HSC Sylhet Board -2024 English 1st Paper Question with Answer
Mymensingh Board 2024
ENGLISH FIRST PAPER
[According to the Syllabus of 2024]
Subject Code: 10 7
Time 3 hours Full marks-100
[N.B. The figures in the right margin indicate full marks.]
Part I-Reading Test Marks-60
1. Read the passage and answer the questions A
Adolescents constitute a nation’s core resource for national renewal and growth. Adolescence is a period in life when transition from childhood to adulthood takes place and behaviours and life styles are shaped. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), adolescence is the period which shapes the future of girls’ and boys’ lives. There are 28 million adolescents in Bangladesh: 13.7 million of them are girls and 14.3 million boys.
The situation of adolescent girls in Bangladesh is characterized by inequality and subordination within the family and society. This inequality leads to widespread practice of child marriage. marginalisation or exclusion from health, education and economic opportunities and vulnerability to violence and sexual abuse. In Bangladesh, the legal age of marriage is 18 for girls and 21 for boys. However, 33 percent of adolescent girls are married off before the age of 15 and 60 percent become mothers by the age of 19. Researches find that adolescents with higher level of education and from more affluent families tend to marry at a later age. Boys, however, become ready for marriage only after several years of adolescence and young adulthood.
A. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives: Marks 0.5×10=5
(a) What does the word ‘constitute’ mean?
(i) form (ii) take (iii) add (iv) make
(b) The synonym of ‘legal’ is
(i) illicit (ii) banned (iii) lawful (iv) prohibited
(c) The phrase ‘leads to refers to
(i) results of (ii) results in (iii) results from (iv) results to
(d) Adolescence is a -period from childhood to adulthood.
(i) constant (ii) rigid (iii) fixed (iv) transitional
(e) The word ‘economic’ can be replaced by-
(i) monetary (ii) cheap (iii) financial (iv) economical
(f) What could be the closest meaning of the word ‘core’ in the first sentence?
(i) Alternative (ii) Central (iii) Subsidiary (iv) Minor
(g) The phrase take place’ stands for-
(i) occur (ii) go to a place (iii) happen (iv) destroy
(h) The synonym of affluent is-
(i) destitute (ii) poverty (iii) poor (iv) solvent
(i) The transition from childhood to adulthood takes place in life-
(i) during childhood (ii) in adolescence
(iii) before death (iv) when they get maturity
(j) The word ‘marginalisation’ refers to-
(i) holding a lot of money (ii) holding no power
(iii) boldness in decision making (iv) having empathy
B. Answer the following questions: 3×5=15
(a) What do you understand by adolescence?
(b) What is the condition of girls in Bangladesh?
(c) What is gender disparity? What are the consequences of it?
(d) Which factors are responsible for girls’ early marriage?
(e) Why is adolescence an important period in life?
2. Based on the text below write short notes in each of the boxes mentioning the benefits of education to make a flow chart (No. 1 has been done for you):
Education gives us knowledge and a set of abilities to function meaningfully in life such as the ability to decide things rationally and make the right choices. As we learn how to read, write and do the basic operations of arithmetic, we gain a degree of self confidence. We learn to think for ourselves and articulate our thoughts; we pick up skills to communicate with others and manage our affairs well. Education helps us think independently and make our own opinions. As we know more about the world, we appreciate the good things it offers us but also become critical of the durations from the values it imparts and the rise of hatred or conflict that follows.
Offering a set of abilities
Helping us function meaningfully
Giving the ability to decide things rationally
Helping us make the right choices
Helping us gain a degree of self confidence
Helping us think independently
3. Write a summary of the following passage:
Sheikh Kamal knew that there is no short cut to success. He groomed himself up as a young man who earned success by dint of perseverance and commitment. When the Pakistan military began its genocide in Bangladesh, he joined the Liberation War and received military training at Camp Murtee located at the Himalayan foothills in India. The tall young man who carried himself with dignity and possessed remarkable traits of leadership became the ADC of General Ataul Goni Osmani, the Commander in Chief of Bangladesh Armed Forces during the Liberation War. After Independence, Sheikh Kamal could easily remain in Bangladesh Army and pass a secure life but he preferred to engage himself in country building and organizing the young forces to that end. Journalist Syed Ishtiaq Reza in one of his columns ‘Ekjon Sheikh Kamal’ in Bangla Tribune rightly says that the unique qualities of Sheikh Kamal’s character, especially his wholehearted involvement in sports and culture are never seen in any son or daughter of any President, Prime Minister or High Officials in Bangladesh.
