HSC English 1st Paper Suggestion For 2027

HSC EXAMINATION-2027

ENGLISH 1st PAPER

Part II: Writing Test

Question No. 7: Paragraph Writing

Instructions: Write a well-structured paragraph for each of the following topics, ensuring you answer all the guiding questions in detail. Paragraphs should be approximately 200 words unless otherwise specified.

1. Food Adulteration

• (a) What is an adulterant?

• (b) What is food adulteration?

• (c) What is the reason behind adulterating food?

• (d) Who adulterates food?

• (e) Which food are being adulterated?

• (f) What is the effect of consuming adulterated food?

• (g) What is the role of the government in this regard?

2. Pahela Baishakh

• (a) What is Pahela Baishakh?

• (b) What is the significance of the day?

• (c) How is the day celebrated?

• (d) What dress do the men and women wear on the day?

• (e) Has it crossed the national border?

• (f) Do you see any sign of national identity on this occation?

• Source: [DjB-2019:HSC Exam (Kha Set)-2018 in 2nd Paper: SB-2016]

3. The Victory Day

• (a) When is our Victory Day?

• (b) Why is it called so?

• (c) What is the brief history behind it?

• (d) How do we observe the day?

• (e) What is the significance of the day?

• Source: [CB-2019]

4. The Sundarbans

• (a) What type of forest is the Sundarbans?

• (b) What is the location of the Sundarbans?

• (c) Why is the Sundarbans famous?

• (d) What is the present condition of this forest?

• (e) What are the causes of destruction of the Sundarbans and what causes the extinction of tigers?

• (f) What role does the Sundarbans play in the national economy?

• Source: [RB-2019]

5. Diaspora

• (a) What is diaspora?

• (b) What are the major causes of diaspora?

• (c) Who were the greatest displaced people in the history?

• (d) Do you find any diaspora in recent times?

• (e) What are the consequences of diaspora?

• Source: [CigB-2019]

6. Digital Bangladesh

• (a) What is Digital Bangladesh?

• (b) How can we achieve it?

• (c) What steps should be taken by the government to execute it?

• (d) How can students take part in it?

• (e) Is the idea too ambitious?

• (f) What type of digitalization has been done in our country?

• Source: [SB-2019] [DB-2019 & 2017; HSC Exam (Kha Set)-2018; CtgB-2017)

7. Folk Music

• (a) What is folk music?

• (b) What are the components of folk music?

• (c) Why is folk music not sophisticated?

• (d) Who are the contributors of folk music in Bangladesh?

• (e) What kind of role does folk music play in our social and cultural life?

• Source: [BB-2019]

8. The Historic Speech of 7th March

• (i) When was the speech delivered?

• (ii) Where was the speech delivered?

• (iii) Who were addressed in this speech?

• (iv) How was the speech related to our national history?

• (v) How is the speech evaluated internationally?

• Source: [HSC Exam (Ka Set)-2018]

9. An Ideal Student

• (a) Who is an ideal student?

• (b) What are his/her duties and responsibilities?

• (c) What makes him/her different from other students?

• (d) Why should he/she be polite in his/her behaviour?

• (e) How can you be an ideal student?

• Source: [CB-2017]

10. Drug Addiction

• (a) What is meant by drug addiction?

• (b) Why do people become drug addicted?

• (c) What are the after effects of it?

• (d) What type of diseases are caused by it?

• (e) How can it be checked?

• Source: [DjB-2017]

11. Your Best Friend

• (a) How many friends do you have?

• (b) Who is your best friend?

• (c) Why do you like him/her more than other friends?

• (d) How is his/her characteristics?

• (e) Have you ever been angry with him/her?

• (f) What other things would you like to see in his/her character?

• Source: [JB-2017]

12. Modern Technology

• (a) What do you understand by modern technology?

• (b) Where is it being used?

• (c) What are the impacts of technology in our life?

• (d) How has technology made the world a global village?

• (e) How can technology be used for the greater welfare of mankind?

• Source: [SB-2017]

13. Uses and Abuses of Mobile Phone

• (a) What is mobile phone?

• (b) What are the benefits of mobile phone?

• (c) How can mobile phone be used as alternative to computer?

• (d) What are the demerits of mobile phone?

• (e) What are the diseases caused by excessive use of mobile phone?

• Source: [BB-2017]

14. Etiquette and Manners

• (a) What do 'etiquette' and 'manners' mean?

• (b) What is the difference between 'manner' and 'manners'?

• (c) How does society accept a bad mannered person?

• (d) What are the ideas of 'etiquette' and 'manners'?

• (e) What are the institutes of learning 'etiquette and 'manners'?

• (f) How do social occasions vary?

15. Load-Shedding

• (a) What do you mean by load-shedding?

• (b) What problems does it create?

• (c) How does it affect out students?

• (d) When does it occur?

• (e) How does it occur?

• (f) How can we stop it?

16. Traffic Education

• (a) What is Traffic Education?

• (b) Why do we need Traffic Education?

• (c) What will happen if we do not take this education?

• (d) What facilities of Traffic Education do we have in Bangladesh?

17. Globalisation

• (a) What is globalisation?

• (b) What is the common fear about the adverse effects of globalisation in our country?

• (c) Why is the fear not quite justified?

• (d) How can globalisation be helpful to our own culture?

• (e) What is the strength of our culture to resist the cultural assault caused by the tide of globalisation?

18. Global Warming

• (a) What is global warming?

• (b) What are the causes of global warming?

• (c) What are the effects of it?

• (d) How can we prevent global warming?

• (e) If we fail to prevent it, what may happen in near future?

19. A Book Fair You Have Visited

• (a) What is a book fair?

• (b) What was the occasion of the fair?

• (c) Where was it held?

• (d) How was the environment of the fair?

• (e) What experience did you gather by visiting the fair?

20. Price Hike

• (a) What is price hike?

• (b) What are the reasons of it?

• (c) What is the impact of it in the society?

• (d) Who are the sufferers of it?

• (e) What can be the remedies?

21. Tree Plantation

• (a) What does a tree do for us?

• (b) What happens if there are no trees?

• (c) What is the effect of the loss of trees?

• (d) How can we make the earth greener, cleaner and safer?

• (e) What part do people play in protecting trees and increasing forests?

22. Rohingya Refugees

• (a) Who are they?

• (b) How did they become refugees?

• (c) What problems did they face before?

• (d) What are their present problems?

• (e) How can their problems be solved?

23. Adolescence

• (a) What does adolescence refer to?

• (b) What are the noticeable features of adolescence?

• (c) What are the risk factors of adolescence?

• (d) What is the role of family, communities and schools?

• (e) How can they help adolescence?

