Bangladesh is now apparently …………………… from human habitations. [M. B. 2023; R. B. 2023; D. B. 2022; C. B. 2022]
Seen passage-1
Read the following passage and answer question.
Bangladesh is now apparently in the grip of all sorts of pollution like air pollution, soil pollution and water pollution. The dwellers of the urban areas are the worst sufferers of such pollution. The indiscriminate industrialization process in Bangladesh over the past decades has created significant environmental problems.
Air pollution comes from a wide variety of sources. In Bangladesh, poisonous exhausts from industrial plants, brick kilns, old and poorly serviced vehicles and dust from roads and construction sites are some of the major sources of air pollution. We can minimize this type of pollution by making less use of motor vehicles and avoiding the use of vehicles older than twenty years. We may also use proper lubricants to lessen the level of emission and pollution. We can encourage people to use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) for fuelling their cars. The government may relocate hazardous industries like brick kilns to areas away from human habitations.
[Mymensingh Board—2023; Rajshahi Board—2023; Dhaka Board—2022; Cumilla Board—2022]
Fill in each gap with a suitable word based on the information of the passage.
(i) Air pollution (a) —— the ways in which the air is polluted. Air is the most important (b) —— of human environment. Man cannot live a single (c) —— without air. But we do not think that it is (d) —— who pollute this most vital substance. It is (e) —— in many ways. [R. B. 2023]
Answer- (a) refers to/means; (b) element; (c) moment; (d) we; (e) polluted/contaminated.
(ii) Among all the elements of the environment air is the most important one. We cannot live a single moment without it. Unfortunately, this vital element is continuously (b) —— polluted in many ways. Our (c) —— activities are mainly responsible for it. So, the (d) —— of air pollution is a must for our own existence. We should also (e) —— environment friendly activities for decreasing air pollution. [M. B. 2023]
Answer- (a) live/exist; (b) being/getting; (c) indiscriminate/unwise/inconsiderate/thoughtless/heinous; (d) prevention/reduction/control; (e) do/perform.
(iii) Air is the most important (a) —— of human environment. Man cannot (b) —— a single moment without air. But we do not think that it is we who (c) —— this most vital element. For the (d) —— of air pollution, we should avoid the use of vehicles older than 20 years. People can be (e) —— to use CNG or LPG for fuelling their cars. Thus, air pollution can be controlled to some extent. [C. B. 2022]
Answer- (a) element; (b) live/survive; (c) pollute; (d) reduction; (e) encouraged.
(iv) At present, environment pollution is one of the greatest (a) —— in Bangladesh. There are various types of pollutions such as air pollution, soil pollution and water pollution. Though it is wide spread, the urban areas are badly (b) —— with it. Unplanned industrialization, wastage from mills and factories, faulty vehicles and construction sites are the main (c) —— of pollution. To get rid of all types of pollutions, some fruitful steps must be (d) ——. Firstly, to reduce air pollution, faulty and old vehicles must be avoided. On the other hand, we can minimize water and soil pollution by proper management of all types of wastage including industrial garbage. Finally, general people must be made (e) —— of the adverse consequences of environment pollution. [D. B. 2022]
Answer- (a) problems; (b) affected/faced; (c) causes/sources; (d) taken; (e) aware/conscious.
Fish population is in serious danger …………… from hunger and poverty. [Din. B. 2024; J. B. 2024; C. B. 2024 & 2020; B. B. 2022; D. B. 2020;M. B. 2020; Syl. B. 2020; SSC Exam. 2018]
Seen passage-2
Read the following passage and answer question.
Fish population is in serious danger from global warming. Climate change is increasing the water temperature in rivers, lakes and seas. This means there is less food and oxygen available for fish. It also means the fish may not grow fully and may have fewer fish fries. Some fishes will become extinct if temperatures rise even by one or two degrees Celsius.
Climate change increases the pressure on fish population. Fishes are one of the world’s most valuable biological assets. Forty percent of people in the world eat fish as their main source of protein. If we fail to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we will increase the pressure on fish. As a result, people who depend on fish will suffer from hunger and poverty.
[Dinajpur Board—2024; Jashore Board—2024; Cumilla Board—2024 & 2020; Barishal Board—2022; Dhaka Board—2020; Mymensingh Board—2020; Sylhet Board—2020; SSC Examination—2018]
Fill in each gap with a suitable word based on the information of the passage.
(i) Fish population is not free from the (a) —— of climate change. Because of climate change the water temperature will increase, causing the (b) —— of food and oxygen for fish. As a (c) —— of this, fishes may lose their breeding capacity. Some of the fishes are on the (d) —— of extinction. Climate change will (e) —— the pressure of fish population.
Answer- (a) impact/danger/effect; (b) shortage/scarcity/lack; (c) result/consequence;
(d) threat/way/verge; (e) increase.
