Class Six English Seen Passage Lessons 12 & 13

Class 6, Lesson 12: An Unseen Beauty of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a small country but it is gifted with unlimited natural attractions. Only some of these eye-catching destinations are known to us. But there are many other areas lying in the green, remote countryside that are less-known to us. Shusong Durgapur of Birishiri is one of such places.

Shusong Durgapur has an amazing landscape. It is located on the bank of crystal clear Someshwari river and is close to the Garo hills. You can see the hills of Indian state of Meghalaya from here. The nature has unfolded its glory in this small, rural landscape. Here you can see the ceramic mountain leaning against the sky, the blue water of the pictorial mountain-valley, the modest movement of the river Someshwari, and the abandoned coal mines. There is another river here called Kangsa which is also known as old Someshwari.

Shusong Durgapur IS located under Netrokona district about 170 km north from Dhaka. Along with its scenic beauty this place is home to diverse indigenous groups: Hajong, Garo, Achik and Mandi. The cultural academy in Durgapur is responsible for preserving and promoting the culture and traditions of these indigenous groups.

The main attraction of Birishiri is the ceramic hill of Durgapur and the charming landscape along the Shomeshwari River. The river changes its color as the seasons change. Among other attractions are the palace of the Susang king, the Dasha Busha Temple, Orange Gardens, Shal forests and the Ramkrisna and Loknath Baba Temples.

The best way to get to Birishiri is by road from Dhaka. You can find direct bus to Birishiri from Mohakhali bus stand, Dhaka. It usually takes 5 to 6 hours to get there. When you are there you can go around the town by rickshaws. The rickshaw pullers know all the places very well.

MCQs on Word Meanings:

1.What does the word "gifted" mean in the sentence "Bangladesh is a small country but it is gifted with unlimited natural attractions"?

• a) Cursed
• b) Blessed
• c) Filled
• d) Covered

2.What is the meaning of "eye-catching" in the phrase "eye-catching destinations"?

• a) Difficult to see
• b) Very ordinary
• c) Attractive to look at
• d) Hidden from view

3.What does "remote" mean in "remote countryside"?

• a) Nearby
• b) Far away
• c) Crowded
• d) Urban

4.What does the word "amazing" mean in "Shusong Durgapur has an amazing landscape"?

• a) Boring
• b) Surprising in a good way
• c) Normal
• d) Dangerous

5.What is the meaning of "crystal clear" in "the bank of crystal clear Someshwari river"?

• a) Dirty
• b) Cloudy
• c) Very clear
• d) Frozen

6.What does "modest" mean in "the modest movement of the river Someshwari"?

• a) Fast
• b) Gentle
• c) Violent
• d) Loud

7.What does the word "abandoned" mean in "the abandoned coal mines"?

• a) New
• b) Busy
• c) Left unused
• d) Expensive

8.What is the meaning of "diverse" in "this place is home to diverse indigenous groups"?

• a) Similar
• b) Different
• c) Lonely
• d) Common

9.What does "preserving" mean in "responsible for preserving and promoting the culture"?

• a) Destroying
• b) Forgetting
• c) Keeping safe
• d) Ignoring

10.What does "scenic" mean in "along with its scenic beauty"?

• a) Ugly
• b) Beautiful
• c) Noisy
• d) Plain

MCQs on Comprehension:

11.Where is Shusong Durgapur located?

• a) In Dhaka city
• b) On the banks of the Jamuna River
• c) Under Netrokona district, about 170 km from Dhaka
• d) In the Indian state of Meghalaya

12.Which river flows near Shusong Durgapur?

• a) Jamuna
• b) Someshwari
• c) Padma
• d) Meghna

13.What is the old name of the river Kangsa?

• a) Padma
• b) Shitalakshya
• c) Old Someshwari
• d) Brahmaputra

14.Which indigenous groups live in Shusong Durgapur?

