BA / BSS / BSc Honours (Non-Credit) 2nd Year/ Honours (Non-Credit)English Marks Distribution / Honours 2nd Year English Syllabus / National University - 2nd Year Honours English Syllabus
Short Marks Distribution Summary
Section | Topic Focus | Marks |
Part 1 | Reading & Understanding (Comprehension Test) | 20 |
Part 2 | Writing (Sentences, Situational, Paragraph, Letter, Essay) | 40 |
Part 3 | Grammar (Re-arranging, Wh-Questions, Articles, Verbs, Punctuation) | 25 |
Part 4 | Vocabulary (Changing Word Forms, Synonyms/Antonyms, Affixes) | 10 |
Part 5 | Translation (Bengali to English) | 5 |
Total | 100 |
Syllabus & Assessment Framework
National University
Course Target: BA/BSS/BSc Honours (Non-Credit) 2nd Year
Paper Title: English (Compulsory)
Paper Code: 221109
Total Marks: 100
Class Hours: 60
Exam Duration: 4 Hours
I. Course Aims and Objectives
The primary objective of this course is to develop students' English language skills, enabling them to benefit both personally and professionally.
The curriculum integrates the four fundamental skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—to encourage superior and practical language use.
II. Comprehensive Syllabus & Marks Distribution
1. Reading and Understanding (Comprehension Test) — 20 Marks
Students are expected to read unseen passages commonly found in everyday life, such as newspapers, magazines, general books, and simple stories, to build familiarity with diverse language uses.
·
Answering Questions (6 Marks): Typically, two to three questions are set based on the passage. Answers must be creative and written in the student's own words; direct copying of sentences from the passage is strictly prohibited.
Main Idea and Supporting Ideas (4 Marks): Students must identify the core theme (main idea/gist) and the ancillary or helping ideas (supporting ideas) that amplify the fundamental concept of the text.
Word Meaning (5 Marks): Students will be given seven words from the passage and must answer any five. They are required to write the English meaning of the words and frame meaningful sentences in English using those given words.
Writing Summary or Key Word (5 Marks):
o Summary: Students must write a concise summary not exceeding one-third of the passage's length. The summary must assemble rational ideas centered around key words without quoting directly. Examples, analogies, and advisory statements must be avoided.
o
Key Word (Alternative): Identifying the core word or phrase around which a meaningful sentence is built.
2. Writing — 40 Marks
· Sentence Construction (5 Marks): Tasks include writing correct sentences, completing incomplete sentences, or combining two or more sentences into one. In the exam, students are typically asked to correct 5 out of 7 incorrect sentences.
Situational Writing (4 Marks): Students must draft one item from given options such as a Poster, Notice, Slogan, Memo, or Advertisement.
Paragraph Writing or Newspaper Writing (8 Marks):
o Paragraph: Focuses on structure, topic sentences, developing ideas, and writing a conclusion. Types include narrative, descriptive, expository, and persuasive, using techniques like listing, cause and effect, or comparison and contrast.
o Alternatives: Reports, press releases, dialogues, or amplification.
Letter or Resume Writing (8 Marks):
o Formal/Informal Letters: Writing personal letters, letters to the editor, request letters, or complaint letters.
o Resume/Job Application: Drafting a professional job application, which must include a Resume (Curriculum Vitae).
Essay Writing (15 Marks): Students must write an essay focusing on generating ideas, outlining, formulating a thesis sentence, drafting introductions and conclusions, developing ideas, and revising/editing.
3. Grammar — 25 Marks
Knowledge of grammar is tested through contextualized passages or standalone sentences. Students typically answer 5 out of 7 options for each segment.
Word Order / Re-arranging (5 Marks): Organizing jumbled words to form sensible, grammatically correct sentences.
Framing Wh-Questions (5 Marks): Creating questions using Wh-words (who, what, where, etc.) based on provided statements.
Articles (5 Marks): Filling in the blanks of a short passage with appropriate articles.
Right Form of Verbs & General Grammar (5 Marks): Applying rules related to tenses, subject-verb agreement, noun-pronoun agreement, conditionals, prepositions, infinitives, participles, and gerunds.
Punctuation (5 Marks): Inserting correct punctuation marks and capitalization into an unpunctuated passage.
4. Developing Vocabulary — 10 Marks
· Changing Word Forms (5 Marks): Changing a given root word into another part of speech (e.g., from verb to noun) and using the newly formed word in a sentence.
·
Antonyms & Synonyms OR Suffix & Prefix (5 Marks): Providing antonyms or synonyms for given words and framing sentences, or adding affixes to create new words.
