SEBA/HSLC ENGLISH-2019 SOLVED QUESTION PAPER

 

HSLC ENGLISH-2019 

SOLVED QUESTION PAPER

SEBA/HSLC Class 10 English Questions Paper 2019 with Answers

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সেবা 2019 সালের এইচ.এস.এল.সি.(HSLC) পরীক্ষার ইংরাজী প্রশ্নপত্রের সমাধানের নমুনা

SECTION – A

 

Question No 1. (a) Choose the meaning of the underlined word in the following sentences from among the alternatives given in brackets: (Mark=1)

This land of rolling hills is inhabited by a proud race of martial men, beautiful women and wild creatures. (having to do with marriage/ having to do with peace/ having to do with war)

Answer: Martial – having to do with war.

(b) State whether the following are true or false:   (mark=1+1=2)

(i) Tea came to Europe only in the eighteen century and as used as a medicine more than as beverage.

Answer: False.
(ii) Tea came to Europe only in the sixteen  century and was used as a medicine more than as beverage.

Answer: True.

(c) Choose the correct answer from among the alternatives given and complete the sentence:       (Mark=1)

No one really knows who discovered tea but______

(i) There are two legends

(ii) There is one legend

(iii) There are many legends.

Answer: There are many legends.

 

(2) “The only thing the earth needed….” What ‘only thing’ did the earth need?  (Mark=2)

Answer: The only thing the earth needed a downpour or at least a shower.

 

(3) What did Mandela say about the wealth of his country? (Mark=2)

Answer: Undoubtedly, South Africa is very rich in minerals and gems, but for Mandela, the greatest wealth of the country is its people because they are finer and truer than the purest diamonds.

 (4) What did Lencho write in his letter to God?   (Mark=2)

Answer: Lencho’s field was completely damaged by the hailstorm. He thought he and his family would go hungry that year. But he had faith in God. So, He wrote a letter to God asking for a hundred pesos so as to sow his field again.

 (5) When does the season of joy commence in Coorg? Till what time does it continue?  (Mark=1+1=2)

Answer: The season of joy lasts from September and continues till March in Coorg. The weather remains perfect. A few showers pour for good measures. The breath of coffee surrounds the air.

 (6) Mention the story that support the view that the people of Coorg are of Greek origin.    (Mark=2)

Answer: As per a story, a part of Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and got settled there when return became impossible. They later married amongst the locals and so their martial traditions, marriage and religious rites are apparently different from the Hindu mainstream. Thus, they are of Greek origin.

 (7) What type of man was the Postmaster? (Mark=1)

Answer: The postmaster was a kind-hearted and amiable man.

(8)  Give a brief description of Dhekiabari tea garden.  (Mark=2)

Answer: Pranjol and Rajvir were driven by Pranjol’s father along the Dhekiabari tea garden. A gravel road went up through the garden. On both the sides of the garden there were acres of neatly pruned tea bushes. The tea pluckers were plucking tea wearing plastic aprons. Pranjol’s father had to give way to a tractor with a load of tea leaves, while driving through the garden.

 

(9) What was the distance from Valli’s village to the nearest town? What was the bus fare for a trip from Valli’s village to the town?   (Mark=1+1=2)

Answer: The distance from Valli’s village to the nearest town was six miles apart.The bus fare for a trip from Valli’s village to the town was thirty paise a round.

 (10) Give a description of the bus in which Valli travelled. (Mark=2)

Answer: The bus in which Valli was travelling was a new bus. The outside was white with some green strips. Inside, the overhead bars shone like silvers. Above the windshield there was a clock. The seats were soft and luxurious.