(ii) It is learnt from the passage (a) —— global warming is posing a great (b) —— to fish population. Fish population is not (c) —— from the danger of climate change. It is (d) —— that some species of fishes will be extinct (e) —— temperature rise in near future.
Answer- (a)that: (b) threat/risk/danger/menace/impedance/problem; (c) free/safe/secure;
(d) anticipated/ assumed/thought/believed/said/predicted/considered/opined/estimated /suspected; (e) to.
(iii) Global warming raises the stress on fish population. Fish population is severely affected (a) —— to global warming. For want of food and oxygen some (b) —— of fish may be (c) —— one day. To stop global warming, we have to convince people not to (d) —— greenhouse gas. Otherwise many people have to (e) —— poverty and hunger.
Answer- (a) owing/due: (b) varieties/differences/diversities/species: (c) extinct/abolished/obsolete;
(d) produce/increase/generate/propagate; (e) face/embrace/suffer/feature.
(iv) It is (a) —— from the passage that global warming is (b) —— great threat for fish population. (c) —— global warming, food production and oxygen (d) —— in water decreases. As a result, some fish may be extinct (e) ——.
Answer- (a) learnt/known/clear; (b) a; (c) For/Because of/Owing to/Due to; (d) supply/availability; (e) soon.
(v) The temperature rise of water in rivers, lakes and seas has (a) —— in the scarcity of food and oxygen for fish. As a result, the (b) —— and reproduction of fishes is being hampered. If temperature rise goes on in this rate, it will cause the (c) —— of some fishes. If this happens, people (d) —— on fish as the main source of protein will suffer a lot. A possible solution to this problem is the (e) —— of greenhouse gas emission.
Answer- (a) resulted; (b) growth/production; (c) extinction; (d) depending/relying/living; (e) reduction/ decrease.
We have the ability to bring ………… carbon dioxide when we clear forests. [M. B. 2024; Din. B. 2023; J. B. 2019; Syl. B. 2019]
Seen passage-3
Read the following passage and answer question.
We have the ability to bring about a great change in our social, national and international life. But we cannot change everything. For example, humans can neither change the sun’s radiation nor the earth’s orbit around the sun. Rather we can control the increase in the amount of greenhouse gases and its effect on the atmosphere. It is a matter of great sorrow that only during the last hundred years the carbon dioxide concentration has been raised alarmingly in the atmosphere and we humans can be held responsible for this. Carbon dioxide level is increasing mainly for the burning of fossil fuels. Since the end of the 19th century, industrial activities increased rapidly giving rise to many factories. These factories required energy, which was produced through the combustion of coal and other energy sources such as mineral oil and natural gas which were also burned to heat our houses, run cars and airplanes or to produce electricity. Nowadays, about 85 million barrels of crude oil are burned daily. Every time a fossil raw material is burned, it releases carbon dioxide into the air. Thus, we are generating more and more greenhouse gases worldwide. Moreover, we are also strengthening the greenhouse effect by deforestation, which means cutting down trees. Every year enormous areas of forests are destroyed by people to obtain wood and to clear regions for mining and to create pasture. This loss of the forest causes dual problems. Trees that are burned up release large volumes of carbon dioxide gas into the air. On the other hand, as forests absorb a lot of carbon dioxide from the air and deliver oxygen instead, we also destroy an important storehouse of carbon dioxide when we clear forests.
[Mymensingh Board—2024; Dinajpur Board—2023; Jashore Board—2019; Sylhet Board—2019]
Fill in each gap with a suitable word based on the information of the passage.
(i)It is true that most of the natural phenomena are beyond our (a) ——. Yet we can (a) —— some aspects like the greenhouse effect by our responsible activities. We are highly responsible for (b) —— radical climate change. Carbon dioxide is the main (c) —— of climate change. Carbon dioxide is being (d) —— in the atmosphere by the burning of fossil fuels. Moreover, mineral oil and natural gas are also used for various (e) ——. [M. B. 2024]
Answer- (a)control/change; (b) the/causing/this; (c) cause/reason/factor; (d) increased/released/ produced/emitted/accumulated/mixed; (e) purposes/reasons.
(ii) Fossil fuels are burned at an alarming rate due to (a) ——. Coal is one of the fuels used for (b) —— energy. Our atmosphere is being polluted for the (c) —— of greenhouse gases day by day. Our (d) —— on fossil fuels should be reduced. We should not destroy our (e) —— which play a vital role to produce oxygen.
[Din. B. 2023]
Answer- (a) industrialization/production; (b) producing/generating; (c) generation/production/ accumulation/increase/rise; (d) dependence/reliance; (e) forests/woods/trees.
(iii) There are several reasons why the carbon dioxide concentration has been (a) —— in the atmosphere. Our mills and factories burn coal, mineral oil, natural gas, etc. with a view to (b) —— energy. We also burn these materials to (c) —— our everyday life. For our own (d) ——, we have to encourage (d) ——. Otherwise, our existence on earth will be at (e) ——.
