(All Boards | Common Question)
Subject Code: 108
Time: 3 Hours
Full Marks: 100
Part A – Grammar
Marks: 60
1. Fill in the blanks with appropriate articles. Put a cross (×) where no article is needed. 0.5×10= 5
Though Bangladesh is struggling to achieve (a) _____ status of a middle-income country, it is still beset with many problems. Unemployment problem is one of (b) _____ big challenges in Bangladesh. Hundreds and thousands of highly educated people are unemployed. (c) _____ government job is like (d) _____ golden deer to the educated youth. Nearly one hundred candidates apply for (e) _____ single post. (f) _____ mentioned problem is becoming acute day by day. Some pragmatic steps need to be taken in this regard. Firstly, (g) _____ government should emphasize on technical education. Secondly, (h) _____ educated people should not only run after government jobs. Thirdly, (i) _____ job seekers need to be engaged in self-motivated jobs. We think unemployment problem will be addressed as early as possible to boost (j) _____ overall development of Bangladesh.
Answers: (a) the (b) the (c) A (d) a (e) a (f) The (g) the (h) × (i) × (j) the
ব্যাখ্যা:
(a) নির্দিষ্ট status বোঝানো হয়েছে।
(b) ‘One of the’-এর পরে plural noun বসে; এখানে ‘big challenges’।
(c) সাধারণ অর্থে একটি সরকারি চাকরি বোঝানো হয়েছে; তাই singular countable noun-এর আগে ‘a’।
(d) ‘Golden deer’ একটি singular countable noun।
(e) ‘A single post’ অর্থ একটি নির্দিষ্ট নয় এমন পদ।
(f) আগে উল্লেখ করা সমস্যাটিকে আবার বোঝানো হয়েছে।
(g) বাংলাদেশের নির্দিষ্ট সরকারকে বোঝানো হয়েছে।
(h) ‘Educated people’ সাধারণভাবে ব্যবহৃত plural noun; article লাগে না।
(i) ‘Job seekers’ সাধারণ অর্থে ব্যবহৃত; article লাগে না।
(j) বাংলাদেশের সামগ্রিক উন্নয়নকে নির্দিষ্টভাবে বোঝানো হয়েছে।
2. Complete the text with suitable prepositions. 0.5×10= 5
It is known to all that smoking is detrimental (a) _____ health. It causes many incurable diseases. There is hardly any easy remedy (b) _____ this disease. People are aware (c) _____ the matter. Yet they stick (d) _____ this bad habit. Smoking is also injurious (e) _____ a non-smoker. Unfortunately, the smokers do not think (f) _____ the non-smokers while smoking. As a result, the non-smokers fall an easy victim (g) _____ their whims. (h) _____ some cases, children become the worst sufferers because (i) _____ their parents’ whimsical smoking. So the smokers should consider the adverse effect of smoking (j) _____ the non-smokers.
Answers: (a) to (b) for (c) of (d) to (e) to (f) about (g) to (h) In (i) of (j) on
ব্যাখ্যা:
(a) ‘Detrimental to’ অর্থ ক্ষতিকর।
(b) ‘Remedy for’ অর্থ কোনো কিছুর প্রতিকার।
(c) ‘Aware of’ অর্থ কোনো বিষয়ে সচেতন।
(d) ‘Stick to’ অর্থ কোনো অভ্যাস বা বিষয় আঁকড়ে থাকা।
(e) ‘Injurious to’ অর্থ ক্ষতিকর।
(f) ‘Think about’ অর্থ কোনো বিষয়ে চিন্তা করা।
(g) ‘Fall victim to’ অর্থ কোনো কিছুর শিকার হওয়া।
(h) ‘In some cases’ অর্থ কিছু ক্ষেত্রে।
(i) ‘Because of’ অর্থ কোনো কিছুর কারণে।
(j) ‘Effect on’ অর্থ কোনো কিছুর ওপর প্রভাব।
3. Complete the text with suitable words or phrases given below. 0.5×10= 5
had better | There | has to | was born | It | would rather | let alone | feel like | As soon as | what does … look like
(a) You look exhausted. You _____ take rest to refresh yourself.
(b) _____ was a time when every child used to relish home-made food.
(c) The man who wears a crown _____ bear the burden of responsibility.
(d) Kazi Nazrul Islam is our national poet. He _____ in 1899 in a village named Churulia.
