Class Eight English Seen Passage Unit 1

Unit 1, Lesson 1: People's Music

People's music, also known as folk music, consists of tunes, lyrics, and knowledge passed down orally for generations. Over time, this music has evolved, closely tied to the way people live. Our agriculture, food, ecology, seasons, and rituals are all reflected in these songs. Palligiti, Bhatiwali, Jari, Sari, Gambhira, Lalon Giti, Paalagan, and the songs of Hason Raja all embody the self-expression of the people.

As the landscape changes, the music shifts too. In the hill tracts, you encounter music with the same role but expressed in the diverse languages of the ethnic communities. The instruments used for folk music are crafted from materials found in the surroundings animal skin, bamboo; and calabash are common examples. The sounds they produce are deeply connected to the land they come from. As people migrate to cities and villages transform, these traditional tunes are slowly fading. However, folk music still finds its place in mainstream films and music albums.

Question Number 1: MCQs

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What is another name for folk music? 

• a) Classical music
• c) Modern music
• d) Electronic music
• b) People's music

2. How has folk music been passed down through generations? 

• a) Written in books
• b) Recorded in studios
• c) Orally
• d) Broadcast on radio

3. Which of the following is NOT reflected in folk songs? 

• a) Agriculture
• b) Technology
• c) Seasons
• d) Rituals

4. Which of the following is a type of folk song mentioned in the passage? 

• b) Palligiti
• a) Jazz
• c) Opera
• d) Hip-hop

5. How are folk music instruments usually made? 

• a) From plastic materials
• b) From electronic components
• c) From materials found in the surroundings
• d) From metal only

6. What happens to traditional tunes as people migrate to cities? 

• a) They become more popular
• b) They slowly fade
• c) They turn into classical music
• d) They become faster

7. In which of the following places can folk music still be found? 

• a) Only in villages
• b) Only in museums
• c) In mainstream films and music albums
• d) Only in the hills

8. What type of skin is commonly used to make folk music instruments? 

• a) Plastic skin
• c) Synthetic skin
• d) Human skin
• b) Animal skin

9. Which of the following best describes the role of folk music in hill tracts? 

• a) It is identical to classical music
• b) It has no connection to the land
• c) It is expressed in diverse languages
• d) It is only instrumental

10. What is the meaning of "evolved" in the passage? 

• a) Stayed the same
• b) Gone extinct
• c) Developed and changed
• d) Forgotten

11. What does "embody" mean in the passage? 

• a) To represent or express
• b) To ignore
• c) To hide
• d) To remove

12. What does "migrate" mean in the context of the passage? 

• a) To settle permanently
• c) To stay in the same location
• d) To build new homes
• b) To move from one place to another

13. What is the meaning of "mainstream" in the passage? 

• a) Unpopular
• b) Traditional
• c) Common and widely accepted
• d) Underground

14. What does "transform" mean in the passage? 

• a) To stay unchanged
• b) To change in form or appearance
• c) To disappear
• d) To break down

15. What does "rituals" mean in the passage? 

• a) Random activities
• b) Daily chores
• c) Songs and dances
• b) Special traditions and ceremonies

16. What does "ethnic communities" refer to in the passage? 

• a) Groups with shared cultural backgrounds
• b) People from the same city
• c) Only musicians
• d) Villagers only

17. What does "fading" mean in the passage? 

• a) Becoming brighter
• b) Becoming less visible or disappearing
• c) Growing stronger
• d) Changing colour

18. What does "ecology" refer to in the passage? 

• a) The study of history
• b) The process of farming
• c) The practice of singing
• d) The relationship between living things and their environment

19. What does "calabash" mean in the passage? 

• a) A type of dance
• b) A musical instrument made from a gourd
• c) A type of song
• d) A traditional costume

20. What does "self-expression" mean in the passage? 

• a) Keeping feelings hidden
• b) Expressing personal thoughts and feelings
• c) Following strict rules
• d) Copying others