[Syl. B. 2019]
Answer- (a) increasing/rising: (b) producing/generating; (c) meet/satisfy/fulfil; (d) afforestation; (e) stake/risk.
(iv) It is true that most of the natural phenomena are beyond humans’ control, yet he can (a) —— some aspects like the greenhouse effect by his wise activities. Carbon dioxide is the main (b) —— of it. Carbon dioxide is being (c) —— in the atmosphere by the burning of fossil fuels. In fact, industrial activities have given rise to many factories where coal is (d) —— for energy. Moreover, mineral oil and natural gas are also used for various (e) ——.
[J. B. 2019]
Answer- (a) control; (b) example; (c) accumulated; (d) burnt (e) purposes.
Countries of the world rely heavily ………… as a fuel to produce electricity. [R. B. 2024 & 2022]
Seen passage-4
Read the following passage and answer question.
Countries of the world rely heavily on petroleum, coal and natural gas for their energy sources. There are two major types of energy sources: renewable and non-renewable. Hydrocarbon or fossil fuels are non-renewable sources of energy. Reliance on them poses real big problems. First, fossil fuels such as oil, coal, gas, etc. are finite energy resources and the world eventually will run out of them. Secondly, they will become too expensive in the coming decades and too damaging for the environment. Thirdly, fossil fuels have direct polluting impacts on earth’s environment causing global warming. In contrast, renewable energy sources such as, wind and solar energy are constantly and naturally replenished and never run out.
Most renewable energy comes either directly or indirectly from the sun. Sunlight or solar energy can be used for heating and lighting homes, for generating electricity and for other commercial and industrial uses.
The sun’s heat drives the wind and this wind energy can be captured with wind turbines to produce electricity. Then the wind and the sun’s heat cause water to evaporate. When the water vapour turns into rain or snow and flows downhill into rivers or streams, its energy can be captured as hydroelectric energy. Scientists have identified Hydrogen as another form of renewable energy source. It is the most abundant element in nature. But it does not exist separately as a gas. It is always combined with other elements, such as with oxygen to make water. Hydrogen, separated from another element, can be burned as a fuel to produce electricity.
[Rajshahi Board—2024 & 2022]
Fill in each gap with a suitable word based on the information of the passage.
(i)Scientists have (a) —— out that Hydrogen can be (b) —— as renewable energy source. The nature is (c) —— with Hydrogen (d) —— it does not exist separately as gas. Hydrogen and Oxygen (e) —— water.
[R. B. 2024]
Answer- (a) figured/pointed/found; (b) used/considered/regarded/utilized/viewed; (c) filled/abundant/ mixed/combined; (d) but; (e) make/comprise/produce/form/compose.
(ii) People around the world are habituated to using two major types of energy sources. They are (a) —— as renewable and non-renewable. Non-renewable energy sources are very harmful (b) —— our nature. When they are burnt, they produce different types of pollutants which are very (c) —— for our environment. These kinds of energy sources are (d) ——. With the passage of time they will be exhausted and very expensive. They are also (e) —— for global warming. On the other hand, renewable energy sources are very cheap and environment friendly.
[R. B. 2022]
Answer- (a) known; (b) to; (c) dangerous; (d) finite/limited; (e) responsible.
Today there are many jobs where ………………… become skilled workers. [D. B. 2024; M. B. 2022; Din. B. 2022; C. B. 2019]
Seen passage-5
Read the following passage and answer question.
Today there are many jobs where we need English. This is because the world has become smaller. Vast distances are shortened by speedy transports. We can talk to a person thousands of kilometers away on the phone or the Internet. So we can communicate with the whole world easily. English has made this communication easier.
There are many countries in the world with many languages, but to communicate with them, we cannot use all the languages. So we need a common language that we can use with more or less all the people in the world. English is that common language. We can talk to a Chinese toy maker, a French artist, an Arab ambassador or a Korean builder in one language — English.
If we learn English, we have the best opportunity to find a good job, both within and outside the country. And that is good news for millions of our unemployed youths.
We should learn how to use English both orally and in writing for doing things as needed in our work, such as communicating with others at personal, social, national and international levels. But unfortunately, at the moment we are learning English mainly for our exams. English can greatly help us become skilled workers.
[Dhaka Board—2024; Mymensingh Board—2022; Dinajpur Board—2022; Cumilla Board—2019]
Fill in each gap with a suitable word based on the information of the passage.
(i)Different people use different languages for making (a) ——. But a common language is necessary in (b) —— to communicate with the people of the whole world. English has achieved the (c) —— of being that language. It helps to get good jobs and have better (d) ——. So, we should learn English properly as it helps (e) —— our unemployment problem. [D. B. 2024]
Answer- (a)communication/interaction/correspondence; (b) order; (c)prestige/status/position/supremacy/ honour/dignity; (d) salaries/wages/payments; (e) remove/reduce/eradicate/eliminate/solve.