24. Premature Marriage

• (a) What is meant by premature marriage?

• (b) Who are victims of premature marriage?

• (c) What are the causes of premature marriage?

• (d) What problems does premature marriage create in the society?

• (e) What suggestions do you have to solve the problem?

25. Gender Equality

• (a) What do you understand by gender equality?

• (b) What is its importance?

• (c) What is the condition of gender equality in Bangladesh?

• (d) What are its barriers?

• (e) Who or what are responsible for these barriers?

• (f) How is gender equality related to the overall development of our country?

• (g) What steps would you recommend to ensure gender equality?

26. Gender Disparity

• (a) What is meant by gender disparity?

• (b) Why do people discriminate between boys and girls?

• (c) What are the major fields of gender disparity in our country?

• (d) What are the after-effects of such disparity?

• (e) What steps can be taken to get rid of such discrimination still prevailing in our society?

27. Good Health

• (a) What do you mean by good health?

• (b) How can one keep in good health?

• (c) Do all people of our country get necessary things for keeping in good health?

• (d) How much are our people aware of health rules?

• (e) What is the most important thing for a sound health?

28. E-Learning

• (a) What do you understand by E-learning?

• (b) Give examples of different media of E-learning.

• (c) What is the setting of E-learning?

• (d) What are the advantages of E-learning?

• (e) What are the disadvantages of E-learning?

29. Traffic Jam

• (a) What is traffic jam?

• (b) How does it cause a great harm to us?

• (c) Why does it occur?

• (d) What are the root causes of traffic jam?

• (e) How can we solve this problem?

30. Eve-Teasing

• (a) What do you understand by eve-teasing?

• (b) Who are the common eve-teasers?

• (c) What is your attitude to them?

• (d) Who are the main targets of this heinous act?

• (e) What are its effects?

• (f) What measures should be taken against eve-teasing?

31. A Moonlit Night

• (a) What is a moonlit night?

• (b) When does a moonlit night take place?

• (c) How is the moonlit night?

• (d) What are the charming scenes in a moonlit night?

• (e) What does a moonlit night remind us?

• (f) How do the poets and writers feel on a moonlit night?

32. Greenhouse Effect

• (a) What do you mean by the greenhouse effect?

• (b) What are harmful sides of greenhouse effect?

• (c) How is the amount of carbon di-oxide gas increasing?

• (d) What is carbon dioxide making in the ozone layer?

• (e) What will happen to Bangladesh because of greenhouse effect?

33. Dengue Fever

• (a) What is Dengue Fever?

• (b) Which areas of the world are the most vulnerable for Dengue?

• (c) What are the symptoms of Dengue fever?

• (d) What is the treatment of Dengue fever?

• (e) How can we prevent Dengue?

34. Metro Rail in Dhaka

• (a) What is metro rail?

• (b) What is the current status of metro rail project in Bangladesh?

• (c) How can it help the commuters in Dhaka city?

• (d) What are the difficulties we are facing due to its construction work?

• (e) How can this project help our economy?

35. The Construction Work of Padma Bridge

• (a) What is the Padma Bridge?

• (b) What do you know about the Padma Bridge?

• (c) How big is it?

• (d) What are the benefits of this bridge?

• (e) How many people will be facilitated by the Padma Bridge?

• (f) When will the bridge be opened for the public?

36. Chikungunya Disease

• (a) What is Chikungunya?

• (b) How does it spread among people?

• (c) What are the symptoms of Chikungunya disease?

• (d) What does it do to people?

• (e) How can it be prevented or treated?

Question No. 8: Completing a Story

Instructions: Read the beginning of each story provided below. Complete the story in your own words, maintaining a logical and coherent narrative. Provide a suitable title for your completed story.

1. The Thirsty Crow

Once upon a time, a crow was very thirsty. It flew from place to place in search of water but unfortunately it did not find any water. All on a sudden, it saw ...........

• Source: [DB- 2019; BB-2017]

2. The Lost Money Bag

One day, a boy of class five was going to school. Suddenly, he saw a money bag on the road. He was at a los.........

• Source: [CB- 2019; HSC Exam-2018 (Ka Set)]

3. The Crow and the Fox

Once, a crow was sitting on the branch of a tree. It had a piece of meat in its beak. Suddenly, a fox came there ...

• Source: [BB-2019; JB-2017]

4. The Greedy Farmer

Once, there lived a poor farmer. He had a goose. It used to lay a golden egg every day. He sold the golden egg in the market. He was very greedy ...........

• Source: [RB-2019]

5. The Determined School Girl

Parul was a school girl whose parents were landless. They were unable to bear her educational expenses. But Parul was determined..

• Source: [DjB-2019]

6. The Happy Cobbler

Once, there lived a happy cobbler in a town. He passed his days in singing and dancing..

• Source: [JB-2019]

7. The Old Photograph

In an afternoon, Grandmother was knitting a scarf under a mango tree in the yard. Romim, her grandson, suddenly came running to her with an old photograph in his hand......

• Source: [CtgB-2019]

8. A Visit to the Book Fair

Rima is a girl of HSC 1 year at a renowned college. In the month of February, she was eagerly waiting to join a 'Book Fair' but her parents interrupted her.....

• Source: [SB-2019]

9. The Dove and the Ant

Once upon a time, there lived a dove. It was passing its days, happily. One day, while he was sitting on a tree beside a river, he saw an ant...... ....

• Source: [HSC Exam 2018 (Kha Set); DB-2017]

10. The Brilliant Boy

There was a boy who hailed from an obscure background. But he was brilliant, diligent and innovative. He ........

• Source: [CB-2017]

11. The Late-Night Phone Call

It was late at night. I was taking preparation for my ensuing examination. All the members of my family were sleeping. All on a sudden, my phone rang and it was an unknown number. I got frightened.......

• Source: [RB-2017]

12. A Sudden Turn of Events

It was a bright sunny morning. I was going to college with some of my friends. We were in a hilarious mood as we were talking about our plan to go on a picnic. Suddenly

• Source: [DjB-2017] [CtgB-2017]

13. The Naughty Cowboy

There was a naughty cowboy who grazed his cows beside a forest. He used to make fun with the people crying, "Tiger! Tiger! Help! Help!"..........

14. The Honest Woodcutter

Once, there lived a poor woodcutter. But he was very honest. He earned his livelihood by selling wood in the market. One day, while he.............

• Source: [SB-2017]

15. The Clever Fox

Once, there was a clever fox in a jungle. One day, when the fox was walking through the jungle, he fell into a trap. He could somehow get out of the trap, but he had to leave............

16. The Senseless Woman

Once, a school boy named Ahsanullah was going home after completing his class. When he was crossing the road, he saw an old woman lying on the road. She was senseless. There was nobody...

