HSC - 2025 English 2nd Paper Jashore Board Questions with Answers

02 Set

ENGLISH

Second Paper

[According to the Syllabus of 2025]

Time—3 hours

Full marks—100

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

Part A—Grammar

Marks—60

1. Complete the text with suitable prepositions: Marks 0.5×10=5

The old man told him (a)_______________ his last journey (b)_______________ the sea. They had sailed away (c)_______________ the South, he said, until they arrived (d)_______________ cold grey seas. Even the sea was frozen, and ice was all (e)_______________ them. (f)_______________ those days there were no steamships, and the big white sails (g)_______________ their ship opened wide as the strong wind blew them quickly (h)_______________ the icy waters. The weather was very cold and there were no birds or animals (i)_______________ that snow covered country, but one day the sailors saw an albatross flying (j)_______________ the ship.

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

had better     there     would rather

no sooner had  was born  let alone

would you mind what does... look like   enough

it       

(a) He cannot buy a pen, _____________ a box of pens.

(b) ___________ we reached the station than the train started.

(c) All seasons are very charming. During spring various kinds of flowers bloom. ___________ seems that everything has got a new life.

(d) Baby : Mom, ___________ an owl ___________?

(e) Don’t disturb me, you ___________ leave me alone at this moment.

(f) The poor man ___________ starve than beg.

(g) ___________ exists no life on mars.

(h) ___________ taking tea with me?

(i) Sir Walter Scott was both a poet and a novelist. He __________ in 1771.

(j) He was meritorious ___________ to understand English literature.

Note: In question (c), there should be a full stop after "bloom".

3. Complete the following sentences using suitable phrases or clauses: 1×10=10

(a) He walks fast lest _______________.

(b) A pen which was bought _______________.

(c) I closed the door of my room so that _______________.

(d) The poem is too hard _______________.

(e) Unless you came _______________.

(f) If I were a rich man, _______________.

(g) I wanted to learn English instead of _______________.

(h) In spite of his being poor, _______________.

(i) Because of her being small _______________.

(j) Learn English properly till _______________.

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

Books (a)____________ (possess) as essence of immortality. They (b)____________ (be) the most precious products of human efforts. Temptations (c)____________ (crumble) into ashes. Pictures and statues (d)____________ (decay) but books (e)____________ (survive). Time is of no account for great thoughts which (f)____________ (be) as fresh today as they (g)___________ (be) when came through the authors’ minds ages ago. What (h)___________ (be) then thought or said still (i)____________ (speak) to us. Books (j)___________ (introduce) us to the best society. They (k)___________ (bring) us into the presence of the noblest minds that have ever (l)___________ (live). We hear what they (m)__________ (think) or said. We see them as if they (n)___________ (be) really alive.

5. Change the narrative style by using indirect speeches: 7

“I will pay for it,” he said. “I broke it. I brought the axe down careless.” “But no one hits accurately every time,” I told him, “The fault was in the wood of the handle. I will see the man from whom I bought it.” “Thanks” he said.

Answer:

Jerry told me that he would pay for it. He added that he had broken it. He further added that he had brought the axe down careless. I (the authoress) contradicted that no one hit accurately every time. I (the authoress) added that the fault had been in the wood of the handle. I (the authoress) further added that I (the authoress) would see the man who I (the authoress) had bought it from. He thanked me (the authoress).

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

A day in which it rains (a)____________ (post modify the verb) all day long, is called a rainy day. The sky remains overcast with (b)_________ (pre modify the noun) clouds. People cannot go out without (c)_________ (pre modify the noun with a determiner) umbrella. It affects our (d)_________ (pre modify the noun) activities. Even the school and colleges are shut down. But many people like (e)________ (post modify the verb with an infinitive phrase) in the rain. They go to an (f)_________ (pre modify the noun) space and enjoy the rain. The working class people suffer a lot (g)________ (post modify the verb). They do not work and spend (h)________ (post modify the noun) day which brings misfortune to them. They cannot earn (i)________ (post modify the verb with an infinitive) their family. So, a (j)________ (pre modify the noun) day is a curse to the poor.

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

Most of the people of Bangladesh are not able to realise the importance of water. (a)__________ millions of liters are wasted every year, (b)__________ facing pure water crisis. (c)_________ Government campaign may help to reduce unnecessary water consumption. (d)__________ water is a very important resource for various reasons. (e)__________ we need to drink clean water to survive. (f)__________ we need to keep ourselves clean. (g)_________ without water, we cannot grow crops. (h)__________ we cannot provide animals with food. (i)__________ Government should do more to make people recognize this. (j)__________ the human population is growing, the climate is changing too. (k)_________ there may not be enough water for everyone in future. (l)_________ water treatment processes cost a lot and use a large amount of electricity. (m)_________ reduced water consumption would save money and electricity for the future. It will reduce green house gas emissions. (n)_________ we should encourage people to change wasteful habits now before it is too late.