(ii) Globalization has made the world smaller and so it requires a (a) —— language for international communication. The lingua franca of the world is (b) ——. English provides us with the (c) —— to pursue a good job. Being a densely (d) —— country, Bangladesh is cursed with unemployment. Proficiency in English may help (e) —— unemployment problem and bring economic development.
[Din. B. 2022; C. B. 2019]
Answer- (a) common; (b) English; (c) opportunity; (d) populated; (e) decrease/reduce.
(iii) Different languages are being spoken in different countries. But a common language is necessary for (a) —— communication. For many (b) —— English has achieved the prestige of that common language. So, it is very important for everyone to learn English. If we want to (c) —— with other countries, there is no replacement of learning English. By learning English, we can easily (d) —— our unemployment problem. From the very beginning, a student should keep in mind that he has to learn English not only to (e) —— the exams but also to communicate with others.
[M. B. 2022]
Answer- (a) international/global; (b) reasons; (c) communicate; (d) reduce/lessen/solve; (e) pass.
The Internet technology has …………………. should be shared with others. [Ctg. B. 2024; Din. B. 2020]
Seen passage-6
Read the following passage and answer question.
The Internet technology has helped design a large number of websites to facilitate social relations among people around the world. These are known as social networking services or social networks or social media. At present, Facebook is the most popular social media site. Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. are other frequently used social services. These services make it possible to connect people across the borders and have made the users feel that they really live in a global village.
Social networks are expanding so fast because most of the social services are cost-free. We can make use of them free, paying a very little to our Internet service provider. Secondly, we can make our personal profile public before the entire online community. It is simple and easy. Thirdly, social networks allow users to upload pictures, multimedia contents and modify the profile. Fourthly, networks allow users to post blog entries. User profiles have a section dedicated to comments from friends and other users. Finally, there are privacy protection measures too. A user himself or herself decides over the number of visitors/viewers, and what information should be shared with others.
[Chattogram Board—2024; Dinajpur Board—2020]
Fill in each gap with a suitable word based on the information of the passage.
(i)With the development of Internet Technology a number of websites have been designed to promote the (a) —— relations (b) —— the people of the world. By (b) —— these social media, we can (c) —— ideas with each other and feel as the citizen of a global village. The social media are expanding rapidly for (d) —— low-cost. It has brought the whole world within our (e) ——.
[Ctg. B. 2024]
Answer- (a) among; (b) using; (c) share/communicate/express/exchange; (d) their/the/being; (e) reach/ grip/hands.
(ii) The social networking services are expanding so fast because (a) — are cheap. Facebook is one of the most popular social network (b) —. There are also other network services (c) — Google, Twitter, LinkedIn. Social network services are based on (d) —. Users communicate with others through the Internet. These services (e) — made the world very small and people now feel that they are now a part of a single global village. [Din. B. 2020]
Answer- (a) these/they; (b) services; (c) like/such as; (d) Internet/website; (e) have.
(iii) The Internet technology has helped develop a lot of websites. These websites contribute to (a) — relations among people around the world. There are many (b) — network services. Among them (c) — is most popular. The users of Facebook can interact with people all over the world. They can exchange views, opinions and interests. Thus the social services have made the world (d) —. One can make (e) — on Facebook and can upload photos and documents.
Answer- (a) promote; (b) social; (c) Facebook; (d) small; (e) profile.
26 March, our Independence Day …………… in other places in the country. [Ctg. B. 2023, 2022 & 2019; Din. B. 2019]
Seen passage-7
Read the following passage and answer question.
26 March, our Independence Day, is one of the most important state festivals. The day is celebrated every year in the country with great enthusiasm and fervour. It is a national holiday. All offices, educational institutions, shops and factories remain closed on this day. The day begins with a 31 gun salute.
Early in the morning the President and the Prime Minister, on behalf of the nation place floral wreaths at the National Mausoleum at Savar. Then other leaders, political parties, diplomats, social and cultural organizations, educational institutions and freedom fighters pay homage to the martyrs. People from all walks of life also go there in rallies and processions. There are many cultural programmes throughout the day, highlighting the heroic struggle and sacrifice in 1971.
In Bangabandhu National Stadium, school children, scouts and girl guides take part in various displays to entertain thousands of spectators. Educational institutions also organize their individual programmes. Sports meets and tournaments are also organized on the day, including the exciting boat race in the river Buriganga.
In the evening, all major public buildings are illuminated with colourful lights. Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and other socio-cultural organisations hold cultural functions. Similar functions are also arranged in other places in the country.
[Chattogram Board—2023, 2022 & 2019; Dinajpur Board—2019]
Fill in each gap with a suitable word based on the information of the passage.