4. Read the following text and fill in the blanks with suitable words from the box. There are more words than needed. Make any grammatical change if necessary:
alleviation | burden | liability | explosion | asset | resource |
predict | poverty | possible | think | planning | crises |
Population (a)_______ is considered as one of the greatest (b)_______ in our country. Many people (c)_______ that over population is (d)_______ and it causes (e)________ But, in fact, proper (f)_______ and management can turn this (g) __________ into an asset. If we can develop our human (h)_______ properly, it can be a (i)_________ way for poverty (j)________
5. Fill in the blanks with an appropriate word in each gap:
Self employment means to create job opportunity for oneself by one’s own effort. Various government organizations (a)______ trying to create (b)_______ congenial atmosphere for (c)_______ Different NGOs have (d)_______ rendered their help. Livestock (e)________ rmiculture farming, poultry (f)________ are some of (g) _______ seekers. There are (h) _______ opportunities for self (i)__________ in Bangladesh. One (j) _________ easily engage oneself in these jobs.
6. Rearrange the following sentences to make a coherent order: 1×10=10
(i) He asked him where God is.
(ii) He praised him highly.
(iii) Once a lad went to a famous teacher.
(iv) The teacher thought highly of the boy’s understanding.
(v) The lad replied that he would answer if he would tell where he is not.
(vi) The boy devoted himself to earning knowledge.
(vii) He begged to instruct him in arts and science.
(viii) He agreed to teach the lad.
(ix) He expressed his desire to acquire knowledge.
(x) The teacher wished to find out the ability of the boy.
Part II-Guided Writing Marks-40
7. The pie chart below shows Rima’s time spending on various activities. 15 Describe the chart in at least 80 words: Sleep 25% Entertainment 15% Home work 10% School 25% Playing 19% MealsThe following is the beginning of a story. Complete it in your own words: Once a lion was sleeping in a forest. Suddenly a mouse came there. It did not notice the lion. . 15
9. Write a letter to your brother describing the importance of reading newspaper. 10
Key
HSC Sylhet Board -2024 English 2nd Paper Question with Answer
Set-02
SECOND PAPER[According to the Syllabus of 2024]Subject Code: 108
Full Marks-100
Part A—Grammar
1. Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions:
We learn civics and manners (a) ___ our parents and various institutions such as schools, colleges, or professional bodies. There are rules (b) ___ behavior (c) ___ all kinds (d) ___ social occasions, and it is important to learn them and practise them (e) ___ everyday life. The manners that are correct (f) ___ a wedding reception will not do (g) ___ a debating club. Therefore, we have to be careful (h) ___ etiquette and manners. We know how important it is to say “please” and “thank you” (i) ___ everyday life. A few more polite expressions such (j) ___ “Pardon me,” “Excuse me,” and “May I” are bound to make your day smooth and pleasant.
Answers
(a) by(b) of(c) for(d) of(e) in(f) at(g) for(h) about(i) in(j) to
2. Complete the sentences with suitable phrases/words given in the box:
What's...like | let alone | There | would rather |
it | What does...look like | had better | as soon as |
was born | has to |
(a) Sumi talks too much. It is ___ she were a mad.(b) Can anyone tell me ___? I have never seen an elephant.(c) I am eagerly waiting for your reply. Please answer me ___ you can.(d) ___ swimming in a river? I am so excited.(e) Helmet should be used while driving a motorbike. ___ you were in a bike and met a serious accident?(f) It is a secret matter. We ___ not discuss this in public.(g) Socrates who was sentenced to death by drinking hemlock ___ in 469 BC.(h) I ___ take an auto bike than go to college on foot. The exam is about to start.(i) Sometimes we ___ accept something unwillingly for the sake of peace.(j) I can hardly walk ___ run a race.
Answers
(a) as if(b) what an elephant looks like(c) as soon as(d) What’s it like(e) Had better(f) had better(g) was born(h) would rather(i) have to(j) let alone
3.Complete the following sentences with suitable clauses/phrases:
(a) Trees are essential for our existence. So, ___ we should plant more trees.
(b) The rats are now thinking who will tie the bell on the cat? Finally, they realize it is easy to say ___ than to do.