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

Today women are playing an important role in all spheres of life. Once they were dominated by men. They are no longer confined within the four walls of their parents or husbands’ house. They have come out of the kitchen and are working hand in hand with men. By taking higher education they are becoming pilots, doctors, engineers, teachers, administrators etc. They have been able to prove their worth. They are contributing much to the economy of the country. Now it has come to the realization of the men that true development of the country is never possible keeping half of the population idle at home. So it needs no telling that women are playing a great role in the socio-economic condition of our country.

(a) importance (antonym); (b) sphere (synonym); (c) dominate (synonym); (d) confined (synonym); (e) walls (synonym); (f) house (synonym); (g) education (antonym); (h) able (antonym); (i) worth (synonym); (j) economy (synonym); (k) realization (synonym); (l) never (antonym); (m) population (synonym); (n) condition (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

My dear friends said the piper I know a charm by which I can rid you of these rats but you must pay me one thousand guilders for this service One thousand guilders cried the men then the Mayor said ok well give you one thousand guilders when will you start work now said the piper.

Part B—Composition

Marks—40

10. Write an application to the Principal of your college asking for a debating club. 10

11. Write a paragraph on ‘The Importance of Games and Sports’. 15

12. Write a paragraph on “City Life and Village Life” comparing and contrasting their features. 15

With Answers:

02 Set

ENGLISH

Second Paper

[According to the Syllabus of 2025]

Time—3 hours

Full marks—100

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

Part A—Grammar

Marks—60

1. Complete the text with suitable prepositions: Marks 0.5×10=5

The old man told him (a)_______________ his last journey (b)_______________ the sea. They had sailed away (c)_______________ the South, he said, until they arrived (d)_______________ cold grey seas. Even the sea was frozen, and ice was all (e)_______________ them. (f)_______________ those days there were no steamships, and the big white sails (g)_______________ their ship opened wide as the strong wind blew them quickly (h)_______________ the icy waters. The weather was very cold and there were no birds or animals (i)_______________ that snow covered country, but one day the sailors saw an albatross flying (j)_______________ the ship.

Answer:

(a) about

(b) on

(c) to

(d) in

(e) around

(f) In

(g) of

(h) through

(i) in

(j) towards

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

had better     there     would rather

no sooner had  was born  let alone

would you mind what does... look like   enough

it       

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(a) He cannot buy a pen, _____________ a box of pens.

(b) ___________ we reached the station than the train started.

(c) All seasons are very charming. During spring various kinds of flowers bloom. ___________ seems that everything has got a new life.

(d) Baby : Mom, ___________ an owl ___________?

(e) Don’t disturb me, you ___________ leave me alone at this moment.

(f) The poor man ___________ starve than beg.

(g) ___________ exists no life on mars.

(h) ___________ taking tea with me?

(i) Sir Walter Scott was both a poet and a novelist. He __________ in 1771.

(j) He was meritorious ___________ to understand English literature.

Note: In question (c), there should be a full stop after "bloom".

Answer:

(a) let alone

(b) No sooner had

(c) It

(d) what does...look like

(e) had better

(f) would rather

(g) There

(h) Would you mind

(i) was born

(j) enough

3. Complete the following sentences using suitable phrases or clauses: 1×10=10

(a) He walks fast lest _______________.

(b) A pen which was bought _______________.

(c) I closed the door of my room so that _______________.

(d) The poem is too hard _______________.

(e) Unless you came _______________.

(f) If I were a rich man, _______________.

(g) I wanted to learn English instead of _______________.

(h) In spite of his being poor, _______________.

(i) Because of her being small _______________.

(j) Learn English properly till _______________.

Answer:

(a) he should/might miss the train

(b) yesterday writes smoothly

(c) I could study in peace

(d) for me to understand

(e) we couldn't start the meeting

(f) I would build a school in my village

(g) learning basic skills

(h) he managed to send his children to college / he is honest

(i) she could not reach the shelf

(j) you master the basics

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

Books (a)____________ (possess) as essence of immortality. They (b)____________ (be) the most precious products of human efforts. Temptations (c)____________ (crumble) into ashes. Pictures and statues (d)____________ (decay) but books (e)____________ (survive). Time is of no account for great thoughts which (f)____________ (be) as fresh today as they (g)___________ (be) when came through the authors’ minds ages ago. What (h)___________ (be) then thought or said still (i)____________ (speak) to us. Books (j)___________ (introduce) us to the best society. They (k)___________ (bring) us into the presence of the noblest minds that have ever (l)___________ (live). We hear what they (m)__________ (think) or said. We see them as if they (n)___________ (be) really alive.

