Dreams have fascinated philosophers for thousands - Multiple Choice & Short Question for HSC English First Paper - English for Today for Class 11 and 12 / Seen Passage for HSC
- Fakhruddin Babar
- Feb 13
- 14 min read
Updated: Feb 17
Dreams have fascinated philosophers
1. Read the passage and answer the questions A and B:
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. What is the primary focus of the text?(i) The scientific study of dreams (ii) The interpretation of dreams in culture(iii) The historical fascination with dreams (iv) The philosophical debates about dreamsAnswer: (i) The scientific study of dreams
2. How long have dreams fascinated philosophers?(i) Decades (ii) Centuries(iii) Thousands of years (iv) Hundreds of daysAnswer: (iii) Thousands of years
3. What is the basic question addressed in the text?(i) Why do we dream? (ii) How do dreams affect our lives?(iii) What is a dream? (iv) Are dreams real?Answer: (iii) What is a dream?
4. What can dreams include?(i) Only emotions (ii) Images, thoughts, and emotions(iii) Vivid images only (iv) Random memoriesAnswer: (ii) Images, thoughts, and emotions
5. How are dreams described in the text?(i) Always vivid and clear (ii) Always frightening(iii) Vivid or vague, joyful or frightening (iv) Only focused and understandableAnswer: (iii) Vivid or vague, joyful or frightening
6. Why is the purpose of dreams still unknown?(i) Scientists have stopped researching dreams (ii) Sleep itself is not fully understood(iii) Dreams are too complex to analyze (iv) No one is interested in dreamsAnswer: (ii) Sleep itself is not fully understood
7. What does Freud’s theory suggest about dreams?(i) They serve no real purpose (ii) They represent subconscious desires(iii) They are random brain activity (iv) They predict the futureAnswer: (ii) They represent subconscious desires
8. What are people driven by, according to Freud?(i) Curiosity and imagination (ii) Love and compassion(iii) Aggressive and sexual instincts (iv) Rational thoughts and emotionsAnswer: (iii) Aggressive and sexual instincts
9. What does Freud consider dreams to be?(i) Simple reflections of daily life (ii) Disguised fulfillments of repressed wishes(iii) Randomly generated stories (iv) Purely emotional experiencesAnswer: (ii) Disguised fulfillments of repressed wishes
10. Which of Freud’s works is mentioned in the text?(i) Beyond the Pleasure Principle (ii) Civilization and Its Discontents(iii) The Interpretation of Dreams (iv) Dreams and DesiresAnswer: (iii) The Interpretation of Dreams
11. How are vivid dreams described?(i) Always joyful (ii) Understandable and focused(iii) Filled with frightening images (iv) Clear and intense experiencesAnswer: (iv) Clear and intense experiences
12. What might unclear and confusing dreams indicate?(i) Mental well-being (ii) Subconscious processing(iii) Physical exhaustion (iv) Lack of sleepAnswer: (ii) Subconscious processing
13. What do some researchers believe about dreams?(i) They are entirely purposeless (ii) They predict future events(iii) They are essential to well-being (iv) They replace memoriesAnswer: (iii) They are essential to well-being
14. Why do some find it baffling that dreams’ purpose is unknown?(i) Dreams are easy to study (ii) People spend significant time dreaming(iii) Everyone has the same type of dreams (iv) Dreams directly affect realityAnswer: (ii) People spend significant time dreaming
15. According to the text, what emotion might be associated with dreams?(i) Joyful (ii) Frightening
(iii) Both joyful and frightening (iv) Confusion onlyAnswer: (iii) Both joyful and frightening
16. What do dreams reveal according to Freud’s theory?(i) Logical decision-making processes (ii) Repressed wishes and desires(iii) Surface-level thoughts (iv) Physical healthAnswer: (ii) Repressed wishes and desires
17. Which area is still unraveling, according to the text?(i) The biological structure of the brain (ii) The purpose and function of sleep(iii) Methods of dream recording (iv) Techniques for lucid dreamingAnswer: (ii) The purpose and function of sleep
18. Which instinct is NOT mentioned by Freud?(i) Aggressive (ii) Sexual(iii) Creative (iv) Both aggressive and sexualAnswer: (iii) Creative
19. How does Freud describe subconscious desires?(i) Easily noticeable (ii) Repressed from conscious awareness(iii) Always positive in nature (iv) Consciously controlledAnswer: (ii) Repressed from conscious awareness
20. What is one of the key purposes some researchers believe dreams serve?(i) Entertainment during sleep (ii) Emotional and mental well-being(iii) Physical relaxation only (iv) Improved memory recallAnswer: (ii) Emotional and mental well-being
B. Answer the following questions: 3×5=15
a. What is a dream according to the text?