(e) Nature assumes a spectacular sight during the spring. The blossom of various flowers and the sweet songs of the cuckoo touch our mind. _____ seems that everything has got a new life.
(f) It is raining cats and dogs. So, Imran _____ stay at home than go to university.
(g) Salma has never travelled by train, _____ by air.
(h) I bought a can of orange juice. But I _____ having a nice cool glass of lemonade.
(i) The examination was going on. The students stopped writing _____ the bell rang.
(j) Have you ever seen a kingfisher? _____ a kingfisher _____?
Answers: (a) had better (b) There (c) has to (d) was born (e) It (f) would rather (g) let alone (h) feel like (i) As soon as (j) What does; look like
ব্যাখ্যা:
(a) পরামর্শ দিতে ‘had better + base verb’ ব্যবহৃত হয়।
(b) ‘There was a time’ অতীতের কোনো সময় বোঝায়।
(c) দায়িত্ব বা বাধ্যবাধকতা বোঝাতে ‘has to’ ব্যবহৃত হয়েছে।
(d) কারও জন্ম বোঝাতে ‘was born’ ব্যবহৃত হয়।
(e) ‘It seems that’ অর্থ মনে হয় যে।
(f) দুটি কাজের মধ্যে পছন্দ বোঝাতে ‘would rather … than’ ব্যবহৃত হয়।
(g) ‘Let alone’ অর্থ দূরের কথা; দ্বিতীয় বিষয়টি আরও অসম্ভব বোঝায়।
(h) ‘Feel like’-এর পরে noun বা verb-ing বসে; এখানে ইচ্ছা বোঝানো হয়েছে।
(i) ‘As soon as’ অর্থ যেই মাত্র।
(j) কারও বা কিছুর চেহারা জানতে ‘What does … look like?’ ব্যবহৃত হয়।
4. Complete the following sentences with suitable clauses or phrases. 0.5×10= 5
(a) Respect is reciprocal. You cannot expect respect from others unless _____.
(b) Women constitute half of the total population of Bangladesh. No progress is possible _____.
(c) Time is very precious. So, we should make the best use of time with a view to _____.
(d) Corruption is the main hindrance to the development of our country. It is high time _____.
(e) Early rising is beneficial to health. Those who rise _____.
(f) Illiteracy is regarded as a curse. It retards _____.
(g) Trees are very important for our existence. They supply oxygen without which _____.
(h) There is a wise saying that united we stand, _____. So, we must be united to protect the dignity of our country.
(i) Self-help is the best help. Allah helps those _____.
(j) Illiteracy is a curse. If all the children of Bangladesh went to school, _____.
Answers:
(a) you respect others.
(b) without the active participation of women.
(c) achieving success in life.
(d) we took effective steps to prevent it.
(e) early in the morning enjoy good health.
(f) the development of a nation.
(g) we cannot survive.
(h) divided we fall.
(i) who help themselves.
(j) Bangladesh would become an educated nation.
ব্যাখ্যা:
(a) ‘Unless’ অর্থ ‘if not’; অন্যকে সম্মান না করলে অন্যের কাছ থেকেও সম্মান আশা করা যায় না।
(b) দেশের অর্ধেক জনগোষ্ঠী নারী; তাদের সক্রিয় অংশগ্রহণ ছাড়া উন্নয়ন সম্ভব নয়।
(c) ‘With a view to’-এর পরে noun বা verb-ing বসে।
(d) ‘It is high time’-এর পরে subject-এর সঙ্গে past form ব্যবহৃত হয়।
(e) বাক্যটি সকালে ওঠার উপকারিতা প্রকাশ করে।
(f) ‘Retard’ অর্থ মন্থর করা বা বাধাগ্রস্ত করা।
(g) অক্সিজেন ছাড়া মানুষসহ অধিকাংশ জীব বেঁচে থাকতে পারে না।
(h) এটি প্রচলিত প্রবাদ: ‘United we stand, divided we fall’।
(i) এটি আত্মনির্ভরতার প্রচলিত প্রবাদাংশ।
(j) এটি second conditional: If + past form, would + base verb; কাল্পনিক পরিস্থিতি বোঝায়।
5. Read the text and fill in the gaps with the correct forms of verbs. 0.5×10= 5
Reading is really like (a) _____ (take) a flight to greater heights in pursuit of knowledge. It is a journey towards enlightenment. Even if you have (b) _____ (read) one good book in your life, you (c) _____ (know) what reading (d) _____ (give). It provides you with incomparable pleasure. Read one good book and you will know what the joys of reading (e) _____ (be). Reading (f) _____ (nourish) your mind. It gives you both information and knowledge and teaches you to distinguish between the two. Reading informs you of what (g) _____ (happen) around you, helps you (h) _____ (remain) updated about what (i) _____ (change). It is through reading you understand that knowledge (j) _____ (know) no bounds and the hunger for it is insatiable.