• a) Hajong, Garo, Achik, and Mandi
• b) Chakma, Marma, and Tripuri
• c) Santal, Oraon, and Khasi
• d) Rohingya and Rakhine

15.What is the main attraction of Birishiri?

• a) The palace of the Susang king
• b) The ceramic hill of Durgapur
• c) The Shal forests
• d) The Orange Gardens

16.How does the Someshwari river change throughout the year?

• a) It dries up in summer
• b) It changes its color as the seasons change
• c) It freezes in winter
• d) It becomes salty in monsoon

17.How can you travel around the town of Birishiri?

• a) By boats
• b) By airplanes
• c) By rickshaws
• d) By trains

18.Where can you catch a direct bus to Birishiri from Dhaka?

• a) Gabtoli Bus Stand
• b) Mohakhali Bus Stand
• c) Sadarghat
• d) Farmgate

19.How long does it usually take to reach Birishiri from Dhaka?

• a) 2 to 3 hours
• b) 3 to 4 hours
• c) 5 to 6 hours
• d) 7 to 8 hours

20.Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an attraction in Birishiri?

• a) Dasha Busha Temple
• b) Orange Gardens
• c) Shal forests
• d) Cox’s Bazar Beach

Short Answer Questions:

• 1.What type of natural attractions is Bangladesh gifted with?
• 2.What is Shusong Durgapur known for?
• 3.Which river flows by Shusong Durgapur?
• 4.Which hills are close to Shusong Durgapur?
• 5.From Shusong Durgapur, which Indian state’s hills can be seen?
• 6.What kind of mountain can be seen leaning against the sky in Shusong Durgapur?
• 7.What is the other name of the river Kangsa?
• 8.In which district is Shusong Durgapur located?
• 9.How far is Shusong Durgapur from Dhaka?
• 10.Name two indigenous groups living in Shusong Durgapur.
• 11.What is the role of the cultural academy in Durgapur?
• 12.What is the main attraction of Birishiri?
• 13.How does the Someshwari River change with the seasons?
• 14.Name one temple mentioned as an attraction in Birishiri.
• 15.What is the best way to reach Birishiri from Dhaka?
• 16.Where in Dhaka can you find a direct bus to Birishiri?
• 17.How long does it usually take to reach Birishiri from Dhaka?
• 18.What is the main mode of transportation within Birishiri?
• 19.Who knows all the places well in Birishiri?
• 20.Name one forest mentioned as an attraction in Birishiri.

Class 6, Lesson 13: Our Pride

December 16 is a remarkable day for Bangladeshi people. On this day in 1971, Bangladesh got independence after a nine-month-long blood-soaked battle against the Pakistani army. It is a day of national pride as well as a day of commemorating the sacrifices of the millions of Bangladeshi people. Pakistani army killed three million people and raped thousands of women.

Victory Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country. The day begins with a 31-gun salute at dawn, followed by the hoisting of the national flag at government buildings and private institutions. Different political, cultural and educational programs are organized to pay homage to the martyrs of the war. The entire nation celebrates the day with colorful flags, banners and parades.

The National Parade ground hosts a grand military parade where the president, the prime minister and dignitaries from government and non-government sectors join. The National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar, our monument dedicated to the soldiers and civilians who lost their lives during the war, becomes a focal point for citizens to pay their respects. People from all walks of life gather to offer flowers, recite patriotic songs, and recall the sacrifices made by the nation's heroes.

MCQs on Word Meanings:

1.What does the word "remarkable" mean in "December 16 is a remarkable day"?

• a) Ordinary
• b) Unimportant
• c) Worth noticing
• d) Sad

2.What is the meaning of "independence" in the sentence "Bangladesh got independence"?

• a) Freedom from control
• b) A new friendship
• c) A type of celebration
• d) A government rule

3.What does "blood-soaked" mean in "blood-soaked battle"?

• a) Peaceful
• b) Full of bloodshed
• c) Clean and dry
• d) Without any violence

4.What does "commemorating" mean in "a day of commemorating the sacrifices"?

