HSC - 2025 English 2nd Paper Barishal Board Questions with Answer

04 Set

ENGLISH

Second Paper

According to the Syllabus of 2023

Subject Code: 108

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

Time—3 hours

Full marks- 100

Part A—Grammar

Marks—60

1. Fill in the gaps with appropriate prepositions: Marks 0.5×10=5

Man is the best creation (a) _______________ Almighty. Actually, he is the most intelligent living being (b)_______________ earth. That is why, man is regarded (c)_______________ a rational animal. But man becomes the worst animal when he is devoid (d)_______________ sense and rationality. Man is endowed (e) _______________ such qualities as are different (f) _______________ other animals. So, to build (g)_______________ civilization and to beautify the earth is possible only (h)_______________ man (i)_______________ his thinking power, hard work and inventions. However, man is also responsible (j) _______________ mass destruction of human civilization.

2. Complete the sentences with suitable phrases/words given in the box: 0.5×10=5

there     what does... look like   would rather

as soon as     let alone had better

what’s ... like     have to   was born

(a) We _______________ hospitalize him soon to save his life.

(b) _______________ is only early in the morning when we get fresh air.

(c) He _______________ in Bangladesh but he was raised in America.

(d) My father is very rigid. He _______________ die than accept my proposal.

(e) Kamrul: _______________ the university admission test _______________? Ans: It’s not easy. It’s really hard and competitive.

(f) I _______________ take a loan from a bank before starting the business.

(g) _______________ is a historical place in our country.

(h) Teacher: Learners, _______________ the map of Bangladesh _______________? Students: It looks a bit strange.

(i) His mentality is so mean. He doesn't deserve to be my enemy, _______________ my friend.

(j) He repaid the loan _______________ he made some profit from the business.

3. Complete the sentences using suitable clauses/phrases: Marks 0.5×10=5

(a) Everyone appreciates Mitu for her intelligence. She is so intelligent that _______________.

(b) His only daughter lives in Canada. It is many years since _______________.

(c) To tell a lie is a bad habit. The cowboy was used to _______________.

(d) Don't waste time. Do hurry lest _______________.

(e) I have bought a lottery ticket. If I win the lottery, _______________.

(f) There goes a proverb that _______________. So, we must make the proper use of time.

(g) It is my dream to establish a hospital for the poor. Had I been a millionaire, _______________.

(h) Eve-teasing is a heinous crime. It is high time we _______________.

(i) My brother had no job then. He went to Dhaka with a view to _______________.

(j) English is an international language. If you do not learn English, _______________.

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

In the current social and economic system of Bangladesh, everyone (a) __________ (depend) on his income in order to (b) __________ (meet) the daily needs. However, many people of our country (c) __________ (not earn) enough to live comfortably. People of low income are to (d) __________ (struggle) a lot to buy food, clothes and medicine because prices of everything (e) __________ (rise) high day by day. Generally, people in rural areas (f) __________ (feel) the pressure even more as they earn less. In fact, they (g) __________ (have) fewer opportunities to improve their financial condition. When prices go up, many families (h) __________ (not buy) enough healthy food and this causes malnourishment of the children. Sometimes they cannot help (i) __________ (borrow) money, which (j) __________ (lead) to debt. High prices also (k) __________ (affect) their children’s education. Many a student (l) __________ (drop) out of school as their parents cannot afford to (m) __________ (bear) their educational expenses. But for the true development of our country proper education must be (n) __________ (ensure) at any cost.

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

After telling the story of a sinking ship, the teacher asked the students, “What do you think the drowning woman told to her husband?” According to most of the students the woman said, "Please, save my life.” From the back bench a boy said, “I believe, she would have told take care of our child.” Being surprised the teacher asked him, “Have you heard the story before?” “No, sir. Actually these were also my mom’s last words to my dad before she died from a serious disease.”

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

Yesterday a beggar came to our house. He stood at the gate wearing a (a)__________ (pre-modify the noun) dress. He was (b)__________ (pre-modify the adjective) weak and could not speak clearly. He told me that he had been starving for two days and requested me (c)__________ (use an infinitive phrase to post-modify the verb). I felt pity for the (d)__________ (pre-modify the noun) man. I told him (e)__________ (use an infinitive phrase to post-modify the verb) and gave him (f)__________ (use a quantifier to pre-modify the noun) food. He began to eat instantly. He was eating (g)__________ (post-modify the verb with an adverbial phrase). I noticed that the clothes he wore, were not only dirty but also torn. So, I gave him some clothes too. He became extremely happy getting (h)__________ (pre-modify the noun with a demonstrative) clothes. He was (i)__________ (pre-modify the adjective with an intensifier) happy that tears of joy came out of his eyes. He then thanked me and blessed me (j)__________ (use a prepositional phrase).