Answers: (a) taking (b) read (c) will know (d) gives (e) are (f) nourishes (g) happens (h) remain (i) is changing (j) knows
ব্যাখ্যা:
(a) ‘Like’ এখানে preposition হিসেবে ব্যবহৃত; তাই এর পরে verb-ing বসেছে।
(b) Present perfect-এ have-এর পরে V3 বসে; ‘read’-এর তিনটি form-এর বানান একই।
(c) ভবিষ্যৎ ফল বোঝাতে ‘will know’।
(d) ‘Reading’ singular subject; তাই ‘gives’।
(e) ‘Joys’ plural subject; তাই ‘are’।
(f) ‘Reading’ singular subject; তাই ‘nourishes’।
(g) সাধারণ ঘটনা বোঝাতে present simple; ‘what’ এখানে subject।
(h) ‘Help’-এর পরে base verb বসতে পারে।
(i) চলমান পরিবর্তন বোঝাতে present continuous।
(j) ‘Knowledge’ uncountable singular noun; তাই ‘knows’।
6. Read the text and change the sentences as directed. 1×5= 5
Man cannot live without water. The other name of water is life.
(a) Water is polluted in many ways. (Make it complex)
(b) The water which is pure is essential for our survival. (Make it simple)
(c) Men pollute it by throwing wastes in it. (Make it compound)
(d) The farmers of our country use water for cultivation. (Change the voice)
(e) It is one of the most important elements for all living beings. (Make it positive)
Answers:
(a) There are many ways in which water is polluted.
(b) Pure water is essential for our survival.
(c) Men throw wastes into it, and they pollute it.
(d) Water is used by the farmers of our country for cultivation.
(e) Very few elements are as important as water for all living beings.
ব্যাখ্যা:
(a) ‘In which water is polluted’ অধীন clause যুক্ত হওয়ায় complex sentence হয়েছে।
(b) ‘Which is pure’ adjective clause-কে adjective ‘pure’ দিয়ে প্রকাশ করা হয়েছে।
(c) দুটি independent clause ‘and’ দিয়ে যুক্ত করায় compound sentence হয়েছে।
(d) Active-এর object ‘water’ passive বাক্যের subject হয়েছে; be + V3 ব্যবহৃত হয়েছে।
(e) ‘One of the most important’ অর্থ বজায় রেখে positive degree-তে ‘Very few … as … as’ গঠন ব্যবহার করা হয়েছে।
7. Change the form of narrative style by using indirect speech. 5
The traveller said, “Can you tell me the way to the nearest hotel?”
“Yes”, said the peasant. “Do you want one in which you can spend the night?”
“No”, replied the traveller. “I only want to have my meal.”
Answer: The traveller asked the peasant if he could tell him the way to the nearest hotel. The peasant replied in the affirmative and asked him if he wanted one in which he could spend the night. The traveller replied in the negative and said that he only wanted to have his meal.
ব্যাখ্যা:
Yes/No প্রশ্ন indirect speech-এ ‘if’ বা ‘whether’ দিয়ে যুক্ত হয়। Traveller নিজে ‘I’ বলেছে, তাই indirect speech-এ ‘he’ হয়েছে। Reporting verb past হওয়ায় ‘can’ → ‘could’ হয়েছে। ‘Yes’ ও ‘No’ যথাক্রমে ‘replied in the affirmative’ ও ‘replied in the negative’ দিয়ে প্রকাশ করা হয়েছে। Indirect question-এ প্রশ্নবোধক বাক্যের উল্টো word order নয়; subject-এর পরে verb বসে।
8. Identify the unclear pronoun references and rewrite the sentences to make the pronoun references clear. 1×5= 5
Books are the medium through which human beings talk with enlightened minds, the great men of the world. We consider it to be our best friends. It introduces them to the life and the world. Books are the mirrors of past, present and even future. They are having an active voice. We can know about the thoughts and deeds of their ancestors through it.