17. The Lion and the Mouse

Once, a lion was sleeping in a forest. Suddenly, a mouse came there. It did not notice the sleeping lion. It was running about and playing happily. Accidentally, it ran over the face of the lion and awoke him. At this, the lion grew very angry......

18. The Scholar and the Boatman

A great scholar was on a journey by boat. The scholar was enjoying his journey very much because the weather was pleasant. The scholar was gossiping with the boatman.........

19. The King and the Astrologer

Once upon a time, there was a king who was very fond of knowing his future from the astrologers. A famous astrologer happened to stop at his capital on his way to Benares.........

20. A Glass of Water

Once, there was a little boy named Bayazid. One night, he was studying by the side of the bed of his mother. His ailing mother was sleeping. All on a sudden, she woke up, raised her head and told him to give her a glass of water........

21. The Farmer and His Sons

Once upon a time, there lived an old farmer in a village. He had four sons. They always quarrelled with each other. This made the farmer unhappy. The neighbours were also disturbed every now and then for their loud shouts. The farmer tried to bring them into their sense but failed. At last, he thought of a plan.......

22. The Poet and the Nobleman

The king of Iran used to invite the great poet Sheikh Saadi very often to his court. Once, on his way to the king's court the poet took shelter in a nobleman's house for a night. He was then...........

23. The Two Friends and the Bear

Once, there were two friends. They lived in a certain village. They were very intimate with each other. They promised that they would help each other in time of danger. One day, they were passing through a forest. Suddenly, they saw a bear coming towards them. Both of them got afraid..

24. The Two Rats and the Monkey

Once, two rats found a piece of bread. They couldn't agree on how to divide it, because each of them wanted the larger share. They quarrelled for some time. Suddenly, they saw a monkey passing by. They asked the monkey to divide the bread between them. The monkey was very clever. He said, "It is really a difficult task." He brought a pair of scales........

25. The Hare and the Tortoise

Once, there lived a hare in a forest. He was always proud of his speed. A tortoise also lived there. The hare always teased the tortoise for its slow speed. One day, the hare was walking..........

26. The House Infested with Rats

Once, the house of a rich man was infested with rats. The house became like the houses of Hamelin. There were rats everywhere. They made hole here and there. They tore papers,

27. The Defeated King

Robert Bruce was a famous king. His kingdom was invaded by enemies. The king fought bravely but was defeated in the battle

28. The Three Friends

There lived three friends in a village. One day, the first friend planned to steal gold from a house. The second friend..........

29. The Pied Piper of Hamelin

A long time ago, the town of Hamelin in Germany was faced with a great problem. It became full of rats. The rats were so big and fierce that they fought the dogs, killed the cats and bit the babies in the cradles. They ate up

30. The Crocodile and the Fox

Once, a crocodile wanted her eight children to be educated. So, she went to a fox and asked him if he could teach her children. The crocodile had a good faith in the fox. The cunning fox gladly received the offer. So, the crocodile left all her children with him and went back to the river. The fox liked to eat crocodile's kids.

31. A Hope for a Job

various offices in Dhaka. So, he left Sunamganj with a great hope in mind that his friends would help him get a job.........

32. The Golden Touch

Once, there was a king called Midas. He was very rich. Rich people are never satisfied. They want more and more. The more they have, the more they want. He thought, if he had the golden touch, he would be the happiest man..

33. The Dull-Headed Man

There lived a man in a village. He had a great attraction to English and so he went to a teacher. The teacher began to teach him, but the man was dull-headed. He could hardly recognize what his teacher taught him.....

34. The Found Note

One day, a little school-boy found a note of 100 taka in the school premises. At once, he took it to his class teacher, Mr Zaman. He said, "Dear Sir, I've got a note of 100 taka. What can I do with it?"

35. A Surprising Encounter

As I was walking home yesterday, a small man with a long pointed beard and only one arm stopped me and asked me the way to "Nur Manjil". I was very surprised because that was my own house

36. The Unemployed Graduate

Ahmed has completed his graduation from Sunamganj. He has not got any job yet. Some of his friends serve in

37. The Hardworking Daughter

Marium is the daughter of very poor parents. At the age of fifteen, her parents gave her in marriage with a very poor boy. He is very lazy. He does not do any work. So, Marium works hard to support her family......

38. The Lazy King

Once there was an old king. He was averse to physical labour. As a result, he grew very fat and could not move from one place to another easily. He called in a doctor. The doctor was very clever and experienced

39. The King and His Daughters

Once upon a time, there was a king in England. He had three daughters. One day, he made up his mind to divide his kingdom among them. So, he called them in the court and asked each of them how much they loved him....

40. The Frogs and the Boys

Once, there was an old pond beyond the village. It was full of frogs. The frogs were living there happily. Some of them often put their heads out of the water and croaked loudly. One day, some boys were playing......

Question No. 9: Informal Letter

Instructions: Write an informal letter for each of the following scenarios.

1. Improving in English

Suppose, you are Aryan of 12 Quazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Shahbag, Dhaka. Your friend Areeb of 12/7, Sholoshohor, Chattogram is very afraid of English. Now, write a letter to him describing how to improve in English.

• Source: [BB-2019]

2. About Bangladesh

Suppose, you are Alif Adrita. You have just received a letter from your pen-friend, Clara who lives at 17 Dawning Street, U.K. She wants to know about Bangladesh. Now, write a reply to the letter.

• Source: [DB-2017]

3. Giving Up Smoking

Suppose, you are Nasim/Nasima of 50 Kazalshah, Sylhet-3100. You have a best friend named Salam/Salma who lives at 30 Pallabi, Ali Para, Sunamgonj-3070. S/he is a chain smoker. You know that smoking is a bad habit and it causes many fatal illness. Now, write a letter to your friend advising him/her to give up smoking.

• Source: [RB-2017]

4. Spending Too Much Time on Facebook

Suppose, you are Anik/Anika. You received a letter from your father yesterday. In the letter, he warned you not to spend much time in Facebook. Now, write a reply to his letter.

• Source: [DjB-2017]

5. Progress of Studies

Suppose, you are Nafi/Amat. You are an examinee of the coming HSC Examination. Write a letter to your father telling him about your progress of studies/preparation for the exam.

6. Preparation for the Examination

Suppose, you are Tutul and your HSC Examination is very near at hand. For this, you have prepared yourself for the examination. Now, write a letter to your friend about your preparation for the examination.

7. Congratulating on Success

Suppose, you are Hasan/Hasna living in Natore. Your friend, Nabil/Nabila lives in Chattogram. He/she made an excellent result in the last HSC Examination and that result impressed you greatly. Now, write a letter to your friend congratulating him/her on his/her success in the exam.

