HSC English 1st Paper Board Question with Answer-5 pdf download ~ Exam Cares

HSC Examination

Sylhet Board

English (Compulsory) First Paper

pdf download

Time: 3 hours: Full Marks:100

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

Part I: Reading Test (60 marks)

1. Read the following text and answer the questions A and B:

Coleridge's poem, a ballad, narrates the harrowing sea-voyage of an old mariner who at one point of his journey didn't have any water to drink because of a curse. Cursed or not, we know how important drinking water is in our life. We know we cannot survive without it. In fact two-thirds of our body is made up of water. Not for nothing it is said that the other name of water is life. Is there a crisis in our time with regard to access to clean drinking water? The United Nations in a meeting on the eve of the new millennium identified the drinking water problem as one of the challenges for the future. But do we need to worry about the problem as ours is a land of rivers and we have plenty of rainfall? Besides, we have a sea in our backyard too.

One of the sources of water in our country are the rivers. Rivers are everywhere in our life, literature, economy and culture. But are the rivers in good shape? Unfortunately, they are not. A few are already dead and several are going through the pangs of death. The river Buriganga is an example of a dying river. A report published in the Daily Sun describes what has happened to the river Buriganga and why. Its water is polluted and a perpetual stench fills the air around it. But that is not what it was like before.

[Unit-8, Lesson-1, Page-93]

A. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives: 1×5=5

(i) What could be the closest meaning for 'ballad' in the first paragraph?

(a) epical poem

(b) mock-epical song

(d) simple narrative poem

(ii) The word 'curse' in the first paragraph refers to —

(a) discharge

(b) devilish act

(d) angel's bounty

(iii) 'Survive' in the first paragraph could be best replaced by —

(a) exist (b) attend

(iv) The old mariner had a very — sea-voyage.

(a) pleasant (b) agonizing

(v) The best synonym of 'perpetual' is —

(a) continuous (b) stable

Answer to the question No. 1.A

(i) d. simple narrative poem; (ii) c. divine decree of destruction; (iii) a. exist; (iv) b. agonizing; (v) a. continuous.

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

(a) What, according to you, are the significance of water?

(b) Why have the United Nations identified drinking water problem as a challenge?

(d) What has been depicted in a report published in the Daily Sun?

(e) Do you think the Buriganga river is dying? If so, why?

Answer to the question No. 1.B

a. According to me, water is life as two third of our body consists of water. We will never be able to survive without water.

b. The United Nations have identified drinking water problem as a challenge because in many parts of the world, different natural disasters have made accessibility to drinking water very difficult. Apart from that, over exploitation of underground water sources has also created shortage of drinking water.

c. Though Bangladesh is a riverine country, many of its main rivers are dying due to various man-made and natural causes. Some of the rivers are already so polluted that they are considered as dead rivers and several are going through the pangs of death.

d. A report published in the Daily Sun describes what has happened to the river Buriganga and why it is turning into a dead river.

e. Yes, I do think that the river Buriganga is dying. It has been polluted over the years by the factories and industries. Its water is polluted and a perpetual stench fills the air around it.

2. Read the following text and make a flow chart showing the major characteristics of adolescence. (one is done for you). 2×5=10

The time of adolescence is a period of preparation for adulthood during which one experiences several key developments. Besides physical and sexual maturation, these experiences include movement toward social and economic independence, development of identity, the acquisition of skills needed to carry out adult relationships and roles and the capacity for abstract reasoning. While adolescence is a time of tremendous growth and potential, it is also a time of considerable risks during which social contexts exert powerful influences. Many adolescents face pressure to use alcohol, cigarettes, or other drugs and to initiate sexual relationships putting themselves at high risk for intentional and unintentional injuries, unintended pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Many also experience a wide range of adjustment and mental health problems.

[Unit-5, Lesson-1, Page-47]

1. Physical and sexual maturation Providing economic benefits

→

Answer to the question No. 2

1. Physical and sexual maturation

↓

2. Movement towards social and economic independence

↓

3. Development of identity

↓

4. Acquisition of skills

↓

5. Capacity of abstract reasoning

↓

6. High risk due for STI’s, unintended pregnancies and HIV

3. Write a Summary of the following text: 10

Kuakata, locally known as Sagar Kannya (Daughter of the Sea) is a rare scenic spot located on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh. Kuakata in Latachapli union under Kalapara Police Station of Patuakhali district is about 30 km in length and 6 km in breadth. It is 70 km from Patuakhali district headquarters and 320 km from Dhaka. An excellent combination of the picturesque natural beauty, sandy beaches, blue sky and the shimmering expanse of water of the Bay of Bengal and the evergreen forest makes Kuakata a much sought after tourist destination.

