Saturday, December 27, 2025

1. Identify the correct question tag

Answer: (b) shall we The question tag for a sentence starting with "Let us" or "Let's" is always "shall we".

2. Choose the right option that transforms the given sentence into assertive sentence without changing the meaning

Answer: (b) It is no use wasting time in reading trash. The assertive sentence conveys the same meaning as the rhetorical question, stating that there is no benefit to wasting time in reading trash.

3. Transform the given sentence into a simple sentence

Answer: (b) No branch of knowledge is too difficult to be conquered by perseverence. The original complex sentence is transformed into a simple sentence using the structure "too... to be" to express the same meaning.

4. Choose the correct option to fill in the blanks

Answer: (c) across, from "Across" is used to describe movement from one side of the street to the other, and "from" indicates the direction the car was coming in relation to the dog's path.

5. Choose the right word to fill in the gap

Answer: (b) little "Little" (without 'a') is used to indicate a very small or insufficient amount of rest, which fits the context of someone who rises late.

6. Choose the correct sentence from the options given

Answer: (d) None of my friends have come to school today. This sentence is grammatically correct. Option (a) has incorrect word order in the embedded question ("where he lives"). Option (b) uses an idiomatic expression that is less common than "by the arm" or "by the hand". Option (c) uses "shortly" (meaning soon) incorrectly to modify the visit, which should likely be "recently".

7. Choose the correct preposition to fill in the blank

Answer: (a) with The correct preposition to use with "gifted" in this context is "with", meaning endowed or provided with a natural ability or quality.

8. Identify the sentence where the word 'down' is used as an adverb

Answer: (d) The sun has gone down In this sentence, "down" modifies the verb "gone", indicating the direction or state of the sun's movement, thus functioning as an adverb. In the other options, it acts as an adjective, part of a noun phrase, or a preposition.

9. Choose the correct option to fill in the blank

Answer: (b) break through A "breakthrough" is a significant discovery or development, which fits the context of major progress in cancer research.

10. Fill in the blank choosing the right option

Answer: (d) walkover A "walkover" is a victory achieved without effort because of a lack of opposition, matching the scenario described in the sentence.

11. Identify the correct sentence

Answer: (c) You, Alice and I are friends.

The standard rule for the order of personal pronouns in English is the "2-3-1 rule," which places the second person ("You") first, the third person ("Alice," "he," "she," "they") second, and the first person ("I") last.

12. Select the correct combination of sentence given above that makes a simple sentence

Answer: (b) Zubeen Garg, a legendary singer, musician, composer, lyricist, instrumentalist, actor, director, film maker and philanthropist will always remain alive in the hearts of the people of Assam

A simple sentence contains one independent clause. Option (b) uses an appositive phrase ("a legendary singer, musician...") to provide extra information about Zubeen Garg without adding an additional clause or conjunction, making it a simple sentence.

13. Choose the indirect form of narration

Answer: (d) She told her teacher that she had had a headache the day before.

When converting direct speech in the past perfect tense ("I had a headache") to indirect speech, the tense typically remains past perfect ("she had had a headache"). Also, "yesterday" changes to "the day before".

14. Choose the option that correctly changes the voice

Answer: (b) The gates will have been locked by the guards by 2 p.m.

To change a sentence from active voice ("The guards will have locked the gates") to passive voice, the object ("The gates") becomes the subject, and the verb form changes to match the future perfect tense passive structure ("will have been locked").

15. Choose the correct option to fill in the blank

Answer: (a) rites

"Rites" refers to a formal ceremony or a solemn ritual, such as last rites or funeral rites. This fits the context of performing a final ceremony.

16. Choose the correct pair of preposition to fill in the blank

Answer: (c) to, by

The adjective "junior" is always followed by the preposition "to" when making a comparison. The phrase "by several years" is a standard way to express the extent of the difference in age or seniority.

17. Choose the correct tense form and fill in the blank

Answer: (a) have done

This is an example of a mixed conditional sentence (Type 3 in the "if" clause and a modal in the main clause). The structure for this type is "What would you (modal + have + past participle) if I had not lent you the money (past perfect)?".

18. Choose the correct tense form and fill in the blank

Answer: (c) were

The phrase "I wish" is followed by the subjunctive mood to express a hypothetical or unreal situation. In the subjunctive, "were" is used for all persons, including the first person singular ("I").

19. Choose the indirect form of narration

Answer: (d) She asked me if I knew I had killed her dog.