8. Future Plans

Imagine, you are Mahmud of 12 College Road, Mymensingh. Recently you got a letter from your friend, Tamim who lives at 7 Mymensingh Road, Dhaka, asking you what you would like to do after your HSC Examination. Now, write a letter to your friend telling him about it.

9. Benefits of Reading Newspaper

Suppose, you are Sumon/Sumona of 7 Station Road, Rajshahi. Your friend Amin/Amina lives at 4 Elephant Road, Dhaka 1205. He/She does not read newspaper as he/she has no interest in reading newspaper. Now, write a letter to your friend telling him/her about the benefits of reading newspaper.

10. Co-curricular Activities

Suppose, you are Monir/Monira living at Kachua, Chandpur and a student of Chandpur Govt. College. Your friend, Nazim/Nazma is a rural student living at Kaptai, Rangamati. He/She wants to know about the co-curricular activities of your college. Now, write a letter to your friend describing the co-curricular activities of your college.

11. Thanking for Hospitality

Imagine that you spent a week in your friend's home and you were nicely entertained there. Now, write a letter to your friend thanking him for the hospitality shown to you by him and other members of his family.

12. Bad Company

Suppose, you have come to know that your younger brother keeps bad company. He is gradually going to the dogs. Now, write a letter to your younger brother telling him about the bad effects of keeping evil company.

13. Bangladeshi Food

Imagine, you are Isam/Isha of 2 Shyamoli Road, Dhaka 1207. You have a pen-friend, Zeson who lives at 9 Derriford Road, Plymouth PLG 8 BH, UK. He wants to know about Bangladeshi food. Now, write a letter to your friend describing the foods and food habits in Bangladesh.

14. Thanking for a Birthday Gift

Suppose, you are seventeen years old. You have recently celebrated your birthday. You have got an alarm clock as a birthday gift from one of your friends. Now, write a letter thanking your friend for the gift.

15. Prize Giving Ceremony

Write a letter to your friend describing the prize giving ceremony of your college.

16. Sports Day

Imagine, you are Rana/Rani of 25 BK Road, Khulna. The annual sports of your college have recently been held. You were one of the participants and became champion. Now, write a letter to your friend, Mishu who lives at KN Avenue, Bogura, describing the sports day of your college.

17. Importance of Physical Exercise

Your younger brother does not know the importance of physical exercise. Now, write a letter to him describing the importance of physical exercise.

18. Tourist Attractions

Suppose, you are Shuvro. Write a letter to your foreign pen-friend describing him about the tourist attractions of your country.

19. Attentiveness to Studies

Suppose, you are Ziad. You came to know that your younger brother Zian is not attentive to his studies. Now, write a letter advising him to be attentive to his studies.

20. Summer Vacation

Write a letter to your friend telling him/her how you have spent the last summer vacation.

21. Consoling a Cousin

Suppose, you are Sopna. Your cousin, Rahela lives in Dhaka. She is suffering from Dengue fever. Now, write a letter consoling her not to worry about it.

Question No. 9 (Or): Email

Instructions: Write an email for each of the following scenarios.

1. Benefits of Reading Newspapers

Suppose, you are Ratul. Write an e-mail to your younger brother narrating the benefits of reading newspapers daily.

• Source: [DB-2019]

2. Progress of Studies

Suppose, you are Sohana/Sohan. Write an e-mail to your father telling him about your progress of studies.

• Source: [CB-2019]

3. Taking Part in Games and Sports

Suppose, you are Shamim, Rifat is your younger brother. Write an e-mail to your younger brother advising him to take part in games and sports regularly.

• Source: [RB-2019]

4. Preparing for the Examination

Suppose, your younger brother Kamal is an HSC Examinee. Now, write an e-mail telling him to study seriously to be well prepared for the ensuing examination.

• Source: [DjB-2019]

5. Inviting a Pen Friend

Suppose, you have a pen friend living in Canada. Now, write an e-mail inviting him to visit your country.

• Source: [JB-2019]

6. Requesting the Examination Routine

Write an e-mail to your friend requesting him/her to send you the routine of the HSC Examination-2019.

• Source: [CtgB-2019]

7. Reassuring Your Mother

Suppose, you have got an e-mail from your mother who is worried about your preparation for the upcoming HSC examination. Now, reply her to make her relieved of her tension.

• Source: [SB-2019]

8. Congratulating on a Debate Competition Win

Suppose, your friend got first prize on debate competition. Write an e-mail congratulating him.

• Source: [HSC Exam 2018 (Kha Set): CtgB-2017]

9. Scenic Beauty of Bangladesh

Suppose, you are Rafa. Write an e-mail to your foreign friend narrating the scenic beauty of Bangladesh.

• Source: [HSC Exam-2018 (Ka set)]

10. Preparation for the HSC Examination

Suppose, you are Tanzim. Now, write an e-mail to your friend telling him about how you have prepared yourself for the ensuing HSC Examination.

• Source: [JB-2017]

11. Replying to a Picnic Invitation

Suppose, you are Simi. Your friend Zakia sent you an e-mail inviting you to join a picnic at Bangabandhu Safari Park in Gazipur. Now, write a reply to the email.

• Source: [SB-2017]

12. Thanking for a Birthday Present

Suppose, you are Anis. Your e-mail ID is anis24@yahoo.com. You have a friend, Rafia. Her e-mail ID is rafia24@gmail.com. Now, write an e-mail thanking her for sending a nice present on your seventeenth birthday celebration.

• Source: [BB-2017]

13. Congratulating on Brilliant Success

Write an e-mail to your friend congratulating him on his brilliant success in the HSC Examination.

14. Refraining from Smoking

Suppose, you are Tania. Now, write an e-mail to your younger brother advising him to refrain from smoking.

15. Returning a Borrowed Book

Suppose, you are Ifti. Write an e-mail to your friend Rabbi asking him to return the book which he borrowed from you a month ago.

16. Invitation to a Marriage Ceremony

Write an email to your friend inviting him/her to the marriage ceremony of your sister.

17. Importance of Early Rising

Suppose, you are Roni/Rani. Your friend Nabil/Nabila lives in Cumilla. Now, write an e-mail to your friend about the importance of early rising.

18. Warning About Chikungunya

Suppose, 'Chikungunya' disease has become epidemic in the country. Send an email to your younger brother warning him about this infectious disease.

19. Annual Prize Giving Ceremony

Write an e-mail to your friend describing the annual prize giving ceremony of your college.

20. Bangladesh and Her People

Write an e-mail to your pen friend Suzana of England about Bangladesh and her people.

21. Condolence Message

Suppose, you have a bosom friend named Robi. Recently, he has lost his father. Now, send a condolence massage to your friend using his e-mail address.

