 Only coral island in Bangladesh 2

3. Summarize the following text: 10

Junk foods are processed foods consisting of high calories, 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.”

Frequent 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 cardio-vascular 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.

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: 0.5×10=5

The most (a) — event for Bangladesh is her (b) — as an (c) — nation on March 26, 1971. It is a red letter day in the (d) —- of Bangladesh. After the (e) — of subcontinent, we got Pakistan. But the Pakistanis began to (f) — our people. At first, they (g) — our language. We shall never forget the Language Movement of 1952. The language movement led to the mass upsurge of 1969. As a result, the War of Liberation (h) — place in 1971. After nine months struggle, the Pakistanis were compelled to (i) — and we won (j) —.

5. Fill in the blanks with an appropriate word in each gap: 1×10=10

The process of globalization obviously requires a common language for international communication. For many different reasons, English has (a) — the (b) — of being that language. As a result, it has (c) — national borders to reach people who speak other languages. It is no longer the (d) — possession of British or American or other native speakers, but a language that (e) — to the world’s people. In fact, bilingual and multilingual users of English for (f) — its monolingual native speakers. This phenomenon has led to a (g) — variety of English around the world. As more and more people speak English, more and more varieties have (h) — which are strongly influenced by the pronunciation, grammar and idioms of the (i) — mother tongues. World English has now (j) — away from the control of its native speakers.

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

(a) The grapes were too high for him to reach.

(b) One day he was very hungry.

(c) Again and again he jumped.

(d)At last he entered into a vineyard.

(e) Once upon a time, there lived a fox in a forest.

(f) Al last being tired, he went away saying that the grapes were sour.

(g) But each time, he failed to reach the grapes.

(h) He took a run and jumped to reach the bunch of grapes but could not reach it.

(i)He searched for food everywere but he did not get any food.

(j) There were ripe grapes hanging up on the vine.

PART-II [40 Marks]

7. The graph shows the choice of profession by educated people in our country. Analyze the graph in at least 80 words: 80% 60% 40% 20% 10% 60% 40% 30% 20% 0% Farming 10% Business Govt. Job Research work Banking Teaching 15

8. The following is the beginning of a story. Complete it in your own words: 15

It was a bright sunny morning. I was going to college with some of my friends. We were in a hilarious mood as we were talking about our plan to go on a picnic. Suddenly….

9. Suppose, you are Mahin. Your friend Abir is very afraid of English. Now, write a letter to him describing how to be competent in English. 10

3. Cumilla Board-2023

English First Paper According to the Syllabus of 2023]

[ Time-3 hours; Full marks-100

N.B. The figures in the margin indicate full marks. Answer all the questions.]

[ Part-I: Reading: [60 Marks]

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 inspire him to do well in  education in workplace or in a profession that he pursues. Relationships are of different kindsSome 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 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 quarrelling and fighting with each other which only brings misery and loss to all.

A. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives: 0.5 x 10 = 5

(a) The word ‘isolation’ means

(i) connection (ii) confinement (iii) separation (iv) bond

(b) What does a man pursue?

(i) Wealth (ii) Knowledge (iii) Health (iv) Relationship

(c) Who forms relationships with toys?

(i) Boys (ii) Girls (iii) Children (iv) Men

(d) Emotional health is needed in –

(i) abstraction (ii) triviality (iii) human life (iv) animality

(e) The word ‘foster’ refers to –

(i) cheer (ii) separate (iii) nourish (iv) imply

(f) Without proper relationships, there is, indeed,

(i) a crisis of existence (ii) a risk of ruin

(iii) a problem of helplessness (iv) all of the above

(g) What keeps us close to each other?

(i) Society (ii) Family (iii) Livelihood (iv) Relationship

(h) The wild animals also need –

(i) food (ii) house (iii) company (iv) occupation

(i) Man establishes relationships for physical and emotional

(i) health (ii) crisis (iii) breakdown (iv) pleasure

(j) Man’s relationship is related to his –

(i) enmity (ii) antipathy (iii) entity (iv) bond

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

(a) How does relationship help a man?

(b) What types of relationships are there?

(c) What pain does the person feel who has no family?

(d) How is man’s relationship different from those of other animals?

(e) What is the role of school in man’s relationship?

2. Read the following text and make a flow chart showing Amerigo’s sufferings after his parents’ separation, (one is done for you) 1×5 = 5

My name is Amerigo. I am 13 years old and 1 live on the street, alone. My mother, who is

My name is Amerigo. I am 13 years old and I live on the street, alone. My mother, who is separated from my father, doesn’t want me. She told me to go away. Now she is married to another man. My father lives very far away. I want to go to him, but he won’t take me either. I begged him to send me some money so that I could buy a bus ticket. I am still waiting. He hasn’t answered. 

The streets are now my home. Sometimes I find work. I used to collect trash and sell it to a vendor. I stopped doing that after I had a serious infection and a doctor told me to stay away from the trash dump. Once I worked for an ice cream shop owner and sold ice cream on the beach. But I got no money in return. The owner of the shop gave me something to eat, and let me sleep in his hut at night. The work was difficult and painful. The ice cream box is quite heavy when it is full. I had to walk for hours, offering my ice cream to whoever wanted to buy. There were days when I could not even sell one ice cream.

1. Living on street alone 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 10

3. Write a summary of the following poem:

All people dream, but not equally.

Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their mind.

Wake in the morning to find that it was vanity.

But the dreamers of the day are dangerous people.

For they dream their dreams with open eyes.

And make them come true.

4. Read the following text and fill in the blanks with suitable word from the box. There are more words than needed. Make any grammatical change if necessary. 0.5 x 10 = 5

It is not easy to understand a man by seeing only his face. Even it is not easy to know about his mentality by  (a) —  only his speeches. It is very difficult to examine a man’s  (b)  — by his outer appearances. So finding a friend is not very  (c)  —. It is one of the world’s . most  (d)  — tasks. Real friends are found in our  (e)  —.  A real is always  (f)  — friend in his friend’s dangers. He always  (g)  — his friend’s secrets secure. We can often be  (h)  —- by friends. We must remain careful in  (i)  — friends. We can have  (j)  — from our elders in this regard.

5. Fill in the gaps using suitable words. 1 x 10=10

A large number of people learn English (a) — the world. Some people use it (b) — a first language and some people take it as a (c) — language. Many international (d) — now depend on English for (e) — with offices in different countries. They offer employment to people (f) adequate knowledge of English. The advertisements (g) — in many dailies (h) —. In English. So, it would not be (i) — to neglect this (j — language.

6. Rearrange the fallowing sentences to make a coherent order.

(a) He was one of the most renowned linguists of Bangladesh.

(b) He died in 1969 and we remember him with respect.

(c) He was second to none in Bangla language and literature.

(d) Dr. Mohammad Shahidullah was bom in 24 Porgonas, West Bengal in 1885.

(e) He Joined Jashore Zilla School in 1910.

(f) He passed the Entrance and F.A. Exam in 1904 and 1906.

(g) He received some awards and contributed much to Bangla literature.

(h) He passed Honours and Masters in 1910 and 1912.

(i) He Joined Dhaka University as a Lecturer in 1921.

(j) He got his Ph.D in 1928.

PART-II [40 Marks]

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. 15

Sleep 30% 25% College hours 25% Study 20% Recreation 12% Play 5% Study Recreation Play Others College hours Sleep Other 8% 8.

8. The following is the beginning of a story. Complete it in your own words: 15

Once there was a selfish giant who had a large and beautiful garden. The garden was full of soft green grass. Here and there all over the grass stood many colorful flowers like stars…

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. 10

4. Chattogram Board 2023

English First Paper According to the Syllabus of 2023]

[ Time-3 hours; Full marks-100

N.B. The figures in the margin indicate full marks. Answer all the questions.]

Part-I: Reading: [60 Marks]

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

[Unit—6; Lesson—1(D)]

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 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 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, Freud wrote that dreams are “….. disguised fulfillments of repressed wishes.”

A. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives. 1*5=5

(a) The word ‘fascinated’ mentioned in the passage means ——.

(i) unattractive (ii) ugly (iii) repulsive (iv) captivated

(b) The word ‘puzzling’ mentioned in the passage means ——.

(i) witty (ii) genuine (iii) confusing  (iv) enlightening

(c) The word ‘vivid’ means ——.

(i) dull (ii) weak (iii) vague (iv) clear

(d) The word ‘unravel’ mentioned in the passage means ——.

(i) knot  (ii) disclose  (iii) hide (iv) challenge

(e) The word ‘repressed’ mentioned in the passage means ——.

(i) suppressed  (ii) inspired  (iii) encouraged  (iv) assist

B. Answer the following questions. 3*5=15

(a) What purposes do dreams serve according to the researchers? Explain.

(b) Define dream in your own words?

(c) What is the difference between dream and nightmare?

(d) What are the characteristics of dream according to the passage?

(e) What is Sigmund Freud’s theory of dreams consistent with? What does it suggest?

2. Read the following text and make a flow chart showing the situation of adolescent girls in Bangladesh. (No. 1 is done for you.) [Unit—9; Lesson—2 (B-iii+iv)]          1*5=5

In Bangladesh, the legal age of marriage for girls is 18. However, 33 percent of our girls get married before they are 15 and 60 percent of them become mothers by the time they reach 19. When a girl gets married, she usually drops out of school and thus loses her mobility. She gets confined to full-time work in her in-laws’ household. She loses social status and all the opportunities of economic independence. In her in-laws’ house, she gets marginalized. She becomes vulnerable to all sorts of abuse, including dowry-related violence. In Bangladesh, it is still a common practice for the bride’s family to pay dowry. Dowry demands can also continue even after marriage. An adolescent bride, even if her in-laws are supportive, faces enormous health risk during pregnancy and childbirth. 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.

Getting married early                                               

3. Summarize the following passage. [Unit—5; Lesson—3(C)] 10

Education aims to bring about positive changes in our behavior. 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 certificates. We use education to make life better. We are expected to apply the knowledge, skills and values that we learn 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 to make a difference in the civic 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 well-being of the people.

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. .5*10=5

different, suffer, fertilizers, appear, environment, cause, diseases, afflicted, rural, severely, substances, alarm

Many diseases are rising at an (a) —— rate which experts believe is due to increased pollution of the environment. Some specialists believe that pollution (b) —— to be greater in urban areas. Though (c) —— societies too are (d) —— by increased use of chemical (e) —— and insecticides. Nevertheless, today city people appear to suffer from many more diseases and (f) —— more (g) —— than country people. Now, let us see how life in cities (h) —— from that in the country. Harmful (i) —— in water and air are (j) —— environment pollution.

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

Education is one of the basic needs of a human being. It is (a) —— for the (b) —— of mind. Many illiterate people do not have any (c) —— of health. If they (d) —— educated, they could live a (e) —— and planned life. Education teaches us how to live well. It (f) —— us to make the right (g) —— in life. It enhances our (h) —— to perform our duties properly and (i) —— our everyday problems. In fact, it is education (j) —— brings positive change in our life.

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

(a) He asked him where God is.

(b) He praised him highly.

(c) Once a lad went to a famous teacher.

(d) The teacher thought highly of the boy’s understanding.

(e) The lad replied that he would answer if he would tell where He is not.

(f) The boy devoted himself to earning knowledge.

(g) He begged to instruct him in the arts and science.

(h) He agreed to teach the lad.

(i) He expressed his desire to acquire knowledge.

(j) The teacher wished to find out the ability of the boy.

Part II: Guided Writing (40 Marks)

7. The pie chart below shows the percentage of travellers in Bangladesh travelling in different transportation ways per day. Describe the pie chart in at least 150 words. 15

8. The following is the beginning of a story. Complete it in your own words. 15

There was a boy hailed from an obscure background. But he was brilliant, diligent and innovative. He ………………………….