Answer: Books are the medium through which human beings talk with enlightened minds, the great men of the world. We consider them to be our best friends. They introduce us to life and the world. Books are the mirrors of the past, present and even future. They have an active voice. We can know about the thoughts and deeds of our ancestors through books.
9. Read the following text and use modifiers in the blank spaces. 0.5×10= 5
Newspapers play a (a) _____ (pre-modify the noun) role in modern civilization. It publishes news and views of home and abroad. Only (b) _____ (pre-modify the noun) knowledge is not enough in this competitive world. A newspaper helps a man (c) _____ (post-modify the verb with infinitive) his general knowledge. Apart from reading (d) _____ (pre-modify the noun with an adjective) books, one should read newspapers daily. Newspapers help one (e) _____ (use an infinitive phrase) of the world. Students can collect a lot of information (f) _____ (post-modify the noun using a present participle phrase). There are (g) _____ (pre-modify the noun) kinds of newspapers. One should select the newspaper (h) _____ (post-modify the verb). (i) _____ (use a quantifier) newspapers present genuine news. On the other hand, some newspapers present news (j) _____ (use an adverb to post-modify the noun).
Answers:
((a) vital / important (pre-modify the noun)
(b) bookish / textbook (pre-modify the noun)
(c) to enrich / to increase (post-modify the verb with infinitive)
(d) academic / text (pre-modify the noun with an adjective)
(e) to know the current affairs (use an infinitive phrase)
(f) regarding global events / containing news (post-modify the noun using a present participle phrase)
(g) various / many (pre-modify the noun)
(h) wisely / carefully (post-modify the verb)
(i) Most / Many (use a quantifier)
(j) falsely / partially (use an adverb)
10. Use appropriate sentence connectors in the blank spaces. 0.5×10= 5
Trees are a vital part of the environment. (a) _____, they bear a great impact on the climate. (b) _____ we are not careful about them. (c) _____, we destroy trees at random. (d) _____, one day the country will bear the consequences of greenhouse effect. (e) _____ ours is an agricultural country, our economy depends on it. (f) _____, our agriculture is dependent on rain. (g) _____, trees play a vital role on our climate. (h) _____, trees keep the soil strong. (i) _____, trees save us from flood and many other natural calamities. (j) _____.
Suggested Answers:
(a) In fact / Moreover
(b) But / Unfortunately
(c) Rather / Instead
(d) As a result / Consequently
(e) Since / As
(f) Besides / Moreover
(g) So / Therefore
(h) Furthermore / In addition
(i) Above all / Moreover
(j) Therefore / Thus
11. Read the passage and write the antonym or synonym of the words as directed. 0.5×10= 5
Patriotism means loving one’s own country. It is a noble virtue. It removes all sorts of meanness from the human mind and makes it broad. Patriotism inspires a man to shed the last drop of blood to defend the freedom and sovereignty of his country. A man without this quality is no better than a beast. A true patriot is honoured by all. His only aim is to promote the welfare of his country and countrymen.
(a) Noble (antonym)
(b) Meanness (synonym)
(c) Broad (antonym)
(d) Inspire (antonym)
(e) Defend (synonym)
(f) Sovereignty (antonym)
(g) Beast (synonym)
(h) Honoured (antonym)
(i) Promote (synonym)
(j) Welfare (synonym)
Answers:
(a) Ignoble
(b) Pettiness
(c) Narrow
(d) Discourage
(e) Protect
(f) Dependence
(g) Animal
(h) Dishonoured
(i) Advance
(j) Well-being
ব্যাখ্যা:
(a) Noble = মহৎ; Ignoble = নীচ/অসম্মানজনক।
(b) Meanness = হীনতা; Pettiness = ক্ষুদ্রতা/সংকীর্ণতা।
(c) Broad = প্রশস্ত; Narrow = সংকীর্ণ।
(d) Inspire = অনুপ্রাণিত করা; Discourage = নিরুৎসাহিত করা।
(e) Defend = রক্ষা করা; Protect = সুরক্ষা দেওয়া।
(f) Sovereignty = সার্বভৌমত্ব; Dependence = পরনির্ভরতা।
(g) Beast = পশু/জন্তু; Animal = প্রাণী।
(h) Honoured = সম্মানিত; Dishonoured = অসম্মানিত।
(i) Promote = উন্নীত/এগিয়ে নেওয়া; Advance = অগ্রসর করা।
(j) Welfare = কল্যাণ; Well-being = ভালো থাকা/সুস্থতা।
12. Correct the punctuation marks and capital letters. 0.5×10= 5
Jerry: I can chop some wood today.
