Class Six English Seen Passage Lessons 12, 13, 14 & 15

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?

Class 6, Lesson 14: The Lion’s Mane

Once, a lion was sitting beside a river. Suddenly he looked at his own reflection and thought "My mane is too old. I need a new hairstyle!"

The lion then roared "I'm the king of the jungle and this unruly mane does not fit a king. He dipped his paw into the river and tried desperately to smooth his mane.

"Flap it all up. That will suit you!" the zebra said. "Yes, it will even look better with a bit of colour to match your moustache," the giraffe added. "What about a few ribbons?" the vulture asked. Then cried the hyena "I know, a paper crown is what you need!" A snake was passing by silently. Seeing the king there he simply raised his head.

"What do you think I should do, snake?" The king asked.

"If a king is a wise king, nobody cares about his hairstyle." The snake said with a hissing sound.

The king stared at the snake for some time. Then he smiled and kissed the snake.

"Oh, why am I so vain? Am I not the king of the jungle?" roared the lion. He shook his head from side to side to shake his mane back into place. "From now, on I promise to be a wise king and not bother about my looks!" the lion roared.

(The Lion's Mane, Written by Janet Allison Brown)

MCQs on Word Meanings:

1.What does "reflection" mean in the sentence, "Suddenly he looked at his own reflection"?

• a) A shadow
• b) An image in a mirror or water
• c) A loud roar
• d) A deep thought

2.What does "mane" refer to in the story?

• a) The lion's tail
• b) The lion's sharp teeth
• c) The long hair around a lion's head
• d) The lion's paws

3.What does "unruly" mean in "this unruly mane does not fit a king"?

• a) Neat and tidy
• b) Wild and messy
• c) Short and clean
• d) Bright and shiny

4.What does "desperately" mean in "tried desperately to smooth his mane"?

• a) Calmly and slowly
• b) Happily and carelessly
• c) With great urgency or need
• d) Without any effort

5.What does "vain" mean when the lion says, "Oh, why am I so vain?"

• a) Being very kind and helpful
• b) Caring too much about one's looks
• c) Being very brave
• d) Feeling very hungry

6.What does "wise" mean in "If a king is a wise king, nobody cares about his hairstyle"?

• a) Strong and powerful
• b) Clever and thoughtful
• c) Loud and proud
• d) Fast and quick

7.What does "hissing" mean in "the snake said with a hissing sound"?

• a) A loud roaring sound
• b) A soft, sharp sound like "sss"
• c) A cheerful singing sound
• d) A deep growling sound

8.What does "promise" mean in "I promise to be a wise king"?

• a) To shout loudly
• b) To agree to do something
• c) To forget something quickly
• d) To run away from a problem

9.What does "bother" mean in "not bother about my looks"?

• a) To care or worry
• b) To celebrate
• c) To ignore completely
• d) To shout in excitement

10.What does "roared" mean in "the lion roared"?

• a) Whispered softly
• b) Laughed quietly
• c) Made a loud, deep sound
• d) Sang a happy song

MCQs on Comprehension:

11.What did the lion see when he looked into the river?

• a) A fish swimming
• b) His own reflection
• c) Another lion
• d) The snake's shadow

12.Why was the lion unhappy with his mane?

• a) It was too short
• b) It looked too old and messy
• c) It was missing completely
• d) It was too colorful

13.Who suggested adding ribbons to the lion's mane?

• a) The hyena
• b) The zebra
• c) The vulture
• d) The giraffe

14.What did the giraffe suggest to improve the lion’s hairstyle?

• a) Add a paper crown
• b) Flap it all up
• c) Add some color to match his moustache
• d) Shave it off completely

15.What was the hyena's suggestion for the lion’s look?

• a) Add a paper crown
• b) Flap it up
• c) Grow a longer mane
• d) Wear a hat

16.How did the snake respond when asked about the lion's hairstyle?

• a) Suggested cutting the mane
• b) Said that no one cares if a king is wise
• c) Recommended adding flowers
• d) Suggested wearing sunglasses

17.What did the lion do after hearing the snake’s advice?

• a) He roared angrily at the snake
• b) He ignored the snake and left
• c) He smiled and kissed the snake
• d) He asked for more suggestions

18.What did the lion promise after realizing he was being vain?

• a) To find a new mane
• b) To leave the jungle
• c) To be a wise king and not worry about his looks
• d) To roar louder every day

19.What action did the lion take to fix his mane at the end?

• a) Cut it short
• b) Dyed it with bright colors
• c) Shook his head to put it back in place
• d) Covered it with a crown

20.What is the main lesson from the story?

• a) Always follow others’ advice
• b) Appearance is more important than wisdom
• c) Wisdom is more valuable than looks
• d) A king must always look perfect

Short Answer Questions

• 1.Where was the lion sitting at the beginning of the story?
• 2.What did the lion see when he looked into the river?
• 3.Why did the lion want a new hairstyle?
• 4.What did the lion try to do with his paw?
• 5.What did the zebra suggest the lion should do with his mane?
• 6.What did the giraffe suggest adding to the lion’s mane?
• 7.What did the vulture suggest for the lion’s hairstyle?
• 8.What did the hyena suggest the lion should wear?
• 9.Which animal gave the lion wise advice?
• 10.What did the snake say about a wise king?
• 11.How did the lion react to the snake’s advice?
• 12.What did the lion realize after hearing the snake’s advice?
• 13.What promise did the lion make at the end of the story?
• 14.How did the lion fix his mane after realizing he was vain?
• 15.What sound did the snake make when talking?
• 16.What does the lion call himself in the story?
• 17.What does the story suggest is more important than looks?
• 18.Why did the lion feel vain?
• 19.What did the lion think about his mane before the snake’s advice?
• 20.What is the main lesson of the story?