9. Suppose, you are Mushfiq/Musfiqa and your friend is Sharif/Sharifa. Now, write a letter to your friend telling him/her what you intend to do after the HSC Examination and why. 10

5. Sylhet Board 2023

Time — 3 hours
Full marks — 100

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

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

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 other 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 of conflict that follows. The first thing education does is to give us 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. Education, is believed, releases our potentials and our inner strengths. It sharpens our intellect and develops our creativity. As we are taught to reason well and find solutions to the problems of life, we become productive members of society. Education by definition is progressive and liberal, teaching us to respect human diversity and cultural and religious differences. If all of us practise these values in life, the world becomes a much happier place.
Education also fosters critical thinking and provides us a set of competencies including life skills that enable us to become competitive even in the most challenging of circumstances. Education also teaches us to appreciate beauty and the bounties of nature.

School, however, is not the only place where a child gets education. A Bangla poem tells us that nature can be our best teacher. Here are a couple of lives from the poem in English translation:

The sky has taught me to be liberal.
The wind has given me the motto to be industrious.

It we can make nature our friend, philosopher and guide, we can learn lessons about life that, combined with what our schools teach us, will prepare us for the future.

A. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives:

(a) What does the idiom ‘at large i ‘ mean?

i) independently  ii) briefly iii) largely iv) dependently

(b) The word ‘arithmetic’ relates to-.

i) physics ii) mathematics iii) biology iv) chemistry

(c) The sky teaches us to be-.

i) honest ii) sincere iii) liberal iv) courageous i) meanness

(d) Imparting education to the common mass leads a community to-.

(e ) The term ‘self-confidence ‘ is an outcome of

ii) backward iii) prosperity iv) humanity i) education ii) earning and success iii) establishment iv) wealth

(f) The wind inspires us to be-.

i) punctual ii) industrious iii) virtuous iv) disciplined 

(g) The word ‘function’ refers to –

i) to work ii) to know iii) to think iv) to analyze

(h) The passage describes -.

i) the expense of education ii)the purpose of education

iii) the scholars of education  iv) the institution of education

(i) What does the word ‘competencies’ refers to

i) energies ii) powers iii) capabilities iv) vitalities 

(j ) Education supports us to choose-

i) profit from loss ii) wrong from right 

iii) right from wrong iv) vice from virtue 

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

(a) What does education provide us?

(b) Does education influence us in thinking? How?

(c) Do you believe that education leads to the path of socialization? How?

(d) How do we obtain the ability to manage our affairs well?

(e) Elucidate the role of nature as our “friend, philosopher and guide”.

2 . Based on your reading of the passage, make short notes in each of the boxes in the flow-chart showing the information about Sheikh Kamal’s passion for sports and cultural activities: (No. 1 has been done for you.) 1×5=5

Sheikh Kamal, the eldest son of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Bangamata Fazilatunnesa Mujib, was born at Tungipara in Gopalganj district. He spent his childhood there. Kamal received his secondary education at Dhaka’s BAF Shaheen School, from where he passed his SSC examination. He was then admitted to Dhaka College, and after his HSC examination, he became a student at the Department of Sociology of Dhaka University. Kamal had a colorful life marked by liveliness and creativity. Besides his academic studies, he also pursued his passion for sports and cultural activities. He was a first division basketball and cricket player as well as a sports organizer. He was also interested in classical music and became a student of Chhayanaut to learn the Sitar under the tutelage of Ustad Ful Mohammad. Apart from the Sitar, Kamal had a passion for the Piano. He had a good collection of musical instruments on the second floor of their house at Dhanmondi, Road no. 32. It is well known to his friends that Sheikh Kamal used to begin his day practicing the Sitar, and during the day played basketball, football, or cricket. In the evening, he was often seen on stage rehearsing a play. He took part in the stage performance of “Kabar,” written by prominent playwright Shaheed Munir Chowdhury. Kamal was one of the founders of Dhaka Theatre. He was also a founder of Spondon Shilpi Gosthi, a cultural organization. And who doesn’t know that Sheikh Kamal was the founder of Abahoni Krira Chokro, which introduced modern football in our country?

1. Lover of classical music

3.Write a summary of the following text.

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 a suitable word from the box. There are more words than needed. Make any grammatical changes if necessary.

Hospitality has long been a (a) — things are (b) — of our culture in Bangladesh. Although many other now, people are still quite polite and friendly (c) — They like speaking to foreigners (d) — foreigners. if they have not been introduced. It is quite common for Ranaladachic to lal narennal questions ahnut family inke and incomewhich visitors (f) (g) if they have not been introduced. It is quite personal questions about family, jobs, and income, overseas might find awkward. However, it should be understood that harm is meant by such (h) On the other (i) they express a genuine interest in the foreigner’s state of affairs. The whole country has a fairly (j) communication network now.

5.Fill in the gaps using suitable words. 1*10 = 10

Kuakata is a rare scenic spot (a) — in Patuakhali district about 320 km (b) — Dhaka. It is a famous (c) — overline destination because of the picturesque (d) — beauty, sandy beaches, blue sky and the shimmering expanse of water of the Bay of Bengal and the evergreen (e) —. The name Kuakata (f) — from the digging of a well (kua) by the early Rakhaines for (g) — water. Kuakata allows its visitors to (h) — both sunrise and sunset from the (i) —. Gentle and sandy slopes make it (j) — for bathing, swimming and diving.

6. Rearrange the following sentences to make a coherent order. 10

 (a) The grapes were too high for him to reach.

(b) One day he was very hungry.

(c) Again and again he Jumped.

(d) At last he entered into a vineyard.

(e) Once upon a time, there lived a fox in a forest.

(f) Al last being tired, he went away saying that the grapes were sour.

(g) But each time, he failed to reach the grapes.

(h) He took a run and jumped to reach the bunch of grapes but could not reach it.

(i) He searched for food everywhere but he did not get any food. 

(j) There were ripe grapes hanging up on the vine.

PART-II [40 Marks]

7. The graph chart shows the choice of profession by educated people in our country. Now describe the chart highlighting important points: 15

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

Once there lived a wood cutter. He was very poor but honest. He lived on the bank of a river near a Jungle. He used to cut wood. Write a letter to your friend congratulating him/her on his/her getting first prize in English debate competition. 10

6. Jashore Board 2023

English First Paper [According to the Syllabus of 2023]

Time-3 hours; Full marks-100

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

Part I-Reading Test: Marks-60

1. Read the passage and answer the questions below:

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 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 baffling. 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.

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: 0.5×10-5

(a) The Interpretation of Dreams is a

(i) biological book (ii) theoretical book

(iii) detective book (iv) gothic book

(b) What does the word ‘disguised’ mean in the passage?

(i) hidden (ii) real (iii) genuine (iv) fake

(c) 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

(d) What does the word ‘consensus’ mean?

(i) refusal (ii) discord (iii) agreement (iv) dismissal

(e) In which issue researchers differ a lot?

(i) dimension of dream (ii) purpose and function of dream

(iii) hazards of dream (iv) essentials of dream

(f) When are the images, thoughts and emotions of a dream experienced?

(i) after sleep (ii) before sleep (iii) during waking hours (iv) during sleep

(g) Sigmund Freud was a

(i) physicist (ii) neurotic (iii) psychologist (iv) palmist during dream.

(h) We may often find ourselves —-

(i) perplexed (ii) sorry (iii) sad (iv) sadness

(i) Which of the following is true?

(i) There is a definite reason of dreaming.

(ii) Dreams are a representation of conscious desires.

(iii) Scientists have been researching dreams for thousands of years.

(iv)We are very often puzzled by the content of dream.

(j) The word ‘cognitive’ means

(i) mental process of understanding (ii) process of music

(iii) process of keeping good health (iv) process of developing thoughts

B. Answer the following questions:

(a) What is the theory of Sigmund Freud about dream?

(b) How much has science been successful in explaining dreams?

(c) What are the benefits of dream?

(d)  What does the expression ‘disguised fulfillments of repressed wishes’ mean?

(e) Define dream in your own language.

2. Read the following passage and make a flow chart showing the functions of education, (one is done for you): 1×5=5

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 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. Develops our inner strength 2 3 4 5 6 10

3. Write a summary of the following text: 10

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 relationship, 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 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 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 quarrelling and fighting with each other which only brings misery and loss to all.

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

Students should be strategic about their examination. It is (a) ____ for an examinee to (b) ______ some instructions. He should go (c) ____ the whole question paper before he (d) _____ to write. He must make a proper (e) ____ of his time so that he can ____ enough time to answer (g) ____ the questions. He must write his answer (h) ______. He should be (i) _____ about his handwriting. He can _____ double spacing if his handwriting is tiny or very untidy.

5. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words:

Air and water are two important (a) _____ of the environment. These elements are (b) _____ for life on earth. They are often (c) ____ in many ways, Air is polluted mostly by (d) _____ and water by different kinds waste and (e) _____ . If we want to live a (f) ____ life, we should (g) ____ the pollution of the environment. Total prevention may be (h) ____ , but we can certainly (i) ____ pollution by raising (j) ____ among people.

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

(i) Then he invited applications. 

(ii) The applicants were asked to meet the Sultan one by one. 

(iii) Long ago, there lived a Sultan in a country. 

(iv) Then the Sultan found the desired man. 

(v) He wanted to appoint an honest man as his tax collector. 

(vi) A number of people applied for the job. 

(vii) All the applicants blushed and refused except one. 

(viii) So, he asked for the wise counselors’ advice. 

(ix) When they arrived, the Sultan asked them to dance. 

(x) They came through a passage where gold coins were kept.

7. The graph below shows the selling rates of seven types of books in “Ekushey Boi Mela-2023”. Describe the graph highlighting the information given in the bar chart: Research Poetry Novel History Travel Comics Drama

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

Ismail Mian is an established farmer of Dhunchi, a village standing on the bank of the Padma. Though he was born in a poor family, toady he is an idol to the hardworking youths of the area. On day, he told them about his success story to  

9. Write a letter to your younger brother/sister advising him/her not to share fake or baseless news on his/her social media account. 10

7. Dinajpur Board-2023

English First Paper [According to the Syllabus of 2023]

Time-3 hours; Full marks-100

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

Part I-Reading: Marks-60

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

Nelson Mandela guided South Africa from the shackles of apartheid to a multiracial democracy as an icon of peace and reconciliation who came to embody the struggle for justice around the world.

Imprisoned for nearly three decades for his fight against white minority rule, Mandela never lost his resolve to fight for his people’s emancipation. He was determined to bring down apartheid while avoiding a civil war. His prestige and charisma helped him win the support of the world.

“I hate race discrimination most intensely and in all its manifestations. I have fought it all during my life; I will fight it now, and will do so until the end of my days,” Mandela said in his acceptance speech on becoming South Africa’s first black President in 1994 “The time for the healing of the wounds has come. The moment to bridge the chasms that divide us has come.” “We have, at last, achieved political-emancipation.”

In 1993, Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, an honor he shared with F.W. de Klerk, the white South African leader who had freed him from prison three-years earlier and negotiated the end of apartheid.

Mandela went on to play a prominent role on the world stage as an advocate of human dignity in the face of challenges ranging from political repression to AIDS.

He formally left public life in June 2004 before his 86th birth day, telling his adoring countrymen: “Don’t call me. I’ll call you.” But he remained one of the world’s most revered public figures, combining celebrity sparkle with an unwavering message of freedom, respect and human rights.

A. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives. 0.5×10=5

(a) What does the word ’emancipation’ in the passage refer to?

(i) jubilation (ii) ovation ( iii) liberation (iv) reception

(b) What does the word ‘apartheid’ mean in the passage?

(i) stratification (ii) socialization (iii) dissatisfaction (iv) discrimination

(c) What does the word ‘democracy’ mean?

(i) republic (ii) imprisonment (iii) autocracy (iv) anarchy

(d) What does the word ‘reconciliation’ in the passage refer to?