• a) Forgetting
• b) Ignoring
• c) Honoring and remembering
• d) Complaining about

5.What does "enthusiasm" mean in "celebrated with great enthusiasm"?

• a) Boredom
• b) Lack of interest
• c) Excitement and eagerness
• d) Silence and calmness

6.What is the meaning of "hoisting" in "hoisting of the national flag"?

• a) Lowering
• b) Folding
• c) Raising
• d) Washing

7.What does "homage" mean in "pay homage to the martyrs"?

• a) Disrespect
• b) Respect and honor
• c) Blame
• d) Criticism

8.What is the meaning of "martyrs" in "pay homage to the martyrs"?

• a) People who won the war
• b) People who lost their lives for a cause
• c) Soldiers who retired
• d) Leaders of the country

9.What does "dignitaries" mean in "dignitaries from government and non-government sectors"?

• a) Important people
• b) Young students
• c) Soldiers
• d) Tourists

10.What is the meaning of "focal point" in "becomes a focal point for citizens"?

• a) A place people avoid
• b) A less important location
• c) The main center of attention
• d) A dangerous area

MCQs on Comprehension:

11.On which date is Victory Day celebrated in Bangladesh?

• a) March 26
• b) December 16
• c) January 1
• d) February 21

12.In which year did Bangladesh gain independence?

• a) 1947
• b) 1965
• c) 1971
• d) 1980

13.How long did the battle for independence last?

• a) Three months
• b) Six months
• c) Nine months
• d) One year

14.What is the first event that happens on Victory Day?

• a) Cultural programs
• b) A 31-gun salute at dawn
• c) Hoisting the national flag
• d) Military parade

15.Where is the grand military parade held on Victory Day?

• a) National Parliament
• b) Dhaka University
• c) National Parade Ground
• d) National Museum

16.What is the purpose of the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar?

• a) To celebrate national festivals
• b) To honor soldiers and civilians who died in the war
• c) To organize sports events
• d) To house the president

17.What do people do at the National Martyrs' Memorial on Victory Day?

• a) Watch movies
• b) Offer flowers and sing patriotic songs
• c) Organize sports competitions
• d) Host political debates

18.How many people were killed by the Pakistani army during the war?

• a) One million
• b) Two million
• c) Three million
• d) Four million

19.Which of the following is NOT mentioned as part of the Victory Day celebrations?

• a) Colorful parades
• b) Hoisting the national flag
• c) Fireworks at night
• d) Reciting patriotic songs

20.Who attends the grand military parade at the National Parade Ground?

• a) Only students
• b) The president, prime minister, and other dignitaries
• c) Foreign tourists only
• d) Only soldiers

Short Answer Questions

• 1.What significant event happened on December 16, 1971?
• 2.How long did the battle for Bangladesh's independence last?
• 3.How long did the battle for Bangladesh's independence last?
• 4.Who did Bangladesh fight against to gain independence?
• 5.How many people were killed by the Pakistani army during the war?
• 6.What is December 16 known as in Bangladesh?
• 7.How is Victory Day celebrated across the country?
• 8.What event marks the beginning of Victory Day celebrations?
• 9.Where are national flags hoisted on Victory Day?
• 10.Why do people organize political, cultural, and educational programs on Victory Day?
• 11.Where is the grand military parade held on Victory Day?
• 12.Who attends the military parade at the National Parade Ground?
• 13.What is the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar dedicated to?
• 14.What do people do at the National Martyrs' Memorial on Victory Day?
• 15.What is the main purpose of Victory Day celebrations?
• 16.How do people show respect to the martyrs of the Liberation War?
• 17.What symbols are commonly seen during Victory Day celebrations?
• 18.What happens to the national flag on Victory Day?
• 19.Which memorial becomes a focal point for citizens on Victory Day?
• 20.What types of programs are organized to celebrate Victory Day?