21. What does "landscape" refer to in the passage? 

• a) The natural scenery or environment
• b) A type of music
• c) The history of a place
• d) The people living in a city

Question Number 2: Short Answer Questions

Short Answer Questions

• 1. What is another name for folk music?
• 2. How has folk music been traditionally passed down?
• 3. Name two aspects of life reflected in folk songs.
• 4. List two types of folk songs mentioned in the passage.
• 5. What materials are commonly used to make folk instruments?
• 6. How does the migration of people affect traditional tunes?
• 7. Where can folk music still be found today?
• 8. What materials from nature are used to make instruments?
• 9. How does the landscape influence folk music?
• 10. What happens to folk music as villages transform?
• 11. What is "Palligiti"?
• 12. Why is folk music considered a form of self-expression?
• 13. How is folk music different in hill tracts?
• 14. Name one ethnic community instrument mentioned in the passage.
• 15. How is folk music connected to the land?
• 16. What role do seasons play in folk music?
• 17. What is "calabash" used for in folk music?
• 18. How is folk music reflected in mainstream media?
• 19. What does "ecology" refer to in the context of folk music?
• 20. Why are traditional tunes fading over time?

Question Number 3: Gap Filling

Passage 1

Music that belongs to the people and is passed through generations is known as (a) __________ music. This form of music evolves as people’s lifestyles change. Our traditions, daily activities, and (b) __________ are reflected in these tunes. Songs like Palligiti and Bhatiwali express people’s (c)__________ . In different regions, the music adapts to local languages and customs. Materials like (d) __________ and calabash are used to make instruments, producing sounds connected to the (e)__________ .

Passage 2

Folk music carries stories and emotions through songs shared over time. It changes as the way people (a)__________ . Our celebrations, food habits, and (b) __________ are often part of these songs. Music in the hills sounds different due to the (c) __________ spoken there. Instruments are made from nearby resources such as bamboo and (d)__________ . Although modern life is causing folk tunes to fade, they still appear in movies and (e)__________ .

Passage 3

People express themselves through folk music, which has been passed down orally for (a)__________ . This type of music is shaped by people’s connection to farming, seasons, and (b)__________ . Communities in different areas have unique musical styles and (c)__________ . Instruments often come from things like animal skin and (d)__________ . Even though traditional music is fading, it still exists in popular (e)__________ .

Passage 4

Folk music shows how people live and what they value. It includes songs about nature, (a)__________ , and local traditions. In the hills, music varies due to different (b) __________ used by ethnic groups. Instruments, crafted from bamboo and (c)__________ , reflect the surroundings. As people move to cities, some traditional tunes (d)__________ . Yet, folk songs are still heard in films and music (e)__________ .

Passage 5

The melodies of folk music have been shared for many generations. They often describe local life, including rituals and (a)__________ . Regional music changes based on the (b) __________ and languages of the area. Instruments made from natural materials like (c) __________ create authentic sounds. Even though modernization has affected these traditions, folk music remains present in modern (d)__________ . This connection keeps the cultural (e) __________ alive.

Passage 6

Generations have enjoyed folk music that reflects their lives. Agriculture, (a)__________ , and customs are common themes in these songs. Different communities have their own musical (b)__________ . Instruments like flutes and drums are made from materials like (c)__________ . Although urbanization causes some traditions to fade, folk tunes still find a place in popular (d)__________ , preserving cultural (e)__________ .

Passage 7

Folk songs tell stories about people’s lives, from farming to (a)__________ . These tunes differ depending on the (b) __________ and local traditions. Instruments, often made from calabash and (c)__________ , connect the music to the land. Modern life has led to some (d) __________ of traditional music, but movies and albums still feature these (e) __________ sounds.

Passage 8

Music passed down through time helps people express their culture. Folk songs include themes like (a) __________ and seasonal changes. Different languages influence the style of these tunes. Instruments made of bamboo and (b) __________ produce familiar sounds. Despite changes in society, folk music still appears in mainstream (c)__________ , keeping the cultural (d) __________ alive for future (e)__________ .