সেবা 2019 সালের এইচ.এস.এল.সি.(HSLC) পরীক্ষার

ইংরাজী প্রশ্নপত্রের সমাধানের নমুনা

SECTION – B

 

(11) Choose from the box given below the words that rhyme with the following: (Mark=1X2=2)

feet, harbor [ bit, beat, sit, hour, honour, armour ]

Answer: (a) feet – beat (b) harbour – armour

 (12) Choose the meaning of the Underlined words from the alternatives given in the brackets:  (Mark=1X2=2)

(a) In a quiet rage.(noisy/silent/worst)

Answer: Quiet - silent

(b) At the jungle’s edge.  (border/side/centre)

Answer: Edge – side.

(13) How old is Amanda? How do you know this?  (Mark=1+1=2)

Answer: Amanda must be a teen girl because she is a very moody girl and her mind is day dreaming. Moreover, she has acne.

 

(14) Why does Walt Whitman feel more at home with animals than humans? (Mark=2)
Answer: The animals are placid and self-contained. They never complain of their condition. The poet is  fedup with the ever-complaining nature of human beings. So, he feels more at home with animals.

 (15) How did Belinda and her pets behave when they saw the Pirateclimbing the window?  (Mark=2)

Answer: When Belinda and her pets saw the pirate climbing the Window, Belinda cried for help. Mustard, the dog fled with a terrified yelp. Ink, the cat ran down to the bottom of the house. Blink, the mouse took shelter in  the mouse hole. But the cowardly Custard, the dragon dared to face the pirate.

(16) Give a description of the fight between Custard dragon and the Pirate. (Mark=2)

Answer: When the pirate broke into Belinda’s  house, the brave animals were afraid. But the  cowardly dragon jumped up and attacked the pirate. The pirate hit two bullets but the bullets missed. Finally, the dragon gobbled the pirate to death.

সেবা 2019 সালের এইচ.এস.এল.সি.(HSLC) পরীক্ষার

ইংরাজী প্রশ্নপত্রের সমাধানের নমুনা

SECTION – C

(17) (a) How does Ausable manage to make Max believe that there is a balcony attached to his room?  (Mark=5)

Answer: Ausable was a secret agent who was spying a report on missile. He did not look smart and intelligent but he proved his intelligence by misguiding Max. Max was another secret agent. He tried to collect the report from Ausable at gun  point. Ausable was staying in a hotel. But in spite of Max’s appearance he sat heavily and calmly on the chair and he chided the management for not correcting the balcony. The  balcony was constructed for the other apartment, a portion of it was extending adjacent to Ausable’s room. So, anyone could enter his room from the other apartment. However, Max said that he had to find some other way to enter the room. And he was not aware of the Balcony. Meanwhile the doorbell rang and Ausable said that he had called the police for security reason. Max was frightened. He then jumped out of the window to escape and hide himself on the balcony.

OR

(17) (b) How did the lady trick Horace Danby? (Mark=5)

Answer: Horace Danby met a lady at the house of Shot over Grange. The lady introduced herself to be the wife of the owner of the house. Horace was very much afraid of being caught red handed by the lady of the house. But the lady behaved very sociably without showing much fear and surprise of meeting a thief in her house. Horace saw a good chance to convince the lady for his escape. But the lady proposed that she would let him go only if he broke the safe for her.

   The lady acted so confidently that Horace Danby could not have the slightest doubt that she was not the lady of the house.  She had firmness in her voice. She invented a false story and told him that she wanted to wear the jewels as she had to go to a party that night. She also threatened him with the idea of prison. Thus, Horace Danby fall prey to the lady who was actually another thief. She stole the jewelry with the help of Horace Danby. Horace was arrested in charge of stealing the jewelry at the house in Shotover Grange. His fingerprints on the box worked as proof against him.

(18) (a) How and why did Griffin come to the village of Iping? Why does Mrs. Hall find him eccentric? (Mark=5)

Answer: Griffin was a brilliant scientist. He recently invented a drug which can make people invisible. He swallowed a few drops of the drug and he became invisible. He was an expert but a lawless person. He put his landlord’s house on fire. By becoming invisible he stole in a shop in London and another in Drury Lane. But he got into trouble because of the crowd. He wanted solitude to keep him visible by wearing clothes as there was extreme cold outside. So, he went to the village of Iping in search of solitude and silence.