(c) Wait until ___ you are ready. You should not go out alone.
(d) Love is divine. You can’t find others to love you unless ___ you love them.
(e) Punctuality is a great virtue. So, try ___ to be punctual.
(f) The patient was so serious, and we were looking for a doctor. Alas! The patient had died before ___ the doctor arrived.
(g) Sharing is ___ a great virtue. So, teach your children how to share.
(h) Everybody must be conscious of health because ___ health is wealth.
(i) The train will start at 10 am. Now it is 09:55 am. So, walk fast lest ___ you miss the train.
(j) Corruption is a hindrance to national development. It is high time ___ we took steps against corruption.
Answers:
(a) we should plant more trees(b) than to do(c) you are ready(d) you love them(e) to be punctual(f) the doctor arrived(g) a great virtue(h) health is wealth(i) you might miss the train(j) we took steps against corruption
4. Read the following text and fill the gaps with the correct form of the verbs as per the subject and context:
Once upon a time, there (a) ______ a king who was very fond of (b) ______ his future from the astrologers. A famous astrologer (c) ______ at his capital on his way home. The king called on him to (d) ______ about the future, and the astrologer (e) ______ him something unpleasant. At this, the king (f) ______ furious and (g) ______ him to death, saying, "Men like you (h) ______ not live to spoil the peace of the world?” But another thought (i) ______ his mind before the astrologer (j) ______ sent for execution. “How long will you (k) ______?” asked the king. With ready wit, the astrologer said, “The stars (l) ______ that I shall die only a week before your majesty, so goodbye.” (m) ______ this, the king turned pale like a dead man and shouted, “Drive this wretch away, let him (n) ______ come here again.”
Answers:
(a) was(b) knowing(c) stopped(d) know(e) told(f) got(g) condemned(h) should not live(i) crossed(j) was sent(k) live(l) declare(m) Hearing(n) not come
5. Change the form of narrative style by using indirect speeches:
“Oh, my Lord! Please do not kill the child,” cried the woman. “Let her have the child.” The king said, “Now everything is clear to me.” Pointing to the woman, the king again said to the servant, “Give her the child. She is the real mother.”
Rewrite in Indirect Speech: The woman addressed the king as her lord and asked him not to kill the child. Then the king ordered his servant to let her have the child. Again, the king said that everything was clear to him then. Pointing to the woman, the king again ordered his servant to give her the child. The king also said that she was the real mother.
6. Read the following text and use modifiers as directed in the blank spaces:
Once there lived a (a) ___ fox in a jungle. One day, while he was walking (b) ___, he fell into a trap and lost his tail. He felt very unhappy and sad. But the fox was (c) ___ cunning too. He hit upon a plan and invited all the foxes (d) ___ . When all the foxes arrived, the fox, (e) ___, said, “My dear friends, I have discovered a new thing. It is that (f) ___ tails are quite useless. They look (g) ___ ugly and dirty too. So, we all should cut off our tails, shouldn’t we?” Most of them agreed with the cunning fox (h) ___ their tails. But an old and (i) ___ fox said to the cunning fox, “My friend, your plan is nice but evil. Actually, you want to cut off our tails because you have lost (j) ___ tail of your own.”
Answers:
(a) cunning(b) in the jungle(c) quite(d) to cut off their tails(e) the cunning fox(f) the foxes'(g) very(h) to cut off(i) wise(j) your
7. Use appropriate sentence connectors in the blank spaces of the following passage:
Teaching is a noble profession. (a) ___ to be a teacher, one must possess some noble qualities too. (b) ___, he should be a student. (c) ___ teaching is related to knowledge, he can’t acquire knowledge (d) ___ he is a student. (e) ___ a teacher thinks (f) ___ he knows everything, he can't be a good teacher. (g) ___ thirst for knowledge is the second best quality of a teacher. (h) ___, a teacher should be a psychologist. Different students have different ways of learning. (i) ___ the teacher needs to teach his students by studying their psychology. Fourthly, a teacher should have good delivery power. (j) ___ his voice should be clear (k) ___ artistic. (l) ___ a teacher should be an actor (m) ___ he needs to behave according to the classroom situation. And (n) ___, a teacher must be a good human being.