When converting an interrogative sentence to indirect speech, the reporting verb changes to "asked," and "if" or "whether" is introduced. The tenses shift (present simple "Do you know" becomes past simple "I knew," and past simple "you killed" becomes past perfect "I had killed"), and pronouns change ("my dog" becomes "her dog").

Would you like help with questions 20-24 or a deeper dive into any of these grammar rules?

AI responses may include mistakes.

20. Supply a single word for the underlined portion from the given options

Answer: (b) audience [1, 2, 3]

The word "audience" specifically refers to an assembly of listeners or spectators at a public event, such as a speech or performance.
"Spectators" typically refers to people who watch an event, especially a sports contest.
"People" is a general term for human beings and is less specific than "audience".
"Dignitaries" refers to people holding high office or status.

21. Choose the correct alternative to fill in the blank

Answer: (d) except that

The phrase "except that" is used to introduce a clause that states an exception to a general statement.
The sentence structure requires a conjunction to link the two clauses ("She is a good student" and "she is sometimes careless").
"Except" and "except for" are typically prepositions and do not fit the grammatical requirement of connecting two clauses in this way.

22. Identify the sentence that gives the positive degree of the given sentence

Answer: (b) Very few metals are so precious as gold.

The original sentence, "Gold is one of the most precious metals," is in the superlative degree.
To convert a superlative sentence containing "one of the" to the positive degree, the structure "Very few..." followed by "so... as" is used.
This structure indicates that gold is more precious than most metals, but not all of them.

23. Unit of electric power

Answer: (a) Watt/রাট/ बट/বাট

The unit of electric power in the International System of Units (SI) is the watt (W).
Volt is the unit of electric potential difference.
Joule is the unit of energy or work.
Kilowatt hour is a unit of energy, not power.

24. Choose the correct option for statement A and B

Answer: (a) Both statement A and B are true.

Statement A: "Corrosion of iron is commonly known as rusting." This is true; rusting is the specific term for the corrosion of iron and its alloys.
Statement B: "Diamond and graphite are allotropes of carbon." This is also true; allotropes are different structural forms of the same element in the same physical state.

Would you like to explore a deeper dive into any of these grammar rules or scientific concepts?

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.doubtnut.com/qna/649069132

[2] https://www.studyadda.com/sample-papers/english-olympiad-model-test-paper-12_q4/2132/472827

[3] https://askfilo.com/user-question-answers-smart-solutions/speaking-ability-direction-for-questions-7-and-8-change-the-3232373134303933

A SLUMBER DID MY SPIRIT SEAL (Class ix)

Q1. What does the poet mean by “A slumber did my spirit seal”?

Ans: By saying “A slumber did my spirit seal,” the poet means that he was so lost in love that he did not think his beloved could ever die, and when she died, he sank into deep sorrow and sadness.He felt as if his heart had stopped.

Q2. Who is the ‘she’ referred to in the poem?

ANS:- ‘She’ refers to the poet’s beloved, believed to be a girl named Lucy.

Q3. What is meant by “earthly years”?

ANS:- “Earthly years” means the passing of time in the world, which brings old age and death.

Q4. Why can the woman neither hear nor see now?

ANS :- She can neither hear nor see because she is dead and has lost all physical senses.

Q5. What is the “diurnal course”?

ANS :- The “diurnal course” means the daily movement or rotation of the Earth.

Q6. How does the poet describe his beloved's physical state in the second stanza?

ANZ :- He describes her as having no motion and no force, showing that she is lifeless.

Q7. How did the poet feel about his beloved when she was alive?

AND :-When his beloved was alive, the poet believed she was immortal. He had no fear of losing her and thought that time and death could not affect her.

Q8. How did she become a part of nature?

Ans: She became a part of nature after her death when her body was buried in the Earth. She now lies with rocks, stones, and trees and moves with the Earth’s daily rotation.

Q9. What did the poet feel when his beloved one died?

Ans: When his beloved died, the poet felt deep sorrow and sadness. He felt as if his heart had stopped.

Q10. What did the poet imagine her to be after death?

Ans: After death, the poet imagined her as a part of nature. She became a thing that could not feel the earthly years, she has no motion and no force. She lies in the Earth with rocks, stones, and trees, moving only with the Earth’s daily rotation.

Q11. When the poet’s beloved was dead, how did the poet feel?

ANS : When the poet’s beloved was dead, the poet’s heart became so sad that his heart sank into deep sorrow and sadness.