         Arrival of a guest in Iping in the winter was very uncommon. Griffin had bandage over his face all the time. Griffin was very unsociable. Mrs. Hall tried to become friendly with Griffin. But Griffin said that he liked solitude. So, the odd look and behavior made Mrs. Hall believe Griffin to be eccentric.

OR
(18) (b) Describe the meeting between Bill and the young lawyer?  (Mark=5)

Answer: The young lawyer was sent to New Mullion to serve a summon on Oliver Lutkins. Lutkin could be a veryImportant witness in a case for the law firm. They sent several letters, but received no response. At the station Bill introduced himself as Bill but not as Lutkins. If he wished he could do that at the very first instance. Then he made lawyer to hire his hack for two dollars an hour. Bill took to every possible location where Lutkin could possibly be. He moved him around the city for six hours and pocketed the fare but did not reveal his real identity. Bill did not allow the lawyer to enter the shop where Lutkins could be and asked them all by himself if they had seen Lutkins. Thus, he managed his locals to act as if they had not seen Lutkins and Lutkins might be at a different place. So, they had to follow him to a different location, and they missed him just by a few minutes. Actually, his confident behavior, support from his local friends and his cleverness made the lawyer a fool. It was quite interesting that he was such a foolish lawyer that he took an unknown man into his confidence so easily and got victimized. 

সেবা 2019 সালের এইচ.এস.এল.সি.(HSLC) পরীক্ষার

ইংরাজী প্রশ্নপত্রের সমাধানের নমুনা

SECTION – D

(19) Fill in the blanks with the right determiners: (Mark=½ X4=2)

(a) My brother had gone ______ hour ago.

Answer: My brother had gone an hour ago.

(b) A busy person has ______ time to waste.

Answer: A busy person has little time to waste.

(c) The classes started after ______ bell had rung.

Answer: The classes started after the bell had rung.

(d) ______   of their property was lost in the flood.

Answer: Much of their property was lost in the flood.

(20) Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition from the choices given in the brackets:  (Mark=½ X4=2)

(a)The train is bound ______ Delhi. (to/upon/for)

Answer: The train is bound for Delhi. 

(b) Assam is rich ______ minerals. (for/in/about)

Answer: Assam is rich in minerals. 

(c) I met him ______ the street. (in/on/upon)

Answer: I met him on the street.

(d) Happiness consists ______ speaking the truth. (of/in/at)

Answer: Happiness consists in speaking the truth. 

(21) Rewrite the following sentences putting the verbs in the brackets in their correct tense form:  (Mark=1X3=3)

(a) They _______ in Delhi for ten years. (live)

Answer:  They have been living in Delhi for ten years.

(b) When he came, it _______ all over. (be)

Answer: When he came, it was all over.

(c) He _______ here until you return. (stay)

Answer: He will stay here until you return.

(22) Change the form of narration of the followings: (Mark=1X2=2)

(a) She asked me why the teacher had punished me.

Answer: She said to me, “Why has the teacher punished you?”

(b) Anita said to Ravi, “Please lend me your pen.”

Answer: Anita requested Ravi to lend her his pen.

(23) Change the voice of the followings: (Mark=1X2=2)

(a) I have lost my English textbook.

Answer: My English textbook has been lost by me.

(b) He was punished for his misconduct.

Answer: They punished him for his misconduct.

(24) Combine each of the following pairs of sentences into a single sentence: (Mark=1X2=2)

(a) The earth is round. We can prove it.

Answer: We can prove that the earth is round.

(b) Where does he live? Do you know it?

Answer: Do you know where he lives?

(25) Choose the correct alternative from the choices given in the bracket and fill in the blanks: (Mark=1X2=2)

(a) She narrated the matter _______. (shortly/briefly)

Answer: She narrated the matter briefly.