The name Kuakata takes its origin from the story of a 'Kua'-or well -dug on the sea shore by the early Rakhaine settlers for collecting drinking water. The Rakhaines had landed on Kuakata coast after being expelled from Arakan by the Mughals. Following the first well, it became a tradition to dig wells in the neighbourhood of Rakhaine homesteads for fresh water supply.

Kuakata is one of the unique spots which allow a visitor to watch both the sunrise and the sunset from the beach. That perhaps makes Kuakata one of the world's most attractive beaches. The long and wide beach at Kuakata has a typical natural setting. This sandy beach slopes gently into the Bay and bathing there is as pleasant as is swimming or diving.

[Unit-8, Lesson-5, Page-108]

Answer to the question No. 3

Kuakata, locally known as the Sagar Kannya is a unique tourist spot as this place is full of natural beauty, sandy beaches, blue sky and shimmering expanse of water of the Bay of Bengal. From this unique place, one can enjoy both sunset and sunrise. Kuakata is not only an attractive tourist spot but also the home of the indigenous Rakhaine community and migratory birds. Rich indigenous culture and its attractive beaches have made Kuakata a true daughter of the sea.

4. Read the following text and fill in the blanks with suitable word from the box. There are more words than needed. Make any grammatical change if necessary: 0.5×10=5

cheat	tell	story	completely	think	rescue
make	face	care	matter	promise	treat

Keeping promise given to anyone is a must though it takes much perseverance to keep promise honestly. Since keeping promise is a (a) — of remembrance, we should be (b) — whenever we make promises. While (c) — an unavoidable danger, people usually (d) — any promise only to be (e) — from the situation without perfect (f) —. After being rescued most people (g) — forget the promises given. A (h) — about the pied piper of Germany (i) — how the piper was deliberately (j) — by the mayor, who has made promises to give the piper one thousand guilders for his work.

Answer to the question No. 4

a. matter; b. careful; c. facing; d. make; e. rescued; f. thought; g. completely; h. story; i. tells; j. cheated.

5. Fill in the blanks with appropriate word in each gap: 1×10=10

The proper (a) — of study involves regular and proper understanding. In order to (b) — the best benefit from study, we should read (c) — and intelligently. We should not study (d) — for the purpose of (e) — examinations. We should take genuine (f) — in our studies so that we can enjoy what we (g) —. This will give us knowledge and wisdom and (h) — the horizon of our (i) —. We should, therefore, study not for immediate gains but for (j) — the wealth of our mind.

Answer to the question No. 5

a. way; b. gain; c. attentively; d. only; e. passing; f. interest; g. learn; h. broaden; i. learning;

j. enriching.

6. Rearrange the following sentences to make a coherent order: 10

(a) One prize is awarded in each field.

(b) The prize is instituted by a man who was the inventor of the science of destruction.

(d) He is Alfred Bernard Nobel.

(e) Though he is a citizen of Sweden, he was educated in Russia.

(f) Nobel prizes are awarded every year for outstanding achievements in the field of science, literature and for promoting world's peace.

(g) The prize is given to persons with most outstanding contribution.

(h) If there are more than one recipient of the prize in one field, the prize money is equally distributed amongst all the winners.

(i) Economics was added to the list in 1969 for the first time.

(j) He was born in Stockholm on 21st October, 1833 and he died on 10th December, 1896.

Answer to the question No. 6

Nobel prize is the world's most important prize. The prize is given to persons with most outstanding contribution. The prize is instituted by a man who was the inventor of the science of destruction. He is Alfred Bernard Nobel. He was born in Stockholm on 21st October, 1833 and he died on 10th December, 1896. Though he is a citizen of Sweden, he was educated in Russia. Nobel prizes are awarded every year for outstanding achievements in the field of science, literature and for promoting world's peace. Economics was added to the list in 1969 for the first time. One prize is awarded in each field. If there are more than one recipient of the prize in one field, the prize money is equally distributed amongst all the winners.

HSC English 1st Paper Board Question with answer: Sylhet Board-2017

Part II: Writing Test (40 marks)

7. Write a paragraph on "Modern Technology" on the basis of the answers to the following questions in about 200 words: 10

(a) What do you understand by modern technology? (b) Where is it being used? (c) What are the impact 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?

8. The following is the beginning of a story. Complete it in your own words: 7

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

9. Suppose, you are Salim. Sahir is your best friend. You are going for a picnic. Now, write an e-mail to your friend Sahir inviting him to join the picnic. 5

10. The pie chart below shows the percentages of transportation used by 800 student to come to college. Describe the chart in 150 words. 10

11. Write down the theme of the following poem. (Not more than 50 words): 8

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 pleased with what he gets —

Come hither, come hither, come hither!

Here shall he see

No enemy

But winter and rough weather.