Chandraprabha Saikiani (class Viii)

1. Who was Chandraprabha Saikiani?

👉 She was a renowned social reformer from Assam.

2. Where was Chandraprabha Saikiani born?

👉 She was born in Assam.

3. On which date was Chandraprabha Saikiani born?

👉 She was born on 16 March 1901.

4. Who were Chandraprabha’s parents?

👉 Ratiram Mazumdar and Gangapriya.

5. In which village did she spend her early years?

👉 In Doisingari village.

6. In which district is Doisingari village located?

👉 Kamrup district.

7. What was the name of Chandraprabha’s sister?

👉 Rajaniprabha.

8. Why did Chandraprabha and her sister walk through mud?

👉 To attend school.

9. What kind of school did Chandraprabha first attend?

👉 A school meant only for boys.

10. What did Chandraprabha fight for throughout her life?

👉 The rights and education of girls.

11. What did she do after school for other girls?

👉 She taught them what she had learnt.

12. Who was impressed by Chandraprabha’s efforts?

👉 School sub-inspector Nilkanta Barua.

13. Where did she receive a scholarship to study?

👉 Nagaon Mission school.

14. What restriction did girls face in hostels at that time?

👉 They had to convert to Christianity.

15. What stand did Chandraprabha take on this issue?

👉 She strongly opposed it.

16. What change did her protest bring?

👉 Girls of all religions were allowed in hostels.

17. What custom did she challenge in 1925?

👉 Women sitting behind a bamboo screen.

18. Where did she give her powerful speech in 1925?

👉 Assam Sahitya Sabha session at Nagaon.

19. What did she demand in her speech?

👉 Removal of the bamboo screen.

20. Name the first women’s organisation formed by her initiative.

👉 Assam Pradeshik Mahila Samiti.

21. Which social evil deeply affected Chandraprabha?

👉 The caste system.

22. Which temple entry movement did she support?

👉 Entry into Hayagriva Madhava temple at Hajo.

23. Whom did Chandraprabha meet in 1921?

👉 Mahatma Gandhi.

24. What movement did she join after meeting Gandhi?

👉 The freedom movement.

25. What message did she spread during the freedom movement?

👉 Khadi and boycott of foreign clothes.

26. Name one social evil she worked against.

👉 Untouchability.

(also acceptable: opium, caste system)

27. How many times was she imprisoned?

👉 Three times.

28. Mention one year when she was imprisoned.

👉 1931 / 1942 / 1943.

29. What quality of Chandraprabha is shown by her actions?

👉 Courage / patriotic spirit.

30. How did she spread her ideas besides speeches?

👉 Through books.

31. Which national award was given to her?

👉 Padma Shri.

32. In which year did she die?

👉 1972.

33. How was she honoured after her death?

👉 By a commemorative postal stamp.

34. In which year was the postal stamp released?

👉 2002.

35. What was Chandraprabha’s main mission?

👉 Upliftment of women.

36. What did society not allow girls to do during Chandraprabha’s childhood?

👉 Girls were not allowed to step out of home.

37. Why was formal education difficult for girls in those days?

👉 Society restricted girls’ freedom.

38. What showed Chandraprabha’s eagerness to study?

👉 She walked several kilometres through mud to school.

39. What kind of barriers did women face in public meetings?

👉 They had to sit behind a bamboo screen.

40. What separated men and women in meetings?

👉 A bamboo screen.

41. Why was Chandraprabha’s speech in 1925 important?

👉 It challenged social restrictions on women.

42. What was Chandraprabha strongly against?

👉 Social restrictions on women.

43. What did Chandraprabha believe about education for girls?

👉 Girls deserved education equal to boys.

44. What inspired her lifelong fight against taboos?

👉 Injustice towards women.

45. What quality is reflected when she taught other girls after school?

👉 Leadership.

46. What proved Chandraprabha’s reformist nature?

👉 Her protests against social customs.

47. What was her attitude towards injustice?

👉 She rebelled against it.

48. What did Chandraprabha demand for women in society?

👉 Equality.

49. What kind of spirit could not be dampened in her?

👉 Patriotic spirit.

50. Which freedom values did she promote?

👉 Khadi and boycott of foreign goods.

51. What did Chandraprabha oppose in hostel rules?

👉 Religious discrimination.

52. What was the result of her opposition to hostel rules?

👉 Girls of all religions got hostel facilities.