(b) Please ________ to what he says. (listen/hear)

Answer: Please listen to what he says.

(26) Make sentences to illustrate the meaning of any two of the following: (Mark=1x2=2)

(a) far and wide – Football teams are coming from far and wide to participate in the tournament.

(b) broke out – The Fire broke out in the jungle.

(c) give up – We should never give up our hope.

(d) fall out – The children fell out over few chocolates.

(27) Correct the errors in any three of the following sentences:  (Mark=1X3=3)

(a) It can rain tonight.

Answer: It may rain tonight

(b) The cattles were grazing in the field.

Answer: The cattle were grazing in the field.

(c) Each of the boys play cricket.

Answer: Each of the boys plays cricket.

(d) How much money you need?

Answer: How much money do you need?

(e) When you do your homework?

Answer: When do you do your homework?

(f) I do not know to do it.

Answer: I do not know how to do it.

সেবা 2019 সালের এইচ.এস.এল.সি.(HSLC) পরীক্ষার

ইংরাজী প্রশ্নপত্রের সমাধানের নমুনা

SECTION – E

 

(28) Translate into English: (Group-From Bengali to English)  (Mark=1X5=5)

(a) যদু আমাকে জিজ্ঞাসা করলেন, "রাজু কি ইংরেজিতে ভাল?"

Answer: Jadu asked me, “Is Raju good in English?”

(b) তার খুব সকালে ঘুম থেকে ওঠার অভ্যাস আছে।

Answer: He has the habit of waking up early in the morning.

(c) মিথ্যা বলা উচিত নয়।

Answer: We should not tell a lie.

(d) সেই গাছটি কি লম্বা!

Answer: What a tall tree that is!

(e) বইটি টেবিলের উপরে আছে।

Answer: The book is on the table.

OR

Give the substance of the following passage: (Mark=5)

The work which Gandhiji took up was not only the achievement of political freedom but also the establishment of a social order based on truth and nonviolence, unity and peace, equality and universal brotherhood and maximum freedom for all. The unfinished part of his experiment was perhaps more difficult to achieve than achieving of political freedom. In the political struggle against a foreign power all one could do was either join it or wish it success and give it their moral support. In establishing a social order of this pattern. There was a likely possibility of a conflict arising between groups and classes of our own people. Experience shows that man values his possessions even more than his life because in the former he sees the means for continuity and survival of his descendants even after body is reduced to ashes. A new order cannot be established without changing the mind, for at some stage or the other rich have to yield place to the poor to achieve a kind of egalitarian society.

Answer: Gandhi’s greater goal was not mere achieving political freedom but rather reforming the society cementing humane values like truth and nonviolence etc. However, achieving that goal was not easy.  Because of the differences amongst the communities, there was every possibility of arising conflicts. Human beings are more enthusiastic to their possessions than their lives and therefore a social reform is not possible without changing the minds. The differences between the rich and the poor can be removed only if the rich opens up a place for the poor.

(29) Write, in about 150 words, an essay on any one of the following topics:
(a). Punctuality (Mark=5)

Punctuality

Introduction

Perfectionism means that, always ready on time. Being a punctual person is very beneficial for effective lifelong methods. This habit should all develop within itself; Because it helps in all public matters of civilized society. Without virtue, everything becomes chaotic and life does not move smoothly. For a punctual person, it is very difficult to destroy his precious time. They always do all their tasks and appointments of daily life at the right time.

Perfection is key to success

It is very true that punctuality is the key to success because, a person who does not understand the value and meaning of time, can never achieve success in his life. Being a successful person means reaching out to your goal, which one wants to achieve in his life. And it can happen only when it does all the tasks with full dedication and regularity on time. Periodicity in this world is the secret of the lives of all successful people. It clears the way to go ahead and achieve success throughout the world. Successful person knows the value of time and knows how to use the right way in his life.