5. Translation — 5 Marks
· Bengali to English Translation: Translating a provided Bengali passage into English. Students must maintain the fluency, significance, and core meaning of the original text, strictly avoiding literal or word-for-word translation.
6. Speaking Skills (Integrated)
· Note: This is integrated into classroom activities rather than the written exam.
· Focuses on the English sound system, pronunciation skills, the IPA system, problem sounds, vowels, consonants, diphthongs, and lexical/syntactic stress.
· Dialogue writing and oral practice are used to develop these speaking skills.
Model Question Paper
National University
[BA/BSS/BSc (Hon's) 2nd Year; Exam.-2024 (Held in-22/10/2025)]
ENGLISH (COMPULSORY)
Subject Code: 221109 Time: 3 hours; Full marks: 100 [N.B. The figures in the right margin indicate full marks.]
1. Read the passage and answer the questions that follow:
Corruption spoils human character. It is one of the maladies worsening the society. Since her emergence in 1971, Bangladesh has been experiencing violence, terrorism and misrule. The country is beset with corruption and political turmoil. Bangladesh has been ranked as the world's most corrupt nation in the consecutive three years. Corruption has raised its ugly head in different sectors in the society. It is prevalent at every field of the society. Allegations of wide spread corruption are the daily news of newspapers and other news media. There is little debate concerning the negative impact of corruption in Bangladesh. While Bangladesh has made good progress in several areas of the development agenda, she continues to impede her development potentials. The country has made notable advancement in meeting a combination of development challenges. The government, past and present, have totally failed to stamp out corruption. It is the use of public resources for private purpose. It is like termite nibbling at the structure of the society. In the case of Bangladesh, corruption and the misrule of the political parties and regime changes through military take overs ostensibly to root out corruption have impeded the progress of a democratic political system.
(a) Write answers to the following questions (2 x 3 = 6):
(i) What is corruption? (ii) What are the negative impacts of corruption in Bangladesh? (iii) What are the daily news of newspapers and other news media?
(b) What is the main idea and what are the supporting ideas of this passage? (4)
(c) Write down the meaning of the following words in English and make sentences of your own with the given words (any five) (1 x 5 = 5):
violence, prevalent, widespread, impact, notable, structure, development.
(d) Write a summary of the passage. (5)
2. Correct the following sentences (any five) (1 x 5 = 5):
(a) He is angry with your conduct. (b) You drank a hot cup tea. (c) He was accused for murder. (d) She feels comparatively better today. (e) Stay here until I do not come. (f) One should do his duty. (g) Do you know where does he live?
3. Suppose, you are the Principal of 'X' college, Rangpur. Your students are not regular in their classes. Now write a notice to warn them to be regular in attending their classes. (4)
Or, Write a poster to raise public awareness about the spread of corona virus across the country.
4. Write a paragraph on any one of the following (8):
(a) Tolerance (b) Qualities of a good student (c) Mobile Phone
5. Write an application the Chairman of your Union Parishad for repairing a damaged bridge in your locality. (8)
Or, Write a letter to your friend who has recently lost his/her father.
6. Write an essay on any one of the following (15):
(a) Natural Calamities in Bangladesh (b) A Journey You Enjoyed (c) July Uprising-2024
7. Re-arrange the words to make sensible sentences (any five) (1 x 5 = 5):
(a) He know you do who is? (b) letter receive your to very am I glad (c) Warfare skilled he was in (d) Our of the country hot climate is (e) good vegetables for green are health (f) Wrong he that he done knew had. (g) a man demoralizes frustration
8. Frame Wh-questions from the following sentences (any five) (1 x 5 = 5):
(a) I bought five books. (b) She goes to college on foot. (c) He looks like a hero. (d) I saw him in the park. (e) They are working hard for the country. (f) The office closes at 5 p.m. (g) Everybody wants to be happy.
9. Use articles in the gaps (1 x 5 = 5):
Dhaka is (a)—big city. It is (b)—capital of Bangladesh. Once it was famous for Muslim in (c)—whole world. Now there are lots of attractive places for (d)—tourists. It is also (e)—city of mosques.
10. Use the right form of verbs in the following sentences (any five) (1 x 5 = 5):
(a) Charity (begin) at home. (b) He as well as his friends (be) selfish. (c) Why he (go) to market yesterday? (d) I wish I (buy) a car. (e) The rose (call) the queen of flowers. (f) It is high time we (serve) the nation. (g) He (be) absent for a week.
