Rajshahi Board HSC English Second Paper 2023: Comprehensive Solutions to All Questions
Rajshahi Board
ENGLISH SECOND PAPER
[According to the Syllabus of 2024]
Subject Code: 108
Time: 3 hours
Full Marks: 100
Part A: Complete The Grammar Marks 60
1. Complete the text with suitable prepositions:
Marks: 0.5×10 = 5
Education is instrumental (a) in bringing (b) about socio-economic development. A man devoid (c) of education cannot contribute (d) to the society. On the other hand, an educated man plays a pivotal role (e) in enhancing the pace (f) of socio-economic development. A country should put much emphasis (g) on educating its citizens. The citizens have to be provided (h) with ample opportunities so that they feel keen interest (i) in getting themselves educated. The educated people are to be treated (j) with much respect.
2. Complete the sentences with suitable phrases/words given in the box:
Marks: 0.5×10 = 5
Phrases:
would that, had better, since, it, as if, let alone, too … to, lest, as soon as, no sooner had … than
(a) You look exhausted. You had better take rest for a while.
(b) The thief has fled away lest he might be caught.
(c) No sooner had I seen the snake than I became awe-struck.
(d) I would render my cooperation to you if it requires.
(e) It was long since I had met you.
(f) As soon as he met me, he hugged me warmly.
(g) Don’t expect any help from him. He is too busy to help you.
(h) I am an orphan now. Would that my father had lived longer.
(i) He cannot walk for a few steps, let alone run for a mile.
(j) He overlooks me as if he never knew me.
3. Complete the following sentences using suitable phrases or clauses:
Marks: 1×10 = 10
(a) Had you sought my help, you would not have faced such a crisis.
(b) A man leading an indolent life cannot succeed in life.
(c) Strike the rod while it is hot.
(d) The men, who love their country, are called patriots.
(e) Be punctual in your studies and cut a good figure in exams.
(f) Food adulteration is a crime. It is high time we prevented this crime.
(g) Childhood is the golden period of life. I wish I were a child again.
(h) Scarcely had we got out of home when our mother started crying.
(i) I know the man who climbed Everest.
(j) He feigns as though he broke his legs.
4. Read the text and fill in the gaps with the correct form of verbs:
Marks: 0.5×14 = 7
The life of our farmers (a) is full of hardships. Many (b) do not know how to cultivate scientifically. They (c) work hard from dawn to dusk. But their toil (d) goes awry due to lack of scientific knowledge. Our government offers a lot of opportunities to them with a view to (e) eliminating their sufferings. Unfortunately, they (f) do not avail themselves of those opportunities.
It is time they (g) got scientific education. If they (h) helped, it (i) would contribute better to the prosperity of the country. The prosperity of our country (j) lies in their (k) being educated. Educating a farmer (l) means educating a family and (m) may result in greater success in every sector of the country.
5. Change the narrative style by using indirect speech:
Marks: 1×5 = 5
“Why are your children crying, my daughter?” “They have been starving,” said the woman. “Have you none else in the world?” “My husband died some months ago. He left them neither money nor any property. So, they are in great distress. They have to starve sometimes.” “What a pity it is!” said the Caliph.
Answer in indirect speech:
Addressing the woman as his daughter, the Caliph asked why her children were crying. The woman replied that they had been starving. The Caliph again asked if she had none else in the world. The woman replied that her husband had died some months ago. She added that he had left them neither money nor any property. So, they were in great distress. She also said that they had to starve sometimes. The Caliph exclaimed with sorrow that it was a great pity.
6. Read the following text and use modifiers as directed:
Marks: 0.5×10 = 5
Trees, (a) our friend (use an appositive), are essential for maintaining the eco-system. Without trees, the balance of the eco-system will be (b) greatly (use an adverb) lost. Trees provide us with (c) important (pre-modify the noun) elements without which we cannot live on this earth. It is a matter of (d) great (pre-modify the noun) concern that we are felling trees (e) indiscriminately (post-modify the verb).
As a dire consequence, the global temperature is rising (f) alarmingly (post-modify the verb). The existence of flora and fauna is at an (g) unavoidable (use a pre-modifier) risk. Polar ice caps are melting and (h) sea (use a noun-adjective) level is rising. (i) By taking immediate (use a present participle phrase) steps, we can avoid such a catastrophe. If we want to keep our (j) planet (use a noun-adjective) earth safe and sound, we have to plant trees and protect our forests.