Answers:
(a) In order(b) Furthermore(c) Since(d) unless(e) If(f) he(g) Moreover(h) Therefore(i) Thus(j) and(k) and(l) Moreover(m) as(n) Finally
8. Read the passage below and write the antonym or synonym of the words as directed:
Smoking is a very bad habit and is also extremely dangerous. It is so perilous that it can lead to serious health issues such as cancer, heart attacks, high blood pressure, chronic ailments, and other severe diseases. Smoking tobacco products is a major health hazard. One puff of cigarette smoke contains billions of harmful particles, including nicotine, methyl alcohol, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, arsenic, and various other acids. These substances are highly fatal and injurious to health. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, which impedes the normal flow of blood and oxygen in the body, causing the heart to beat faster. Arsenic and tobacco tar are known carcinogens for both animals and humans. Tobacco tar creates a brown, sticky mass inside the lungs and obstructs the easy flow of blood. In short, the dangers of smoking are vast and undeniable, and everyone should avoid it to lead a happy and peaceful life.
(a) Dangerous (synonym)(b) Mortifying (antonym)(c) Cause (synonym)(d) Major (antonym)(e) Fatal (antonym)(f) Injurious (synonym)(g) Impede (antonym)(h) Normal (synonym)(i) Inside (antonym)(j) Hinder (synonym)(k) Poisonous (synonym)(l) Unlimited (antonym)(m) Avoid (antonym)(n) Peaceful (antonym)
Answers:
(a) Hazardous(b) Constructive/Safe(c) Make/Cause(d) Minor(e) Fatal(f) Harmful(g) Assist/Help/Support(h) Simple/Common/Usual(i) Outside(j) Obstruct/Interrupt(k) Venomous(l) Limited(m) Seek(n) Turbulent
9. There are fourteen errors in the use of punctuation in the following text. Re-write the text correcting the errors. Use capital letters if necessary.
Sumi said to Rumi what will you do after hsc exam ill take preparation for varsity admission whats about you said Rumi
Answer:
Sumi said to Rumi, “What will you do after the HSC exam?”“I’ll take preparation for varsity admission.”“What about you?” said Rumi.
Part B—Guided WritingMarks—40
10. Suppose you arc a student of Govt. Women’s College. Now write
an application to your Principal to establish an English Language Club in the college.
11. Write a descriptive paragraph on “Pahela Baishakh.
12. Write a paragraph on “Village Life and City Life”—based on the similarities and dissimilarities you find.
Answers:
10. Application to Establish an English Language Club
Date
To
The Principal
Govt. Women’s College
[College Address]
Subject: Application for Establishing an English Language Club
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to request your approval to establish an English Language Club at our college. As English is a global language and a key to numerous opportunities, forming this club would greatly benefit students by improving their language skills, boosting their confidence, and preparing them for future challenges.
The English Language Club would provide a platform for students to practice English through various activities such as discussions, debates, and public speaking sessions. Additionally, it would host workshops and invite guest speakers to enhance students' learning experiences.
I believe that this club will foster a supportive environment for students to excel in their English language proficiency and contribute positively to their academic and professional growth.
I kindly request you to consider my proposal and grant permission to set up the English Language Club.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Class/Year]
11. Descriptive Paragraph on “Pahela Baishakh”
Pahela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year, is a vibrant and joyous celebration that marks the beginning of the Bengali calendar year. Celebrated on April 14th, it is a day filled with cultural festivities and traditional rituals. The streets come alive with colorful processions, music, and dance. People dress in traditional attire, with women wearing bright sarees and men donning panjabis. The aroma of festive foods, such as pithas (rice cakes) and traditional sweets, fills the air. Cultural programs featuring folk music and dance performances showcase the rich heritage of Bengal. Pahela Baishakh is not only a time for celebrating the new year but also a moment to embrace Bengali culture, traditions, and the joy of new beginnings.
12. Paragraph on “Village Life and City Life”
Village life and city life offer distinct experiences, each with its own set of similarities and differences. Both village and city life provide essential social and economic functions, yet they differ significantly in lifestyle and environment. Village life is characterized by a slower pace, close-knit communities, and a strong connection to nature. People in villages often live in spacious homes with large gardens and engage in agriculture or local trades. In contrast, city life is marked by a fast-paced environment, bustling streets, and modern amenities. Cities offer diverse career opportunities, advanced infrastructure, and cultural events, but they can also be crowded and noisy. While both settings provide unique advantages, village life emphasizes tranquility and tradition, whereas city life focuses on convenience and innovation.
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