11. Punctuate and capitalize the following passage (5):
William Shakespeare the monarch of world literature was born on April 12, 1564 in Stratford-on-avon his mother was mary Arden and his father was John Shakespeare he was not much educated he had little knowledge of grammar.
12. Change the following words as directed and make sentences with the changed words (any five) (1 x 5 = 5):
(a) starve (Noun) (b) depend (Noun) (c) kindness (Adjective) (d) sure (verb) (e) independence (Adverb) (f) history (Adjective) (g) success (verb)
13. Change the following words as directed and make sentences with the changed words (any five) (1 x 5 = 5):
(a) Ordinary (Antonym) (b) Completely (Synonym) (c) Brave (Antonym) (d) Help (Synonym) (e) Ignorant (Antonym) (f) Costly (Synonym) (g) Poverty (Antonym)
14. Translate the following passage in English (5): সততা একটি মহৎ গুণ। এই গুণ সম্পন্ন ব্যক্তি অত্যন্ত সম্মানিত। কেউ তাকে ঘৃণা করে না। এমনকি একজন অসৎ লোকও তাকে সম্মান না করে পারে না। একজন সৎ ব্যক্তি সবসময় মনের শান্তি অনুভব করতে পারেন।
BA/BSS/BBS/B.Sc Degree (Pass) & Certificate Course 3rd Year Exam
Marks Distribution
BA/BSS/BBS/B.Sc Degree (Pass) & Certificate Course 3rd Year Exam
Subject: English (Compulsory)
Subject Code: 121101
Curriculum: According to the New Syllabus
Total Marks: 100
Marks Distribution
Assessment Area | Section / Content focus | Marks |
Written Examination | Part-A: Reading and Understanding | 10 |
Part-B: Grammar (Answer any 5 questions) | 20 | |
Part-C: Writing (Answer any 5 questions) | 50 | |
Internal Assessment | In-course: College-level evaluation | 20 |
Total | 100
|
Detail Marks Distribution & Syllabus Guidelines
Part-A: Reading and Understanding (10 Marks)
An unseen passage will be provided at the beginning of the question paper. Students must answer the following based on the passage:
Answering Questions (4 Marks):
Two to three questions will be set from the passage.
Answers must be written creatively in the student's own words; direct sentences cannot be copied from the passage.
Vocabulary or Summary (6 Marks): Students will face one of the following formats:
Meaning of Word: Write the English meanings of given words from the passage and frame sentences in English.
Key Word: Identify the central word or phrase that forms a meaningful sentence.
Writing Summary: Write a summary not exceeding one-third of the passage length. Direct quotes, examples, and advice must be avoided, and concluding sentences should synthesize the core theme.
Part-B: Grammar (20 Marks)
Note: Students must answer any five of the following question types. Each question carries 4 marks (4 x 5 = 20).
Word Transformation: Change given root words into specific parts of speech (Noun, Adjective, Verb, Adverb) and create sentences with the newly formed words.
Suitable Words: Fill in the blanks with grammatically accurate words, strictly adhering to rules of tense and sequence.
0r, Sentence Correction: Identify and rectify the grammatical errors in the provided sentences, applying rules for articles, voice, narration, prepositions, etc., without altering the entire sentence structure.
Right Form of Verbs: Apply the correct verb forms based on subject-verb agreement, tense, and prepositional rules.
or, Articles: Fill in the blanks of a short passage using appropriate definite (the) or indefinite (a/an) articles.
Antonyms & Synonyms OR Suffix & Prefix: Write antonyms/synonyms and frame sentences, or attach prefixes/suffixes to root words to form new words and frame sentences.
Framing Wh-Questions: Construct pronominal (who, whom, what, etc.) or adjectival (why, where, when, how) questions based on given statements.
Re-arranging Sentences: Organize jumbled words into a logical, grammatically correct sentence structure.
Punctuation: Insert appropriate punctuation marks and capital letters into an unpunctuated passage.
Translation: Translate a Bengali passage into English. Literal, word-for-word translation is discouraged; the focus must remain on retaining the core meaning and proper English sentence structure.
Part-C: Writing (50 Marks)
Note: Students must answer any five questions. Each question carries 10 marks (10 x 5 = 50).
Paragraph Writing: Write one paragraph from two provided topics.
Report Writing: Draft a newspaper report on a specified topic (no alternative options provided).
Informal Letter: Write a personal letter (no alternative options provided).
Formal Letter: Write a Resume, Application, or Job Application.