b. What elements can dreams include?
c. What emotions are commonly associated with dreams?
d. Why is it surprising that the purpose of dreams is still unknown?
e. What is the significance of studying the purpose and function of sleep?
f. What types of images might appear in dreams?
g. How are vivid dreams different from vague dreams?
h. What range of emotions can be experienced in dreams?
i. What does the text say about the clarity of dreams?
j. What are some common characteristics of confusing dreams?
Answer:
a. What is a dream according to the text?
A dream, according to the text, is any combination of images, thoughts, and emotions that a person experiences while asleep. Dreams can encompass a wide variety of mental phenomena that occur during the sleep cycle and can be either clear or vague in nature, depending on the person and the dream itself.
b. What elements can dreams include?
Dreams can include a variety of elements such as images, which could be visual representations or scenes; thoughts, which might represent ideas, memories, or abstract concepts; and emotions, which can range from happiness or excitement to fear or sadness. These elements together form the content of a dream that a person experiences while sleeping.
c. What emotions are commonly associated with dreams?
Dreams can evoke a wide range of emotions. Some dreams are associated with joyful emotions, such as feelings of happiness, excitement, or relief, while others may involve frightening or distressing emotions, like fear, anxiety, or confusion. The emotional tone of a dream can greatly influence the dreamer's perception and interpretation of the dream.
d. Why is it surprising that the purpose of dreams is still unknown?
It is surprising that the purpose of dreams is still unknown because people spend a considerable amount of time in a dreaming state, and dreaming is such a fundamental part of the human experience. Despite this, researchers have not yet been able to reach a consensus on why we dream or what purpose dreams serve, which can seem baffling given how much time and effort has been dedicated to studying sleep and dreams.
e. What is the significance of studying the purpose and function of sleep?
Studying the purpose and function of sleep is significant because sleep plays a crucial role in our overall mental, emotional, and physical health. Understanding sleep and its different stages, including the dreaming phase, may provide insights into the restorative processes of the body and brain. The study of sleep could potentially reveal why dreams are a part of it and how they might contribute to our psychological well-being.
f. What types of images might appear in dreams?
Dreams can include a wide range of images, from highly vivid and detailed representations of real-world objects, people, or scenes, to very vague and abstract images that are unclear and difficult to comprehend. The clarity and nature of these images can vary greatly between different dreams and individuals.
g. How are vivid dreams different from vague dreams?
Vivid dreams are those that are extraordinarily clear and detailed, where the dreamer can easily recall the images, emotions, and events. These dreams can feel very real and are often memorable. On the other hand, vague dreams are unclear and sometimes difficult to understand. The images or thoughts in these dreams may be blurry or disjointed, making it hard for the dreamer to remember or make sense of the dream.
h. What range of emotions can be experienced in dreams?
Dreams can evoke a wide range of emotions, from intense joy and excitement to deep fear, sadness, or anxiety. The emotions experienced in dreams often reflect the content of the dream and can be as complex as those felt during waking hours. Dreamers might experience happiness in a positive scenario or fear and distress when facing nightmares or unsettling dreams.
i. What does the text say about the clarity of dreams?
The text states that dreams can vary significantly in terms of clarity. Some dreams are focused and understandable, meaning the dreamer can follow the events and comprehend the meanings or messages within the dream. In contrast, other dreams can be unclear and confusing, with disjointed or vague elements that make it difficult for the dreamer to interpret or even remember what happened.
j. What are some common characteristics of confusing dreams?
Confusing dreams often have characteristics such as unclear or fragmented imagery, disjointed storylines, and a sense of disorientation. These dreams may lack a logical flow, making it hard for the dreamer to understand or make sense of what is happening. The emotions in these dreams might also be mixed or conflicting, adding to the confusion and leaving the dreamer with a sense of uncertainty upon waking.
