Meherjan lives in a slum on the Sirajgonj Town Protection Embankment. The whispering wind from the river Jamuna makes the fire unsteady. The dancing flames remind Meherjan of the turmoil in her life. Not long ago, Meherjan had everything a family, arable land and cattle. The erosion of the Jamuna gradually consumed all her land property. It finally clamied her only shelter during the last monsoon. It took the river only a day to devour Meher's house, trees, vegetable garden and the bamboo bush. She had a happy family once. Over the years, she lost her husband and her family to diseases that cruel hunger and poverty brought to the family. Now, she is the only one left to live on with the loss and the pain. The greedy Jamuna has shattered her dreams and happiness.
There are thousand others waiting to share the same fate like Meherjan. Bangladesh is a land of rivers, some of whose banks overflow or erode during monsoon. Erosion is a harsh reality for the people living along the river banks. During each monsoon, many more villages are threatened by the mighty rivers like the Jamuna, the Padma and the Meghna. It is estimated that river erosion makes at least 100,000 people homeless every year in Bangladesh. In fact, river erosion is one of the main dangers caused by climate change. If we can't take prompt actions to adapt to climate change, there will be thousands of more Meherjans in our towns and villages every year.
(b) (iii) One day
(c) (iv) the greediness of the river Jamuna
(d) (i) destiny
(e) (iii) Rivers that have huge volume of water and very strong currents
(f) (ii) Making people rootless
(g) (iv) Climate change
(a) The phrase "dancing flames" symbolizes the turmoil, uncertainty and suffering in Meherjan's life.
(b) Meherjan lost her house, trees, vegetable garden, bamboo bush, arable land and cattle due to river erosion.
(c) Meherjan is alone at present because she lost her husband and family to diseases caused by hunger and poverty.
(d) The people of our country suffer from climate change through river erosion, flood, homelessness and loss of land and shelter.
(e) The main purpose of the passage is to show the destructive impact of river erosion on poor people like Meherjan.
(b) homeless
(c) victim
(d) shelter
(e) pain
| No. | Answer |
|---|---|
| (i) | Apollo 11 |
| (ii) | Wapakoneta, Ohio, USA |
| (iii) | received B.Sc. degree in Aeronautical Engineering |
| (iv) | Purdue University, USA |
| (v) | on July 20, 1969 |
(a) Food adulteration is a process in which harmful chemicals are added in food items.
(b) The main reason behind adding various chemicals in food is to increase financial profit.
(c) It is an awful offense which is committed by the greedy businessmen.
(d) This process reduces the quality of foods and damages the health of consumers.
(e) The government has set up mobile courts to detect and punish the dishonest businessmen.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| f | h | b | a | e | c | d | g |
(a) In "O Me! O Life!", "eyes that vainly crave the light" means people who long for truth, hope and meaning but cannot find them easily in life.
(b) Yes, the speaker loved both mothers. One gave birth to the speaker and the other gave loving care, guidance and affection.
(c) Books bring many wonderful pictures, dreams, ideas and distant scenes into our fancies and eyes.
(d) In "The Sands of Dee", the poet describes the sea as cold, cruel, misty and dangerous. It covers the sands and takes Mary away.
(e) Comparing time to a "Gipsy Man" suggests that time is restless and always moving. It never waits for anyone.
(f) The poet stopped by the woods because the scene was lovely, dark, deep and peaceful. Its beauty attracted him though he had duties to perform.
(g) Mary was asked to call the cattle home across the sands of Dee.
(h) The line means that people usually share our joy when we are happy, but many avoid us in sorrow. The poem "Solitude" shows that happiness attracts company, while grief is often lonely.
(a) Rosamond wished to buy many attractive things, especially a purple jar that caught her eye.
(b) Sonabhan realizes that Ameen has grown up when he begins to take responsibility and behaves like a mature person.
(c) Bassanio wanted to visit Portia as a rich and worthy suitor because he loved her and wanted to win her hand in marriage.
(d) Mrs. Mallard was physically weak and had heart trouble when she heard about her husband's death.
(e) Rosamond did not examine the jar before buying it because she was charmed by its beautiful purple colour.
(f) Bassanio was short of money all the time because he lived beyond his means and spent money extravagantly.
(g) Sonabhan sighed because she felt sorrow, loneliness and the heavy burden of her life.
(h) Antonio agreed to borrow money from Shylock to help his dear friend Bassanio go to Belmont and try to marry Portia.
Dress Does Not Make a Man
Sheikh Saadi was a great poet in Iran. The king of Iran used to invite him very often in his court. Once on his way to the court, he took shelter in a nobleman's house. At that time, he was in a very simple dress. The nobleman did not recognise him and treated him like an ordinary poor traveller.
He gave Sheikh Saadi a small room and served him very poor food. Saadi understood that the nobleman judged people by their dress. He said nothing and passed the night quietly. The next morning, he left the house and went to the king's court.
A few days later, Sheikh Saadi again visited the same nobleman's house, but this time he wore a rich and gorgeous dress. The nobleman welcomed him warmly and arranged a grand dinner for him. Many delicious dishes were placed before him.
Sheikh Saadi then did a strange thing. He began to put the food into the sleeves of his coat. The nobleman was surprised and asked why he was doing so. Saadi replied, "This food is for my dress, not for me. Last time I came in simple clothes and received poor treatment. Today my dress is honoured."
The nobleman felt ashamed and begged his pardon. He learnt that a person should be judged by character and wisdom, not by outward appearance.
Atif: Hello, Rana. How are you?
Rana: I am not feeling well, Atif. I often feel tired and lazy.
Atif: I think you should take physical exercise regularly. It is very important for good health.
Rana: I know it is good, but I do not practise it every day.
Atif: Regular exercise keeps our body fit and active. It also improves blood circulation and digestion.
Rana: Can it help me overcome laziness?
Atif: Of course. Morning walk, running, cycling or simple free-hand exercise can make you energetic.
Rana: That sounds helpful. Does exercise help the mind too?
Atif: Yes, it refreshes the mind, reduces stress and helps us concentrate on study.
Rana: How long should I exercise every day?
Atif: Thirty minutes is enough at first. You should also avoid sitting with your phone for a long time.
Rana: You are right. I will start walking every morning from tomorrow.
Atif: Excellent. If you continue regularly, you will feel much better.
Rana: Thank you, Atif. Your advice is really useful.