Writer: But Ive a boy coming from the orphanage.
Jerry: Im the boy
Writer: You But youre very small.
Jerry: Size doesnt matter chopping wood. Ive been chopping wood at the orphanage for a long time.
Writer: very well theres the axe. Go ahead and see what you can do.
Answer:
Jerry: I can chop some wood today.
Writer: But I’ve a boy coming from the orphanage.
Jerry: I’m the boy.
Writer: You? But you’re very small.
Jerry: Size doesn’t matter in chopping wood. I’ve been chopping wood at the orphanage for a long time.
Writer: Very well, there’s the axe. Go ahead and see what you can do.
Part B – Composition
Marks: 40
13. Write an application to the principal requesting a seat in the college hostel. 8
Date: 31 October 2026
To
The Principal
X College, Narayanganj.
Subject: Prayer for a seat in the college hostel.
Sir,
With due respect, I would like to inform you that I am a student of Class XII of your college. My father, a government employee, has recently been transferred to Cumilla. However, I wish to continue my studies at your college until the HSC examination. Staying in Narayanganj without my family would be difficult. Therefore, I need accommodation in the college hostel.
I, therefore, pray and hope that you would kindly grant me a seat in the hostel.
Yours obediently,
A
(101 words)
14. Write a report on the anti-social activities of the teen gangs in your locality. 8
Teen Gangs Become a Growing Concern in the Locality
By a Staff Reporter
Narayanganj, 31 October 2026:
The increasing activities of teen gangs have become a serious concern in our locality. Many teenagers are involved in anti-social activities, creating fear among residents.
These gangs often gather in public places and engage in eve-teasing, harassment, threats and vandalism. Rival groups sometimes clash with each other. Bad company, substance abuse and negative social media content often influence them.
Poor parental supervision, lack of moral education and limited recreational facilities contribute to this problem.
Experts suggest that families, schools and law enforcement agencies should work together. Proper counselling, sports and cultural activities can help prevent teenagers from joining gangs.
Immediate action is necessary to ensure a safer community.
(125 words)
15. Write a paragraph showing contrast between early rising and late rising in 150 words. 10
Early Rising and Late Rising
Early rising and late rising are two contrasting habits that affect human life differently. An early riser gets up early in the morning and enjoys the fresh air and peaceful environment of nature. They can start their daily activities in an organised way and have enough time for exercise, study and other important tasks. Early rising also develops discipline, punctuality and a positive attitude towards life. On the other hand, a late riser often struggles to manage daily activities properly and may miss important opportunities. Late rising can also encourage laziness and irregular habits, especially when it results from insufficient sleep. Although adequate sleep is essential for good health, maintaining a regular sleeping schedule is equally important. Therefore, everyone should develop a healthy routine and try to rise early to lead a disciplined, productive and balanced life.
(142 words)
16. Write a short composition in 200 words on ‘Moral Degradation’. 14
Moral Degradation
Moral degradation refers to the gradual decline of moral values, principles and ethical standards in society. It is one of the major problems of modern civilisation. Honesty, kindness, respect, sympathy and responsibility are essential qualities of a good human being. However, these values are gradually disappearing from different areas of our society.
There are several causes of moral degradation. Excessive greed, selfishness, corruption, dishonesty and the negative influence of society are some of the major reasons. Lack of proper family education and moral guidance also contribute to this problem. Moreover, some people give more importance to money and personal success than to honesty and social responsibility.
The consequences of moral degradation are serious. It increases corruption, violence, dishonesty and social conflict. People gradually lose trust in one another. As a result, peace, harmony and mutual respect are threatened. Even educational institutions and professional organisations may suffer when ethical values are ignored.
To prevent moral degradation, we must develop moral values from childhood. Parents should teach their children honesty, discipline and respect for others. Educational institutions should emphasise character building alongside academic achievement. Religious teachings, social awareness and responsible citizenship can also play important roles.
Moral values are the foundation of a healthy society. Therefore, we must practise honesty, kindness and responsibility in our everyday lives to build a peaceful and prosperous nation.
(224 words)