(i)26 March is a red-letter day in our national (a) —. It is our Independence Day. This is a day to (b) — why and how Bangladesh is created. The birth of Bangladesh was not easy. Our heroic people protested (c) — the evil motive and plan of the Pakistani rulers. Conscious people of our country (d) — against Pak rulers in 1952, ’62, ’68, ’69 and finally in 1971. So, 1971 was the (e) — of the previous movements. [Ctg. B. 2023]
Answer- (a) life/history; (b) know/remember; (c) against; (d) fought; (e) outcome/culmination.
(ii) 26 March is very important for the Bangalee nation. People celebrate the day every year becoming very (a) —. As it is a national holiday, all offices do not remain (b) — on the day. All the higher officials of the state offer wreaths of flowers at National Mausoleum at Savar. People (c) — of cast and creed proceed with rallies and processions. People show respect to the heroic figures who (d) — their lives in 1971. The audience get entertained in Bangabandhu National Stadium by the participants. All the offices both govt. and non-govt. hoist flags on their buildings and (e) — them with colourful lights. Thus, the whole of the country wears a festive look. [Ctg. B. 2022]
Answer- (a) enthusiastic/passionate/eager; (b) open; (c) irrespective/regardless; (d) sacrificed; (e) illuminate.
(iii) 26 March is a (a) — day for the people of Bangladesh. On this day, our (b) — War began. The heroic sons of our country sacrificed their (c) —. So, the whole nation (d) — the day every year to (e) — respect to the martyrs. [Ctg. B. 2019]
Answer- (a) memorable/red-letter; (b) Liberation; (c) lives; (d) commemorates; (e) show/pay.
(iv) Independence Day is the biggest festival in our country. The day is observed throughout the country in a befitting (a) —. The (b) — of Independence Day begins with a 31 gun salute. People from all walks of life (c) — to the National Mausoleum to pay their respect by offering flower (d) —. Several cultural programmes are also (e) — to highlight the supreme sacrifice of our heroic sons for the independence of the country. [Din. B. 2019]
Answer- (a) manner; (b) celebration; (c) go; (d) wreaths; (e) arranged.
21 February is a memorable day …………. movement of Bangladesh. [B. B. 2024; R. B. 2020]
Seen passage-8
Read the following passage and answer question.
21 February is a memorable day in our national history. We observe the day every year as International Mother Language Day. The day is a national holiday. On this day, we pay tribute to the martyrs who laid down their lives to establish Bangla as a state language in undivided Pakistan in 1952. The struggle to achieve our language rights is known as the Language Movement. The seed of the Language Movement was sown on 21 March 1948 when Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the Governor General of Pakistan, declared in a public meeting in Dhaka that Urdu would be the only state language of Pakistan. The declaration raised a storm of protest in the eastern part of the country. The protest continued non-stop, gathering momentum day by day. It turned into a movement and reached its climax in 1952. The government outlawed all sorts of public meetings and rallies to stop it.
The students of Dhaka University defied the law and brought out a peaceful protest procession on 21 February 1952. When the procession reached near Dhaka Medical College, the police opened fire on the students, killing Salam, Rafiq, Barkat, Jabbar and others. As a result, there were protests all over the country and the government had to declare Bangla as a state language. This kindled the spark of independence movement of Bangladesh. [Barishal Board—2024; Rajshahi Board—2020]
Fill in each gap with a suitable word based on the information of the passage.
(i)21 February is an (a) — day in our national history. We observe the day with a view to (b) — respect to the language martyrs. The heroic sons of the soil sacrificed their lives for the (c) — of Bangla as one of the state languages of Pakistan. This sacrifice led the Bangalees to the (d) — movement of Bangladesh. In other (e) —, Language Movement worked as the inspiration of our freedom. [B. B. 2024]
Answer- (a)unforgettable/important/honourable (honorable)/essential; (b) paying/showing/conveying/ giving; (c) sake/establishment/recognition/acceptance; (d) independence/ liberation/freedom; (e) wds/sense.
(ii) All Bangladeshis remember the memory of the (a) — on February 21. They walk barefooted to the Shaheed Minar. They proceed (b) — towards the Shaheed Minar. They pay (c) — to the memory of the martyrs. They (d) — flowers and pray for the souls of them. They also gather in mosques, temples and some other religious institutions and wish for the salvation of the martyrs’ (e) — souls. [R. B. 2020]
Answer- (a) martyrs/sacrifice/movement; (b) barefooted; (c) tribute/respect/homage/honour; (d) offer/ give/ place; (e) departed..
21 February is observed as ………. cultural diversity and multilingualism. [C. B. 2023]
Seen passage-9
Read the following passage and answer question.
21 February is observed as Shaheed Dibosh every year throughout the country in remembrance of the martyrs of Language Movement of 1952. The commemoration begins at the early hours of the day with mourning songs that recall the supreme sacrifices of our language martyrs. People wear black badges and go to the Shaheed Minar in barefoot processions, singing mourning songs. They place wreaths at the Minar. Many of them visit the graves of the martyrs at Azimpur graveyard and pray for them. They also attend various programmes organized in remembrance of the language martyrs.
The UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) on 17 November 1999 proclaimed February 21 as the International Mother Language Day in recognition of the sacrifices of the martyrs for the rightful place of Bangla. Two Bangladeshi expatriates living in Vancouver in Canada, Rafiqul Islam and Abdus Salam, sent a proposal to Kofi Annan, the then Secretary General of United Nations. They requested him to declare 21st February as the International Mother Language Day. They added that the declaration will honour and save all existing languages of the world. As per their logical expectations Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina then took prompt initiative by sending formal proposal to UNESCO. Finally, on 17 November 1999, UNESCO declared 21st February as the International Mother Language Day. The day is now annually observed worldwide to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. [Cumilla Board—2023]
Fill in each gap with a suitable word based on the information of the passage.
(i)21 February is (a) — as the International Mother Language Day not only in Bangladesh, but also worldwide. We (b) — this day as Shaheed Dibosh every year. The people of Bangladesh observe the day with (c) — songs to (d) — respect to the martyrs. They go to the Shaheed Minar (e) — wearing black badges. [C. B. 2023]
Answer- (a)known/celebrated; (b) observe; (c) mourning; (d) show; (e) barefoot.
May Day or International Workers’ …… and better lives. [J. B. 2022; Syl. B. 2022] [U-3; L-2(B)] 101
Seen passage-10
Read the following passage and answer question.
May Day or International Workers’ Day is observed on May 1 all over the world today to commemorate the historical struggle and sacrifices of the working people to establish an eight-hour workday. It is a public holiday in almost all the countries of the world.
Since the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries in Europe and the US, the workers in mills and factories had been working a long shift, fourteen or even more hours a day.
On May 1st in 1886, inspired by the trade unions, half of the workers at the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company in Chicago went on strike demanding an eight-hour workday. Two days later, about 6000 workers brought out a rally addressed by the labour leaders. Suddenly about 200 policemen attacked them with clubs and revolvers. One striker was killed instantly, five or six others were seriously wounded and many others were injured.
The events of May 1, 1886 are a reminder that workers will continue to be exploited until they stand up and speak out to gain better working conditions, better pay and better lives.
[Jashore Board—2022; Sylhet Board—2022]
Fill in each gap with a suitable word based on the information of the passage.
(i) The world observes the May Day in (a) — of the struggle and great sacrifices of the working people on May 1, 1886. For their great struggle and sacrifice workers now can (b) — an eight-hour workday. May 1, 1886 has been (c) — as a public holiday in almost all the countries of the world. The workers had to work fourteen hours or more a day (d) — May 1, 1886. It (e) — the workers that they cannot get rid of exploitation if they do not stand up and speak out to gain their rights. [Syl. B. 2022]
Answer- (a) commemoration; (b) enjoy/get; (c) observed; (d) before; (e) reminds.
(ii) May Day is a red-letter day in the (a) — of the working class people all over the world. This day reminds (b) — of the valiant struggle of the workers with a view to fulfilling their rightful demands. On this day in 1886, the workers went on (c) — demanding an eight-hour workday. As a part of their (d) —, they also brought out a rally. At one point, police fell upon the strikers and attacked them with clubs and revolvers. As a result, one striker was mercilessly (e) — and many others were injured badly. Now, the day is observed worldwide. [J. B. 2022]
Answer- (a) history; (b) us/people; (c) strike; (d) strike; (e) killed.
Many people go to cities and …………. respectful to their soil. [J. B. 2020]
Seen passage-11
Read the following passage and answer question.
Many people go to cities and forget their roots knowingly or unknowingly. The specialty of the Islam family is that they are living in their village. Mr. Islam and his brothers are great as they haven’t forgot their roots. Mainul Islam is a graduate from Bangladesh Agricultural University in Mymensingh. He returned home and began advanced farming. His other two brothers are also graduates in different disciplines. They all are living in their own village in spite of being highly educated. They could easily move to cities to do attractive official jobs. But city life and official jobs don’t attract them. They think that they are the sons of the soil and they have an unbreakable obligation to this soil.They not only struck to their own roots, they have been examples for others to be respectful to their soil.
[Jashore Board—2020]
Fill in each gap with a suitable word based on the information of the passage.
(i)Mr. Mainul Islam, a graduate from Bangladesh Agricultural University has chosen his career as an (a) — farmer. His two other brothers were not from the same (b) —. All the three brothers are (c) — educated and live in the village. They are unwilling to leave their village and they realize a strong (d) — to the soil and they don’t want to be city (e) —. [J. B. 2020]
Answer- (a)ideal/educated/exceptional; (b) discipline/university; (c) highly; (d) obligation; (e) dwellers.