Someone has said right, "time and tide reflux does not wait for anyone". This means that both the time and the tide of reflux do not always wait for anybody. No one can assemble time to experiment in the future, however, with no timely step by step can definitely make use of it properly. Everyone should understand the value of time to live a meaningful life. No one is born with this quality, however, some people later develop it according to the need and need of their life. This is a very important quality, which can be achieved by step by step. It is better to develop it at home and school with the help of parents and teachers respectively. Any good habit can be very good and whenever it is received well by a person, it never goes away. After this he becomes a permanent part of the people's nature. The habit of punctuality shows in the person's personality.

A punctual student, a careless student can perform better in his school work due to the time. A punctual person looks healthy, healthy, powerful, reliable and beautiful.

Conclusion

Perpetuity plays a very important role in the lives of people by giving them a way to go to their goals. All parents and teachers should understand their obligations and help develop their punctuality in their children and students. A punctual and successful person is a inspiration and a respected person for the society and the people of the country. Those people who destroy their time in nothing, they are always unsuccessful. Therefore, all should be punctual to be happy in this competitive world.

OR
b. The festival you like most (Mark=5)

Diwali

Introduction 

India celebrates 151 festivals in a year. That’s a huge number. Out of which, Diwali is the most famous and largely celebrated festival in India as it marks the Hindu New Year. It comes in the month of October or November every year. It is celebrated in the memory of Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya from forests after 14 years. The people of Ayodhya welcomed Lord Ram their houses. They lighted earthen lamps before their houses and they decorated their houses with flowers. 

Preparations

Days before, the people start preparations for this festival. People clean their houses, whitewash and decorate them. The merchants paint their shops and set them. The markets get a new look. 

How is celebrated

In this festival, people buy new clothes and many things. in the evening the earthen lamps and electric bulbs of different colors are lighted. Crackers are burnt. Goddess Laxmi is worshiped.  People send greeting to their relatives who join to enjoy this festival. Thus this festival increases the feeling of unity and brotherhood.

A dark side of Diwali

On this day many people gamble. Many times the fireworks result in accidents and children fall prey to burns. These fireworks are costly, and wastage of money. If these evils are got rid of, this festival brings the message of a happy future for all alike.

Importance of Diwali

Diwali is the five-day festival of lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. The festival, which coincides with the Hindu New Year, celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.

For all People

People of all age groups enjoy the celebration of Diwali. Children, youth and the old, gents and ladies feel pleasure at the coming of Diwali. The rich and the poor, all celebrate it as per their capacity.

Conclusion

Diwali signifies the victory of good over evil. People forget their differences. But for certain years, we are doing more harm than good on this very auspicious day. We are harming the current generation of life as well as the future generation that is yet to come. There something wrong with the way we celebrate it that not only makes us suffer but also our future children.

 

Or

Bihu of Assam

    Modern people follow a busy schedule and they get little time to spend time joyfully with the families. But a festival puts a halt to this and gives a chance to rejoice the life. Of course, being an Assamese, my favourite festival is Bihu. Bihu is the national festival of Assam which pours divine joy in the hearts of the Assamese people.

     Bihu is celebrated in three different shades – Bohag Bihu, Kati Bihu and Magh Bihu. Bohag Bihu is observed in the middle of the month of April. It is the beginning of new Assamese year and the season of spring. They worship cows in this Bihu and prepare different bakeries (Pithas). The younger take blessings of the elderly people. They enjoy Bihu dance and songs. It is also called as Rongali Bihu, (Bihu of Joy).

     Kati Bihu or Kongali Bihu is observed during the middle of the month of October. As the farmers dry their stock of paddy by the middle of the Assamese year, they pray under the Tulsi trees to the almighty for robust growth of their crops. As the farmers become penniless, this Bihu is called Kongali Bihu (Bihu of Impoverished).