Passage 9

Folk music evolves as people’s lives change. Songs reflect local traditions, (a)__________ , and daily activities. The instruments, often made from natural materials like (b)__________ , produce sounds that represent the environment. While modernization causes some loss of traditional music, it still survives in films and (c)__________ . This helps preserve the (d) __________ and spirit of the (e)__________ .

Passage 10

The music of the people, known as folk music, is passed through oral traditions. These songs talk about rituals, farming, and (a)__________ . Communities have different musical styles depending on their (b)__________ . Instruments made from (c) __________ and calabash make distinct sounds. Although many traditional songs are fading, they remain part of popular (d)__________ , helping to keep cultural (e) __________ alive.

Question Number 4: Word Meaning (Synonyms & Antonyms)

Unit 1, Lesson 1: Translation of Hason Raja's Loke Bole Bole Re (Oh, They Say)

Oh, They say my house is no good,

But what can I build with nothing here?

I'll erect a home.

Yet how long will I truly stay?

I gaze into the mirror,

Noticing the strands of grey in my hair.

Thinking of this, Hason Raja never built a dwelling.

Where will Allah take him?

Where will he find rest?

This uncertainty brings him to tears.

If only Hason Raja had known his days.

He would have painted his rooms in vibrant hues.

Oh. They say my house is no good,

But what can I build with nothing here?

Short Answer Questions

• 1. Who is the poet of "Loke Bole Bole Re"?
• 2. What do people say about the poet's house?
• 3. Why does the poet say he can't build a house?
• 4. What does the poet plan to do despite having nothing?
• 5. How long does the poet wonder he will stay in the house?
• 6. What does the poet notice when he looks in the mirror?
• 7. What effect does seeing grey hair have on the poet?
• 8. Why did Hason Raja never build a permanent dwelling?
• 9. What question does the poet ask about Allah?
• 10. What emotion does the uncertainty of life bring to Hason Raja?
• 11. What does the poet say he would have done if he knew his days?
• 12. How does the poet describe the rooms he would have painted?
• 13. What repeated phrase indicates the poet’s concern about his house?
• 14. What is the main theme of the poem?
• 15. How does the poet reflect on the impermanence of life?
• 16. What symbolizes aging in the poem?
• 17. What does the poet suggest about material possessions?
• 18. How does the poet’s uncertainty about his future affect his actions?
• 19. What does the poet imply about the importance of knowing one’s lifespan?
• 20. How does the poem reflect Hason Raja’s spiritual beliefs?

Unit 1, Lesson 2: Nakshi Kantha

Nakshi Kanthar Math

by Jashim Uddin

Translation: E. M. Milford

Spreading the embroidered quilt,

She works the livelong night,

As if her poet were On his bereaved plight.

Many a joy and many a sorrow

Is written on her breast;

The story of Rupai's life is there,

Line by line expressed.

"How will he bear the pain, mother?

On this quilt lies all of mine

-All my pain and my grief,

Embroidered line by line.

So lay it on my grave, mother.

This picture of my grief,

That his and mine upon its breast

May mingling find relief.

Short Answer Questions

• 1. Who is the poet of "Nakshi Kanthar Math"?
• 2. What is the woman doing throughout the night?
• 3. What does the embroidered quilt symbolize in the poem?
• 4. How does the poet describe the woman’s emotions?
• 5. Whose life story is expressed in the quilt?
• 6. What emotions are conveyed through the lines of the quilt?
• 7. What question does the speaker ask their mother?
• 8. What does the speaker say lies on the quilt?
• 9. Why does the speaker want the quilt laid on their grave?
• 10. How does the quilt reflect the speaker’s grief?
• 11. What does the speaker hope will happen by placing the quilt on the grave?
• 12. How does the poem depict the connection between art and personal sorrow?
• 13. What is the significance of the line "All my pain and my grief, Embroidered line by line"?
• 14. How does the poem reflect traditional Bengali culture?
• 15. What is the emotional tone of the poem?
• 16. How is the relationship between the speaker and Rupai portrayed?
• 17. What role does the mother play in the poem?
• 18. How does the quilt serve as a medium of storytelling?
• 19. What does the poem suggest about coping with loss?
• 20. How does the translation by E. M. Milford contribute to the understanding of the poem?