Fish is one of the most ……… fish-poverty in Bangladesh. [Ctg. B. 2020]
Seen passage-12
Read the following passage and answer question.
Fish is one of the most important resources of food and nutrition. It is the best and easiest source of protein. In the past, the rivers, ponds, lakes, marshes, etc. abound with fishes in Bangladesh. There was a popular saying that once Bangladesh was rich in rice and fishes. But nowadays, fish population in Bangladesh is in serious danger. This means the fish may not grow fully and may have fewer fish fries. Some fishes have already become extinct and some will be extinct in future.
There are various reasons behind this danger. The first and foremost reason is the climate change which is causing the increase of the water temperature in rivers, ponds, lakes, seas and every water reservoir. This means there is less food and oxygen available for fish. Again, the random use of pesticides and harmful fertilizers in the cultivable lands is also causing a great threat to fish population. Secondly, the harmful garbages and wastes of the mills and factories thrown into the rivers and other pools and reservoirs are polluting the water where fishes dwell.
All these matters are combinedly creating pressure on fish population. If we fail to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and temperature rise, if we fail to control the use of pesticides and harmful fertilizers and the throwing of wastes and garbages, we will continue to increase pressure on fish which will eventually cause fish-poverty in Bangladesh.
[Chattogram Board—2020]
Fill in each gap with a suitable word based on the information of the passage.
(i)Water is the most (a) — place for fish. But nowadays, this (b) — place of the fish is not safe for them (c) — of climate change and many other reasons. All these reasons along with climate change are creating a great threat and pressure on fish population. It is high time we (d) — pragmatic steps to save the fishes from (e) —. [Ctg. B. 2020]
Answer- (a) suitable/convenient/important/appropriate/safe/secure; (b) living/dwelling; (c) because; (d) took; (e) extinction.
Mother Teresa was moved by ………….. lives on in our mind. [B. B. 2019]
Seen passage-13
Read the following passage and answer question.
Mother Teresa was moved by the sight of the sick and dying on the streets of Kolkata. She founded a home for the dying destitute and named it Nirmal Hriday, meaning ‘Pure Heart’. She and her fellow nuns brought the dying people off the streets of Kolkata to this home. They were lovingly looked after and cared for. Since then men, women and children have been taken from the streets and cared to Nirmal Hriday. These unloved and uncared for people get an opportunity to die in an environment of kindness and love. In their last hours they get human and divine love, and can feel they are also children of God. The Missionaries of Charity try to find jobs for those who survive, or send them to homes where they can live happily for some more years in a caring environment. Regarding commitment to family, Mother Teresa said, “May be in our own family, we have somebody, who is feeling lonely, who is feeling sick, who is feeling worried. Are we there? Are we willing to give until it hurts in order to be with our families, or do we put our interest first? We must remember that love begins at home and we must also remember that future of humanity passes through the family.”
Mother Teresa’s work has been recognised throughout the world and she has received a number of awards. These include the Pope John XXIII Peace Prize (1971), the Nehru Prize for Promotion of International Peace & Understanding (1972), the Balzan Prize (1978), the Nobel Peace Prize (1979) and the Bharat Ratna (1980).
Mother Teresa died at the age of 87, on 5 September 1997. The world salutes her for her love and compassion for humanity. She has taught us how to extend our hand towards those who need our help, support irrespective of caste and religion. The picture of Mother Teresa, dressed in a white and blue-bordered sari, with a wrinkled face, ever soft eyes and a saintly smile, lives on in our mind.
Fill in each gap with a suitable word based on the information of the passage.
(i) Mother Teresa was the (a)____ of the sick and dying destitutes. By (b)____ Nirmal Hriday, she and her fellow nuns served the people. They used to (c)____ the dying people to Nirmal Hriday and look after them with (d)____ and care. They made the people feel that they will get an opportunity to die in an environment of kindness and (e)____.
Answer- (a) savior; (b) founding; (c) bring; (d) affection; (e) love.
(ii) The miserable condition of the (a)____ and dying people in the streets of Kolkata (b)____ Mother Teresa. Mother Teresa stands for the distressed (c)____. She is a (d)____ of love and humanity. For her outstanding activities to humanity, she was (e)____ Nobel Prize.
Answer- (a) sick; (b) moved/shocked; (c) people; (d) symbol; (e) awarded.
Pritilata Waddedar was born ………. she couldn’t see it during her lifetime. [Syl. B. 2024; B. B. 2023]
Seen passage-14
Read the following passage and answer question.