53. What does her imprisonment show about her character?

👉 Fearlessness.

54. What type of leader was Chandraprabha Saikiani?

👉 A social and freedom fighter.

55. What kind of reforms did she fight for?

👉 Social reforms.

56. Why is Chandraprabha Saikiani remembered today?

👉 For her contribution to women’s rights and freedom movement.

57. What did Chandraprabha believe about caste and gender?

👉 Everyone should be treated equally.

58. What was her response to social evils?

👉 Active protest.

59. What does the bamboo screen symbolise?

👉 Gender discrimination.

60. What lesson do we learn from Chandraprabha Saikiani’s life?

👉 Courage to fight injustice.

Others

1. Why was Chandraprabha Saikiani sent to jail?

👉 For taking part in the freedom movement.

2. How many times was Chandraprabha imprisoned?

👉 Three times.

3. Mention one year when she was jailed.

👉 1931.

4. What does her imprisonment show about her character?

👉 Her courage and patriotism.

5. Which movement led to her imprisonment?

👉 The Indian freedom movement.

6. Did jail stop Chandraprabha from her work?

👉 No.

7. What quality helped her face imprisonment bravely?

👉 Indomitable spirit.

8. Which national award was given to Chandraprabha Saikiani?

👉 Padma Shri.

9. When was the Padma Shri awarded to her?

👉 A few days after her death.

10. Why was she awarded the Padma Shri?

👉 For her social and national service

11. How was Chandraprabha Saikiani remembered nationally?

👉 By a commemorative postal stamp.

12. In which year was the commemorative postal stamp released?

👉 2002.

13. Why was a postal stamp issued in her name?

👉 To honour her contribution to society.

14. What does the postal stamp signify?

👉 National recognition of her work.

15. In which year did Chandraprabha Saikiani die?

👉 1972.

16. How is Chandraprabha remembered today?

👉 As a great social reformer and freedom fighter.

17. What message does her life give us?

👉 Fight against injustice.

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

THE BALL POEM

1. Who loses the ball?

Answer:

A little boy loses the ball while playing near the harbour.

2. Where was the boy standing?

Answer:

The boy was standing near the harbour.

3. What does the boy stare at?

Answer:

The boy stares at the water of the harbour where his ball has fallen and disappeared.

4. Why does the poet call the loss the boy’s “first” loss?

Answer:

The poet calls it the boy’s “first” loss because this is his first experience of real emotional pain and grief.

5. What lesson does the boy learn?

Answer:

The boy learns that loss is an unavoidable part of life and one must accept it bravely.

6. What does “stand up” mean in the poem?

Answer:

“Stand up” means to face life bravely and move forward despite suffering loss and pain.

7. Why does the poet watch the boy silently?

Answer:

The poet watches the boy silently because he wants him to learn the lesson of loss on his own without interference.

8. What cannot money buy according to the poem?

Answer:

According to the poem, money cannot buy emotional attachment, memories, or the feelings connected with the lost ball.

9. What does the ball remind the boy of?

Answer:

The ball reminds the boy of his happy, innocent childhood days filled with joy and play.

10. Why does the poet say “people will take balls”?

Answer:

The poet says this to show that loss is inevitable in life and that people will lose things they love.

11. What does “in the world of possessions” mean?

Answer:

It means a world where people are identified by what they own, and where possessions are temporary and can be lost at any time.

12. What is the boy learning from the loss of the ball?

Answer:

The boy is learning the nature of loss and grief and is developing emotional strength to accept loss and move on in life.

13. “Money is external.” Explain.

Answer: Money is external” means that money can replace material objects, but it cannot buy emotions, feelings, or bring back memories attached to a thing.

14. Who is the poet of the poem "The Ball Poem ?"

Answer:

The poet of The Ball Poem is John Berryman.

15. Where did the ball go?

Answer:

The ball bounced down the street and finally fell into the harbour water.

16. What was the boy’s reaction after losing the ball?

Answer:

The boy stood still, trembling with grief, and kept staring down at the water in shock and sadness.

17. What does the ‘ball’ symbolize?

Answer:

The ball symbolizes the boy’s innocent childhood, happiness, and valuable possessions.

18. Which literary device is used in “merrily bouncing”?

Answer:

The literary device used is Personification, as the ball is given the human quality of being “merry.”

19. Why is the boy “trembling”?

Answer:

The boy is trembling because he is deeply shocked and upset by the sudden loss of his ball.