Unit 1, Lesson 2: Nakshi Kantha

Nakshi kantha is a kind of embroidered quilt. The name was taken from the Bangla word, 'naksha' which means artistic pattern. It is a kind of traditional craft and is said to be indigenous to Bangladesh and West Bengal in India. The art has been practised in rural Bengal for centuries. The name Nakshi Kantha became popular after the poet Jasimuddin's poem 'Nakshi Kanthar Math' was published in 1929.

Traditional kanthas are made for family use. Old or new cloth and thread are used to make these quilts. Mymensingh, Jamalpur, Rajshahi, Faridpur, Bogura and Jashore are most famous for this craft. Now it is produced commercially. You can find them in many expensive handicraft shops in cities. The quilts are now in great demand because of the colourful patterns and designs embroidered on them.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What is Nakshi Kantha? 

• a) A type of painting
• b) A kind of embroidered quilt
• c) A type of pottery
• d) A musical instrument

2. What does the word 'naksha' mean in Bangla? 

• a) Thread
• b) Quilt
• c) Artistic pattern
• d) Cloth

3. Where is Nakshi Kantha said to be indigenous? 

• a) Bangladesh and West Bengal in India
• b) Nepal and Bhutan
• c) Sri Lanka and India
• d) Pakistan and Bangladesh

4. Who made the name Nakshi Kantha popular? 

• a) Rabindranath Tagore
• b) Kazi Nazrul Islam
• c) Jasimuddin
• d) Lalon Shah

5. When was the poem 'Nakshi Kanthar Math' published? 

• a) 1929
• b) 1947
• c) 1952
• d) 1971

6. What materials are used to make traditional kanthas? 

• a) Only new cloth and thread
• b) Only old cloth and thread
• c) Old or new cloth and thread
• d) Plastic and metal

7. Which of the following places is NOT famous for Nakshi Kantha? 

• a) Mymensingh
• b) Jamalpur
• c) Dhaka
• d) Rajshahi

8. How is Nakshi Kantha produced today? 

• a) Only for family use
• b) Only in villages
• c) Commercially
• d) Not produced anymore

9. Where can you find Nakshi Kanthas in cities? 

• a) Grocery stores
• b) Handicraft shops
• c) Bookstores
• d) Music shops

10. Why are Nakshi Kanthas in great demand? 

• a) Because of their low price
• b) Because they are machine-made
• c) Because of the colourful patterns and designs
• d) Because they are imported

11. What does "embroidered" mean in the passage? 

• a) Painted with brushes
• b) Covered with glue
• c) Printed with ink
• d) Decorated with stitched patterns

12. What does "indigenous" mean in the passage? 

• a) Foreign
• b) Naturally belonging to a place
• c) Imported from abroad
• d) Modern

13. What does "traditional" mean in the passage? 

• a) New and modern
• b) Temporary
• c) Uncommon
• d) Passed down through generations

14. What does "commercially" mean in the passage? 

• a) Made for personal use
• b) Made for sale in the market
• c) Made secretly
• d) Made as a hobby

15. What does "demand" mean in the passage? 

• a) Lack of interest
• b) Refusal to buy something
• c) A type of design
• d) High need or desire for something

16. What does "handicraft" mean in the passage? 

• a) Work done by machines
• b) Items made by hand with skill
• c) Books and stationery
• d) Factory-made products