Essay Writing: Write one essay from two provided topics.
Amplification: Expand upon an idea or proverb (choose one from two options).
Dialogue Writing: Compose a dialogue on a specified topic (no alternative options provided).
Situational Writing (10 Marks Total): Typically divided into two 5-mark segments covering Posters, Advertisements, Notices, Memos, or Slogans.
Internal Assessment (20 Marks)
In-course Exam: Conducted internally by the respective colleges.
The final grading is calculated as 80% written examination and 20% in-course assessment, which is mandatory for both regular and private students.
Model Question Paper
Subject: ENGLISH (COMPULSORY)
Subject Code: 121101
Curriculum: According to the New Syllabus of 2017
Exam Session Reference: BA/BSS/BBS/BSc Degree (Pass) & Certificate Course 3rd Year Exam-2018; held on- 11.12-09-2019
Time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Full Marks: 80
Part-A (Marks- 10)
1. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions below:
According to Aristotle, tragedy is an imitation of an action. An action is the process of an individual from one position to another. In other words, an action consists of incidents and events; and the arrangement of these incidents and events is plot. As stated by Aristotle, a plot has a beginning, a middle and an end; and it is so well constructed that no incident can be omitted without destroying the unity of the whole. A plot which consists of a series of disconnected incidents is called episodic plot and it ranks the worst. According to Aristotle, plots are of two kinds: simple and complex. A simple plot is one which is single and continuous and in which the change of fortune comes about without a reversal or a discovery. A complex plot, on the other hand, is one in which the change of fortune is accompanied by a discovery or reversal or both.
(a) Answer the questions below (4 Marks):
(i) What is action? (ii) What is episodic plot? (iii) What is plot? (iv) How many types of plot has Aristotle mentioned here?
(b) Write down the meaning of the following words in English and make your own sentences with the basic words (6 Marks):
Position, Imitation, Omit, Whole, Simple, Change.
Part-B (Marks- 20)
(Answer any five questions; 4 × 5 = 20)
2. Change the following words as directed and make sentences with the changed words: Beauty (Adjective); Encourage (Noun); Great (Adverb); Power (Verb).
3. Supply a suitable word to fill in the blank in each of the following sentences: (a) It is a pen _____ I bought yesterday. (b) I am fond of _____. (c) He does not know how to _____. (d) I would _____ to use this car.
4. Use the right form of verbs within brackets: (a) I wish I (be) a poet. (b) It (be) raining for three days. (c) He (die) last night. (d) I saw two boys (swim) in the pond.
5. Write down the antonyms of the following words and make sentences with those antonyms: development; courage; good; black.
6. Frame Wh-questions from the following sentences: (a) He went to Dhaka to buy a car. (b) Shakespeare was a playwright. (c) He lives in London. (d) He went to India yesterday.
7. Re-arrange the following words to make sentences: (a) in sky the birds fly. (b) lives the grass cow on. (c) today well I not am. (d) for long I have known him a time.
8. Punctuate the following passage: the most Important of all the parts of a Tragedy is the structure of the Incidents Because Tragedy is an imitation not of men but of an action and life.
9. Translate the following passage into English: শিক্ষা অর্জন করা প্রত্যেক মানুষের জন্য ভীষণ জরুরি। শিক্ষা ছাড়া মানুষ উন্নতি করতে পারে না। শিক্ষিত ব্যক্তি সকলের কাছে প্রিয়। তাই আমাদের সকলের শিক্ষিত হওয়া উচিত।
Part-C (Marks- 50)
(Answer any five questions; 10 × 5 = 50)
10. Write a paragraph on any one of the following: (a) Price Hike; (b) Air Pollution. 11. Write a report for the newspaper on the abuse of mobile phone.
12. Write a letter to your younger brother on the importance of reading newspaper. 13. Write an application to the Principal of your college for a canteen in the college. 14. Write an essay on any one of the following: (a) A Journey by Train; (b) Birds of Bangladesh.
15. Amplify the idea (any one): (a) An empty vessel sounds much; (b) Tit for tat.
16. Write a dialogue between two friends about child labour.
17. (i) Write a poster creating awareness about the dangers of impure water. (ii) Prepare an advertisement for a new Shampoo.
Model Question Solutions
Part-A Solutions
1. (a) Comprehension Answers:
(i) According to the text, an action is the process of an individual transitioning from one position to another.
(ii) An episodic plot is a plot structure that consists of a series of disconnected incidents.
(iii) A plot is defined as the specific arrangement of incidents and events within a narrative.