Answer:

(a) possess

(b) are

(c) crumble

(d) decay

(e) survive

(f) are

(g) were

(h) was

(i) speaks

(j) introduce

(k) bring

(l) lived

(m) thought

(n) were

5. Change the narrative style by using indirect speeches: 7

“I will pay for it,” he said. “I broke it. I brought the axe down careless.” “But no one hits accurately every time,” I told him, “The fault was in the wood of the handle. I will see the man from whom I bought it.” “Thanks” he said.

Answer:

Jerry told me that he would pay for it. He added that he had broken it. He further added that he had brought the axe down careless. I (the authoress) contradicted that no one hit accurately every time. I (the authoress) added that the fault had been in the wood of the handle. I (the authoress) further added that I (the authoress) would see the man who I (the authoress) had bought it from. He thanked me (the authoress).

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

A day in which it rains (a)____________ (post modify the verb) all day long, is called a rainy day. The sky remains overcast with (b)_________ (pre modify the noun) clouds. People cannot go out without (c)_________ (pre modify the noun with a determiner) umbrella. It affects our (d)_________ (pre modify the noun) activities. Even the school and colleges are shut down. But many people like (e)________ (post modify the verb with an infinitive phrase) in the rain. They go to an (f)_________ (pre modify the noun) space and enjoy the rain. The working class people suffer a lot (g)________ (post modify the verb). They do not work and spend (h)________ (post modify the noun) day which brings misfortune to them. They cannot earn (i)________ (post modify the verb with an infinitive) their family. So, a (j)________ (pre modify the noun) day is a curse to the poor.

Answer:

(a) continuously/ constantly

(b) dark

(c) an

(d) daily

(e) to walk around

(f) open

(g) due to rain

(h) entire/ whole/ the

(i) to support

(j) rainy

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

Most of the people of Bangladesh are not able to realise the importance of water. (a)__________ millions of liters are wasted every year, (b)__________ facing pure water crisis. (c)_________ Government campaign may help to reduce unnecessary water consumption. (d)__________ water is a very important resource for various reasons. (e)__________ we need to drink clean water to survive. (f)__________ we need to keep ourselves clean. (g)_________ without water, we cannot grow crops. (h)__________ we cannot provide animals with food. (i)__________ Government should do more to make people recognize this. (j)__________ the human population is growing, the climate is changing too. (k)_________ there may not be enough water for everyone in future. (l)_________ water treatment processes cost a lot and use a large amount of electricity. (m)_________ reduced water consumption would save money and electricity for the future. It will reduce green house gas emissions. (n)_________ we should encourage people to change wasteful habits now before it is too late.

Answer:

(a) Rather/Instead

(b) With a view to/Regarding

(c) under these circumstances

(d) In fact/Indeed

(e) Besides

(f) Moreover

(g) because

(h) Consequently/As a result

(i) So

(j) As/Since

(k) Hence

(l) In addition

(m) In this way

(n) Therefore

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

Today women are playing an important role in all spheres of life. Once they were dominated by men. They are no longer confined within the four walls of their parents or husbands’ house. They have come out of the kitchen and are working hand in hand with men. By taking higher education they are becoming pilots, doctors, engineers, teachers, administrators etc. They have been able to prove their worth. They are contributing much to the economy of the country. Now it has come to the realization of the men that true development of the country is never possible keeping half of the population idle at home. So it needs no telling that women are playing a great role in the socio-economic condition of our country.

(a) importance (antonym); (b) sphere (synonym); (c) dominate (synonym); (d) confined (synonym); (e) walls (synonym); (f) house (synonym); (g) education (antonym); (h) able (antonym); (i) worth (synonym); (j) economy (synonym); (k) realization (synonym); (l) never (antonym); (m) population (synonym); (n) condition (synonym)

Answer:

(a) insignificance/unimportance

(b) field/domain/arena

(c) control

(d) restricted/limited/constricted

(e) barriers/hurdles

(f) home/dwelling

(g) ignorance

(h) unable/incapable

(i) value

(j) wealth/finance

(k) awareness

(l) always

(m) people/demography

(n) situation

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

My dear friends said the piper I know a charm by which I can rid you of these rats but you must pay me one thousand guilders for this service One thousand guilders cried the men then the Mayor said ok well give you one thousand guilders when will you start work now said the piper.

Answer:

"My dear friends," said the piper, "I know a charm by which I can rid you of these rats, but you must pay me one thousand guilders for this service." "One thousand guilders!" cried the men. Then the Mayor said, "Ok, we'll give you one thousand guilders. When will you start work?" "Now," said the piper.

Part B—Composition

Marks—40

10. Write an application to the Principal of your college asking for a debating club. 10

11. Write a paragraph on ‘The Importance of Games and Sports’. 15

12. Write a paragraph on “City Life and Village Life” comparing and contrasting their features. 15