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

A journey is always a source of pleasure, (a) __________ a journey by boat is more interesting than any other journey. (b) __________ Bangladesh is a land of rivers, it is very easy to enjoy a journey by boat here. During last autumn, our college was closed. (c) __________, it was a suitable time for me to make a journey by boat. (d) __________ I proposed to some of my friends to join me and they at once accepted my proposal. (e) __________, we made a plan. (f) __________, we hired a boat and started journey at 11 am. We were very fortunate indeed as the boatman was very expert. (g) __________ the weather was calm and quiet. (h) __________, gentle breeze was slightly pushing the sail. (i) __________, we had no trouble during the journey. (j) __________, we had a lot of enjoyment. (k) __________, the boat was dancing on the small waves and it thrilled us a lot. (l) __________, we also enjoyed a ‘Bhatiali’ song sung by the boatman. (m) __________, we were delighted at the sights on either bank of the river. (n) __________, when the sun was setting, the scene enchanted us very much.

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

The language which is used all over the world for smooth communication is called an international language. The English language has achieved the prestige of being that language. It is very familiar to the educated society in the whole world. We cannot keep pace with the modern world without knowing English. Most of the research works and books on science and knowledge of the world are in English. International relation as well as trade and commerce is being continued through English. Moreover, people having a good command over English are highly valued in the job market. So, one can fully realise how important it is to learn English.

(a) used (antonym); (b) smooth (antonym); (c) international (antonym); (d) prestige (synonym); (e) familiar (antonym); (f) educated (synonym); (g) modern (antonym); (h) knowledge (antonym); (i) trade (synonym); (j) continue (antonym); (k) whole (synonym); (l) highly (synonym); (m) realise (synonym); (n) important (synonym).

9. There are fourteen errors in the use of punctuation marks in the following text. Re-write the text correcting the errors: 0.5×14=7

Rifah : Hello. Maria! Why are you looking so sad

Maria : The news of the death of all members of a family made me sad.

Rifah : How pathetic Really its very sad that theres not a single day you 11 find without news of road accident.

Maria : Can you tell me the reasons of so many road accidents

Rifah : Reckless driving violation of traffic signals overloaded vehicles and lack of traffic police arc the main causes of road accident I think

Maria : What can be done to reduce road accident Do you have any idea

Rifah : Drivers should be given proper training. Unfit and unlicensed vehicles should be banned. Besides people should be made aware of traffic rules and signals.

Maria : Thank you for the discussion.

Rifah : Youre welcome.

Part B—Composition

Marks—40

10. Suppose, you are a student of class XII. You along with other students are planning about holding a cricket match between class XI and XII. Now, on behalf of the students, write an application to the Principal of your college for seeking permission to arrange a friendly cricket match in the college playground. 10

11. Write a paragraph on “The Celebration of Pahela Baishakh in Bangladesh”. (within 200 words) 15

12. Write a paragraph describing “Uses and Abuses of Social Media”. (use 200 words) 15

With Solution:

04 Set

ENGLISH

Second Paper

According to the Syllabus of 2023

Subject Code: 108

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

Time—3 hours

Full marks- 100

Part A—Grammar

Marks—60

1. Fill in the gaps with appropriate prepositions: Marks 0.5×10=5

Man is the best creation (a) _______________ Almighty. Actually, he is the most intelligent living being (b)_______________ earth. That is why, man is regarded (c)_______________ a rational animal. But man becomes the worst animal when he is devoid (d)_______________ sense and rationality. Man is endowed (e) _______________ such qualities as are different (f) _______________ other animals. So, to build (g)_______________ civilization and to beautify the earth is possible only (h)_______________ man (i)_______________ his thinking power, hard work and inventions. However, man is also responsible (j) _______________ mass destruction of human civilization.

Answer:

(a) of

(b) on

(c) as

(d) of

(e) with

(f) from

(g) up

(h) for

(i) with

(j) for

2. Complete the sentences with suitable phrases/words given in the box: 0.5×10=5

there     what does... look like   would rather

as soon as     let alone had better

what’s ... like     have to   was born

(a) We _______________ hospitalize him soon to save his life.

(b) _______________ is only early in the morning when we get fresh air.

(c) He _______________ in Bangladesh but he was raised in America.

(d) My father is very rigid. He _______________ die than accept my proposal.

(e) Kamrul: _______________ the university admission test _______________? Ans: It’s not easy. It’s really hard and competitive.