Answer:
Bangla Translation
বাংলা অনুবাদঃ
স্বপ্ন হাজার বছর ধরে দার্শনিকদের আকর্ষণ করেছে, তবে সম্প্রতি স্বপ্নকে পরীক্ষামূলক গবেষণা এবং বৈজ্ঞানিক অধ্যয়নের বিষয় হিসেবে বিবেচনা করা হয়েছে। সম্ভবত, আপনি প্রায়ই কোনো স্বপ্নের বিষয়বস্তু নিয়ে চিন্তিত হয়েছেন, অথবা আপনি হয়তো ভেবেছেন কেন আমরা স্বপ্ন দেখি।
প্রথমে, আসুন একটি মৌলিক প্রশ্নের উত্তর দিয়ে শুরু করি: স্বপ্ন কী? একটি স্বপ্নে যে কোনো ছবি, চিন্তা এবং অনুভূতির অন্তর্ভুক্তি থাকতে পারে যা ঘুমানোর সময় অভিজ্ঞতা করা হয়। স্বপ্ন হতে পারে অত্যন্ত স্পষ্ট বা খুবই অস্পষ্ট; আনন্দময় অনুভূতিতে পরিপূর্ণ বা ভীতিকর ছবিতে পূর্ণ, কেন্দ্রীভূত এবং বোধগম্য বা অস্পষ্ট এবং বিভ্রান্তিকর।
কেন আমরা স্বপ্ন দেখি? স্বপ্নের উদ্দেশ্য কী? যদিও স্বপ্ন দেখার কারণ এবং কার্যকারিতা নিয়ে অনেক তত্ত্ব প্রস্তাব করা হয়েছে, তবে কোনো ঐকমত্যে পৌঁছানো যায়নি। আমরা স্বপ্ন দেখার অবস্থায় যে সময় কাটাই তা বিবেচনা করলে, গবেষকরা এখনও স্বপ্নের উদ্দেশ্য বুঝতে না পারাটা হতবুদ্ধিকর বলে মনে হতে পারে। তবে, এটি বিবেচনা করা গুরুত্বপূর্ণ যে বিজ্ঞান এখনও ঘুমের সঠিক উদ্দেশ্য এবং কার্যকারিতা উন্মোচনের চেষ্টা করছে।কিছু গবেষক মনে করেন যে স্বপ্নের কোনো বাস্তব উদ্দেশ্য নেই, আবার অন্যরা বিশ্বাস করেন যে স্বপ্ন দেখা মানসিক, আবেগগত এবং শারীরিক মঙ্গলতার জন্য অত্যাবশ্যক। এরপর, আসুন কিছু উল্লেখযোগ্য স্বপ্ন তত্ত্ব সম্পর্কে আরও জানি।
মনস্তাত্ত্বিক দৃষ্টিভঙ্গির সাথে সঙ্গতিপূর্ণ, সিগমুন্ড ফ্রয়েডের স্বপ্ন তত্ত্ব নির্দেশ করে যে স্বপ্ন হলো অবচেতন ইচ্ছা, চিন্তা এবং প্রেরণার প্রতিফলন। ফ্রয়েডের মতে, মানুষ আক্রমণাত্মক এবং যৌন প্রবৃত্তি দ্বারা চালিত হয় যা সচেতনভাবে দমন করা হয়। এই চিন্তাগুলো সচেতনভাবে প্রকাশিত না হলেও, সেগুলো স্বপ্নের মাধ্যমে আমাদের চেতনায় প্রবেশ করে। তার বিখ্যাত বই The Interpretation of Dreams–এ ফ্রয়েড লিখেছেন যে স্বপ্ন হলো “…. দমনকৃত ইচ্ছার ছদ্মরূপ পূরণ।“
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1. Read the passage and answer the questions A and B.
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, 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 unconscious 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'.
Freud's theory contributed to the popularity of dream interpretation. Following his paths many theorists came up with their own ideas about dreams. The following are just a few of them:
► Some researchers suggest that dreams are a subjective interpretation of signals generated by the brain during sleep. Dreams are not meaningless. Instead, during dreams the cognitive elements in our brain produce new ideas.
► One theory suggests that dreams are the result of our brains trying to interpret external stimuli during sleep. For example, the sound of the radio may be incorporated into the content of a dream.
► Another theory uses a computer metaphor on account for dreams. According to this theory, dreams serve to 'clean up' clutter from the mind, much like clean-up operations in a computer, refreshing the mind to prepare for the next day.