(i) reproduction ii) reunion (iii) reconstruction (iv) repair

(e) What does the word ‘celebrity’ in the passage refer to?

(i) conservative (ii) star (iii) simple (iv) liberal

(f) F.W.de Klerk freed Mandela from prison in

(i) 1993 (ii) 1994 (iii) 1990 (iv) 1963

(g) Mandela was the first to advocate

(i) gathering people from all countries around the world (ii) unarmed resistance to apartheid

(iii) fighting for independence (iv) breaking about unity among all

(h) What does the word ‘decade’ stand for?

(i) a period of ten years (ii) a period of hundred years

(iii) a period of fifty years (iv) a period of ten months

(i) “The moment to bridge the chasms that divide us has come.”-What is meant by ‘to bridge the chasms’?

(i) to save people (ii) to mitigate sufferings

(iii) to reduce difference between black and white people (iv) to remove pauperism

(j) The range of actions of Mandela encompasses

(i) from national to international problems (ii) from social repression to cultural repression

(iii) from cultural aggression to AIDS (iv) from political suppression to AIDS

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

(a)What was Nelson Mandela determined to do?

(b) How did Mandela win the support of the world?

(c) Who is described “as an icon of peace and reconciliation”? Explain the reasons.

(d) “Don’t call’me. I’ll call you.”-Who was the speaker of these words? What did he mean?

(e) When was Mandela awarded the ‘Nobel Peace Prize’? Why did he achieve the prize?

2. Read the following text and make short notes in each of the boxes in the flow-chart showing the functions of education. (No. 1 has been done for you): 1×5=5

The first thing education does is to give us an awareness about ourselves which leads us 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. Education, it is believed, releases our potentials and our inner strengths. It sharpens our intellect and develops our creativity. As we are taught to reason well and find solutions to the problems of life, we become productive members of society. Education by definition is progressive and liberal, teaching us to respect human diversity and cultural and religious differences. If all of us practise these values in life, the world becomes a much happier place.

1. Making us aware of ourselves

3. Summarize the following text: 10

Junk foods are processed foods consisting of high calories, 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.” Frequent 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 cardio vascular 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.

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.):

An old man sat (a) _____ the side of the road beside a pontoon bridge (b) _____ the river. The man had steel rimmed spectacles and very dusty (c) ____ . Carts, trucks, and men, women and children were crossing the (d) _____. The old man sat there (e) _____ moving because he was too tired to go any (f) _____ . The man came from San Carlos, his (g) _____ town. The name brought smile to his (h) ______.  He was the (i)_____ man to leave the town because he (j) _____ care of the animals.

5. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words:

The environment (a) ____various things. All the things of the environment are related to (b) ____ another. Any change in the ecosystem can (c) ____ all the other parts. To prevent the environment from destruction is the (d) ____ of human beings. The environment should be (e) ____ neat and clean to enjoy a healthy and comfortable (f) _____. But people are not (g) ____ of the dangerous effect of the cocological change. They do unwise things and bring about dangers for their own (h) ____. Imbalance in the ecology brings about climatic (i) ____ and the result of the change is various natural (j) ____.

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

(i)They dug the hole, killed the snake and took the necklace. 

(ii) The crow at last thought of a plan to get rid of its enemy. 

(iii) It stole an expensive necklace of the princess from the royal palace and dropped it into the snake’s hole after scattering a few rubics here and there. 

(iv) A snake lived in a hole at the foot of a tree. 

(v) The king became very angry at the loss and sent out men to look for the necklace.

(v) High up on its branches was the nest of a crow.

(vi) In this way, the snake ate up three of the chicks.

(vii) In course of time, they noticed the scattered rubies near the hole.

(ix) The crow had four young chicks in its nest.

(x) Whenever the crow would leave the nest to bring food for its chicks, the snake would climb up and eat one.

7. The pie chart below shows the time allocation of students’ daily activities. Analyze the chart focusing the main preoccupation’s of the students. 15

Play 5% Study 12% Others 8% Recreation 12% Sleep 30% 8. School & House 25%

8. The following is the beginning of a story. Complete it in your own words: 15

Once there was a farmer in a village. He was very idle. He had a few plots of land. But he did not plough them well. He did not sow seeds in time

9. Write a letter to your younger brother advising him to read English newspapers. 10

8. Mymensingh Board-2023

English First Paper [According to the Syllabus of 2023]

Time-3 hours; Full marks-100

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

Part A-Reading Test: Marks-60

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

I have a dream that one 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 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 that one day 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 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 flash shall see it together”. 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 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. When we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up 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!”

1. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives. 0.5×10=5

(a) What does the phrase ‘all of God’s children’ mean?

(i) All the Christians (ii) All the Americans

(iii) All human beings (iv) All the black people

(b) What is the synonym of ‘sweltering’?

(i) Soothing (ii), Tranquil ( iii) Scorching (iv) Pleasing

(c) What does the phrase ‘All flesh’ mean in the passage?

(i) Americans (ii) White people (iii) Black people (iv) Protestants

(d) The word ‘despair’ refers to

(i) rejection (ii) attraction (iii) frustration (iv) inspiration

(e) What does the word ‘Oasis’ mean?

(i) A hottest place in desert (ii) A watering place in desert

(iii) A cool place on the hilltop (iv) A hot place in the polar region

(f) The word ‘vicious’ mentioned in the passage means-

(i) hateful (ii) generous (iii) ruthless (iv) auspicious

(g) “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.”- What does it imply?

(i) equality of human being (ii) glory of nature

(iii) difference between the black and the white (iv) all the above

(h) The word ‘prodigious’ in the passage implies.

(i) talented (ii) gigantic (iii) impotent (iv) unproductive

(i) What does the phrase ‘Let freedom ring mean?

(i) freedom should make sounds (ii) freedom should make people alert

(iii) freedom should appear (iv) people may achieve freedom

(j) ‘Jangling discords of our nation will turn into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood’-What does it imply?

(i) the existing harmony will turn into jangling

(ii) the existing discord will turn into concord

(iii) the existing agreement will turn into disagreement

(iv) the existing concord will turn into discord

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

(a) Why did the speaker have these dreams?

(b) How were the Black treated before achieving their freedom?

(c) What does the speaker dream for his four children?

(d) What transformation will happen in the state of Mississippi?

(e) When will all of God’s children sing in the words of the Old Negro Spiritual?

2. Read the following text and make short notes in each of the boxes in the flow-chart showing Sheikh Kamal’s cultural activities and his foundations. (No. 1 has been done for you.) 1×5=5

Sheikh Kamal, the eldest son of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Bangamata, Fazilatunnesa Mujib, was born at Tungipara in Gopalganj district. Kamal had a colorful life marked by liveliness and creativity. Besides his academic studies, he also pursued his passion for sports and cultural activities. He was a first division basketball and cricket player as well as a sports organizer. He was also interested in classical music, and became a student of Chhayanaut to learn Sitar under the tutelage of Ustad Ful Mohammad. Apart from Sitar, Kamal had a passion for Piano. He had a good collection of musical instruments on the second floor of their house at Dhanmodi, Road no. 32. Sheikh Kamal used to begin his day practising the Sitar and during the day played basketball or football or cricket. In the evening, he was often seen on stage rehearsing a play. He took part in stage performance of ‘Kabar’ written by prominent playwright Shaheed Munir Chowdhury. Kamal was one of the founders of Dhaka Theatre. He was also a founder of Spondon Shilpi Gosthi-a cultural organization. And who does not know that Sheikh Kamal was the founder of Abahani Krira Chokro that introduced modern football in our country.

1. Becoming a student of Chhayanaut. 2 3 4 5 6

3. Write a summary of the following text: 10

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. When a girl gets married, she usually drops out of school and begins full-time work in her in-laws’ household. In the in-laws’ house, she is marginalised. She becomes vulnerable to all forms of abuse, including dowry-related violence. For an adolescent bride, even if her in-laws are supportive, there are significant health risks in terms of pregnancy and childbirth. The majority of adolescent brides and their families are uninformed or insufficiently informed about reproductive health and contraception. The maternal mortality rate for adolescents in double the national rate.

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: 0.5×10=5

The Padma Bridge is no longer a deram now; it is now a (a) —. This multipurpose bridge is going to be a (b) — boon for the south-western part of Bangladesh. But decades ago, it was rather an (c) —dream, a daunting challenge to tame the (d) — Padma. Crossing the river has always been strenuous and sometimes dangerous (e) — to unreliable and limited ferry connections and long waits for crowded boats and launches. The Padma Bridge that (f) — Dhaka with 21 southern districts is a potential catalyst for major economic (g) — in the lives of over 30 million people (h)—– in the region and will give a (i) — boost to trade and (i) — activities.

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

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 taking (c) — such as; pizza, burger, soft drinks etc. When fast foods (d) — high level of salt, sugar and fats, then it is called (e) — food. It lacks fibre, (f) —, and minerals. The world is currently facing an obesity epidemic which puts people 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.

6. The following sentences are jumbled. Rearrange them in a proper sequence: 1×10=10

(i) He used to tell interesting stories to the people of the village.

(ii) He never spoke the rest of his life.

(iii) His name was Nambi.

(iv) He lived in a temple at the edge of the village and passed his time under the banyan tree in front of the temple.

(v) Before telling a story, he used to light a lamp in front of the tree.

(vi) There was a remote village named Somal.

(vii) One day, he could not continue his story. (viii) After a few days, he called the villagers and told them something.

(ix) He was so ignorant that he could not tell his age, but he could make up stories.

(x) The villagers were enchanted by a man.

Part-B-Writing Test: Marks-40

7. The graph shows the engagement of child labour in different sectors of ‘X’ country from 2005 to 2016. Describe the graph in 150 words. You should highlight the main features and summarize the information given in the graph. 15

Agriculture Industry 45% 36% 40% 23% Service 29% 31%

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

Once on a summer day, the scorching heat of the sun induced a Lion and a Boar to come at the same moment to a small well to drink. They fiercely disputed which of them should drink first and were soon engaged in

9. Suppose, you are Radeeb/Raisa. Your younger brother Rohan is fond of computer games and takes little interest in outdoor games. Now write a letter to him telling him about the importance of outdoor games and sports. 10

9. Barishal Board-2023

English First Paper [According to the Syllabus of 2023]

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 following text and answer the questions no. 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 inspire 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 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 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 quarrelling and fighting with each other which only brings misery and loss to all.

A. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives: 0.5×10=5

(a) What does a man pursue?

(i) Wealth (ii) Knowledge (iii) Health (iv) Relationship

(b) Intimate bonds are formed through

(i) nuptial arrangements (ii) community support

(iii) familial relationships (iv) professional relationships

(c) The word ‘foster’ mentioned in the passage means

(i) separate (ii) cheer (iii) nourish (iv) imply

(d) We develop —– relationship in school.

(i) social (ii) familial (iii) professional (iv) educational

(e) The best synonym of ‘instinct’ is

(i) instance (ii) decent (iii) impulse (iv) significance

(f) What keeps close to each other?

(i) Family (ii) Livelihood (iii) Relationship (iv) Society

(g) What does the word ‘isolation’ in the passage refer to?

(i) Connection (ii) Confinement (iii) Separation (iv) Bond

(h) The wild animals also need

(i) food (ii) house (iii) company (iv) occupation

(i) The word ‘misery’ mentioned in the passage means

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

(j) Which one is an effect of social segregation?

(i) Mental comfort (ii) Marital gains

(iii) Physical pleasure (iv) Emotional estrangement

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

(a) Why is relationship so significant?

(b) What different types of relationships are there?

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

(d) What are some of the preconditions of good relationship?

(e) How is man’s relationship different from those of other animals?

2. Read the following text and make a flow-chart showing the importance of education. 1×5-5 (No. 1 is done for you):

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 certificates we use education to make life better. We are expected to apply the knowledge, skills and values that we learn 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 to make 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 welbeing of the people. 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.