(f) I _______________ take a loan from a bank before starting the business.

(g) _______________ is a historical place in our country.

(h) Teacher: Learners, _______________ the map of Bangladesh _______________? Students: It looks a bit strange.

(i) His mentality is so mean. He doesn't deserve to be my enemy, _______________ my friend.

(j) He repaid the loan _______________ he made some profit from the business.

Answer:

(a) have to

(b) It

(c) was born

(d) had better

(e) What’s...like

(f) would rather

(g) there

(h) what does...look like

(i) let alone

(j) as soon as

3. Complete the sentences using suitable clauses/phrases: Marks 0.5×10=5

(a) Everyone appreciates Mitu for her intelligence. She is so intelligent that _______________.

(b) His only daughter lives in Canada. It is many years since _______________.

(c) To tell a lie is a bad habit. The cowboy was used to _______________.

(d) Don't waste time. Do hurry lest _______________.

(e) I have bought a lottery ticket. If I win the lottery, _______________.

(f) There goes a proverb that _______________. So, we must make the proper use of time.

(g) It is my dream to establish a hospital for the poor. Had I been a millionaire, _______________.

(h) Eve-teasing is a heinous crime. It is high time we _______________.

(i) My brother had no job then. He went to Dhaka with a view to _______________.

(j) English is an international language. If you do not learn English, _______________.

Answer:

(a) she can score the highest in every exam

(b) he saw her

(c) lying for his personal gain

(d) you should regret in the future

(e) I will donate the prize money

(f) time and tide wait for none

(g) I would have established a hospital

(h) took proper steps to eradicate this social issue

(i) getting a job and earning money

(j) you will have a hard time finding a job in an international company

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

In the current social and economic system of Bangladesh, everyone (a) __________ (depend) on his income in order to (b) __________ (meet) the daily needs. However, many people of our country (c) __________ (not earn) enough to live comfortably. People of low income are to (d) __________ (struggle) a lot to buy food, clothes and medicine because prices of everything (e) __________ (rise) high day by day. Generally, people in rural areas (f) __________ (feel) the pressure even more as they earn less. In fact, they (g) __________ (have) fewer opportunities to improve their financial condition. When prices go up, many families (h) __________ (not buy) enough healthy food and this causes malnourishment of the children. Sometimes they cannot help (i) __________ (borrow) money, which (j) __________ (lead) to debt. High prices also (k) __________ (affect) their children’s education. Many a student (l) __________ (drop) out of school as their parents cannot afford to (m) __________ (bear) their educational expenses. But for the true development of our country proper education must be (n) __________ (ensure) at any cost.

Answer:

(a) depends

(b) meet

(c) do not earn

(d) struggle

(e) are rising

(f) feel

(g) have

(h) can not buy

(i) borrowing

(j) leads

(k) affect

(l) drops

(m) bear

(n) ensured

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

After telling the story of a sinking ship, the teacher asked the students, “What do you think the drowning woman told to her husband?” According to most of the students the woman said, "Please, save my life.” From the back bench a boy said, “I believe, she would have told take care of our child.” Being surprised the teacher asked him, “Have you heard the story before?” “No, sir. Actually these were also my mom’s last words to my dad before she died from a serious disease.”

Answer:

After telling the story of a sinking ship, the teacher asked the students what they thought the drowning woman had told her husband. According to most of the students, the woman had requested her husband to save her life. From the back bench, a boy said that he believed she would have told her husband to take care of their child. Being surprised, the teacher asked him if he had heard the story before. The boy replied respectfully in the negative and added that actually those had also been his mom's last words to his dad before she had died from a serious disease.

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

Yesterday a beggar came to our house. He stood at the gate wearing a (a)__________ (pre-modify the noun) dress. He was (b)__________ (pre-modify the adjective) weak and could not speak clearly. He told me that he had been starving for two days and requested me (c)__________ (use an infinitive phrase to post-modify the verb). I felt pity for the (d)__________ (pre-modify the noun) man. I told him (e)__________ (use an infinitive phrase to post-modify the verb) and gave him (f)__________ (use a quantifier to pre-modify the noun) food. He began to eat instantly. He was eating (g)__________ (post-modify the verb with an adverbial phrase). I noticed that the clothes he wore, were not only dirty but also torn. So, I gave him some clothes too. He became extremely happy getting (h)__________ (pre-modify the noun with a demonstrative) clothes. He was (i)__________ (pre-modify the adjective with an intensifier) happy that tears of joy came out of his eyes. He then thanked me and blessed me (j)__________ (use a prepositional phrase).

