SSC - 2025 English 1st Paper Sylhet Board Questions with Answers

সিলেট বোর্ড ১১৩

03 Set ১০৫৮/২০২৫ 

ENGLISH FIRST PAPER 

[According to the Syllabus of 2025] 

Subject Code: 1 07 Time-3 hours. Full marks-100 

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

Part A-Reading Test Marks-50

Read the passage. Then answer the questions 1 and 2: 

Countries of the world rely heavily on petroleum, coal and natural gas for their energy sources. There are two major types of energy sources: renewable and non-renewable. Hydro-carbon or fossil fuels are non-renewable sources of energy. Reliance on them poses real big problems. First, fossil fuels such as oil, coal, gas etc. are finite energy resources and the world eventually will run out of them. Secondly, they will become too expensive in the coming decades and too damaging for the environment. Thirdly, fossil fuels have direct polluting impacts on earth's environment causing global warming. In contrast, renewable energy sources such as, wind and solar energy are constantly and naturally replenished and never run out. Most renewable energy comes either directly or indirectly from the sun. Sunlight or solar energy can be used for heating and lighting homes, for generating electricity and for other commercial and industrial uses. The sun's heat drives the wind and this wind energy can be captured with wind turbines to produce electricity. Then the wind and the sun's heat cause water to evaporate. When the water vapour turns into rain or snow and flows downhill into rivers or streams, its energy can be captured as hydroelectric energy. Along with the rain and snow, sunlight causes plants to grow. Plants produce biomass which again can be turned into fuels such as firewood, alcohol, etc. that are called bioenergy. Scientists have identified hydrogen as another form of renewable energy source. It is the most abundant element in nature. But it does not exist separately as a gas. It is always combined with other elements, such as with oxygen to make water. Hydrogen, separated from another element, can be burned as a fuel to produce electricity. Our Earth's interior contains molten lava which gives off extreme heat. This heat inside the earth produces steam and hot water which can be used as geothermal energy to produce electricity for heating homes, etc. Ocean energy comes from several sources Ocean's force of tide and wave can be used to produce energy. The surface of the ocean gets more heat from the sun than the ocean depths. This temperature difference can be used as energy source too.

1. Choose the correct answer from the following alternatives: 1×7=7

(i) What is the major problem with fossil fuels?

(a) They are constantly replenished. (b) They cause global warming. (c) They are free of cost. (d) They do not pollute air.

(ii) What is produced when water vapour turns into rain or snow and flows downhill?

(a) Solar energy (b) Geothermal energy (c) Hydroelectric energy (d) Wind energy

(iii) What is the most abundant element in nature identified as a renewable energy source?. (a) Carbon (b) Oxygen (c) Hydrogen (d) Nitrogen

(iv) What does 'finite' mean in the context of energy resources?

(a) Unlimited (b) Limited (c) Renewable (d) Constant

(v) What does 'replenished mean regarding renewable energy sources?

(a) Depleted (b) Restored (c) Destroyed (d) Washed

(vi) What is a direct polluting impact of fossil fuels on the environment?

(a) Decreased global temperatures (b) Increased air pollution (c) Enhanced solar energy (d) Reduced geothermal activity

(vii) What does 'geothermal' refer to in the passage?

(a) Solar energy (b) Wind energy (c) Earth's internal heat (d) Ocean waves

2. Answer the following questions:  2×5=10 

(a) What can sunlight be used for?

(b) What is biomass, and how is it turned into bioenergy?

(c) Why is reliance on fossil fuels problematic?

(d) How can the occan's force of tide and wave be used to produce energy?

(e) Explain in 2 or 3 sentences why fossil fuels are considered finite energy resources?

3. Read the following text and fill in each gap with a suitable word based on the information of the text:  1×5=5 

Yoga is a kind of posture and breathing exercise. It brings together physical and mental disciplines to achieve peace of body and mind, helping you relax and manage stress and anxiety. Traditional yoga puts emphasis on behaviour, diet and meditation. But if you're just looking for better stress management and not an entire lifestyle change yoga can still help. Yoga trainers gradually choose easier to complex activities for practitioners. However, all practioners do not necessarily need the same kinds of practice.

Yoga is a form of exercise (a) __________ includes specific body positions and breathing methods. It combines physical and mental (b) __________ to help achieve harmony between body and mind. This practice is effective in reducising stress and (c)__________. Traditional yoga places importance on diet, (d) __________ and meditation. However, not every (e) __________ requires the same type of practice.

4. Read the passage about Abraham Lincoln and complete the following table with information from the passage:  1×5=5 

Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the USA. He is renowned for his Gettysburg Address, delivered during the American Civil War on November 19, 1863. Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809 in Kentucky, USA. His parents hailed from Virginia. In 1819, his mother passed away, prompting his father to move the family to Indiana, where Lincoln grew up. He served as a captain in the Black Hawk War. In 1860, he was nominated for the presidency and was elected as the President of the USA in 1861. Lincoln famously issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring a ban on slavery in America on January 1, 1863. He was re-elected in 1864. Tragically, on Good Friday, April 14, 1865, he was assassinated at Ford's theatre in Washington D.C.