17. What does "patterns" mean in the passage? 

• a) Random marks
• b) Organized designs
• c) Plain surfaces
• d) Blank spaces

18. What does "quilt" mean in the passage? 

• a) A type of musical instrument
• b) A decorative wall hanging
• c) A warm bed covering made of stitched layers
• d) A kind of tablecloth

19. What does "expensive" mean in the passage? 

• a) Cheap and affordable
• b) Free of charge
• c) In poor condition
• d) Costing a lot of money

20. What does "craft" mean in the passage? 

• a) A large machine
• b) Skill in making things by hand
• c) A type of vehicle
• d) A science project

21. What does "rural" mean in the passage? 

• a) Related to the countryside
• b) Related to the city
• c) Related to mountains
• d) Related to the sea

Short Answer Questions

• 1. What is Nakshi Kantha?
• 2. What does the Bangla word 'naksha' mean?
• 3. Where is Nakshi Kantha indigenous to?
• 4. Who popularized the name Nakshi Kantha?
• 5. In which year was 'Nakshi Kanthar Math' published?
• 6. What materials are used to make Nakshi Kantha?
• 7. Name three places famous for Nakshi Kantha.
• 8. How is Nakshi Kantha produced today?
• 9. Where can you buy Nakshi Kanthas in cities?
• 10. Why are Nakshi Kanthas in great demand?
• 11. What is the traditional purpose of making kanthas?
• 12. What kind of patterns are embroidered on Nakshi Kantha?
• 13. How long has the art of Nakshi Kantha been practiced?
• 14. What kind of shops sell Nakshi Kantha in cities?
• 15. What makes Nakshi Kantha different from other quilts?
• 16. How has Nakshi Kantha changed over time?
• 17. Why is Nakshi Kantha considered a traditional craft?
• 18. What is the significance of Jasimuddin's poem to Nakshi Kantha?
• 19. How do rural and commercial Nakshi Kanthas differ?
• 20. How does Nakshi Kantha reflect Bengali culture?

Unit 1, Lesson 3: Our Ethnic Friends

Bangladesh is home to more than 54 Indigenous groups, including the Chakma. Marma, and Tripura, with most living in the northern and southeastern flatlands, and the rest in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. They have distinct lifestyles, economic practices, and belief systems. These groups speak at least 35 distinct languages, adding to the country's cultural richness. However, many of these languages are endangered, as the dominance of Bangla and modern societal pressures push them towards extinction, a global issue known as "language death." The UN warns that many Indigenous languages are disappearing, with one dying every two weeks.

During the British colonial rule, indigenous communities played a significant role in resisting oppression. Leaders like Sidhu and Kanu led uprisings, such as the Santhal Rebellion, highlighting their contributions to the anti-colonial struggle. Despite this legacy, Indigenous people in Bangladesh today face challenges in preserving their languages and culture. The government's efforts to include Indigenous languages in preschool education face hurdles like a lack of trained teachers and resources for higher education.

Additionally, the 1957 construction of the Kaptai Dam, funded by USAID and built by the Pakistani government, displaced thousands of people in the hill tracts, submerging their homes and farmlands under the Karnaphuli River, disrupting their livelihoods and cultural connections to the land. This history of displacement and ongoing marginalization continues to affect indigenous communities in Bangladesh.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. How many Indigenous groups are there in Bangladesh? 

• a) 25
• b) 35
• c) 54
• d) 75

2. Where do most Indigenous groups in Bangladesh live? 

• a) Dhaka and Chittagong
• c) Coastal areas
• d) Central plains
• b) Northern and southeastern flatlands

3. Which of the following is NOT an Indigenous group in Bangladesh? 

• a) Chakma
• b) Marma
• c) Tripura
• d) Bengali

4. How many distinct languages are spoken by Indigenous groups in Bangladesh? 

• a) 25
• b) 30
• c) 35
• d) 40

5. What is "language death"? 

• a) When a language becomes popular
• b) When a language disappears or becomes extinct
• c) When a language is created
• d) When a language is translated