7 . Use appropriate sentence connectors in the blank spaces:
Marks: 0.5×14 = 7
Mobile phone is a miracle of modern science. (a) Firstly, it has brought about a revolutionary development in the arena of communication. (b) And, it has eliminated distance and promoted human relationship. (c) Secondly, it helps to gear up the pace of business, (d) for it ensures the smooth growth of the economy. (e) Additionally, it can solve many problems of mathematics. (f) Therefore, it has become a daily necessity.
(g) However, it is not free from demerits. (h) It becomes detrimental to reckless users. (i) Thus, the use of mobile phones by teenagers has to be regulated. (j) Otherwise, they will go to ruin. (k) If we want to save our young generation, we have to be more vigilant. (l) Parents, teachers, and neighbors can play a positive role in this regard. (m) Moreover, the people who are addicted to wanton mobile phone use have to be more cautious. (n) If they maintain abstinence, it will positively influence their offspring.
8. Read the passage and write the antonym or synonym of the words as directed below:
An ideal student is an asset for a society or a country. He is sincere, punctual, obedient and law-abiding. He never derails from the right track. He tries his best to materialise the dream of his parents. He is a worthy citizen and cherishes patriotic zeal. He not only devotes to regular studies but also serves his society during his leisure time. He is frugal in spending but generous in promoting noble deeds. He never squanders his energy aimlessly. His only goal is to emulate his career. Unfortunately, the number of ideal students is declining day by day.
(a) ideal (antonym): imperfect/flawed
(b) obedient (antonym): disobedient/disloyal
(c) derail (synonym): slip/crash
(d) right (synonym): appropriate/proper
(e) materialise (synonym): actualize
(f) worthy (synonym): deserving/worthwhile
(g) zeal (synonym): passion/spirit
(h) devote (synonym): dedicate
(i) regular (antonym): irregular
(j) leisure (antonym): duty/work
(k) frugal (antonym): careless/wasteful
(l) noble (antonym): ordinary/undignified
(m) squander (synonym): expend/waste
(n) unfortunately (antonym): fortunately/luckily
9. Rewrite the text correcting the punctuation errors:
Original Text:
Jerry: You look like my mother
Writer: Do you meet your mother frequently when have you met her does she visit you
Jerry: she often visits me She sends gifts for me Did you see the skates I put on yesterday
Writer: Why do you not live with her doesn’t your heart bleed for her
Jerry: Im fated to live alone
Corrected Text:
Jerry: You look like my mother!
Writer: Do you meet your mother frequently? When have you met her? Does she visit you?
Jerry: She often visits me. She sends gifts for me. Did you see the skates I put on yesterday?
Writer: Why do you not live with her? Doesn’t your heart bleed for her?
Jerry: I’m fated to live alone.
Part B: Complete The Composition
10. Write an application to the Principal of your college asking for permission to arrange a ‘Study Tour.’
To
The Principal,
[Name of College],
[Location],
Date: [Insert Date]
Subject: Application for Permission to Arrange a ‘Study Tour’
Dear Sir/Madam,
We, the students of [class/year], would like to request your permission to arrange a ‘Study Tour’ to [destination]. This tour will provide us with valuable learning experiences outside the classroom and help us understand the practical applications of our studies. We assure you that all necessary precautions will be taken for safety and discipline.
We kindly seek your approval for this tour and hope for your favorable consideration.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name],
[Class/Year],
[College Name]
11. Write a paragraph on ‘The Importance of Sports’
The Importance of Sports
Sports play a crucial role in maintaining physical and mental well-being. Engaging in regular sports activities helps to develop fitness, stamina, and coordination. Sports also foster teamwork, leadership, and discipline, which are essential life skills. By promoting healthy competition, sports encourage individuals to challenge their limits and strive for excellence. Additionally, sports provide a constructive outlet for stress and improve concentration. The importance of sports extends beyond physical health, as it instills a sense of community and fair play, making it an integral part of personal and social development.
5. Write a paragraph comparing and contrasting ‘Technical Education and General Education.’
Technical Education vs. General Education
Technical education and general education differ in their focus and approach. Technical education emphasizes specialized skills and practical knowledge that prepare students for specific careers, such as engineering, IT, or healthcare. It is more hands-on and application-oriented, focusing on industry requirements. In contrast, general education covers a broader range of subjects like literature, history, and science, aiming to develop critical thinking and a well-rounded intellect. While general education fosters intellectual curiosity and flexibility, technical education is career-driven, offering direct pathways into the job market. Both forms of education are essential; general education builds foundational skills, while technical education equips individuals with the expertise required for specialized professions.
Unit 2: Lesson 1 What is a dream?
Unit Three: Lifestyle Lesson 4: Fitness
Lesson 1: The Storm and Stress of Adolescence
Lesson 2: Adolescence and Some (Related) Problems in Bangladesh