Answer:

(a) dirty/ragged/tattered

(b) extremely/very

(c) to give him some food

(d) helpless/poor

(e) to wait outside

(f) some

(g) with great eagerness

(h) those

(i) so

(j) with a grateful heart.

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

A journey is always a source of pleasure, (a) __________ a journey by boat is more interesting than any other journey. (b) __________ Bangladesh is a land of rivers, it is very easy to enjoy a journey by boat here. During last autumn, our college was closed. (c) __________, it was a suitable time for me to make a journey by boat. (d) __________ I proposed to some of my friends to join me and they at once accepted my proposal. (e) __________, we made a plan. (f) __________, we hired a boat and started journey at 11 am. We were very fortunate indeed as the boatman was very expert. (g) __________ the weather was calm and quiet. (h) __________, gentle breeze was slightly pushing the sail. (i) __________, we had no trouble during the journey. (j) __________, we had a lot of enjoyment. (k) __________, the boat was dancing on the small waves and it thrilled us a lot. (l) __________, we also enjoyed a ‘Bhatiali’ song sung by the boatman. (m) __________, we were delighted at the sights on either bank of the river. (n) __________, when the sun was setting, the scene enchanted us very much.

Answer:

(a) In fact/Indeed

(b) Since/As

(c) So/ That’s why/Therefore

(d) Thus/As a result

(e) Firstly/At first

(f) Then/Secondly/Next

(g) At that time

(h) In addition/Additionally/Moreover

(i) As a result/Therefore/So

(j) In fact

(k) Besides

(l) Additionally/Moreover

(m) Meanwhile

(n) Finally/At last

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

The language which is used all over the world for smooth communication is called an international language. The English language has achieved the prestige of being that language. It is very familiar to the educated society in the whole world. We cannot keep pace with the modern world without knowing English. Most of the research works and books on science and knowledge of the world are in English. International relation as well as trade and commerce is being continued through English. Moreover, people having a good command over English are highly valued in the job market. So, one can fully realise how important it is to learn English.

(a) used (antonym); (b) smooth (antonym); (c) international (antonym); (d) prestige (synonym); (e) familiar (antonym); (f) educated (synonym); (g) modern (antonym); (h) knowledge (antonym); (i) trade (synonym); (j) continue (antonym); (k) whole (synonym); (l) highly (synonym); (m) realise (synonym); (n) important (synonym).

Answer:

(a) unused

(b) stiff/rough/uneven

(c) local/national

(d) status/fame/honor

(e) unfamiliar/strange

(f) schooled/civilized

(g) outdated/ancient

(h) ignorance/nescience

(i) exchange/business

(j) stop/cease

(k) entire

(l) greatly

(m) understand

(n) significant

9. There are fourteen errors in the use of punctuation marks in the following text. Re-write the text correcting the errors: 0.5×14=7

Rifah : Hello. Maria! Why are you looking so sad

Maria : The news of the death of all members of a family made me sad.

Rifah : How pathetic Really its very sad that theres not a single day you 11 find without news of road accident.

Maria : Can you tell me the reasons of so many road accidents

Rifah : Reckless driving violation of traffic signals overloaded vehicles and lack of traffic police arc the main causes of road accident I think

Maria : What can be done to reduce road accident Do you have any idea

Rifah : Drivers should be given proper training. Unfit and unlicensed vehicles should be banned. Besides people should be made aware of traffic rules and signals.

Maria : Thank you for the discussion.

Rifah : Youre welcome.

Answer:

Rifah: Hello, Maria! Why are you looking so sad?

Maria: The news of the death of all members of a family made me sad.

Rifah: How pathetic! Really, it's very sad that there’s not a single day you’ll find without news of road accidents.

Maria: Can you tell me the reasons for so many road accidents?

Rifah: Reckless driving, violation of traffic signals, overloaded vehicles and lack of traffic police are the main causes of road accidents, I think.

Maria: What can be done to reduce road accidents? Do you have any idea?

Rifah: Drivers should be given proper training. Unfit and unlicensed vehicles should be banned. Besides, people should be made aware of traffic rules and signals.

Maria: Thank you for the discussion.

Rifah: You’re welcome.

Part B—Composition

Marks—40

10. Suppose, you are a student of class XII. You along with other students are planning about holding a cricket match between class XI and XII. Now, on behalf of the students, write an application to the Principal of your college for seeking permission to arrange a friendly cricket match in the college playground. 10

11. Write a paragraph on “The Celebration of Pahela Baishakh in Bangladesh”. (within 200 words) 15

12. Write a paragraph describing “Uses and Abuses of Social Media”. (use 200 words) 15