1. Brings about positive changes in behaviour

3. Summarize the following text: 10

Junk foods are processed foods consisting of high calories, 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 & 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.” Frequent 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 affect 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.

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

The computer is a fairly (a) — invention. It has now become an (b) — part of modern life. It has greatly benefited us and brought (c) — revolutionary changes in our life. Any (d) — that helps people perform mathematical calculation may be (e) — a computer. In this sense the (f) — is a simple computer. Today, however, the term, computer (g) — to a special kind of electronic machine that can perform mathematical calculations and process (h) — masses of information at a (i) — speed. In a few minutes a computer can perform calculation that (j) — mathematicians would need years to complete.

5. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words in each gap: 1×10-10

Student life is a life of (a) — for future struggle. To make him (b) — for the struggle, education is necessary. So the first and foremost duty of a student (c) — to prosecute his studies well. He who (d) — his lessons regularly (e) — well in the examination. On the (f) —, the student who wastes his time cuts a (g) — figure. It should be (h) — in mind that none can get back the (i) — time. If the students neglect their studies, they will suffer in the (j) — run.

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

(a) As a result, he studied under a great thinker Plato.

(b) He also wrote books on Biology, Literature, Economics and Comparative Politics.

(c) Plato taught Aristotle according to his own way.

(d) Aristotle was born in Greece.

(e) His father wanted him to be a Physician but he never cherished to be so.

(f) Later on, Aristotle took the pen to write on topics suitable for human civilization.

(g) He is called the father of Biology because of his creativity.

(h) ‘Politics’ is one of his famous books which exposes fullest development of his wisdom.

(i) He wanted to be a free thinker.

(j) He was the son of a royal physician.

Part II-Guided Writing: Marks-40

7. The following pie chart shows the export sectors in Bangladesh that earn foreign currency. Write an interpretation of the chart. (At least in 80 words) 15 Tea, fish← leather, etc. 8% Others 8% 39% Manpower 30% Garments 54%

8. The following is the beginning of a story. Complete it in your own words. Give a title to it: 15

Fardin was an educated young man. After completing his MA, he went to Dhaka in search of a job. He applied for various posts but he did not get any. Being frustrated, he returned

9. Suppose you are Arif/Arifa. You have a younger brother who is a student of class eight. Now, write a letter to your brother advising him to study regularly and not to adopt unfair means in the examination. 10

Second Paper

10. Dhaka Board-2023

Part A: Grammar (60 Marks) 

ENGLISH (COMPULSORY) SECOND PAPER

1. Fill in the gaps with appropriate prepositions. .5×10-5

A good boy is accustomed (a) — hard work. He is not addicted (b) — any bad thing. He is not averse (c) — any hard work. He clings (d) — his determination. Since he is used (e) — hard work, he is not doubtful (f) — his success. He is very much conscious (g) — his duties. He is not boastful (h) — his talents. He behaves well (i) — all. He attends (j) — hard studies.

2. Complete the sentences with suitable phrase or words given in the box. .5×10=5

(a) Time is very valuable. We — utilize time properly.

(b) I — take a taxi than walk home. It is already too late.

(c) Long ago — lived a mighty king Kubla Khan. He built an amazing palace in deep dark forest.

(d) — watching a horror film at midnight? You are really scared.

(e) It is winter. You — buy a coat.

(f) — the balcony —? It looks very beautiful but it is really small.

(g) Bangladesh — as an independent state on 16 December 1971 after nine months bloody war against the occupation Pakistan Army.

(h) — was in China that the art of Bonsai originated perhaps more than 1000 years ago.

(i) I cannot ride a bicycle — a motor cycle. I have no money to buy any of them.

(j) — the rain stopped, I started for home.

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

(a) Honesty is the best policy. If you maintain honesty, —.

(b) English is an international language. I wish —.

(c) It is a long time since —.

(d) He talks too much while doing his work. I don’t like people who …

(e) The beggar was very hungry. No sooner had he got a piece of loaf on the road than

(f) The old man is very weak . He is walking slowly —.

(g) A student should not memorize any answer blindly. If he memorizes the answer without knowing the meaning, —.

(h) Corruption is the main hindrance to the development of our country. It is high time —.

(i) Had I earned enough money, —.

(j) My brother will come to Rajshahi from Dhaka. So, I have to go to station with a view to —.

4. Read the text and fill in the gaps with the correct forms of verbs and subject-verb agreement as context. .5×14=7

Student life is the best time for (a) ____ (prepare) ourselves for future. It is (b) ___ (call) the seed time of life. So during this period of life students mustn’t (c) ____ (waste) time. The main pursuit of the students (d) ___ (be) study. They should prepare themselves for the life (e) ____ (lie) ahead. They should also (f) ____ (participate) in co-curricular activities. By (g) ___ (read) newspaper they will know what (h) ____ (happen) in the world. When the country (i) ____ (face) with a natural calamity, they should (j) ____ (come) forward with a view to (k) ____ (remove) the sufferings of the affected people. Even in normal times they (l) ____ (engage) themselves in acts of social service. The students con not do well in the examination without (m) ____ (work) hard. It is a pity that many students are trying to (n) ___ (succeed) in the shortest and easiest way.

5. Change the narrative style by using indirect speech. 7

“Where will you get admission after your HSC Examination? Do you have any choice?” said the teacher to Susmita. “I’m not yet sure what I have to do because everything depends on my result.” “You should have a choice. Be positive and optimistic.”

Answer: The teacher asked Susmita where she would get admission after her HSC Examination and if she had any choice. Susmita replied that she was not sure yet about what she had to do because everything depended on her result. The teacher encouraged her to have a choice and to remain positive and optimistic.

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

Cricket is an (a) ___ (pre-modify the noun) game. It is not a game of (b) ___ (use possessive to pre-modify the noun) country. A (c) ___ (use a noun adjective to pre-modify the noun) match is played between two teams. (d) ____ (use a distributive pronoun to per-modify the noun) team consists of eleven players. A cricket field must be (e) ____ (post modify the noun). It requires two wooden bats, a ball & two sets of stamps. (f) ____ (use a numeral adjective to pre-modify the noun) umpires conduct the game. Sometimes, a third umpire is required (g) ____ (use an infinitive to post-modify the verb) an acute confusion. (h) ___ (use a participle to pre-modify the noun) the opportunity, the batter hits the ball away at a good distance and runs to the opposite wicket. If (i) ___ (use an indefinite pronoun to pre-modify the noun) batter is out, next batter comes in his place. Both teams try (j) ____ (use an adverbial phrase to post modify) to out all batters of the opposite.

Answer: (a) international /elite; (b) our; (c) cricket; (d) Each; (e) well-maintained; (f) Two; (g) to resolve/ clear; (h) Having/Taking; (i) any; (j) hard enough.

7. Use appropriate sentence connectors in the blank spaces of the following passage. .5×14-7                          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 simplest 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.

Answer: (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

11. Chattogram Board–2023

ENGLISH (COMPULSORY) Second Paper

Part A: Grammar (60 Marks)

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

Corruption is a curse (a) —— a nation. It is a great hindrance (b) —— development. (c) —— corrupt people, a nation will surely sink (d) —— oblivion. Corrupt people are hated by all. The common people have no respect (e) —— them. They are devoid (f) —— honesty. They stick (g) —— their evil activities. They do not abide (h) —— the social rules. Morality does not have any effect (i) —— them. They bring nothing for the nation. It is high time we stood (j) —— them.

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

(a) A good citizen —— perform a lot of things. These things will enable him to become a true patriot.

(b) —— is no fish here. It’s a swimming pool.

(c) Mr. Habib is an honest man. He —— starve than take bribe.

(d) —— walking alone through a forest? I had never faced such a situation.

(e)  —— she finished her work, she called her father.

(f)  Sumi: Mom, —— a fox ——?                

Mother: Well, it is somewhat like dog.

(g) He is very miserly. He doesn’t help his neighbours, —— the villagers.

(h) I went to my village home on foot. —— took me two hours to reach there.

(i) The weather is getting worse. I —— start for home. My parents will be anxious for me.

(j) Tennyson was a great victorian poet. He —— in England.

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

(a) We take physical exercise so that ——.

(b) Air is polluted in many ways. It is high time ——.

(c) Prosperity does not come in one’s life automatically. If ——, you can’t prosper in life.

(d) Time is very important in our life. You can’t succeed in life unless ——.

(e) He wrote very quickly. He had finished the exam before the ——.

(f) A village doctor is a person who ——. He is the best friend to the villagers.

(g) We all are attracted to gold. But —— is not gold.

(h) I am fond of cricket. I wish ——.

(i) He walks slowly lest ——.

(j) He is dull headed. The poem is too difficult ——.    4. Read the text and fill in the gaps with the correct form of verbs as per subject and context. .5*14=7

While (a) —— (eat) food, we should (b) —— (bear) in mind that we don’t eat just to (c) —— (satisfy) hunger or to (d) —— (fill) the belly. We eat to (e) —— (preserve) our health. For good health, a man (f) —— (eat) good food. Sometimes, it so (g) —— (happen) that people who (h) —— (live) even in the midst of plenty do not (i) —— (eat) the food they need for good health. Actually, they (j) —— (have) no knowledge of health and nutrition. They don’t know how to (k) —— (select) a balanced diet from the many foods that (l) —— (be) available to them. Besides, foods are being (m) —— (adulterate) in many ways nowadays. So, it is high time we (n) —— (select) right kind of foods for avoiding health hazard.

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

“What’s your dream? Do you have any dream?” said Zayed. “Yes, I have a dream. My dream is a full plate of rice,” said Robi. “Come with me. I am going to materialize your dream.” “How kind you are!” said Robi.

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

We know that (a) —— (use quantifier to pre-modify the noun) species are important for maintaining (b) —— (pre-modify the noun) balance. If one is lost, the whole natural environment changes (c) —— (post-modify the verb). In order to protect the environment from being spoilt, we should protect (d) —— (use possessive to pre-modify the noun) wildlife. (e) —— (use determiner to pre-modify the noun phrase) good news is that many countries are taking action (f) —— (use infinitive phrase to post-modify the verb). George Lay Cock, (g) —— (use appositive to post-modify the noun) writes, “Mankind must develop a concern for wild creatures and determine that (h) —— (use demonstrative to pre-modify the noun) wild species will not perish (i) —— (use prepositional phrase as post-modifier). We have to save wild animals (j) —— (use relative clause as post-modifier).

7. Use appropriate sentence connectors in the blank spaces of the following passage. .5´14=7

Early rising is one of the best habits (a) —— a man can possess. (b) ——, the benefits of early rising are many. (c) ——, if we get up early, we get enough time to work. (d) ——, we can enjoy the fresh air of the morning which refreshes our body and mind. (e) ——, we can take some exercises or a walk. (f) ——, in the morning nature smiles with colourful flowers and chirping of birds. (g) ——, early rising takes us to close contact with wonderful world of nature. (h) ——, if we do not get up early in the morning, we will suffer a lot. (i) ——, we do not have enough time to do our work. (j) ——, we cannot finish our work in time. (k) ——, late rising from bed tells upon our health. (l) ——, we can never enjoy the freshness of nature. (m) ——, early rising keeps us safe and sound both physically and mentally. (n) ——, we should make a habit of early rising.

8. Read the passage below and then write the synonym or antonym of the words as directed. .5*14=7

A good writer may be a good reader. A good reader may be a good speaker or make a good recitation. Nothing of this is impossible for a man if he is not lazy. The main thing is sincerity. Seriousness should also be taken under consideration. If a man is serious, he can make impossible possible. If we become serious in our intention, we can shine in life. Otherwise, we will suffer a lot and our life will fill up with unhappiness.