Name of Events	Place	Year/Time
Born	(i) __________	February 12, 1809
(ii) __________	Gettysburg	November 19, 1863
Declared ban on slavery	the USA	(iii) __________
Became the President	(iv) __________	1861
(v) __________	Washington D.C.	April 14, 1865

5. Write a summary of the above passage in your own words:  10

6. Match the parts of the sentences given in column 'A', 'B' and 'C' to write five complete sentences:  1×5=5

Column A	Column B	Column C
(a) Truthfulness	(i) tomorrow it will	(i) the respect of others.
(b) We must	(ii) will never win	(ii) all human virtues.
(c) Otherwise, we	(iii) cultivate the habit	(iii) come to light.
(d) We know that a lie	(iv) is the greatest of	(iv) of speaking the truth.
(e) Today or	(v) never lies	(v) hidden for long.

7. Put the following parts of the story in correct order to make the whole story. Only the corresponding numbers of the sentences need to be written.  1×8=8

(a) Saadi set out for the palace wearing an ordinary dress and stopped at a courtier's house on the way to spend the night.

(b) On his way back, Saadi again stopped at the same house but this time he wore a rich dress.

(c) The courtier realized his mistake and apologized to him.

(d) One day, the emperor invited him to his palace..

(e) Instead of eating Saadi started to put the food into his pockets, saying that his dress deserved it.

(f) Sheikh Saadi was a great Persian poet who would lead a simple life.

(g) The courtier then welcomed him warmly and served him delicious food.

(h) The courtier considered him as an ordinary person and did not.. treat him well.

Part B-Writing Test Marks-50

8. Answer the following questions to write a paragraph on ' The Importance of Co-curricular Activities in a School'.'.  10  (a) What are the co-curricular activities?.. (b) Why are they important in a school? (c) How do they help with learning?" (d) How do they help students grow personally?. (e) How do they prepare students for the future?

9. Read the beginning of a story below. Add at least ten new sentences to complete the story:  10 

Once upon a time there lived a poor boy in a village. He was very mcritorious. The boy completed his primary education and wanted to continue his studies but his poor parents was unable to send him high school. The boy had a dream to...

10. The pie-chart below shows the percentage of transportation used by the students to come to their school. Describe the chart in 150 words. You should highlight and summarize the information given in the chart.  10  [A pie chart shows that 40% of students use a rickshaw, 30% walk, 20% use a bus, and 10% use a car to get to school.]

11. Suppose, you are Arpita/Arpon living in Chattogram. Your friend Nafis who lives in the USA is very much concerned about the frequent road accidents in Bangladesh. Now, write an email to your friend describing the causes and effects of road accidents in Bangladesh.  10

12. Students have great responsibilities to their parents, their family, their teachers and the society where they live. Now, write a dialogue between you and your fjernd, Himel about the duties and responsibilities of students. 10

SSC - 2025 English 1st Paper Sylhet Board Questions with Answer

Answer to the Question No. 1

(i) (b) They cause global warming. (ii) (c) Hydroelectric energy (iii) (c) Hydrogen (iv) (b) Limited (v) (b) Restored (vi) (b) Increased air pollution (vii) (c) Earth’s internal heat

Answer to the Question No. 2

(a) What can sunlight be used for? Ans: According to the passage, sunlight or solar energy can be used for heating and lighting homes, for generating electricity, and for various other commercial and industrial purposes.

(b) What is biomass, and how is it turned into bioenergy? Ans: Biomass is organic material produced by plants that grow with the help of sunlight, rain, and snow. It can be turned into fuels like firewood and alcohol, and these fuels are called bioenergy.

(c) Why is reliance on fossil fuels problematic? Ans: Reliance on fossil fuels is problematic for three main reasons: they are finite and will eventually run out, they will become too expensive in the future, and their burning causes direct pollution and global warming.

(d) How can the ocean’s force of tide and wave be used to produce energy? Ans: The ocean's powerful forces, such as the movement of tides and waves, can be captured and used to produce energy, which is a form of renewable ocean energy.

(e) Explain in 2 or 3 sentences why fossil fuels are considered finite energy resources? Ans: Fossil fuels are considered finite energy resources because they are formed over millions of years from the remains of ancient plants and animals. We are consuming them much faster than they are being created. Therefore, they are non-renewable and the world's supply will eventually be exhausted.

Answer to the Question No. 3

(a) which (b) disciplines (c) anxiety (d) behaviour (e) practitioner

Answer to the Question No. 4

Name of Events	Place	Year/Time
Born	(i) Kentucky, USA	February 12, 1809
(ii) Delivered the speech	Gettysburg	November 19, 1863
Declared ban on slavery	the USA	(iii) 1863
Became the President	(iv) the USA	1861
(v) Was assassinated	Washington D.C.	April 14, 1865

Answer to the Question No. 5

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the USA, was born in Kentucky in 1809. He is famously remembered for his Gettysburg Address, which he delivered in 1863. He was elected president in 1861 and played a crucial role during the American Civil War, issuing the Emancipation Proclamation to ban slavery. After being re-elected in 1864, he was tragically assassinated at Ford’s Theatre in 1865.