22. Importance of Learning English

Suppose, you are Shovon. You have a friend named Shormi. She is a student of Class XI but she is not interested at all to learn English. Now, send an e-mail to him about the importance of learning English in all stages of life.

Question No. 10: Analysing Map/Graph/Chart

Instructions: Analyze the following maps, graphs, and charts. Describe the information presented in at least 80 words, highlighting the main features and trends.

1. Mobile Phone and Internet Users in Bangladesh (2014-2018)

The chart below shows the number of mobile phone and Internet users in Bangladesh, from the year 2014 to 2018.

• 2014: Mobile phone users - 115 million, Internet users - 15 million

• 2015: Mobile phone users - 122 million, Internet users - 19 million

• 2016: Mobile phone users - 132 million, Internet users - 21 million

• 2017: Mobile phone users - 130 million, Internet users - 67 million

• 2018: Mobile phone users - 140 million, Internet users - 81 million

• Source: [DB-2019]

2. The Internet Users (2000-2009)

The graph below shows 'The Internet Users' from 2000 to 2009. The number is mentioned in lakh.

• 2000: 0.003 lakh

• 2002: 1.5 lakh

• 2003: 2.43 lakh

• 2005: 3.00 lakh

• 2007: 5.00 lakh

• 2008: 5.56 lakh

• 2009: 6.17 lakh

• Source: [CB-2019; RB-2017]

3. Choice of Profession by Educated People

The graph chart shows the choice of profession by educated people in our country.

• Farming: 10%

• Business: 20%

• Govt. job: 60%

• Research work: 10%

• Banking: 40%

• Teaching: 30%

• Source: [JB-2019; CigB-2017]

4. Transportation Ways in Bangladesh

The pie-chart below shows the percentage of travellers in Bangladesh travelling in different transportation ways per day.

• Land vehicles: 75%

• Train: 10%

• Launch and Steamer: 8%

• Bicycle and others: 2%

• Boats: 5%

• Source: [RB-2019]

5. Sources of Environment Pollution

Look at the chart below. It shows the sources of environment pollution in a city.

• Industrial wastes and toxic chemicals: 60%

• Vehicles: 15%

• Household wastes: 15%

• Power house: 2%

• Others: 8%

• Source: [DjB-2019]

6. Sources of Air Pollution

The chart below shows the sources of air pollution in a city.

• Vehicles: 60%

• Industry: 18%

• Power Plant: 13%

• Heating or using AC: 6%

• Waste disposal: 3%

• Source: [CigB-2019]

7. Increase in Overseas Students

The graph below shows an increase in the number of overseas students at the universities which usually takes place over a period of time.

• 1995: ~250

• 2000: ~250

• 2005: ~320

• 2010: ~850

• 2015: ~1100

• 2020: ~1150

• Source: [SB-2019]

8. Internet Users in Town and Village (2010-2015)

The graph below shows 'The number of Internet users in town and village from 2010 to 2015'.

• 2010: Town - 10%, Village - 4%

• 2011: Town - 14%, Village - 5%

• 2012: Town - 20%, Village - 8%

• 2013: Town - 27%, Village - 13%

• 2014: Town - 35%, Village - 20%

• 2015: Town - 45%, Village - 25%

• Source: [BB-2019]

9. People Living Below the Poverty Line (1995-2010)

The graph below shows 'the number of people living below the poverty line' from 1995 to 2010.

• 1995: 35%

• 2004: 45%

• 2008: 30%

• 2010: 28%

• Source: [HSC Exam-2018 (Kha set); JB-2017]

10. Literacy Rate of Bangladesh (1995-2010)

The graph below shows the literacy rate of Bangladesh from 1995 to 2010.

• 1995: 38.1%

• 2000: 56%

• 2001: 47.9%

• 2003: 43.1%

• 2010: 56.8%

• Source: [HSC Exam-2018 (Ka set)]

11. Time Allocation of Students' Daily Activities

The pie chart below shows the time allocation of students' daily activities.

• sleep: 30%

• school and house: 25%

• study: 20%

• recreation: 12%

• others: 8%

• play: 5%

• Source: [CB-2017]

12. Family's Household Income Distribution

Look at the chart below. It shows the sources of air pollution in a city.

• Food: 25%

• Education: 22%

• Saving: 15%

• Clothes: 13%

• Transport: 12%

• Others: 8%

• Power: 5%

• Source: [DjB-2017]

13. Family's Household Income Distribution

The pie-chart below shows the percentage of a family's household income distributed into different categories.

• Food: 25%

• Education: 22%

• Saving: 15%

• Clothes: 13%

• Transport: 12%

• Others: 8%

• Power: 5%

• Source: [BB-2017]

14. Violence Against Married Women

The graph below shows the percentage of 15-19 and 20-24 year old married women in urban and rural areas in Bangladesh who have experienced physical or sexual violence.

• Urban (15-19): Physical violence - 35.3%, Sexual violence - 11.8%

• Urban (20-24): Physical violence - 45.2%, Sexual violence - 16.8%

• Rural (15-19): Physical violence - 39.8%, Sexual violence - 22.2%

• Rural (20-24): Physical violence - 42.3%, Sexual violence - 20.2%

• Source: Health Profile of Adolescents and Youth in Bangladesh, Govt. of Bngaladesh, 2007, page-23

15. Average Temperature in Bangladesh (2017)

The graph below shows the average temperature of the year 2017 in Bangladesh.

• Jan: 10°C

• Feb: 18°C

• Mar: 31°C

• April: 30°C

• May: 32°C

• June: 36°C

• July: 36°C

• Aug: 33°C

• Sept: 34°C

• Oct: 28°C

• Nov: 25°C

• Dec: 16°C

16. Pastime Activities of Students (1990-2010)

Look at the following graph. It shows different types of pastime activities of the students of Bangladesh from 1990 to 2010.

• 1990: Watching TV - 40%, Games and Sports - 50%, Online Programme - 10%

• 2000: Watching TV - 48%, Games and Sports - 40%, Online Programme - 15%

• 2010: Watching TV - 55%, Games and Sports - 30%, Online Programme - 25%

17. Literacy Rate of Bangladesh

Look at the following graph. It shows the literacy rate of Bangladesh in different years.

18. Road Accidents in Bangladesh (2009-2013)

The graph below shows the number of road accidents in Bangladesh.

• 2009: No. of Accident - 2631, Killed - 2498, Injured - 2325

• 2010: No. of Accident - 2254, Killed - 2108, Injured - 1661

• 2011: No. of Accident - 2054, Killed - 2119, Injured - 1374

• 2012: No. of Accident - 1979, Killed - 2063, Injured - 1904

• 2013: No. of Accident - 1525, Killed - 1543, Injured - 1247

19. HSC Exam Results of ABC College (2012-2016)

The graph below shows the results of HSC exam of ABC College from 2012 to 2016.