(a) writer (synonym); (b) good (antonym); (c) speaker (synonym); (d) recitation (synonym); (e) impossible (synonym); (f) lazy (antonym); (g) sincerity (antonym); (h) seriousness (synonym); (i) consideration (synonym); (j) possible (antonym); (k) intention (synonym); (l) shine (synonym); (m) suffer (synonym); (n) unhappiness (antonym).

9. There are fourteen errors in the use of punctuation marks in the following text. Rewrite the text correcting the errors. .5*14=7

Student: May I come in Sir

Principal: Yes come in. What is your problem

Student: I want to change my 4th subject Sir.

Principal: Why

Student: Sir Mathematics is now my 4th subject but it seems to me very difficult. So I want to take biology instead of Mathematics. 

Principal: Do you think biology is an easy subject

Student: Not easy. Sir but easier than mathematics.

Principal: Ok Write an application. Remember your application must be endorsed by your guardian. Otherwise, it will not be accepted.

Part B: Composition (40 Marks)

10. Suppose, you are a student of ‘X’ College. There is no multimedia classroom in your college. Now, write an application to the Principal for setting up multimedia classrooms. 10

11. Write a paragraph on “The War of Independence of Bangladesh” within 200 words. 15

12. Write a paragraph on “Environment Pollution” mentioning its causes and effects within 200 words.

Part A : Grammar

1. Use of prepositions (a) to/of; (b) to; (c) For; (d) into; (e) for; (f) of; (g) to; (h) by; (i) on; (j) against.

2. Use of phrases/words (a) has to; (b) There; (c) would rather; (d) What’s it like; (e) As soon as; (f) what’s does …… look like; (g) let alone; (h) It; (i) had better; (j) was born.

3. Completing sentences (a) We take physical exercise so that we can keep our body fit. (b) Air is polluted in many ways. It is high time we stopped air pollution. (c) Prosperity does not come in one’s life automatically. If you do not work hard, you can’t prosper in life. (d)    Time is very important in our life. You can’t succeed in life unless you utilize your time properly. (e)    He wrote very quickly. He had finished the exam before the final bell rang. (f)    A village doctor is a person who treats the sick villagers. He is the best friend to the villagers. (g)    We all are attracted to gold. But all that glitters is not gold. (h)   I am fond of cricket. I wish I were a cricketer/I could be a cricket player in our national team. (i)    He walks slowly lest he should fall down on the wet and slippery road. (j)    He is dull headed. The poem is too difficult for him to understand it fully.

4. Right form of verbs (a) eating; (b) bear; (c) satisfy; (d) fill; (e) preserve; (f) should eat; (g) happens; (h) live; (i) eat; (j) have; (k) select; (l) are; (m) adulterated; (n) selected.

5. Changing the form of speech Zayed asked Robi what his (R) dream was. He (Z) again asked him if he (R) had any dream. Robi tenderly replied in the affirmative that he (R) had a dream. He (R) added that his (R) dream was a full plate of rice. Instantly, Zayed told him (R) to go with him (Z). He (Z) added that he (Z) was going to materialize his (R) dream. Robi exclaimed in wonder that he (Z) was very kind.

6. Use of modifiers (a) all; (b) ecological; (c) often for worse/greatly/certainly; (d) our; (e) The; (f) to protect their endangered species; (g) author of several books on wildlife; (h) these; (i) owing to our callousness; (j) that save ourselves.

7. Use of sentence connectors (a) that; (b) However/

In fact/ Truly speaking; (c) Firstly/First; (d) Secondly; (e) Thirdly; (f) Besides/Moreover; (g) Thus/So; (h) On the contrary/Contrarily/On the other hand; (i) Firstly; (j) Secondly; (k) Thirdly; (l) Moreover; (m) Thus; (n) So/Therefore/Hence.

8. Use of synonym and antonym (a) author; (b) bad; (c) lecturer/orator; (d) rendering/recital/ reading/narration ; (e) unachievable /unattainable/ unfeasible/impracticable; (f) active/industrious/ diligent/ persevering; (g) insincerity/indifference/apathy; (h) sincerity/ solemnity/ earnestness/ commitment/resolution; (i) thought/mind/

mentality; (j) impossible; (k) desire/wish/aim; (l) prosper/thrive/progress; (m) endure/experience; (n) happiness.

9. Use of punctuation marks

Student:   May I come in, Sir?

Principal:   Yes, come in. What is your problem?

Student:   I want to change my 4th subject, Sir.

Principal:   Why?

Student:   Sir, Mathematics is now my 4th subject, but it seems to me very difficult. So,I want to take Biology instead of Mathematics.

Principal:   Do you think Biology is an easy subject?

Student:   Not easy, sir, but easier than Mathematics.

Principal:   OK. Write an application. Remember, your application must be endorsed by your guardian; otherwise, it will not be accepted.

12. Dinajpur Board-2023

ENGLISH COMPULSORY) SECOND PAPER

1. Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions:

Drug addiction has become a serious problem (a) ____ modern society. Many young men and women are falling victims (b) ____ this. There are many reasons (c) ____ drug addiction. Drugs are expensive. So, to manage money, the addicts often go (d) ____ stealing, killing or all sorts of misdeeds. Drugs are smuggled (e) ____ a country and the smugglers carry (f) ____ drug business freely. Bangladesh is not free (g) ____ the curse of drugs. But we cannot allow this (h) ____ our country. The first thing to do is to highlight its dangerous effects (i) ___ people. The government and mass media can play an effective role (j) ____ this respect.

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

(a) Your performance is not satisfactory. You will — be it careful in future. 

(b) X is an honest man. He — die than steal. 

(c) I am a poor student. cannot buy my necessary books, set. by necessary books, — a smartphone.   (d) You have failed in the test examination. You — start reading attentively from today. 

(e) Madhusudan Dutta is an epic poet. He — at Sagardari in Jashore. 

(f) I had a bad luck. — I reached the station, the train left. 

(g) — the Bay of Bengal — ? My friend is going there for a Visit tomorrow. 

(h)—  it travelling by an air? I have no idea about it.

3. Complete the sentences with suitable clauses/phrases. 1×10=10    a. Honesty is the best policy. The people who are honest always succeed in the long run.                                                                    b. Because of greenhouse effect, the climate is changing all over the world.                                                c.You cannot shine in life if you do not work hard.        d. Overeating is harmful to health. It is high time we changed our food habit.                                                        e.There goes a proverb that morning shows the day.   f. I work hard although I have limitations.                     g. No sooner had I reached the college then the class started. 

h. There are so many poor people in our country. I wish I could help them.                                   

i . In spite of having all facilities, the boy failed to success.         

 j.The old man who is sitting there is my grandfather.

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

Deforestation (a) ___ (mean) cutting down trees at random. It (b) ___ (cause) mainly by a group of dishonest people. They cut trees (c) ____ (make) profit. Ordinary people also (d) ___ (use) trees as fuel and furniture. Because of (e) ___ (cut) more and more trees, we are going (f) ___ (face) a great danger in the coming future. We (g) ___ (know) that oxygen (h) ___ (supply) by trees for animals Without (i) ___ (take) oxygen, we cannot live a single moment. If trees (j) ____ (cut) down in this way, the amount of carbon dioxide (k) ____ (increase) in the atmosphere. As a result, the heat (l) ____ (rise). It (m) ____(call) greenhouse effect. (n) ____ (enjoy) a peaceful life, we must plant more and more trees.

Answer: (a) means; (b) is caused; (c) to make; (d) use; (e) cutting; (f) to face; (g) know; (h) is supplied; (i) taking; (j) are cut; (k) will increase; (l) will rise; (m) is called; (n) To enjoy

5. Change the form of narrative style by using indirect speeches:

“Why do you stop me?” asked Rubel. “Have I done any wrong?” “You are driving so fast. It is not the rule,” said the traffic sergeant. “Sorry Sir. My mother is in the hospital. So, I am in a hurry,” said Rubel. 

Answer: Rubel asked the traffic sergeant why he (T) stopped him (R). He also asked whether/if he (R) had done any wrong. The traffic sergeant replied that he (R) was driving so fast and said that it was not the rule. Rubel apologized respectfully and told him (Ts) that his (R) mother was in the hospital. He further said that he was in a hurry for this reason.

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

An (a) ____ (pre-modify the noun) student is he, who has (b) ____ (use a quantifier to pre-modify the noun) good qualities. he studies (c) ____ (post modify the verb). He knows that the (d) ____ (pre-modify the noun) duty of a student is to study. So, he never neglects (e) ____ (use a possessive) duty. He even makes the proper use of (f) ___ (use a determiner to pre-modify the noun) moment. Sabuj. (g)___ (post modify the noun with an appositive) of our class is an example of a good student. Sabuj is (h) ___ (pre-modify the adjective) helpful to us. I try (i) ____ (modify the verb with an infinitive) a boy like Sabuj. I want to be one of the (j) ____ (pre-modify the noun) stars in the class.

Answer: (a) ideal; (b) many; (c) regularly; (d) main; (e) his; (f) every; (g) a student; (h) very; (i) to be; (j) brightest

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

A cyclone is a devastating storm in Bangladesh that moves at a high speed. (a) ___  it causes immense harm to people and property. (b) ___ the inhabitants of coastal regions are the main victims of cyclone. (c) ___ the cyclone of Bangladesh originates from the Bay of Bengal. (d) ___ it is accompanied by thunders and heavy showers. (e) ____ unbearable heat is felt for a few days. (f) ____one day the sky becomes terribly dark and strong winds begin to blow. (g)____a terrible situation is created that lasts for hours. (h) ___ it causes a great havoc causing death to people and other animals. (i) ___  dwelling houses are blown away. (j) ____ the cyclone is followed by scarcity of food and outbreak of various diseases. (k) ____ the great loss caused by cyclone can be reduced. (l) ____prior warning can be given to people using modern technology of weather forecast. (m) ____ people and domestic animals of the cyclone-prone areas can be shifted to cyclone shelters. (n) ____ a quick relief work and medical facilities should be ensured.

Answer: (a) Moreover; (b) Specifically/ Specially; (c) Actually / Mainly; (d) Moreover / Also; (e) Beforehand; (f) Suddenly / Later; (g) Then / Ultimately; (h) Eventually; (i) As a result; (j) Subsequently; (k) However; (l) Firstly / For example; (m) Secondly / Besides / additionally; (n) Finally / Moreover 

13. RAJSHAHI BOARD-2023

English (Compulsory)- 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. Complete the text with suitable prepositions. 0.5 x 10 = 5

But at last God took pity (a) — him. One day the sailor was watching the water-snakes swimming (b) — the ship. Their colours were so beautiful and he was filled (c) — such a strange wonder that he felt a great love (d) — them and blessed them (e) — his heart. At once, the dead albatross fell (f) — his neck (g)— the sea. A gentle breeze began to blow (h) — the south and the old man fell (i) — a deep sleep. When he woke up, it was raining and he felt fresh again. Thus, the old man was relieved (j) — his sufferings.

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

(a) Rupa — take up the profession of teaching than be a nurse. She thinks teaching is a noble profession.

(b) Edmund Burke was an orator, writer and shrewd politician. He — in 1729 in England.

(c) — is difficult to regain lost health. So, we should always take care of our health.

(d) — flows a river beside our village. The river is useful to us in many ways.

(e) Sarika is an examinee. She — study a lot to make a good result.

(f) — honesty —? I think it to be a noble virtue.

(g) Rita is ill. We — go to see her. She will be happy to see us.

(h) The girls fell sick — they had foods. The foods were contaminated.

(i) — an elephant —-? I have never seen it before.

(j) He cannot teach in a high school, — in a university.

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

(a) The poem is too difficult for—.

(b) The martyrs laid down their lives in 1971. They did it so that —.

(c) It’s too late. —, we would not have missed the train.

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

(e) She spoke as if—. She was actually a quack.

(f) The thief was afraid of police. He ran away lest — arrested.

(g) Despite —, he helps his relatives.

(h) He took Logic — History. History seems to be difficult to him.

(i) If I had been hungry, —. But I am not hungry at all.