Magh Bihu is observed during harvesting season that is in the middle of the month of January. As the farmers have harvested their paddies, they arrange grand feasts. They make a thatched hut called BhelaGhar and set fire at the Meji as a customary practice. This Bihu is called Bhogali Bihu, (Bihu of Lavishness). 

     The series of Bihu bring great joy amongst the Assamese community. I like to be a part of my local Bihu Dance group. I put on new dresses and have fun with my friends. I like the most about Bihu is that Bihu is not mere a celebration but a tradition to express tenderly love to the friends and families and to show respect to the elders. It is all about joy of togetherness. Perhaps this festival teaches how people can share humanity, tenderness in a joyful way amongst the greatest community of human beings.

 

Or

Eid-ul-Fitr

Introduction: Eid or Eid-ul-Fitr is the greatest festival of the Muslims. The Muslims, all over the world, celebrate it with great pomp and show, zeal and gusto.

This festival marks the end of Ramadan. Ramadan is a holy month of fasting. The Muslims observe fasts for a full month after sighting the moon of ‘Ramzan’. When the month of ‘Ramzan’, is over and the moon of Eid is sighted, they end their Roja (fasts). In this way, the Muslims break their month-long fast. The next day, the festival of Eid is celebrated. Every year it comes off on the first day of the month of Shawwal. It is a day of gaiety, festivity and feasting.

It is a believed that fasting in the month of ‘Ramzan’ purifies the soul. The prayers after fasting save them from going to hell and open the doors of heaven. Thus, they lead a pure and holy life during the month of ‘Ramzan’. They observe fasts, offer regular prayers in the form of ‘Namaz’; read the holy Koran, feed the hungry and give alms to the poor. Charity is the greatest virtue to be practiced during the month of ‘Ramzan’. Fasting comes to an end when the new moon of Eid is sighted. The sight of the new moon of Eid is considered very pious and holy by the Muslims. It is a signal for the celebration of Eid the very next day.

On the Eid day, Muslim people get up early in the morning. They take a bath and put on their best dresses. Houses are decorated. They thank Allah, visit mosques and offer prayers in the form of ‘Namaz’. They embrace one another and exchange Eid greetings. ‘Eid Mubarak’ is on the lips of each Muslim. Sweets are distributed, gifts are given and delicious dishes are prepared at home. Friends and relatives are invited to feasts. Sweet noodles are the most popular dish cooked on this day. At some places, Eid fairs are also held. Eid greetings are exchanged by one and all. Children buy toys and sweets.

In India, all communities join the Muslims in celebrating Eid. Sweets are shared and greetings exchanged by all. The Hindus, Sikhs and Christians greet their Muslim brothers on this day. The celebration of Eid promotes national integration and the feeling of brotherhood. Joys are doubled when they are shared. Eid brings a message of brotherhood for all of us.

Conclusion: It is a festival of love and goodwill. It gives us a message to love all and hate none. It teaches us to embrace all men as brothers. Separated lovers hope to meet on this day. It exhorts us to bid goodbye to hatred, jealousy and enmity and bring in an era of love, sympathy and brotherhood.

 OR
c. Your favourite hero in history. (Life of a great man ) (Mark=5)

Answer:

Mahatma Gandhi was a one of his kind legendries who is replica of truth and non-violence himself. He lived for his nation and put forward a role of a national leader. He is popularly known as the Father of the Nation.

        Gandhiji was born at Porabandar, in Gujrat on October 2, 1869. His father was Karam Chand Gandhi who was the Dewan of Rajkot state and his mother was Putlibai Gandhi. His mother was very religious who had influenced him in his childhood. He was a Barrister at Law from London.

         Gandhi went to South Africa to defend one of his clients. His destiny took a sharp turn there. He was deprived of journeying in the first-class cabin of a train. He saw his countrymen being treated inhumanely. He launched Satyagraha there and become successful to restore the honor of his people.