► Yet another model proposes that dreams function as a form of psychotherapy. In this theory, the dreamer is able to make connections between different thoughts and emotions in a safe environment.
A. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives. 1☓5 = 5
(a) Which of the following has the closest meaning the word 'fascinate'?
(i) bore (ii) delight (iii) famish (iv) repel
(b) The word 'nightmare' in the context refers to —.
(i) bad dream (ii) day-dream (iii) imagination (iv) romantic dream
(c) "The Interpretation of Dreams" is written by —.
(i) Charles Darwin (ii) Sigmund Freud
(iii) Karl Marx (iv) Leo Tolstoy
(d) The word 'meaningless' in the passage has the closest meaning to —.
(i) fruitful (ii) fruitless (iii) significant (iv) important
(e) Dreams serve to 'clean up' clutter from the mind. What does it imply?
(i) dreams refresh the mind (ii) dreams remove mental agony
(iii) dreams deal with mental problem (iv) dreams remain in the mind
(f) Which of the following is the closest meaning of the word 'empirical'?
(i) impractical (ii) practical (iii) theoretical (iv) illogical
(g) What does the word 'research' mean?
(i) search (ii) look for (iii) study (iv) revision
(h) The word 'puzzling' means —.
(i) perplexing (ii) straightforward (iii) wise (iv) enlightening
(i) The word 'thought' means —.
(i) objection (ii) opposition (iii) supporter (iv) opinion
(j) Dreams can be — vivid or very vague.
(i) exceptionally (ii) usually (iii) ordinarily (iv) normally
(k) What does the word 'vivid' mean?
(i) lifeless (ii) colourless (iii) colourful (iv) unrealistic
(l) The word 'vague' means —.
(i) definite (ii) unclear (iii) clear (iv) solid
(m) Which of the following has the closest meaning of the word 'essential'?
(i) necessary (ii) unnecessary (iii) valueless (iv) inessential
(n) What does the word 'prominent' mean?
(i) ordinary (ii) notable (iii) known (iv) infamous
(o) The word 'perspective' means —.
(i) viewpoint (ii) personal (iii) cognitive (iv) pervasive
(p) Dreams are a — of unconscious desires, thoughts and motivations.
(i) present (ii) gift (iii) depiction (iv) depression
(q) Which of the following has the closest meaning of the word 'unconscious'?
(i) aware (ii) insensible (iii) subconscious (iv) sensible
(r) What is the synonym of the word 'desire'?
(i) expectation (ii) exception (iii) excursion (iv) demand
(s) The word 'interpret' means —.
(i) to interrupt (ii) to clarify (iii) to confess (iv) to concentrate
(t) The word 'cognitive' refers to a —.
(i) mental process of understanding (ii) process of entertainment
(iii) process of keeping good health (iv) process of developing thoughts
(u) The word 'clutter' refers to —.
(i) confusion (ii) relaxation (iii) tension (iv) action
(v) The word 'function' in the passage has the closest meaning to —.
(i) operate (ii) behave (iii) go (iv) perform
(w) Which of the following is the closest word of 'consensus'?
(i) decision (ii) discussion (iii) permition (iv) emotion
(x) Dreams function as a form of — .
(i) radiotherapy (ii) psychotherapy (iii) physiotherapy (iv) brain therapy
(y) The word 'aggressive' in the passage has the closest meaning to —.
(i) offensive (ii) submissive (iii) friendly (iv) timid
(z) 'puzzling over the content of 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
Answer (A):
(a) (ii) delight (b) (i) bad dream (c) (ii) Sigmund Freud (d) (ii) fruitless (e) (i) dreams refresh the mind (f) (ii) practical (g) (iii) study (h) (i) perplexing (i) (iv) opinion (j) (i) exceptionally (k) (iii) colourful (l) (ii) unclear (m) (i) necessary (n) (ii) notable (o) (i) viewpoint (p) (iii) depiction (q) (ii) insensible (r) (i) expectation (s) (ii) to clarify (t) (i) mental process of understanding (u) (i) confusion (v) (iv) perform (w) (i) decision (x) (ii) psychotherapy (y) (i) offensive (z) (i) thinking deeply about the subject of dream
B. Answer the following questions. 2☓5 = 10
(a) What do you know about a dream?
(b) Why do we dream?
