HSC Model Test 2020 (2)
English First Paper
Part I: Reading (60 Marks)
1. Read the following text and answer the questions A and B [Unit—12; Lesson—2]
Conflict can be described as a disagreement among groups or individuals characterized by antagonism and hostility. This is usually fueled by the opposition of one party to another in an attempt to reach an objective different from that of the other party. The elements involved in the conflict have varied sets of principles and values, thus allowing a conflict to arise. Conflict can be defined in many ways but one of the simplest is that it pertains to the opposing ideas and actions of different entities, resulting in an antagonistic state. Conflict is
an inevitable part of life. All of us possess our own opinions, ideas and sets of beliefs. We have our own ways of looking at things and we act according to what we think is proper. Hence, we often find ourselves in conflict in different scenarios; it may involve other individuals, groups of people, or a struggle within our own selves. Consequently, conflict influences our actions and decisions in one way or another. Conflict comes naturally; the clashing of thoughts and ideas is a part of the human experience. It is true that it can be destructive if left uncontrolled. However, it shouldn’t be seen as something that can only cause negative things to transpire. It is a way to come up with more meaningful realizations than can certainly be helpful to the individuals involved.
A. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives. 1×5=5
(a) The word ‘antagonism’ in the first paragraph refers to ——.
(i) a very friendly relationship (ii) feelings of good faith (iii) feelings of amicable relationship (iv) a strong feeling of dislike or hatred
(b) —— are influenced by conflict.
(i) Our behaviour (ii) Our actions (iii) Our actions and decision (iv) Our daily activities
(c) What could be the closest meaning for ‘fueled by’ in the second sentence? (i) added by (ii) supported by (iii) fired by (iv) increased by
(d) ‘Hence’ is a/an ——. (i) Adjective (ii) Preposition (iii) Noun (iv) Adverb
(e) What is the main purpose of the author of this passage? (i) To show the merits of conflict (ii) To show demerits of conflict (iii) To inform about conflict (iv) To show antagonism
B. Answer the following questions. 2×5=10
(a) Mention three causes of conflict.
(b) What does the expression ‘conflict comes naturally’ mean?
(c) What will happen if the conflict is left uncontrolled?
(d) How can we live harmoniously despite conflict?
(e) “The clashing of thoughts and ideas is a part of the human experience”. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.
- Read the following text and make a flow chart showing the conditions of adolescent girls in Bangladesh. (one is done for you) 2×5=10
[Unit—5; Lesson—2(2–v)]
When adolescent girls are pulled out of school, either for marriage or work, they often lose their mobility, their friends and social status. The lack of mobility among adolescent girls also curtails their economic and non-formal educational opportunities. Moreover, they lack information about health issues. According to a study, only about three in five adolescents have even heard of HIV. It is also reported that more than 50 per cent of adolescent girls are undernourished and suffer from anemia. Adolescent fertility is also high in Bangladesh. The contribution of the adolescent fertility rate to the total fertility rate increased from 20.3% in 1993 to 24.4% in 2007. Moreover, neonatal mortality is another concern for younger mothers.
| 1. Pulling out of school, either for marriage or work | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
3. Summarize the following text. 10
[Unit—14; Lesson—3 (2)]
A craftwork is a dynamic object–always evolving, and always abreast of changing tastes and preferences. It also represents a way of life and a cultural flavour. Therefore changes in lifestyle and material conditions are expected to have their impact on craftworks and their production. But certain forms, shapes, styles and aesthetic preferences change little over time, suggesting that a craftwork can function as a stable signifier of community values and desires over time. Mechanical and mass production take away this feeling of assurance and stability and the sense of continuity that the handmade craftwork evokes. In the clash between expectations of pure, handmade craftworks and the market need of mechanically produced craftworks, two contesting views emerge: on the one hand, traditionalists contend that the society needs to preserve the authenticity and naturalness of craftworks and their association with domesticity and environment; and, on the other, promoters of machine production argue that the machine has helped restore the appeal of the crafts due to their cheaper production costs. 4. Fill in the gaps with suitable word from the box (make any grammatical change if necessary). There are more words in the box than you need. .5×10=5
| mankind | be | concern | protection | species | spoil |
| endanger | save | mean | destroy | perish | change |
All species are important for maintaining ecological balance. If one is lost, the whole natural environment gets (a) ——. We should, therefore, (b) —— our wildlife to protect the environment from being (c) ——. Many countries are now taking action to protect their (d) —— wildlife. Mankind must develop a (e) —— for wild creatures and must ensure that they will not (f) ——. (g) —— wild creatures means destroying ourselves. It is high time we (h) —— them. Love for animals (i) —— love for (j) ——.
5. Fill in the blanks with appropriate word in each gap. 10
Money is power and can do much good and evil. It gives (a) —— and delight. It (b) —— do everything. A person without (c) —— is a person to be pitied. Nobody pays (d) —— respect to him. His friends do not (e) —— him. He has to depend on the (f) —— of others. In order to (g) —— money, he does a lot of jobs. It is a must (h) —— our life. But it does not necessarily (i) —— happiness. Happiness is absolutely a (j) —— matter.
6. Rearrange the following sentences to make a coherent order. 10 (a) This time he put on gorgeous dress. (b) When Sheikh Saadi sat to have his meal, he began to keep the food into the pocket of his dress. (c) On his way back home, Saadi again took shelter in the same courtier’s house. (d) He set out for the emperor’s palace in ordinary dress. (e) Saadi replied, “My dress deserves this food.” (f) He was simple in his way of life. (g) On the way, he took shelter in a courtier’s house where he was not treated well. (h) Sheikh Saadi was a great Persian poet. (i) The courtier asked, “Why are you putting the food into your pocket? (j) Once he was invited to the emperor’s palace.