6. According to the UN, how often does an Indigenous language die? 

• a) Every month
• b) Every year
• c) Every two weeks
• d) Every decade

7. Who led the Santhal Rebellion? 

• a) Sidhu and Kanu
• b) Chakma and Marma
• c) Tripura and Sidhu
• d) Kanu and Tripura

8. What was the Santhal Rebellion? 

• a) A cultural festival
• b) A movement to preserve languages
• c) An uprising against British colonial oppression
• d) A migration of Indigenous people

9. What challenge does the government face in including Indigenous languages in preschool education? 

• a) Lack of schools
• c) Lack of interest from students
• d) Lack of government support
• b) Lack of trained teachers and resources

10. When was the Kaptai Dam constructed? 

• a) 1957
• b) 1947
• c) 1965
• d) 1971

11. What is the meaning of "Indigenous" in the passage? 

• a) Foreign or imported
• b) Modern and new
• c) Temporary residents
• d) Native to a particular place

12. What does "endangered" mean in the passage? 

• a) Safe and protected
• b) At risk of disappearing
• c) Popular and growing
• d) Easy to learn

13. What does "dominance" mean in the passage? 

• a) Weak influence
• b) Equal importance
• c) Strong control or influence
• d) Lack of presence

14. What does "oppression" mean in the passage? 

• a) Freedom and equality
• b) Harsh and unfair treatment
• c) Celebrations and festivals
• d) Government support

15. What does "marginalization" mean in the passage? 

• a) Inclusion in mainstream society
• b) Receiving equal rights
• c) Becoming more powerful
• d) Being pushed to the edge of society

16. What does "displacement" mean in the passage? 

• a) Staying in the same place
• b) Building new homes
• c) Moving people from their homes
• d) Finding new resources

17. What does "livelihoods" mean in the passage? 

• a) Hobbies and interests
• b) Family traditions
• c) Celebrations and rituals
• d) Ways of earning a living

18. What does "legacy" mean in the passage? 

• a) A future plan
• b) A gift of money
• c) Something handed down from the past
• d) A temporary idea

19. What does "preserve" mean in the passage? 

• a) To destroy completely
• b) To forget something
• c) To modernize quickly
• d) To keep something safe from harm or change

20. What does "cultural richness" mean in the passage? 

• a) Having a lot of money
• b) A variety of cultural traditions and languages
• c) Lack of cultural diversity
• d) One dominant culture

21. What river submerged homes and farmlands after the Kaptai Dam was built? 

• a) Padma River
• b) Jamuna River
• c) Karnaphuli River
• d) Meghna River

Short Answer Questions

• 1. How many Indigenous groups live in Bangladesh?
• 2. Name three Indigenous groups mentioned in the passage.
• 3. Where do most Indigenous groups live in Bangladesh?
• 4. How many distinct languages are spoken by Indigenous groups in Bangladesh?
• 5. What is "language death"?
• 6. How often does an Indigenous language die, according to the UN?
• 7. What was the role of Indigenous communities during British colonial rule?
• 8. Who were Sidhu and Kanu?
• 9. What was the Santhal Rebellion?
• 10. What challenges does the government face in including Indigenous languages in preschool education?
• 11. When was the Kaptai Dam constructed?
• 12. Who funded the construction of the Kaptai Dam?
• 13. What were the effects of the Kaptai Dam on Indigenous communities?
• 14. Which river submerged homes and farmlands after the Kaptai Dam was built?
• 15. What is "marginalization," and how does it affect Indigenous people in Bangladesh?
• 16. Why are many Indigenous languages endangered in Bangladesh?
• 17. How do Indigenous groups in Bangladesh contribute to cultural richness?
• 18. What economic practices do Indigenous groups in Bangladesh follow?
• 19. What are the hurdles in providing higher education in Indigenous languages?
• 20. How does modern society pressure Indigenous communities and their languages?

Unit 1, Lesson 4: Bangladeshi Cuisine

Bangladeshi cuisine is rich and varied with the use of many spices. We have delicious and appetizing food, snacks and sweets.