• 2012: Passed - ~65%, GPA 5 - ~15%

• 2013: Passed - ~78%, GPA 5 - ~17%

• 2014: Passed - ~82%, GPA 5 - ~25%

• 2015: Passed - ~88%, GPA 5 - ~12%

• 2016: Passed - ~95%, GPA 5 - ~32%

20. Book Sales at Ekushey Boi Mela (2016)

Look at the following graph. It shows a comparative selling rate of four types of books in Ekushey Boi Mela 2016.

• Science fiction: ~3000

• Novel: ~4500

• History: ~2500

• Poetry: ~500

21. Reasons for Not Taking Treatment

The graph below shows the major reasons for not taking treatment.

• Lack of money: Male - 37.1%, Female - 38.8%

• Disease was not serious: Male - 15%, Female - 14.2%

• Disease was tolerable: Male - 9.5%, Female - 8%

• Inconvenience of transport: Male - 8.9%, Female - 8.1%

• Often absence of medical personnel in hospital: Male - 21.1%, Female - 19%

22. Infant Mortality Rate in Bangladesh (2005-2013)

The graph below shows the Infant Mortality Rate in Bangladesh.

• 2005: 62.6

• 2007: 59.12

• 2009: 59

• 2011: 50.73

• 2013: 47.5

23. Benefits of Girls' Education

The chart below shows the benefits of girls' education.

• Improved health and nutrition

• Reduced population growth

• Increased economic productivity

• Sustained development efforts

24. Population Growth Rate of Bangladesh (2009-2013)

The graphs below show "Population Growth Rate" from 2009 to 2013.

• 2009: 2.80%

• 2010: 2.16%

• 2011: 1.90%

• 2012: 2.10%

• 2013: 1.33%

25. Types of Books in a College Library

Look at the pie-chart below. It shows the percentage of the types of books in a college library. Suppose, there are 10,000 books altogether in the library.

• Literature: 30%

• Others: 20%

• Science: 18%

• Philosophy: 12%

• Math: 12%

• History: 8%

26. Monthly Expenses of a Family

Look at the chart. It shows the distribution of the percentages of a family's income into different categories.

• Others: 35%

• Food: 22%

• Education: 20%

• Rent: 15%

• Transport: 8%

27. Export and Import Rate of Bangladesh (2008-2012)

The graph below shows the export and import rate of Bangladesh from 2008 to 2012.

• 2008: Export - 18.43, Import - 20.5

• 2009: Export - 16.1, Import - 21.65

• 2010: Export - 15.46, Import - 22.4

• 2011: Export - 14.78, Import - 33.3

• 2012: Export - 13.67, Import - 25.45

28. Household Income of Mrs. Hamid

The pie chart shows the distribution of household income of Mrs Hamid.

• Accommodation: 23%

• Clothing: 11%

• Telephone and Internet: 9%

• Children's Education cost: 9%

• Transportation: 7%

• Traveling Abroad: 7%

Question No. 11: Appreciating Short Stories/Poems

Instructions: Write down the theme of the following poems and short stories.

1. Poem: "The Lake Isle of Innisfree"

I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree, And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made; Nine bean rows will I have there, a hive for the honey bee And live alone in the bee loud glade.

And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings. There midnight's all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow, And evening full of the linnet's wings

I will arise and go now, for always night and day I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore; While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey, I hear it in the deep heart's core.

• Source: [DB-2019: DjB-2019;RB-2018]

2. Poem: "Dreams"

Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly.

'Hold fast to dreams For when dreams go Life is a barren field Frozen with snow.

• Source: [BB-2019 JB-2017]

3. Poem: "I died for beauty, but was scarce"

I died for beauty, but was scarce Adjusted in the tomb, When one who died for truth was lain In an adjoining room.

He questioned softly why I failed? "For beauty," I replied. "And for truth- the two are one; We brethren are", he said.

And so, as kinsmen met a night, We talked between the rooms, Until the moss had reached our lips, And covered up our names.

• Source: [CB-2019]

4. Poem: "September 1, 1939"

I sit in one of the dives On fifty second street- Uncertain and afraid As the clever hopes expire, Of a low dishonest decade Waves of anger and fear Circulate over the bright And darkened lands of the earth. Obsessing our private lives; The unmentionable odour of death Offends the September night.

• Source: [RB-2019] [CtgB-2019]

5. Poem: "I wandered lonely as a cloud"

I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o'er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dartcing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine And twinkle on the milky way, They stretched in never-ending line Along the margin of a bay Ten thousand saw I at a glance, Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

• Source: [JB-2019]

6. Poem: "My heart leaps up"

My heart leaps up when I behold A rainbow in the sky; So was it when my life began; So is it now I am a man; So be it when I shall grow old, Or let me die! The child is father of the Man; And I could wish my days to be Bound each to each by natural piety.

7. Poem: "Who is blind?"

If you fail to see the person But only see the disability, Then who is blind?

If you cannot hear Your brother's Cry for justice, Who is deaf?

If you do not communicate With your sister But separate her from you, Who is the mentally handicapped?

If you do not stand up For the rights of all persons, Who is the crippled?

Your attitude Towards persons with disabilities May be our biggest handicap.

• Source: [SB-2019]

8. Poem: "Blow, blow, thou winter wind"

Blow, blow, thou winter wind, Thou art not so unkind As man's ingratitude; Thy tooth is not so keen Because thou art not seen Although thy breath be rude.

Heigh-ho! sing heigh-ho! unto the green holly; Most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly: Then heigh-ho, the holly! This life is most jolly.

Freeze, freeze, thou bitter sky, That dost not bite so nigh As benefits forgot;

• Source: [HSC Exam 2018 (Ka Set); BB-2017]

9. Poem: "Time, you old gipsy man"

Time, you old gipsy man, Will you not stay, Put up your caravan Just for one day?

All things I'll give you, Will you be my guest? Bells for your jennet Of silver the best.

Goldsmiths shall beat you A great golden ring, Peacocks shall bow to you, Little boys sing.

Oh, and sweet girls will Festoon you with May, TIME, you old gipsy; Why hasten away?

• Source: [HSC Exam 2018 (Kha Set); DjB-2017]

10. Poem: "The School Boy"

O father and mother if buds are nipped, And blossoms blown away; And if the tender plants are stripped Of their joy in the springing day, By sorrow and care's dismay,-

How shall the summer arise in joy, Or the summer fruits appear? Or how shall we gather what griefs destroy, Or bless the mellowing year, When the blasts of winter appear?