            Gandhiji came back to India in 1914. He applied his tricks of Satyagraha to fight against the British. He started the famous nonviolent movement to make India free from foreign rule. He joined the Indian National Congress and in a short time he became its leader. In 1930 he started the famous Civil Disobedience Movement and inspired his countrymen to make India free from British rule. In 1942, he started the “Quit India Movement” and the British had to quit India. India became independent in 1947.

      Gandhiji worked hard to establish the supremacy of truth and nonviolence. He tried not only to free from the British rule, but also tried to free the Indian from social oppressions and differences. He worked for social changes, cleanliness and social awareness on many issues. Gandhi devoted his life for the greater cause of the society. He is rightly called the Father of the Nation. He is a man of the century.

 OR

Write a story in about 150words using the outlines given below and adding a title to it:   (Mark=5)

{Outline: A car hits an old man and escapes – he is injured badly – crowd gather on the spot – only show sympathy – they speak about the evil of rash driving – nobody comes forward to help the man – two school boys arrive – feel sorry for the man – take him to hospital.}

    Better to light a Candle than curse the Darkness

    Rabi uncle, at the age of sixty, was as old as his age. He lived at the outskirt of the town in a solitary house. He was a retired pensioner. Every month he used to go to the town to collect his pension.

    So, Rabi uncle’s this month’s visit to town was not an exception, apart from the fact that this time his bad luck was also with him. He travelled to the town in a public bus and got out off the bus in front of the bank. He tried to cross the road to reach the bank. But lo! He did not reach the other side. People heard a crashing sound and after a blink of an eye, Rabi uncle was seen lying on the road with blood stains all around. There was a hue and cry. The car which hit him, disappeared after the road took a curvy shape, a few yards away from the accident spot. The crowd gathered and stood helpless. They started gossiping about the reckless driving and cursed the driver. Meanwhile, two school boys Kareem and Bishnu were also going to school through the road. They saw Rabi uncle and understood that his condition was serious. Making no further delay, they called the ambulance and took him to a hospital.

    Rabi uncle was totally cured now. He thanked Kareem and Bishnu for saving his life. He blessed the boys and said, “People are more curious to know who did the mistake, but no one is interested to make it correct. It is easier said than done.”

 

Or

Everyone must learn to help those in need.

One day, a car hit an old man but did not stop to help him. Rather, it sped away as fast as it could, leaving the poor man alone. He got injured badly while a crowd began to gather at the spot. But none came forward to help him. they only showed sympathy for the man, commenting on the ills of rash driving. Then two school boys coming from their school saw the old man and helped him get to the hospital. They waited till he was given proper treatment and even offered to drop him to his home. They also helped the man file a case at the police station. Once, all things were settled, they went ahead to their own homes.

Moral: Timely help saves lives.

(30) Answer either (a) or (b):    (Mark=5)

 Write a letter to the Editor of a local daily expressing your concern over the incidents of crime against women in Assam.

To,
The Editor,

The Samoyik Prashanga

Dated: 16th Feb, 2020

Sub: Crime against women in Assam.

Sir,
     Through this column of your esteemed daily I would like to draw the attention of the concerned authority towards a serious issue faced by our state i.e. crime against women.

       In today’s world, the woman has discrete role to play towards the growth and development of the country. In ancient days, women had to face many odd social conventions which curtailed the freedom of women. Even though, the modern society has opened its doors to women, yet the environment in which they have to survive is not as much more favorable than the one they had ages back.

        Reportedly there has been shocking growth of crimes against women in Assam. There is at least one news seen published in newspapers reporting such pathetic crimes. Everyday women have to be a subject of the rapists, chain snitchers, acid attackers and what not? Witchcraft is a myth. But, in Assam every year many women are lynched in suspect of witchcraft practice. Dowry death has become very common now a days in Assam. Very unfortunately the numbers of cases registered of such crimes are increasing day by day. The interesting part here is that many offences are not reported and go unheard.