(c) What purpose do dreams serve according to the researchers?
(d) Is a dream real or unreal? Give reasons for your answer.
(e) Who is a dreamer? Do you like a dreamer? Why/ why not?
(f) Who have been fascinated by dreams for thousands of years? What is the recent progress regarding dreams?
(g) Who is the writer of "The Interpretation of Dreams"? What did the writer write about dreams in this book?
(h) How did Freud's theory contribute to the popularity of dream interpretation?
(i) "The sound of the radio may be incorporated into the content of a dream." What is the theory of this example?
(j) Explain the theory of dreams that says "dreams are not meaningless" in 2/3 sentences.
(k) What purpose do dreams serve? Describe in 2/3 sentences.
(l) Is there any relation between dream and action?
(m) Why does a theory use a computer metaphor to account for dreams?
Answer (B):
(a) A dream is a series of images, events and feelings that happen in our mind while we are in sleep. Dream can be vivid or vague. Sometimes it is joyful and sometimes frightening.
(b) We dream for our mental, emotional and physical well-being. Though some researchers think that dreams serve no real purpose.
(c) According to some researchers, dreams serve no real purpose, while others believe that dreaming is essential to mental, emotional and physical well-being.
(d) A dream is unreal. It is a state of mind or a situation in which things do not seem oral or part of normal life.
(e) A person who dreams is a dreamer. No, I do not like a dreamer. Because a dreamer has ideas or plans that are not practical or realistic. He does not pay attention to what is happening around him. Moreover, he does not always remember his dreams.
(f) The philosophers have been fascinated by dreams for thousands of years. The recent progress regarding dreams is that dreams have been subjected to empirical research and scientific study.
(g) Sigmund Freud is the writer of "The Interpretation of Dreams". In this book he wrote that dreams are '....... disguised fulfillments of repressed wishes'.
(h) Freud's theory had a great contribution to the popularity of dream interpretation. Many theorists followed his paths and they came up with their own ideas about dreams.
(i) The theory of the given example is that dreams are the result of our brains trying to interpret external stimuli during sleep.
(j) The theory of dreams that says 'dreams are not meaningless' describes the dreams as a subjective interpretation of signals generated by the brain during sleep. During dreams the cognitive elements in our brain produce new ideas.
(k) According to some researchers' suggestion, there is no real purpose of dream. But the other researchers believe that dreaming is essential to mental, emotional and physical well-being.
(l) Yes, I think there is a relation between dream and action. People dream first and then they take action according to their dream to fulfill their dream.
(m) A theory uses a computer metaphor to account for dreams because according to this theory, dreams serve to 'clean up' clutter from the mind, much like clean-up operation in a computer, refreshing the mind to prepare for the next day.
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vocabulary words from the text with their Bangla meanings:
Fascinated - মুগ্ধ
Philosophers - দার্শনিকরা
Empirical - অভিজ্ঞতামূলক
Puzzling - বিভ্রান্তিকর
Content - বিষয়বস্তু
Vivid - স্পষ্ট, উজ্জ্বল
Vague - অস্পষ্ট
Joyful - আনন্দময়
Frightening - ভীতিপূর্ণ
Focused - মনোযোগী
Unclear - অস্পষ্ট
Confusing - বিভ্রান্তিকর
Purpose - উদ্দেশ্য
Consensus - ঐক্যমত
Baffling - বিভ্রান্তিকর
Unraveling - উদঘাটন করা
Function - কার্যকারিতা
Instincts - প্রবৃত্তি
Repressed - দমন করা
Awareness - সচেতনতা
Disguised - ছদ্মবেশী
Fulfillments - পূর্ণতা
Desires - ইচ্ছা
Subconscious - অবচেতন
Motivations - প্রেরণা
Interpretation - ব্যাখ্যা
Driven - পরিচালিত
Expression - অভিব্যক্তি
Psychoanalytic - মনোবিশ্লেষণী
Theory - তত্ত্ব
Aggressive - আক্রমণাত্মক
Sexual - যৌন
Repressed - দমন করা
Awareness - সচেতনতা
Vividly - স্পষ্টভাবে
Involuntary - অনিচ্ছাকৃত
Memory - স্মৃতি
Recollection - স্মরণ
Reflects - প্রতিফলিত করা
Dreaming - স্বপ্ন দেখা
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