• Source: [DB-2017]

11. Poem: "The School Boy"

I love to rise in a summer morn, When the birds sing on every tree; The distant huntsman winds his horn, And the skylark sings with me: O what sweet company!

But to go to school in a summer morn,- O it drives all joy away! Under a cruel eye outworn, The little ones spend the day In sighing and dismay.

Ah! then at times I drooping sit, And spend many an anxious hour; Nor in my book can I take delight, Nor sit in learning's bower Worn through with the dreary shower.

How can the bird that is born for joy Sit in a cage and sing? How can a child, when fears annoy, But droop his tender wing, And forget his youthful spring!

• Source: [CB-2017]

12. Poem: "Under the greenwood tree"

Under the greenwood tree Who loves to lie with me, And turn his merry note Unto the sweet bird's throat, Come hither, come hither, come hither: Here shall he see No enemy But winter and rough weather.

Who doth ambition shun, And loves to live i' the sun, Seeking the food he eats, And pleas'd with what he gets, Come hither, come hither, come hither: Here shall he see No enemy But winter and rough weather.

• Source: [SB-2017]

13. Poem: "All people dream"

All people dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their mind, Wake in the morning to find that it was vanity.

But the dreamers of the day are dangerous people, For they dream their dreams with open eyes, And make them come true.

14. Poem: "The Charge of the Light Brigade"

Half a league, half a league, Half a league onward, All in the valley of Death, Rode the six hundred. 'Forward, the Light Brigade! Charge for the guns' he said: Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred.

15. Poem: "Bengal's Face"

Because I have seen Bengal's face I will seek no more; The world has not anything more beautiful to show me. Waking up in darkness, gazing at the fig-tree, I behold Dawn's swallows roosting under huge umbrella-like leaves. I look around me And discover a leafy dome-Jam, Kanthal, Bat, Hijol and Aswatha trees- All in a hush, shadowing clumps of cactus and zedoary bushes.

When long, long ago, Chand came in his honeycombed boat. To a blue Hijal, Bat and Tamal shade near the Champa, he too sighted Bengal's incomparable beauty. One day, alas. In the Ganguri, On a raft, as the waning moon sank on the river's sandbanks, Behula too saw countless aswaths bats besides golden rice fields. And heard the thrush's soft song. One day, arriving in Amara, Where gods held court, when she danced like a desolate wagtail, Bengal's rivers, fields, flowers, wailed like strings of bells on her feet.

16. Poem: "To Daffodils"

Fair Daffodils, We weep to see You haste away so soon; As yet the early-rising sun Has not attain his noon Stay, stay, Until the hasting day Has run But to the even-spong. And, having pray'd together, we Will go with you along.

We have short time to stay, as you, We have as short spring.. As quick a growth to meet decay, As you, or anything. We die As your hours do, and dry away, Like to the summer's rain: Or as the pearls of morning's dew, Ne'er to be found again.

17. Poem: "Leisure"

What is this life if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare.

No time to stand beneath the boughs And stare as long as sheep or cows.

No time to see, when woods we pass, Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.

No time to see, in broad day light, Streams full of stars, like skies at night.

A poor life this is if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare.

18. Poem: "The Traffic Police"

Amidst killer speeds I stand Facing the traffic, stretching my hand. I am seen on kids' books and as cartoons everywhere Educating people and asking them to beware Of the erratic traffic and the signboards Seen on almost all the roads.

So that you're safe I see each one of you But my sweat, my plight on the road sees who? Be it sunny or rainy, For your safety I must be Vigil and agile, on the middle Standing erect, as fit as a fiddle.

Oh! My ear hurts! Oh! My head aches! Oh! Look at the weather...such unpredictable days! But I cannot swerve; I must be on duty, I care for your safety. Be it noisy or dusty; Be it sunny or rainy; I must be on duty. I care for your safety.

19. Poem: "Life"

Life is a challenge - meet it. Life is a gift accept it. Life is an adventure dare it. Life is a sorrow overcome it. Life is a tragedy - accept it. Life is a duty-perform it. Life is a game play it. Life is a mystery - unfold it. Life is a song-sing it. Life is an opportunity - take it. Life is a promise - fulfil it. Life is a struggle - fight it. Life is a puzzle - solve it.

20. Poem: "The Road Not Taken"

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveller, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth.

Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that, the passing there Had worn them really about the same.

And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I- I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference.

21. Poem: "Death, be not proud"

Death, be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so: For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow Die not, poor Death; nor yet canst thou kill me, From Rest and Sleep, which but thy picture be, Much pleasure, then from thee much more must flow; And soonest our best men with thee do go- Rest of their bones and souls' delivery!

Thou'rt slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men. And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell; And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well And better than thy stroke. Why swell'st thou then? One short sleep past, we wake eternally, And Death shall be no more: Death, thou shalt die!

22. Short Story: "The Two Brothers"

There were two brothers in a village. One was Karim by name and the other was Bashir. Karim was elder brother of Bashir. They began to grow up gradually. Suddenly their father died. They fell in problem to some extent. Karim was cleverer than Bashir. The younger was very simple and honest. Karim always made his brother do difficult work and himself did not do any work. They had two things. One was a cow and the other was a palm tree. One day the two brothers divided their properties. Karim took the back part of the cow and gave the front to his brother. In the same way, Karim himself took the top of the palm tree and gave the bottom to his brother. Karim began to enjoy the benefit of the properties. But Bashir was deprived of getting any advantage. Karim began to drink milk and juice of the palm tree. One day a clever man in the village, advised Bashir to cut down the palm tree of his own portion and stop feeding the cow. Then the problem was solved.

• Source: [CtgB-2017]

23. Short Story: "The Boy with a Bad Temper"

There once was a young boy with a very bad temper. The boy's father wanted to teach him a lesson, so he gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper he must hammer a nail into their wooden fence. On the first day of this lesson, the little boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. He was really mad! Over the course of the next few weeks, the little boy began to control his temper, so the number of nails that were hammered into the fence dramatically decreased. It wasn't long before the little boy discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence. Then, the day finally came when the little boy didn't lose his temper even once, and he became so proud of himself, he couldn't wait to tell his father.Pleased, his father suggested that he now pull out one nail for each day that he could hold his temper.Several weeks went by and the day finally came when the yonng boy was ablve to tell his father that all the nails were gone. Very gently, the father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. "You have done very well, my son," he smiled, "but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same." The little boy listened carefully as his father continued to speak. "When you say things in anger, they leave permanent scars just like these. And no matter how many times you say you're sorry, the wounds will still be there."