(j) Corruption is a curse. It is high time the government —.

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

If all the children (a) _____ (go) to school, the country (b) _____ (get) rid of the curse of illiteracy. To boost up education, the govt. (c) _____(spend) more money. Subsidies must (d) _____ (give) in the education sector. Teachers (e) _____ (need) to (f) _____ (train) for good teaching. The poor students can (g) _____ (bring) under “Food for Education” programme. We (h) _____ (take) care that no institution (i) _____ (close) down due to political clashes. All concerned (j) ______ (be) conscious about it. If we cannot (k) ______ (keep) pace with the present world, we (l) _____ (lag) behind. For this we have to (m) _____ (ensure) education for all and set a bright prospect for (n) _____ (implement) all necessary steps.

(a) went /go; (b)would get/ will get; (c) should/ must spend; (d) be given; (e) need; (f) be trained; (g) be brought; (h) should take; (i) closes; (j) should/ must be; (k) keep; (l) will lag; (m) ensure; (n) implementing

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

“I can chop some wood today,” said Jerry. “But I have a boy coming from the orphanage.” “I am the boy.” “You? But you are small.” Size does not matter, chopping wood,” said Jerry. “Some of the big boys don’t chop good. I’ve been chopping wood for a long time,” said Jerry to the writer.

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

People around were just watching as the (a) ____ (pre-modify the noun) boy started (b) ____ (post-modify the verb) into the (c) _____ (pre-modify the noun) canal. Then the traffic constable came. (d) ____ (pre-modify the noun with a present participle) no time, he jumped into the canal. The (e) ____ (pre-modify the noun with an adjective) constable did not think of his (f) ____ (pre modify the noun) life. He was (g) ____ (use an intensifier to pre- modify the adjective) kind that he risked his life. People (h) ____ (post-modify the noun) by the canal praised him (i) ____ (post-modify the verb with an adverb). This type of person is a model (j) ____ (post-modify the noun). 

(a) young; (b) drowning; (c) deep; (d) Wasting; (e) police; (f) own; (g) so; (h) standing/sitting; (i) enormously/greatly/cheerfully/a lot; (j) for the society/of dedication and sacrifice

7. Use appropriate sentence connectors in the blank spaces of the  following text:

The greatness of a book depends (a) ____ on the acceptability among the readers. (b) ____ we read a book (c) ____ once, we can discover many things in it. (d) ____ basing on one reading, we cannot judge the standard of a book. (e) ____ a book is praised (f) ____ we have no doubt about the greatness of the book. (g) ____ the first reading, we may not understand a book. But if it is read more than once, we will see (h) ____ it was read (i) ____ praised. So, the great books are those (j) ____ have passed the test of time. (k) the appeal of a great book doesn’t decrease. (l) _____ the greatness of the book is newly felt (m) ____ time passes. (n) ____ a great book is widely read and reread by people all over the world.

(a) only/mainly/actually/generally; (b) If/When; (c) just/only/for; (d) But; (e) If/When; (f) highly; (g) Only through/During; (h) why; (i) and; (j) which; (k) In fact; (l) Rather; (m) when; (n) Therefore/So

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

He is optimistic of his success. He works hard and abides by his teachers’ guidelines. He understands that it is important to be diligent. He does not rely on any one and believes that honesty and hard work can help one reach the peak of success. He harbours the faith that a laborious man is sure to shine.

(a) optimistic (antonym) (b)important (antonym) (c) success (antonym) (d) hard (synonym) (e) guidelines (synonym) (f) understand (synonym) (g) diligent (synonym) (h) rely (synonym) (i) honesty (antonym) (j) help (antonym) (k) peak (synonym) (l) harbour (synonym) (m) laborious (antonym) (n) shine (synonym)

9. There are fourteen errors in the use of punctuation marks in the following text. Rewrite the text correcting the errors. 0.5 x 14 = 7

Raja: What are you doing Rana

Rana : I am reading a letter

Raja: Letter? From whom

Rana : It’s from my pen friend. Shes an Australian. Her names Lucy.

Raja: How old is she

Rana : Sixteen The same as us. She lives in Sydney,

Raja: Sydney what’s that

Rana: Its a city in the south-east of Australia.

Raja : How do you know about it

Rana: Lucy has sent me a picture of it.

Raja: Can you show me the picture

Rana: Yes, here it is. You see, it looks very nice, doesn’t it

Part-B: Composition [Marks : 40]

10. Suppose, you are Shafayat. You want to get admitted into an English Language Course run by the British Council. Write an e-mail to the manager for detail. 10

11. Write a paragraph on “Importance of Moral Values” in 200 words. 15

12. Write a paragraph on “Global Warming” in 200 words. 15

14. Jessore Board 2023

English (Compulsory)- 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. Complete the text with suitable prepositions. 0.5 x 10 = 5

Books are really our best friends as we can rely (a) ____ them when we are bored, upset, depressed, lonely or annoyed. They share (b) ____ us information and knowledge whenever we need. They enable us to have a glimpse (c) ____ cultures, traditions, arts, history, geography, health, psychology and many other subjects and aspects of life. Good books always guide us (d) ____ the right path (e) ____ life. Reading good books helps us understand the world (f) ___ us better. While reading books, we build new and creative thoughts, images and opinions (g) ____ our mind. This habit helps us explore life (h) ____ different perspectives. In other words, it has several positive effects (i) _____ our body, mind and soul. In fact, the habit of reading is one (j) _____  the best qualities that a person can possess. 

(a) on; (b) with; (c) of; (d) on; (e) in; (f) around; (g) in; (h) from: (i) on; (j) of

2. Complete the sentences with suitable phrase/words given in the box. 0.5 x 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) Raihan 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) Ria : — the frozen mountain peak -?

Purnima: It looks like a white dome.

(f) Kazi Nazrul Islam 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 — learn than quarrel with them.

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

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

(a) Florence Nightingale wanted to be a nurse with a view to —.

(b) If I had the wings of a bird, I —.

(c) Unity is strength. United we stand, —.

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

(e) Whenever my uncle comes to our house, he —. I have never seen him coming to our house empty-handed.

(f) It is high time you —. It is detrimental to health.

(g) The box is very heavy. Are you strong enough —?

(h) John is fond of reading. Whenever he goes to the book fair, —.

(i) Rima is a good singer. She sings so well that —.

(j) Since Bangladesh is an agricultural country, —. We should put emphasis on our agricultural sectors

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

 Dhaka, the world’s densest and fastest growing city, (a) — (face) unbearable traffic jams. There (b) (be) many reasons for this. The ever increasing number of vehicles and population (c) (be) the main reason. During a traffic jam, people (d) — (has) to suffer much. They have to (e) — (move) inch by inch. They have to wait on roads hours after hours (f) (face) unbearable sufferings. Again, the roads of Dhaka city (g) (be not) spacious. Only seven percent of Dhaka city is (h) — (cover) by roads, compared with around 25 percent of Paris and Vienna. If anybody falls in a traffic jam. he (i) — (not know) when he will reach home. Sometimes, a distance of 1km (j) — (take) an hour to cross. Office and school goers find it very difficult (k) — (reach) their destination in time. Our government (l) — (try) heart and soul to solve this problem. Flyovers (m) — (build) in different places in order to control traffic jam. Besides, traffic police and sergeants (n) — (see) filing cases against vehicles breaking road transport rules. But still it is becoming impossible to control traffic jam.

5. Change the narrative style by using direct speeches.

“I have won a lottery and got 10 lakh taka,” said Samira. “Congratulations!” I said. “What do you intend to do with the large amount of money?” “I want to serve my poor village people. So, I have made up my mind to establish a hospital in our rural area,” Samira replied. “Thank you,” I said. “I shall also help you in this respect.”

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

Language plays a (a) — (pre-modify the adjective with an intensifier) important role in our life. We use language from the time we wake up (b) — (post-modify the verb) till we go to bed at night. We use language not only in our (c) — (pre-modify the noun) hours, but also in our dreams. We use language (d) —— (post-modify the verb with an infinitive) what we feel and to say what we like or dislike. We also use language (e) — (post-modify the verb with an infinitive) information. Language is (f) — (pre-modify the adjective) present in our life. It is an (g) — (pre-modify the noun) part of our life. As an (h) — (pre-modify the noun) nation we also have a language. But we had to struggle (i) (use adverb to post-modify the verb) to establish the right to our language. Many (j) — (pre- modify the noun with an adjective) sons of our country sacrificed their lives for our mother-tongue.

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

Leisure is the moment (a) – a man is totally free from his work. In leisure, a man is (b) – free from work but also from worries and tension. (c) —, it is a time, (d) — a man is his own master and the mind is relaxed (e) — the body is at rest. (f) — our life is full of duties. By performing our duties one after another, it seems (g) — our life is an exhausting business. This is the tragedy of our life that we cannot avoid our work and worries. (h) —, leisure helps us to break this chain and enable us to refresh ourselves and revive our spirit. Leisure breaks the monotony of existence with a touch of variety. (i) — we look into developed countries, we will see that people love to spend their leisure in different ways. (j) —, they never idle away their leisure time. (k) —, it is seen that some people love to go for travelling, some enjoy sight-seeing in different places. (l) —, some people spend their free time playing different types of games. (m) — leisure is always a source of joy. (n) — everybody should try to find leisure to enjoy it to make the life happy and peaceful.

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

Illiteracy is a curse. It retards all development work of a country. It is said that an illiterate nation gropes in darkness with no definite goal. In fact, an illiterate person is conservative, superstitious and blind. He can contribute very little to his society and country. He is unconscious and unaware of his right and responsibilities. The whole country is responsible for this. Most of our people are illiterate and poor. In fact, illiteracy, caused by poverty, stands in the way of success. All should be practical and pragmatic while addressing this problem. Effective measures must be taken by all concerned to remove illiteracy and thus make the nation enlightened.

(a) curse (antonym) (b) retards (synonym) (c) illiterate (antonym) (d) darkness (antonym) (e) goal (synonym) (f) conservative (antonym) (g) little (synonym) (h) unconscious (synonym) (i) whole (synonym) (j) success (antonym) (k) responsibilities (synonym) (l) measure (synonym) (m) poor (antonym) (n) remove (synonym)

9. There are fourteen errors in the use of punctuation marks in the following text. Rewrite the text correcting the errors. 0.5 x 14 = 7

Rodela: Hello Rahela what are you doing

Rahela I’m reading a newspaper

Rodela: Do you read them regularly

Rahela Yes everyday before breakfast Dont you

Rodela: No I don’t. Whats the use of it

Rahela Newspaper is an indispensable part of our life It helps us in many ways.

Part-B: Composition [Marks : 40]

10. Suppose, you are a student of class XII of ‘X’ college. Write an application to the principal of your college for ensuring safe drinking water in the college campus. 10

11. Write a paragraph on ‘The Padma Bridge’, within 200 words. 15

12.Write a paragraph on ‘The causes and effects of failure in English’ within 200 words. 15

15. Cumilla Board-2023

English (Compulsory)- 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. Complete the text with suitable prepositions. 0.5 x 10 = 5

A craftwork is an applied form (a) ———— art, a social and cultural product reflecting the inclusive nature (b) —— folk imagination. A craftwork, which usually doesn’t bear the signature of its maker, retains a personal touch. When we look (c) ———— a thirty years old Nakshi Kantha, we wonder (d) its motif and designs that point (e) — the artistic ingenuity and the presence of the maker (f) it. The fact that we do not know her name or any other detail (g) – her does not take anything (h) — from our appreciation (i) ———— the artist. Indeed, the intimate nature (j) the Kantha and the tactile feeling it generates animate the work and make it very inviting.

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

(a) The tennis match restarted — the rain had stopped.

(b) In England, most school children — wear a uniform. Is it the same in Bangladesh?

(c) In our country, rainy season is very different. During this season — rains heavily without any gap.