Boiled rice is our staple food. It is served with a variety of vegetables, curry. lentil soups, fish and meat. Fish is the main source of protein. Fish are now cultivated in ponds. Also we have fresh-water fish in the lakes and rivers. More than 40 types of fish are common. Some of them are carp, rui, katla, magur (catfish), chingri (prawn or shrimp). Shutki or dried fish are popular. Hilsha is very popular among the people of Bangladesh.

Panta ilish is a traditional platter of Panta bhat. It is steamed rice soaked in water and served with a fried hilsha slice, often together with dried fish, pickles, lentil soup, green chilies and onion. It is a popular dish on the Pohela Boishakh.

The people of Bangladesh are very fond of sweets. Almost all Bangladeshi women prepare some traditional sweets. Pitha, a type of sweets made from rice flour, sugar, syrup, molasses and sometimes milk, is a traditional food loved by the entire population. During winter Pitha Utsab, meaning pitha festival, is organized by different groups of people.

Sweets are distributed among close relatives when there is good news like births, weddings, promotions, etc.

Sweets of Bangladesh are mostly milk-based. The common ones are roshgolla, sandesh, rasamalai, gulap jamun, kalo jamun and chom-chom. There are hundreds of different varieties of sweet preparations. Sweets are therefore an important part of the day-to-day life of Bangladeshi people.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What is the staple food of Bangladesh? 

• a) Bread
• b) Pasta
• c) Potatoes
• d) Boiled rice

2. What is the main source of protein in Bangladeshi cuisine? 

• a) Chicken
• b) Beef
• c) Fish
• d) Lentils

3. Where are fish cultivated in Bangladesh? 

• a) Ponds
• b) Oceans
• c) Forests
• d) Mountains

4. Which of the following fish is NOT mentioned in the passage? 

• a) Rui
• b) Katla
• c) Salmon
• d) Chingri

5. What is "Shutki"? 

• a) Fresh fish
• b) Fried fish
• c) Dried fish
• d) Grilled fish

6. What fish is very popular among the people of Bangladesh? 

• a) Salmon
• b) Tuna
• c) Mackerel
• d) Hilsha

7. What is "Panta Ilish"? 

• a) A sweet dish
• b) A type of dried fish
• c) Steamed rice soaked in water served with fried hilsha
• d) A type of curry

8. When is Panta Ilish popular? 

• a) On Pohela Boishakh
• b) During Eid
• c) During Ramadan
• d) On Independence Day

9. What is "Pitha" made from? 

• a) Wheat flour and honey
• b) Lentils and spices
• c) Fish and vegetables
• d) Rice flour, sugar, syrup, molasses, and sometimes milk

10. When is "Pitha Utsab" organized? 

• a) During winter
• b) During summer
• c) During monsoon
• d) During spring

11. What does "appetizing" mean in the passage? 

• a) Unpleasant
• b) Bitter and sour
• c) Tasty and appealing
• d) Bland and boring

12. What does "cultivated" mean in the passage? 

• a) Wild and natural
• b) Hunted in forests
• c) Found accidentally
• d) Grown and cared for

13. What does "platter" mean in the passage? 

• a) A type of fish
• b) A cooking method
• c) A spice used in cooking
• d) A large dish for serving food

14. What does "traditional" mean in the passage? 

• a) Modern and new
• b) Foreign and imported
• c) Passed down through generations
• d) Uncommon and rare

15. What does "festival" mean in the passage? 

• a) A sad event
• b) A religious ceremony
• c) A celebration or special event
• d) A business meeting

16. What does "distributed" mean in the passage? 

• a) Collected together
• b) Given out or shared
• c) Hidden away
• d) Sold in markets

17. What does "promotion" mean in the passage? 

• a) A job demotion
• b) A type of sweet
• c) Losing a job
• d) Getting a higher position or rank