24. Short Story: "The Father and Daughter"

A little girl and her father were crossing a bridge. Father was kind of scared so he asked his daughter, "Sweetheart, please hold my hand so that you don't fall into the river." The little girl said, "No, dad. You hold my hand." "What's the difference?" asked the puzzled father. "There's big difference," replied the little girl. "If I hold your hand and something happens to me, chances are that I may let your hand go. But if you hold my hand, I know for sure that no matter what happens, you will never let my hand go."

25. Short Story: "Sir Isaac Newton and the Egg"

All the scientists are usually absorbed in thinking deeply. Sir Isaac Newton used to be deeply occupied with study of the difficult problems. He used to forget about the daily necessaries of his life. On one occasion, he was very much engaged with some problems. He was in his laboratory at that time. He felt hungry and wanted to eat something. He called his maid-servant and told her to bring an egg. After a while, the maid came back with an egg and wanted to know what to do. He was then absorbed in a deep experiment. So, he gesticulated at her to keep the egg on the table. The servant kept the egg there and went away. Then Newton again became busy with his work. Suddenly, it appeared in his mind that he should eat the egg. For this, he fired the burner and put a pot of water on it to boil the egg. When the water started boiling, he wanted to put the egg into the pot. But he put his watch into the boiling water instead of egg forgetfully. He again returned to experiment and when his conscience returned, he found his watch in the pot still boiling. This is one of the best examples of attention of the great men like Newton. And this is the key point for their great achievement.

26. Short Story: "The Island of Feelings"

Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings lived: Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all of the others, including Love. One day, it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all the feelings prepared their boats to leave the island except Love. Love was the only one who stayed. Love wanted to hold out until the last possible moment. When the island had almost sunk, Love decided to ask for help. Richness was passing by in a grand boat. Love said, "Richness, can you take me with you?" Richness answered, "No, I can't. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no place here for you." Love decided to ask Vanity who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel. "Vanity, please help me!" "I can't help you, Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat," Vanity answered. Sadness was close by, so Love asked, "Sadness, let me go with you." "Oh... Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself!" Happiness passed by Love, too, but she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called her. Suddenly, there was a voice, "Come, Love, I will take you." It was an elder. So blessed and overjoyed, Love even forgot to ask the name of the elder. When they arrived at a dry land, the elder went his own way. Realising how much she owed the elder, Love asked Knowledge, another elder, "Who helped me?" "It was Time," Knowledge answered.

27. Short Story: "Belling the Cat"

A large number of mice lived in a farm. Once, an old cat arrived at the place. It spread terror among the mice. None dared to come outside in fear of death. All the mice of the mouse-colony decided to hold a conference to seek a solution. Taking advantage of the cat's absence, one day mice of all ages got together in a conference. Each one put forward a suggestion, but none of the ideas was really practical. "Let's make a big trap," one mouse suggested. This idea was turned down and, another said, "What about poisoning her?" But nobody knew which poison could kill cats. One young widow, whose husband had fallen prey to the ferocious cat, angrily proposed, "Let's cut her claws and teeth, so that she can do no more harm." But the conference did not approve of the widow's idea. At last, a mouse, wiser than others, waving a bell, called for silence. "We'll tie this bell to the cat's neck, so we'll always know where she is! We'll have time to escape." All of the mice clapped at the wise mouse's words and everyone congratulated him on his good idea. However, the wise mouse rang the bell again for silence. "We must decide who's going to bell the cat," he said. There was no sound except a faint murmur: "I can't because........." Nobody was brave enough to come forward to materialise the idea and the conference ended in smoke.

28. Short Story: "The Monkey and the Elephant"

One day, a monkey was playing beside a river. He saw a big elephant coming. He picked up a stone and hid behind a tree. When the elephant came nearer, he threw the stone at him. The stone hit the elephant on the back. Then the monkey hid behind the tree again. The elephant turned round and cried angrily, "Hey. who's there stoning at me!" However, the elephant could not see any animal. Shaking his big head, the elephant walked on. The naughty monkey smiled. He picked up another stone and threw it at the elephant again. This time, the stone hit the elephant on the head. The elephant turned round quickly. This time, he saw the monkey. The monkey was hiding behind the tree. Now, the elephant knew who had hit him. He said, "Oh, you naughty monkey! I must teach you a good lesson." He went to the river nearby. He put the trunk into the river. When the trunk was full of water, he went near the monkey. When the monkey saw the elephant coming, he climbed up the tree. He laughed at the elephant. The elephant lifted his trunk. He sprayed the water with full force on the monkey. The monkey was wet all over. He could not open his eyes. He cried out in severe pain. Now, the elephant laughed at the monkey. The monkey fell down on the ground. At last, he died.

29. Short Story: "The Jar of Life"

A philosophy professor stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty glass jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks about 2 inches in diameter. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. So, the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up the remaining open areas of the jar. He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "Yes." "Now," said the professor, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things your family, your partner, your health, and your children things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter - like your job, your house, your car. The sand is everything else, the small stuff." "If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party, or fix the disposal." "Take care of the rocks first; the rest is just sand."

30. Short Story: "The Two Friends"

John and James were best friends. They fought for many reasons and but never gave up their friendship. They went in search of a job and visited many places to earn more money. They passed through various places, villages, towns, forests and beaches. They were supporting each other all the way throughout their journey. One day, they reached a desert. They had a very little food and water. John told James that they should save the food and water for later use. However, James disagreed. He wanted to drink the water as he was very thirsty. They quarrelled with each other over water. John slapped James and they walked in silence. They decided to have food and continue their journey. James wrote on the sand, 'My best friend slapped me!?’ They shared the meager amount of food and water and finally reached an oasis. They were very tired after passing through the dry and hot desert. James was so happy to see the oasis and had a lot of fun in the water. While they both were bathing, James was a bit careless and began to drown. John rushed to him and saved him. James hugged his friend and thanked him. They had a little nap and decided to leave the place. When they were about to leave, James carved something on the rock. It was "My best friend saved my life!" John asked, "Why are you marking all these here, James?" James replied, "You slapped me, I wrote on the sand. It was definitely not good. However, if you go. and see the sand, you can find no letter written in the sand. Now, I carved the good thing on the stone, and it will remain forever!"

31. Short Story: "The Vain Jackdaw"

A jackdaw was so proud of his fine coat of black feathers that he thought himself too grand to live among the other jackdaws. He picked up a number of beautiful feathers that had fallen from a peacock's tail. Then he carefully adorned himself with them. Then this vain jackdaw walked up to a family of peacocks, as though he were one of them. The peacocks soon found out that he was only a jackdaw, so they quickly set upon him and drove him away. Then the jackdaw returned to his own friends, but they were so offended that they refused to have anything more to do with him.