       The society must wake up now. When they talk about equality, they must also provide an unpolluted society for women. The police force must be active and there must be more numbers of women police in the police department. There must be installation of CCTV cameras in the prone areas for close monitoring. The society must remember that if women are not safe then the society will also be at stake.

Yours Faithfully

Mr. ABC

XYZ PIN-123456

OR
Write a report for a local daily on the basis of the information given below:    (Mark=5)

(i) 10-11-2018
(ii) Guwahati
(iii) Annual Guwahati Book Fair commenced. The Hon’ble Chief   Minister declared it opened at 6:00 p.m.

(iv) Many publishers from Assam and outside participated

(v) To be continued for ten days; large gathering expected

Answer:- The glorious book fair of Guwahati began

 

Guwahati, 10th Nov;

“Books are the mirrors of the society.” said Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam Mr. ABC who inaugurating the glorious book fair of Guwahati which began yesterday. At about 6 PM, he lighted candle in the opening ceremony. According to the organizing committee, Publishers from Assam and other states like West Bengal, Punjab, Delhi, Meghalaya, Tripura and Orissa etc. are participating in the book fair.

On the very first day there was a heavy rush of book lovers. To see the response from the public, the organizing committee as well as the publishers were excited. Prominent author Dr. Shibtapan Basu commented that the fair was a good sign for the civilization. The book fair shall continue for ten days. The fair itself expected a large gathering during these days.

(31) (a) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
     A good book always teaches us something, in fact many things directly or indirectly if the mind is willing to learn. Books are the best companion; they also give us the best society. They help us in establishing contact with many great men. We hear what such men said and did; through books we even see them as if they were alive. As we read, we share great thoughts with great minds, we hope and grieve with great men. The scenes in which they appeared are described for us and as we turn the pages, we come to know what nobleness is. Books work as agents and help us in being better than we are. Books should, therefore, be treated as friends and guides.

(a) How can books teach us?   (Mark=1)

Answer: Books teach us many things directly or indirectly.

(b) How can one share the great thoughts through books? (Mark=2)

Answer: Great books are the mirrors of the minds of the great people. So, by reading their books, one can share great thoughts with great minds. It helps to experience what great men said and did, by establishing contact with many great men.

 (c) Why should books be treated as friends and guides? (Mark=2)

Answer: Books help people to know what nobleness is. Books also helps people to improve themselves so that they can become better than they are. So, books should be treated as friends and guides.

(b) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

 “No one really knows who discovered tea but there are many legends.”

 “What legends?”

 “Well, there is one about the Chinese Emperor who always boiled water before drinking it. One day a few leaves of the twigs burning under the pot fell into the water giving it a delicious flavor. It is said they were tea leaves.”

 “Tell me another!” scoffed Pranjol.

 “We have an Indian legend too, Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic, cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepyduring meditations. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of these plants when put in hot water and drunk banished sleep.”

 “Tea was first drunk in China,” Rajvir added, “as far back as 2700 BC ! In fact, words such as tea, ‘Chai’ and ‘Chini’ are from Chinese. Tea came to Europe only in the sixteenth century and was drunk more as medicine than as beverage.”

(a) How was tea drunk in Europe in the sixteenth century? (Mark=1)

Answer: Tea came to Europe in the sixteenth century. It was drunk more as medicine than as a beverage in Europe.

 (b) What is the Chinese legend about tea?  (Mark=2)

Answer: The first legend is called the Chinese legend. According to this legend regarding discovery of tea that one of the Chinese emperors always used to drink water by boiling it. One day a few leaves of the twigs burning under the pot fell into water. Then the water gave a delicious flavour. It is said the leaves were tea leaves.

 (c) What is the Indian legend about tea?   (Mark=2)

Answer: Indian legend tells that once upon a time there was an ancient Buddhist ascetic named Bodhidhama in India. He cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditations. Then the plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of these plans when put into hot water and drunk vanished sleep.

 

 

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