Pritilata Waddedar was born in Chattogram on 5 May 1911. She was a meritorious student at Dr Khastagir Government Girls’ School in Chattogram and Eden College, Dhaka. She graduated in philosophy with distinction from Bethune College in Kolkata. In her college days, Pritilata was an activist in the anti-British movement. All through her life, she dreamt of two things: a society without gender discrimination, and her motherland free from British colonial rule. So she decided to fight against the British rule. She involved herself in Surja Sen’s armed resistance movement. In 1932, Surja Sen planned an attack on the Pahartali European Club. Surja Sen assigned Pritilata to lead a team of 10-12 men to attack the Club. The raid was successful but Pritilata, dressed as a man, failed to get out of the Club. She committed suicide by taking potassium cyanide to avoid arrest. She proved that women can work like men. She also proved that women too needed to be prepared to sacrifice their lives for freedom from the British colonial rule. Her dream finally came true. The British rule came to an end in 1947 though she couldn’t see it during her lifetime.
Fill in each gap with a suitable word based on the information of the passage.
(i) Pritilata was a very courageous lady during her lifetime. She was (a)____ by Surja Sen to attack the European club. The raid was (b)____ but Pritilata committed suicide. She (c)____ potassium cyanide to avoid arrest. From this event, we can understand that Pritilata was a patriot (d)____ fought for the freedom of her country. We should (e)____ Pritilata with love and honour.
Answer- (a) assigned/allocated/appointed; (b) successful; (c) took; (d) who; (e) remember.
In a speech at the 90th Science ……………. mankind in the 21st century. [Syl. B. 2023]
Seen passage-15
Read the following passage and answer question.
In a speech at the 90th Science Congress, internationally acknowledged scientist and former Indian President Mr APJ Abdul Kalam mentioned a very important aspect of this mankind’s future energy crisis. He pointed out that the era of wood and biomass has almost come to an end. The age of oil and natural gas would soon be over within the next few decades. Massive burning of world’s coal reserves may lead to a worldwide ecological disaster because coal burning emits the highest amount of carbon in the atmosphere. So, according to Kalam, the only solution that mankind can look to is the massive use of solar energy in future because it has some advantages over other forms of renewable energies. Now, why has Kalam put so much importance to the issue of energy? The energy sources have always been a major factor of change throughout history. The world’s petroleum consumption has increased from 3 billion barrels annually in 1930 to 37 billion barrels annually today. In the next quarter century, the world’s population is expected to be about 8 billion which is 30 percent higher than today. Developing countries will grow their economies about two times faster than industrialized countries. Global economic growth is expected to continue at 3 percent per year. Consequently, the global demand for energy will grow at about 1.7 percent per year on an average. It indicates a 50 percent rise of energy consumption by 2030. If the world’s daily petroleum consumption is 100 million barrels now, it will rise to 150 million barrels by that time. The present reserve of hydro-carbon energy resources is limited and it will not be sufficient to meet the future energy challenges of the world. Hence, leading industrial countries have taken initiatives to use alternative energy sources, mainly known as green or renewable energy sources. The bottom line of Kalam’s speech indicates the concern of mankind in the 21st century. [Sylhet Board—2023]
Fill in each gap with a suitable word based on the information of the passage.
(i) Mr. APJ Abdul Kalam was not only a scientist but also the President of India. At the 90th science congress, he (a) ____ a speech on the aspect of mankind’s future energy crisis. He (b) ____ pressure on the (c) ____ of solar energy. (d) ____ to the history, the energy sources have always been a major factor of change all the general people should have a (e) ____ about the fact. [Syl. 2022]
Answer- (a) gave/delivered; (b) put; (c) use; (d) According; (e) knowledge/concern.
Lipi, a 14-year old girl was ……….. The marriage seemed to be inevitable. [D. B. 2023; J. B. 2023]
Seen passage-16
Read the following passage and answer question.
Lipi, a 14-year old girl was in class 9 in a rural school in Rangpur. Lipi is the eldest of five children—three daughters and two sons. Their father is a day labourer working on other people’s land and mother is a homemaker and a part-time worker at other people’s homes. The parents, particularly mother, found it really difficult to raise five children on the small income the father could earn. Perhaps that is why Lipi’s father wanted to marry her off. But Lipi was not ready to accept what her parents wanted to impose on her. She wanted to pursue her education. Her mother stood by her, though secretly. When her father arranged her marriage with Tara Mia, the only son of a farmer in the same village, she became greatly upset. Tara Mia was a widower—illiterate, but well off. His father had a few acres of arable land and was influential in the village. The marriage seemed to be inevitable.
[Dhaka Board—2023; Jashore Board—2023]
Fill in each gap with a suitable word based on the information of the passage.
(i)Lipi is the eldest child of her parents. Her parents have (a) ____ more children. Two of them are sons and two others are daughters. Lipi’s family is not well (b) ____. Her father (c) ____ as a day labourer on others’ land. Her mother works as a part-time worker at other people’s houses. It was too (d) ____ for Lipi’s mother to (e) ____ the family with their very limited income.
[D. B. 2023; J. B. 2023]
Answer- (a)four; (b) off; (c) works; (d) difficult/tough; (e) support/maintain.