Answer to the Question No. 6

(a) Truthfulness is the greatest of all human virtues. (b) We must cultivate the habit of speaking the truth. (c) Otherwise, we will never win the respect of others. (d) We know that a lie never lies hidden for long. (e) Today or tomorrow it will come to light.

Answer to the Question No. 7

The correct order of the sentences is: f → d → a → h → b → g → e → c.

Answer to the Question No. 8

The Importance of Co-curricular Activities in a School

Co-curricular activities are activities that take place outside the regular academic curriculum, such as sports, debate, music, drama, and science clubs. These activities are extremely important in a school because they contribute to the all-round development of a student. They help with learning by providing practical and hands-on experience, making education more enjoyable and meaningful. For example, a science fair can make science concepts more interesting than just reading them in a textbook. These activities help students grow personally by developing their hidden talents, boosting their confidence, and improving their social skills. Participating in group activities like sports or drama teaches them teamwork, leadership, and discipline. Co-curricular activities prepare students for the future by equipping them with essential life skills that are not taught in classrooms. These skills help them to become well-rounded, creative, and responsible citizens.

Answer to the Question No. 9

A Dream Fulfilled Through Hard Work

Once upon a time there lived a poor boy in a village. He was very meritorious. The boy completed his primary education and wanted to continue his studies but his poor parents were unable to send him to high school. The boy had a dream to become a doctor and serve the poor people of his village. Determined not to give up, he decided to earn money to fund his own education. He started working as a helper in a local grocery shop in the evenings after school hours. He also began giving tuition to younger children in his neighbourhood. It was very difficult for him, as he had to balance his work and his studies. He would often study late at night under the light of a kerosene lamp. Seeing his strong determination and hard work, the headmaster of the local high school was very impressed. He granted the boy a full scholarship and exempted him from all tuition fees. With this help and his own relentless efforts, the boy passed his SSC and HSC exams with outstanding results. He then got admitted into a government medical college. After becoming a doctor, he returned to his village and fulfilled his dream of serving the poor.

Answer to the Question No. 10

Transportation Used by Students

The given pie chart illustrates the percentage of different modes of transportation used by students to come to their school. The chart is divided into four categories: By Bus, On Foot, By Rickshaw, and By Car.

According to the chart, the most common mode of transportation is the bus, used by 40% of the students. This is the largest segment, suggesting that many students live far from the school or find the bus service convenient. The second most common way to come to school is on foot, which is used by 30% of the students. This indicates that a significant number of students live close to the school.

Coming by rickshaw is the third most popular option, accounting for 20% of the students. The least used mode of transport is the car, with only 10% of students using it to come to school. This suggests that very few students rely on private cars for their daily commute.

In summary, the chart shows that public transport (bus) and walking are the primary means of transportation for the majority (70%) of the students, while a smaller portion uses rickshaws and private cars.

Answer to the Question No. 11

To: nafis_usa@email.com

Subject: Causes and effects of road accidents in Bangladesh

My dear Nafis,

I hope you are doing well. In your last email, you expressed your concern about the frequent road accidents in our country. Today, I'm writing to you about the causes and effects of this serious problem.

The primary cause of road accidents in Bangladesh is reckless driving. Many drivers, especially of buses and trucks, drive at high speeds and often violate traffic rules. Other major causes include the poor condition of roads, a large number of unfit and unlicensed vehicles, and a general lack of awareness about traffic safety among both drivers and pedestrians.

The effects of these accidents are devastating. Every year, thousands of people lose their lives, and many more are seriously injured or become permanently disabled. These accidents cause immense suffering to the victims and their families, often pushing them into poverty due to the loss of an earning member or high treatment costs. It is a huge loss for our national economy as well.

The government is trying to address this issue, but public awareness and strict enforcement of traffic laws are needed to reduce this menace.

No more today. Take care of yourself.

Your loving friend,

Arpita

Answer to the Question No. 12

A Dialogue on the Duties and Responsibilities of Students

Myself: Hello Himel, how are you? You look very thoughtful today.

Himel: Hello! I'm fine. I was just thinking about our role as students. What do you think are our main duties and responsibilities?

Myself: That's a great topic. I believe our primary duty is to study hard and acquire knowledge. We should be attentive in class and respectful to our teachers.

Himel: I agree completely. But are our responsibilities limited to just our studies?

Myself: Not at all. We also have important responsibilities towards our parents and family. We should obey our parents, help them with their work, and take care of them, especially when they grow old.

Himel: You're right. What about our duties to society?

Myself: As students and future citizens, we have a great responsibility towards society. We should be honest, disciplined, and patriotic. We can take part in social work like teaching the illiterate, planting trees, and keeping our surroundings clean.

Himel: That's a wonderful point. So, we need to be good in our studies and also be good human beings.

Myself: Exactly. We should also be kind and helpful to our friends and neighbours. By performing all these duties, we can prepare ourselves to be ideal citizens and serve our country in the future.

Himel: Thank you for this discussion. It has really made me think about my responsibilities more seriously.

Myself: You're welcome. It's important for all of us to be aware of our duties.