Class 6, Lesson 15: An Old People’s Home

Mariam is a student of class six in a government school in Rajshahi. Her mother works in an office and her father is a businessman. Mariam is very fond of her aunt, her father's sister, Suraiya Begum who lives in another part of the same town. On Fridays she often goes to her aunt's place and spends time with her.

Suraiya Begum is a retired school teacher. She is a widow and lives alone. Her husband died three years ago. Her two daughters are married and live with their families abroad. They talk to her over telephone and come to visit her whenever they get time.

Suraiya Begum has a lot of free time. She spends her time in reading books, watching TV, visiting friends and relatives. Sometimes she writes letters to her old colleagues. But now a days she often gets bored of doing all these things. She wants to do something more meaningful, something that would do good to others. She is planning to establish an old people's, home in her locality. She knows some elderly people live all alone. They have no one to take care of them. They often feel helpless and miserable. They need care and support.

As part of her plan, Suraiya Begum starts to visit families. She talks to a number of people. She tries to find out the problems of elderly people in their families. She understands that old people are lonely and often they become sick. They have nobody to look after them. .

On Fridays, she often takes Mariam with her on these visits. Mariam has already become very friendly with some of the old men and women. They all love Mariam very much. She tells them about her school and friends, her studies, her family. And they often tell her funny stories, fairy tales and ghost stories.

MCQs on Word Meanings:

1.What does "fond" mean in the sentence "Mariam is very fond of her aunt"?

• a) Angry with
• b) Afraid of
• c) Likes very much
• d) Uninterested in

2.What does "retired" mean when describing Suraiya Begum?

• a) Still working full-time
• b) Has stopped working after a career
• c) Starting a new job
• d) Working part-time

3.What does "widow" mean in "She is a widow and lives alone"?

• a) A woman whose husband has died
• b) A woman who has never married
• c) A woman with many children
• d) A woman who travels often

4.What does "abroad" mean in "Her two daughters live abroad"?

• a) In the same neighborhood
• b) In another country
• c) In a different room
• d) On the same street

5.What does "colleagues" mean in "She writes letters to her old colleagues"?

• a) Family members
• b) Friends from childhood
• c) People she worked with
• d) Neighbors

6.What does "bored" mean in "She often gets bored of doing all these things"?

• a) Excited and happy
• b) Tired and uninterested
• c) Busy and active
• d) Confused and lost

7.What does "meaningful" mean in "She wants to do something more meaningful"?

• a) Without purpose
• b) Important and valuable
• c) Easy and simple
• d) Quick and fun

8.What does "miserable" mean in "They often feel helpless and miserable"?

• a) Very happy and joyful
• b) Tired but content
• c) Very sad and uncomfortable
• d) Excited and cheerful

9.What does "locality" mean in "Establish an old people's home in her locality"?

• a) A faraway city
• b) The area where she lives
• c) A large country
• d) A shopping center

10.What does "elderly" mean in "She knows some elderly people live all alone"?

• a) Young children
• b) Middle-aged people
• c) Old people
• d) Teenagers

MCQs on Comprehension:

11.What class does Mariam study in?

• a) Class five
• b) Class six
• c) Class seven
• d) Class eight

12.What is Mariam’s father’s profession?

• a) Office worker
• b) Teacher
• c) Businessman
• d) Doctor

13.How is Suraiya Begum related to Mariam?

• a) She is Mariam’s grandmother
• b) She is Mariam’s mother’s sister
• c) She is Mariam’s father’s sister
• d) She is Mariam’s cousin

14.Where do Suraiya Begum’s daughters live?

• a) In the same town
• b) In another city
• c) Abroad with their families
• d) In her house

15.What does Suraiya Begum want to establish?

• a) A school for children
• b) A hospital
• c) An old people’s home
• d) A library

16.Why does Suraiya Begum want to establish an old people’s home?

• a) To make money
• b) To find a job for herself
• c) To help elderly people who are lonely
• d) To start a new school

17.What does Mariam do when she visits elderly people with her aunt?

• a) Helps them cook
• b) Talks about her school and family
• c) Reads them books
• d) Gives them medicine

18.How do the elderly people feel about Mariam?

• a) They ignore her
• b) They find her annoying
• c) They love her very much
• d) They are afraid of her

19.What kinds of stories do the elderly people tell Mariam?

• a) Science fiction stories
• b) News stories
• c) Funny stories, fairy tales, and ghost stories
• d) Historical stories

20.How does Suraiya Begum spend her free time?

• a) She works in an office
• b) She reads books, watches TV, and visits friends
• c) She travels abroad
• d) She runs a business

Short Answer Questions

• 1.What class does Mariam study in?
• 2.Where does Mariam go on Fridays?
• 3.What is Mariam’s father's profession?
• 4.What is Mariam’s mother’s job?
• 5.Who is Suraiya Begum?
• 6.Where does Suraiya Begum live?
• 7.What was Suraiya Begum’s profession before retirement?
• 8.How many daughters does Suraiya Begum have?
• 9.Where do Suraiya Begum’s daughters live?
• 10.How does Suraiya Begum communicate with her daughters?
• 11.What does Suraiya Begum want to establish?
• 12.Why does Suraiya Begum want to establish an old people’s home?
• 13.How does Suraiya Begum spend her free time?
• 14.What problem does Suraiya Begum notice about elderly people?
• 15.What does Mariam do when she visits elderly people with her aunt?
• 16.How do the elderly people feel about Mariam?
• 17.What kinds of stories do the elderly people tell Mariam?
• 18.Why does Suraiya Begum feel bored sometimes?
• 19.How long ago did Suraiya Begum’s husband die?
• 20.What does Suraiya Begum do to understand the problems of elderly people?