(iv) Aristotle has mentioned two types of plots: simple and complex.
1. (b) Vocabulary & Sentence Construction:
Position (Meaning: Location or status) - The manager offered her a senior position in the firm.
Imitation (Meaning: The act of copying) - Art is often considered an imitation of real life.
Omit (Meaning: To leave out) - Please do not omit any crucial details from your final report.
Whole (Meaning: Entire or complete) - He read the whole novel in just one afternoon.
Simple (Meaning: Uncomplicated or basic) - The instructions provided were very simple to follow.
Change (Meaning: Alteration or modification) - A sudden change in the weather disrupted our travel plans.
Part-B Solutions
2. Word Transformation:
Beauty (Adjective) -> Beautiful: The scenery in the mountains is absolutely beautiful.
Encourage (Noun) -> Encouragement: Employees perform better when they receive regular encouragement.
Great (Adverb) -> Greatly: The scientific community was greatly impacted by his research.
Power (Verb) -> Empower: The new initiative aims to empower local businesses.
3. Suitable Words:
(a) It is a pen which (or that) I bought yesterday.
(b) I am fond of reading.
(c) He does not know how to swim.
(d) I would like (or love) to use this car.
4. Right Form of Verbs:
(a) I wish I were a poet.
(b) It has been raining for three days.
(c) He died last night.
(d) I saw two boys swimming in the pond.
5. Antonyms & Sentence Construction:
Development -> Decline: The sudden economic decline affected many local industries.
Courage -> Cowardice: The soldier was punished for his cowardice during the battle.
Good -> Bad: Eating too much processed sugar is bad for your health.
Black -> White: The company requires employees to wear a crisp white shirt.
6. Framing Wh-Questions:
(a) Why did he go to Dhaka?
(b) Who was Shakespeare?
(c) Where does he live?
(d) When did he go to India?
7. Re-arranging Sentences:
(a) The birds fly in the sky.
(b) The cow lives on grass.
(c) I am not well today.
(d) I have known him for a long time.
8. Punctuation: The most important of all the parts of a tragedy is the structure of the incidents, because tragedy is an imitation, not of men, but of an action and life.
9. Translation into English: Acquiring education is highly essential for every human being. Without education, a person cannot progress in life. An educated person is well-loved by everyone. Therefore, we should all become educated.
Part-C Solutions (Exemplar selection)
10. Paragraph: (b) Air Pollution Air pollution is the introduction of harmful chemicals, particulate matter, or biological materials into the Earth's atmosphere, leading to adverse effects on living organisms and the environment. In modern times, rapid industrialization, the proliferation of vehicles, and the burning of fossil fuels are the primary culprits behind this phenomenon. Toxic emissions such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides significantly degrade air quality, resulting in severe health crises like asthma, bronchitis, and cardiovascular diseases among urban populations. Furthermore, air pollution contributes heavily to global warming, acid rain, and ozone layer depletion. To mitigate these catastrophic effects, it is imperative to enforce stricter environmental regulations on factories, promote the use of public transport and renewable energy, and launch massive afforestation campaigns to restore our natural air filtration systems.
13. Formal Application: Canteen in the College
Date: September 25, 2026
To The Principal, [Insert College Name], [Insert City Name]
Subject: Prayer for setting up a canteen in the college campus.
Respected Sir/Madam, We, the students of your esteemed institution, beg most respectfully to draw your attention to a pressing issue we face daily: the absence of a proper canteen within our college premises. Due to continuous classes, practical sessions, and in-course examinations, students are required to stay on campus for extended hours. Without an on-campus facility, we are frequently compelled to consume unhygienic food from roadside vendors, which has led to numerous cases of food poisoning and gastrointestinal issues among the student body.
A well-regulated college canteen would provide us with safe, hygienic, and affordable meals, while also serving as a proper resting area during off-periods, ultimately saving valuable academic time.
We, therefore, sincerely pray and hope that you would be kind enough to take immediate and necessary steps to establish a canteen on the college campus and oblige thereby.
Yours obediently,
[Your Name] On behalf of the students of [Insert College Name]
17. Situational Writing
(i) Poster WATER IS LIFE – DO NOT LET IT BE THE CAUSE OF DEATH!
Beware of the hidden dangers of impure water.
Boil or filter your water before drinking to prevent Cholera and Typhoid.
Protect our rivers and ponds from industrial and household waste.
Cover all stored water containers immediately. Act Now for a Healthier Tomorrow! Drink Safe, Stay Safe. (Issued in public interest by the Student Health Committee)
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