18. What does "varieties" mean in the passage? 

• a) The same kind
• b) A single option
• c) A limited choice
• d) Different types or kinds

19. What does "important" mean in the passage? 

• a) Not necessary
• b) Of great value or significance
• c) Ordinary and common
• d) Useless and trivial

20. What does "syrup" mean in the passage? 

• a) A thick, sweet liquid
• b) A type of fish
• c) A spicy curry
• d) A type of rice

21. Which sweet is NOT mentioned in the passage? 

• a) Roshgolla
• b) Sandesh
• c) Rasamalai
• d) Chocolate cake

Short Answer Questions

• 1. What is the staple food of Bangladesh?
• 2. Name two common fish found in Bangladesh.
• 3. Where are fish commonly cultivated in Bangladesh?
• 4. What is "Shutki"?
• 5. Which fish is very popular among the people of Bangladesh?
• 6. What is "Panta Ilish"?
• 7. When is Panta Ilish usually served?
• 8. What is "Pitha" made from?
• 9. What does "Pitha Utsab" mean?
• 10. When is "Pitha Utsab" organized?
• 11. Why are sweets distributed among relatives in Bangladesh?
• 12. Name three common sweets mentioned in the passage.
• 13. What are most sweets in Bangladesh made from?
• 14. How many types of fish are common in Bangladesh?
• 15. What are some ingredients served with Panta Ilish?
• 16. What kind of food is "Hilsha"?
• 17. What is the meaning of "appetizing" in the passage?
• 18. What does "cultivated" mean in the context of fish?
• 19. Why are sweets an important part of Bangladeshi life?
• 20. Name two occasions when sweets are distributed in Bangladesh.

Unit 1, Lesson 5: The Children's Songs

The Children's Songs

- Rudyard Kipling

Land of our Birth, we pledge to thee

Our love and toil in the years to be:

When we are grown and take our place

As men and women of our race.

Father in Heaven, Who lovest all,

Oh help Thy children when they call;

That they may build from age to age,

An undefiled heritage.

Teach us to bear the yoke in youth,

With steadfastness and careful truth;

That, in our time, Thy Grace may give

The Truth whereby the Nations live.

Teach us to rule ourselves always,

Controlled and cleanly night and day;

That we may bring, if need arise,

No maimed and worthless sacrifice.

Teach us to look, in all our ends,

On Thee for judge, and not our friends

That we, with Thee, may walk uncowed

By fear or favour of the crowd.

Teach us the strength that cannot seek,

By deed or thought, to hurt the weak;

That, under Thee, we may possess

Man's strength to comfort man's destress.

Teach us Delight in simple things,

And Mirth that had no bitter springs;

Forgiveness free of evil done,

And Love to all men, 'neath the sun!

Land of our Birth, our faith, our pride,

For whose dear sake our fathers died

Head, heart and hand through the years to be!

Short Answer Questions

• 1. Who is the author of "The Children's Songs"?
• 2. What do the children pledge to their land of birth?
• 3. What do the children aspire to do when they are grown?
• 4. To whom do the children call for help in the poem?
• 5. What do the children wish to build from age to age?
• 6. What qualities are the children taught to bear in youth?
• 7. What does the poet say is the truth whereby nations live?
• 8. What are the children taught about ruling themselves?
• 9. What does the poet mean by "no maimed and worthless sacrifice"?
• 10. Who are the children encouraged to look to for judgment?
• 11. How does the poet describe the strength the children should have?
• 12. What should the children’s strength be used for according to the poem?
• 13. What kind of delight and mirth are the children encouraged to have?
• 14. What kind of forgiveness does the poet talk about?
• 15. What does the poet wish the children to feel towards all men?
• 16. Why is the land of birth significant to the children?
• 17. What sacrifices have the fathers made for the land?
• 18. What parts of themselves do the children pledge through the years?
• 19. How does the poem reflect the values of truth and justice?
• 20. What is the overall message of "The Children's Songs"?