SSC English First Paper | Unit: 3, Lesson: 5 | Events and Festivals | Independence Day

A. Look at the picture and ask and answer die questions about it
1. What can you see in the picture?
2. Where is it?
3. Why was it built?

B. Read the text

26 March, our Independence Day, is the biggest state festival. The day is celebrated every year in the country with great enthusiasm and fervour. It is a national holiday. All offices, educational institutions, shops and factories remain closed on this day. The day begins with a 31 gun salute.

Early in the morning the President and the Prime Minister on behalf of the nation place floral wreaths at the National Mausoleum at Savar. Then other leaders, political parties, diplomats, social and cultural organisations, educational institutions and freedom fighters pay homage to the martyrs. People from all walks of life also go there in rallies and processions. There are many cultural programmes throughout the day, highlighting the heroic struggle and sacrifice in 1971.

The country also witnesses a spectacular parade of defence forces, border guards, police, ansars and the VDP (Village Defence Party) at the National Parade Ground near the National Parliament. In Bangabandhu National Stadium, school children, scouts and girl guides take part in various displays to entertain thousands of spectators. Educational institutions also organise their individual programmes. Sports meets and tournaments are also organised on the day, including the exciting boat race in the river Buriganga.

In the evening, all major public buildings are illuminated with colourful lights. Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and other socio-cultural organisations hold cultural functions. Similar functions are also arranged in other places in the country.

C. Match the words with their meanings.

Words	Meanings
fervour	•    acts of performing skills
alike	•    to light up
spectator	•    in a similar way
displays	•    a strong feeling of excitement
illuminate	•    a person who is watching an event

D. Choose the best answer.
1. Our biggest state festival is 
a. Victory Day.
b. Shaheed Dibosh.
c. Pahela Boishakh.
d. Independence Day.

2. The celebration of Independence Day begins with 
a. processions.
b. gun salute.
c. placing wreaths at the National Mausoleum,
d. parade by defence forces.

3. The National Mausoleum is
a. on Dhaka University campus,
b. at Ramna Park,
c. at Savar.
d. near Dhaka Medical College.

4. On Independence Day a National Parade is held 
a. at the National Parade Ground,
b. in the streets,
c. in the decorated vehicles,
d. in Bangabandhu Stadium.

E. Write in brief, how you have celebrated this year's Independence Day at your school.

If you want read the next unit please click the link below:
Unit Four: Are We Aware?