(d) Socrates was a great Greek philosopher. He — in 469 BC. He spoke against the traditional Greek beliefs and so he was sentenced to death by drinking hemlock.

(e) Long ago, — lived a mighty warrior, Kublai Khan. He built an amazing palace in a deep dark and mysterious forest.

(f)A warrior — die than surrender to enemies. He loves his country more than his life.

(g) — the weather — today?

(h) Baby Mom, — a ghost —?

(i) — has been many years since I saw him. So, I cannot recognize him.

(j) It may rain today. We — take an umbrella.

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

(a) There is a wise saying that united we stand, —, So, we must be united to reach our expected goal.

(b) Industry is the key to success. We work hard so that —.

(c) My younger brother is very fond of me. Whenever I go out, —.

(d) Bangladesh is my motherland. It is blessed with rivers. In spite of that, we do not get water during dry season because—.

(e) If we lose the morning hours of life, —.

(f) I can’t recall his name. It is long since —.

(g) The poem is too difficult —. The teacher told us to listen to him very carefully.

(h) My childhood was full of joys and happiness. Would that —.

(i) We met the strange person while —.

(j)Would you mind —? I am very thirsty.

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

Newspaper (a) — (consider) the people’s parliament. The newspaper (b) — (play) a vital role in modern civilization. It (c) — (call) to be the mirror of the world. We must (d) — (develop) the habit of (e) — (read) the newspaper daily. It helps us (f) — (acquire) general knowledge, which (g) — (be) essential for our education. Nobody (h) (maintain) contact with the outside world without reading the newspaper. Mere bookish knowledge (i) (be) not sufficient in the struggle of life. A man who (j) — (read) the newspaper daily (k) — (be) like a creature of the narrow well. Being ignorant of current topics, he cannot (l) (take) part in the talks and discussions in an enlightened society and he (m) — (live) like a fish out of water in it. Students (n) — (ask) for reading newspaper daily.

5. Change the narrative style by using direct speeches. 7

“What’s a puppet show?” Mita said to her father. Father said, “Let’s go inside and you can see yourself.” Inside the tent Mita said, “How strange! A doll is dancing and talking.” Father said, “A man behind the screen is moving the doll. Do you understand who is talking?”

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

Amerigo, (a) — (use noun in apposition) lives alone. His parents now live separate and none of them wants (b) — (use infinitive to post-modify the verb) his responsibility. (c) — (use possessive to pre-modify the noun) mother told him to go away because she is married to another man. (d) (use determiner to pre-modify the noun) streets are now his home. He wanted (e) — (use adjective to pre-modify the noun) money from his father to buy a (f)-— (use noun adjective to pre-modify the noun) ticket. But his father did not answer. He earns his living by working hard. (g) (use adverbial to pre-modify the verb) he finds work. Some of (h) (use demonstrative to pre-modify the noun) works are very risky for him. Once he sold ice-cream (i) (use prepositional phrase to post modify the verb). But he got (j) (use quantifier to pre-modify the noun) money in return from the owner of the ice-cream shop.

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

Health (a) — is the root of all happiness, can be enjoyed taking adequate care of body and mind. People (b) — are always under mental stress and suffer from anxieties cannot enjoy a good health, (c) — to enjoy good health, it is also necessary to keep our mind sound. They are doctors (d) — say that simple and carefree life is more conducive to health. Many people, (e) —, are not aware of health rules. They (f) — take physical exercise (g) — take proper food. (h) —, a huge number of people of our country live below poverty line. (i) — they cannot afford to eat good food. (j) — they cannot enjoy good health. (k) —, awareness about health rules (l) — following them are very important in maintaining good health. (m) — only healthy people can contribute to the national development. (n) — we must be careful of our health.

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

Education is one of the basic needs of human being and is essential for any kind of development. The poor socio-economic condition of Bangladesh can largely be attributed to most people’s inaccessibility to education. Many illiterate people do not have any knowledge of health, sanitation and population control. If they were educated, they could live a healthy and planned life. Education teaches us how to earn well and how to spend well. It enables us to make the right choices in life and to perform our duties properly. It enhances our ability to raise crops, store food, protect the environment and carry out our social responsibilities.

(a)basic (synonym) (b)essential (synonym) (c) development (synonym) (d)condition (synonym) (e)inaccessibility (antonym) (f) illiterate (synonym) (g) sanitation (synonym) (h) population (synonym) (i) healthy (antonym) (j) teach (antonym) (k)spend (antonym) (l) enable (antonym) (m) properly (synonym) (n) ability (antonym)

9. There are fourteen errors in the use of punctuation marks in the following text. Rewrite the text correcting the errors. 0.5 x 14=7

Laila : I cant see anything. Where am I?

Aunt :Youre safe in your Aunts house. Whats the matter?

Laila : I’m afraid I can hear a sound.

Aunt : But I cant.

Laila : Aunt Listen again can you hear it now?

Aunt: Yes I can.

Laila : Is it a ghost?

Aunt: No, its only an owl.

Laila : Owl But it makes a horrible sound.

Aunt: It’s a bird only dear.

Laila Could you sleep with me?

Aunt: Okay Now go to sleep Laila You’re very tired After your long journey.

Laila : You’re right.

Part-B: Composition [Marks: 40]

10. Imagine, you are Arif, a student of ‘N’ College. Flood has caused a great damage all around your locality. Now, write an application to the Principal of your college to open a relief camp in your college premises so that you can send relief goods to the flood affected people in your locality. 10

11. Write a paragraph of description on “Your Favourite Teacher” within 200 words. 15

12. Write a compare and contrast paragraph on “City life and Rural life” within 200 words. 15

16. Mymensingh Board-2023

English (Compulsory)- 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. Complete the text with suitable prepositions. 0.5 x 10 = 5

The orphanage is high (a) — the Carolina mountains. The writer was there (b) — the autumn. She preferred peaceful environment to pen some troublesome writing. She wanted the mountain air to blow (c) — the malaria from too long a time (d) — the subtropics. She was homesick (e) — the flaming (f) — maples (g) — October and for many other things. She found them all living (h) — a cabin belonging (i) — the orphanage, half a mile (j) — orphanage farm.

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

(a)These kids are fun-loving. They — play than study.

(b) She is an irresponsible person. You can’t trust her with your dog, — with your child.

(c) A: — your new office —? B: I love it. The environment is very peaceful.

(d) The show resumed — the power supply was restored. It was a great relief for the spectators.

(e) I have to meet my aunt in 15 minutes. I — go now or I will be late.

(f) The weather is very hot and humid. — is expected that it will rain this evening.

(g) — goes a proverb that unity is strength. So, we must be united till we reach our goal.

(h) In England, school children — wear uniforms. What about Bangladesh?

(i) Shakespeare — and raised in Stratford-upon-Avon, England.

(j) Son: Dad,  — an Arctic fox – ?

Father: I’ve no idea. But you can always Google the term and find out.

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

(a) There was a little rain yesterday. If it had rained heavily, ———.

(b) Though junk foods look appetizing, —. We should avoid them.

(c)Opportunity does not always come. You would have succeeded in life provided that—.

(d) The amount of waste is growing rapidly all over the world and polluting the environment. It is high time —.

(e)I wish I —. I would express my feelings in my poems.

(f) The old man is very weak. He walks very slowly lest ―.

(g) English is an international language. We need to learn it as —.

(h) Kiran got a foreign scholarship. She was so happy that —.

(i) It was my first lecture. I was too nervous—.

(j) Manners define a man. We always appreciate a person —.

4. Read the text and fill in the gaps with correct forms of verbs:

Cricket (a) ____ (be) a popular game. Now-a-days, people (b) ____ (long) to watch it to get pleasure. Cricket (c) ____ (call) a gentlemen’s game too. A bond of friendship (d) ____ (create) among the playing nations. The Bangladesh national cricket team is popularly (e) ____ (know) as the Tigers. Our cricket team (f) ___ (be) very organized. It already (g) ____  (prove) its worth in many an international match. Our cricketers (h) ____ (be) capable of (i) ____ (compete) with the renowned cricket teams of the world. The prestige of our country already (j) )____ (go) up in the international arena; thanks to our cricket team. In spite of its renown, sometimes our cricket team (k) ____ (shock) us by (l) ___ (perform) poorly. Even after that, we believe, our cricketers (m)____outshine) all other competitors in  future.  However, they (n) ____ (need) more vigorous practice to reach their goals.

5. Change the narrative style by using direct speeches. 7

“What kind of stories did Aesop tell?” asked Anwar. “Fables,” replied Mr. Rahman. “Do you know what fables are?” “No,” replied Anwar. “Well,” continued Mr. Rahman, “Fables are stories with a moral. And Aesop entertained people by telling these stories.”

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

The purpose of education is to bring about (a) — (use an adjective to pre-modify the noun) changes in (b) — (use a possessive to pre-modify the noun) behaviour. It also brings changes in our lives and society (c) (use a relative clause to post-modify the noun). If it fails to do so. It can’t be called education. Education is not only receiving certificates and getting grades. It is (d) —  (use an intensifier to pre-modify the adjective) more than that, we can apply our (e) — (use a part participle to pre-modify the noun) knowledge in our engagement with the world that lies (f) — (use an adverb to post-modify the verb). We can do that in (g) — (use an adjective to pre-modify the noun) ways. One way is civic engagement which is (h) — (use an adverb to pre-modify the verb ‘appreciated”) appreciated all over the world. Civic engagement means working to make difference in civic life (i) — (use a prepositional phrase to post-modify the noun ‘life’). A person (j) — (use a past participle to post modify the noun) civically is concerned about civic issues like injustice, discrimination and other forms of social ills.

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

Time, by its very nature, is fleeting. (a) — time once gone is gone forever. (b) — the sincere people realize the value of time. (c) —, not everyone is aware of the value of time. (d) —, it is seen that many of us waste time. (e), we realize the significance of lost time when it is too late. (f) — we suffer in life. (g) — all of us should make the best use of time. (h) — proper time management is the key to success in student life. (i) — we find that an ideal student is the one who makes the best use of time. (j) — a lazy student fails to make the grade as he kills time. (k) — the teachers advise their students not to waste time. (l) — they warn the students against their addiction to social networking sites and gaming. (m) —, students should follow the advice of their teachers. (n) — they will suffer in the long run.

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

Sumi is a good-looking young women. Her large dark eyes are beautiful. Her complexion is flawless and she has got a lovely smile. Her long black hair is full and shiny. She is tall and slender, and her movement is graceful. And, she always dresses stylishly. Everyone appreciates her beauty. But Sumi worries that people do not notice her talents and hard work. She wants people to know that a woman can have beauty, ambition and a bit of intelligence too.

(a) good-looking (synonym) (b) dark (synonym) (c) flawless (synonym) (d) shiny (antonym) (e) slender (antonym) (f) graceful (synonym) (g) stylishly (antonym) (h) appreciate (antonym) (i) beauty (antonym) (j) worries (antonym) (k) talent (synonym) (l) notice (antonym) (m) ambition (synonym) (n) intelligence (synonym)

9. There are fourteen errors in the use of punctuation marks in the following text. Rewrite the text correcting the errors. 0.5 x 14 = 7

Son : Did you keep a diary during the Liberation War

Father: Yes I did

Son : Can I have a look at it

Father Im afraid Ive lost it.

Son: Do you remember anything about it

Father: Yes I remember one event there were lots of sounds and bangs outside one night you wanted to look out but we didnt let you.

Son: Why

Father: Because it was very dangerous. You were only four years old then.

Part-B: Composition [Marks: 40]

10. Suppose, you are a student of ‘X’ College, Dhaka. Now, write an application to the Principal of your college for providing multimedia facilities in the classrooms. 10

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

12. Write a paragraph comparing and contrasting between “Village life and City life” within 200 words. 15

17. Barishal Board-2023

English (Compulsory)- 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. Complete the text with suitable prepositions. 0.5 x 10 = 5

Speaking ill (a) — others is a very bad human tendency. It develops a negative inclination (b) — one’s mind. This habit tempts one (c) — indulge (d) — a negative approach out of his unsound mind. It leaves bad effects (e)— human individuals and society. It also hampers the happy and smooth run (f) — the society. People very often burst (g) — tears (h) — this heinous act. We all should be aware (i) — it and give (j) — this bad habit.

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

(a) Jolly is my friend, she — sing in a choir, but she gave it up for some unavoidable reasons.

(b) The world economy is passing through a great crisis due to war situation. The world leaders —  concentrate on the economy and security of the common people.

(c) We went to John’s office yesterday. He behaved — he had not known us.

(d) — a dinosaur —? Have you ever seen it?

(e) We are waiting outside. You — finish your dinner, don’t delay to join us.

(f) He is so honest that he — die than cheat.

(g) — the ice had cracked? You would have disappeared into the icy water.

(h) You told me about a French novel. — the novel —?

(i) I am very thirsty. I —having a nice cool glass of lemonade.

(j) — exists no life in the Mars.

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

(a) Patriotism is a noble virtue. We all should have patriotism, —-.

(b) Our freedom fighters risked their lives in the war of liberation so that —-.

(c) He was not hungry at all. Had he been hungry, —.

(d) They continued to walk until —.

(e) Corruption is rampant in the country. It is high time the government

(f) She can’t ride a bicycle, let alone —.

(g) 21st February is a red-letter day in our national history, because —.

(h) There goes a proverb —.

(i) Mira has not been able to recall where —.

(j) No sooner had she crossed the main gate —.

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

On 26 March, 1971, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (a) ____ (declare) the independence of Bangladesh. (b) ____ (follow) this declaration, a war began between the freedom-loving Bangalees and the brutal forces of West Pakistan, (c) _____ (result) the independence of Bangladesh. The Pakistani Military Janta (d) ____ (base) in West Pakistan (e) ____ (launch) the Operation Searchlight against the unarmed people of East Pakistan (f) _____ (initiate) genocide in Bangladesh. In response to the violence, members of Mukti Bahini (g) ____ (start) a mass guerrilla war against the occupation forces. People from all walks of life (h) _____ (respond) to the call of Bangabandhu and joined the war (i) _____ (liberate) their dear motherland. The war (j) ____ (continue) for about nine months. The heroic sons of the soil made the supreme sacrifices with a view to (k) ____ (snatch) away the long-cherished freedom and thus (l) _____ (establish) Bangladesh as an independent country in the world map. Now, it (m) ____ (be) our bounden duty (n) _____ (uphold) the freedom of the country.

5. Change the narrative style by using direct speeches. 7

“How is your mother, Habib?” said Fahim. “She is better today,” said Habib. “Did you take her to any doctor?” “Yes, and the doctor has x-rayed her.” “Now, take a good care of her and ensure all medications as prescribed,” said Fahim. “Of course, thank you a lot,” said Habib.

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

Kazi Nazrul Islam is called the Shelley of Bangla literature. He was a (a) _____ (premodify the noun) poet. He wrote (b) ____ (post midify the verb) in almost all branches of Bangla literature. Nazrul, (c) ____ (post modify the noun with appositive), won the attention of everybody in his early childhood. He wrote ceaselessly until the death of (d) _____ (use possessive to premodify the noun) poetic flair. He composed (e) (premodify the noun) songs (f) ____ (post modify the noun with an adjective clause). His literary works have enriched (g) _____ (premodify the noun with noun adjective) literature. His poems and songs played a great role (h) ____ (post modify the verb with an infinitive phrase) in our war of liberation. He (i) ____ (premodify the verb) sang the songs of equality in his poetry. He is (j) _____ (premodify the noun with determiner) pride, no doubt.

7. Use appropriate sentence connectors in the blank spaces of the following text:

Scientists have always wondered (a) ____ there is life anywhere out in the space. They have joined together in a major project called the communication with Extra Terrestrial Intelligence (b) ____ seeks to establish contact with any other living beings in the universe. (c)  ____, they are beaming out radio signals into the space. It was thought (d) ____ there exists life on Mars. (e) ____ two viking spacecrafts (f) ____ landed on Mars in 1976 did not provide much evidence of life there. The pictures sent by them showed (g) ____ the Mars has a sky; (h) ____ , the sky is red instead of a blue one like ours. Its gravity is about half (i) ____ strong (j) ____ that of Earth. (k) ____ , the atmosphere is also much thinner than our planet. It has deserts, high mountains, canals, volcanoes, craters etc. as well as summer (l) ____ winter. (m) ____ , there are no trees, (n) ____ life forms.

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

Hospitality means friendly and generous treatment and entertainment towards guests or strangers, especially at one’s home. There was a time when hospitality was encouraged in our country. People could travel hundreds of miles with having a single penny. Gone are those days! Nowadays, people have become commercial and self-centred in their etiquette and manners. In all religions, hospitality is encouraged, because hospitality brings peace and amity in the society. To form a better society, we need to cultivate it at home and away.

(a) hospitality (synonym) (b) friendly (antonym)(c) generous(synonym) (d) treatment (synonym) (e) entertainment (antonym) (f) stranger (antonym) (g) encourage (synonym) (h) travel (synonym) (i) having (synonym) (j) self-centred (antonym) (k) etiquette (synonym) (l) peace (antonym) (m) amity (antonym) (n) cultivate (synonym)

9. There are fourteen errors in the use of punctuation marks in the following text. Rewrite the text correcting the errors. 0.5 x 14 = 7

Ishtiak: Excuse me where is the nearest hospital

Fuad : Its about 2km from here You will have to hire a taxi You can also go there by bus

Ishtiak: I see is there a bus station near here

Fuad : Yes there is a bus stop at the corner

Ishtiak Thank you

Fuad : Dont mention it

Part-B: Composition [Marks: 40]

10. Write an application to the Chairman of Union Parishad requesting him/her to issue you an online birth certificate. 10

11. Write a paragraph on “The Uses and Abuses of Mobile Phone” in about 200 words. 15

12. Write a cause-and-effect paragraph on “Price Hike”, briefly describing the causes and its impacts on our daily life. 15

18. Sylhet Board-2023

English (Compulsory)- Second Paper

Time: 3 hours

Full marks: 100

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

Part-A: Grammar [Marks: 60] 0.5 x 10 = 5

1. Fill in the blanks with suitable preposition :

Corruption is a curse (a) ____ a nation. It is a great hindrance (b) ____ the development. (c) ____ corrupted people, a nation will surely suffer (d)  _____ the long run. Corrupted people are hated (e) ____ all. The common mass have no good feeling (f) ____ them. They are devoid (g)  ____ honesty and purity. They don’t abide (h) ____ the social rules. Morality doesn’t have any impact (i) ____ these criminals. They bring no sweet fruit for their land and so it is high time we stood (j) ____them unitedly.

2. Complete the sentences using suitable clauses/phrases. 0.5 x 10 = 5

(a) Anika can’t afford a bus ticket — air ticket.

(b) It may rain today. You — reach home earlier.

(c) — is many years since we first met. How time does fly!

(d) As his brother met an accident, he needs to go to hospital — possible.

(e) We — develop our view about hartal and strike. Let’s change our destructive culture.

(f) — have been remarkable changes in the behaviour of our young generation.

(g) Maria Manda is a promising footballer of our country. She — in a remote village, Kalshindur.

(h) — having integrity in one’s character? It is the best quality of a man. these criminals.

(i) He is very poor but honest. He — starve than cheat anybody.

(j) — a squirrel —?

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

(a) Most of the rivers are getting polluted day by day. It is high time —.

(b) Milk is rich in food values. We should take milk everyday so that —.

(c) Mr. John is very interested in tourism. He wants to visit Bangladesh with a view to —.

(d) I like to play cricket in my leisure time. When I get a chance, —.

(e) No nation can develop without education. So, it is rightly said that —.

(f) Mina really sings well. If she gets opportunity, —.

(g) He was a petty clerk. But he behaved as though —.

(h) The weather of that night was very rough. I would have met you provided —.

(i) Bangladesh is a small country. Though it has a small area, —.

(j) English is an international language. There is not a country in the world where — .

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

It is natural that a man cannot (a)— (live) alone. He always (b) — (need) a company. He has to (c) — (express) his thought and ideas. (d) — (think) others while the others (e) — (be) of the same needs. He (f) — (have) also the need of others for (g) — (ensure) their safety and comfort. So, he is bound (h) — (live) with others (i) — (make) an institution and it (j) — (call) society. Society (k) — (be) the first organization which (I) — (make) by our primitive ancestors. They (m) — (be) the first to contribute to (n) — (develop) the civilization.

5. Change the narrative style by using direct speeches. 7

Mr. Kalam said to the bank manager. May I get in, sir?” “Yes, come in,” said the bank manager. Mr. Kalam said. “I want to open a bank account.” The manager said. “What type of account will you open? I want to open a savings account, “said Mr. Kalam. “Please go to the front desk. The officer will help you.” “Thank you very much.” Mr. Kalam said.

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

Drug addiction among the young generation has become a (a) — (pre modify the noun) concern. Drug is mainly used as medicine (b)——— (use an infinitive to post modify the verb) diseases and an excess of taking drug for no disease is called drug addiction. It has grasped the young generation (c) — (post modify the verb). They take drugs to forget (d) — (use possessive to pre modify the noun) sadness, (e) — (premodify the noun) people take drugs (f) — (use adverb to post modify). Drug addiction causes (g) — (pre modify the noun) harm to human body. (h) — (use a participle) them aware, we can remove this curse from our society. All concerned should take initiatives (i)— (use an infinitive to post modify the verb) it. The criminals should be punished with an (j) — (use a noun adjective) hand.

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

Bangladesh is a free and sovereign country. (a) — it was a part of Pakistan from 1947 to 1971. In 1971 it became independent (b) — started its journey as a free nation, (c) — the journey was not smooth at all. On 7 March, 1971 (d) — Bangabandhu delivered his speech, the common mass got united (e) — started their preparation for a war. The Pakistani forces started mass killing (f) — killed about 30 lakh innocent people. They thought (g) they could suppress the Bangalees within a few days. (h) — the brave sons of our land proved them wrong. (i) — the freedom fighters didn’t have modern weapons in their hand, they were the real patriots and courageous. (j) —after few months they became successful in their mission. (k) — the long waited date came (1lhe way of lasting development very quickly.

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

Facebook is a very popular social networking site with over eight hundred million users. But it has both positive and negative effects on its users. We can keep touch with our friends and relatives. It is the best means to stay connected with people. Facebook helps us make friendship even with unknown people. On the other hand, it is very easy for cyber bullies to thrive. They can harass any one. Besides, teenagers are spending too much time on it.

(a) popular (antonym) (b) effects (synonym) (c) touch (synonym) (d) friends (antonym) (e) means (synonym) (f) connected (antonym) (g) help (synonym) (h) make (synonym) (i)harass (synonym) (j) easy (antonym) (k) thrive (synonym) (l) unknown (antonym) (m) teenager (antonym) (n) spend (synonym)

9. There are fourteen errors in the use of punctuation marks in the following text. Rewrite the text correcting the errors. 0.5 x 14 = 7

Ratan said to his father I want to go outside for sometime. Why is it not the suitable time for going out. I need to meet my friend Shimul. Now it is 8 PM. You should not waste time doing this type of activities father replied. Ill come back. before 9 0 clock said Ratan. “This is the last time I think,” father said.

Part-B: Composition [Marks: 40]

10. Suppose, you are Alindo Hasan, a student of Oxford College. Write an application to the principal of your college for opening a relief camp for the flood affected people. 10

11. Write a paragraph on “The Padma Bridge”. (200 words) 15

12. Write a paragraph on “Road Accidents in Bangladesh” showing its causes and effects. (200 words). 15