20. What “responsibility” does the poet refer to ?

Answer:

The poet refers to the responsibility of accepting loss and learning to cope with grief in life.

21. What does “balls” represent in the poem ?

Answer:

“Balls” represent valuable possessions, loved ones, or anything precious that can be lost.

22. Why does the poet say balls will be lost “always”?

Answer:

The poet says this to emphasize that loss is permanent, unavoidable, and a universal human experience.

*The Ball Poem*

1. Does the lost ball stand for the metaphor of the boy's lost childhood? How?

Answer:

Yes, the lost ball is a metaphor for the boy’s lost childhood. The ball represents his innocence and carefree days. When it is lost in the water, it shows that his childhood is gone forever. Like the ball, childhood cannot be recovered.

2. How is the boy learning the ‘epistemology of loss’ from the loss of his ball? What he has to learn?

Answer:

By losing the ball, the boy learns the 'epistemology of loss', the meaning and nature of loss. He understands that possessions do not last forever. He has to learn that loss is a part of life and one must accept it.

3. How can the boy stand up again? What every man must know one day?

Answer:

The boy can stand up again by accepting his loss and moving forward. Every man must know one day that loss is unavoidable in life. One must learn to live with pain and continue life with courage.

4. Why does the poet say, "I would not intrude on him"? Why doesn't he offer him money to buy a another ball?

Answer:

The poet does not want to intrude because he wants the boy to learn from his loss. He does not offer money because money can replace the ball but not the feelings and memories attached to it.

5. “—there it is in the water.” What does ‘it’ refer to here?

Answer:

Here, ‘it’ refers to the ball that the boy was playing with, which falls into the water.

6. Name the literary device used in --

“merrily bouncing, down the street, and then merrily over — there it is in the water!”

Answer:

(d) Anaphora

7. Name the literary device used in

“and no one buys a ball back”.

Answer:

8. Explain the expression “shaking grief”.

Answer:

(a) Trembling in grief

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

All poem literary device

Literary Devices

1. Simile (উপমা)

A direct comparison between two different things using like or as.
(দুটা বস্তুক তুলনা কৰা হয় "like / as" (যেন, যেনে) শব্দ ব্যৱহাৰ কৰি।)

Examples:

She is as brave as a lion. (তেওঁ সিংহৰ দৰে সাহসী।)
His face is like the moon. (তেওঁৰ মুখ চন্দ্ৰৰ দৰে।)

2. Metaphor (ৰূপক)

An indirect comparison, saying one thing is another.
(এটা বস্তুক আন এটা বস্তুৰ সৈতে সলনি কৰি কোৱা।)

Examples:

Time is money. (সময় হ’ল ধন।)
Life is a journey. (জীৱন হ’ল এটা যাত্ৰা।)

3. Personification (ব্যক্তিবাচকীকৰণ)

Giving human qualities to non-human things.
(অমানৱীয় বস্তুত মানুহৰ গুণ দিয়াকৈ কোৱা।)

Examples:

The wind whispered through the trees. ( বতাহে গছবোৰৰ জৰিয়তে ফুচফুচাই ক’লে।)
The stars smiled at us. (তৰাবিলাকে আমাক চাই হাঁ‌হিলে।)

4. Alliteration (অনুপ্ৰাস)

Repetition of the same initial consonant sound.
(একে ব্যঞ্জনধ্বনি কেইবা বাৰো পুনৰাবৃত্তি।)

Examples:

She sells sea shells on the sea shore. ( তাই সাগৰৰ পাৰত শামুক বিক্ৰী কৰে।)
Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. (পিটাৰ পাইপাৰে মৰিচ ৰ আচাৰৰ এটা পেক সংগ্ৰহ কৰিলে।)
Big black bug bit a big black bear. (ডাঙৰ ক’লা পোকে ডাঙৰ ক’লা ভালুক ক কামুৰিলে।)

5. Assonance (স্বৰসাম্য)

Repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words.
(একে স্বৰধ্বনি ওচৰৰ শব্দত পুনৰাবৃত্তি।)

Examples:

The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain. (
We see three trees.

6. Consonance (ব্যঞ্জনসাম্য)

Repetition of consonant sounds, usually at the end.
(শব্দৰ অন্তত একে ধ্বনি ৰ পুনৰাবৃত্তি।)

Examples:

The lumpy, bumpy road.
Mike likes his new bike.

7. Irony (বক্ৰোক্তি)

Meaning opposite to the literal sense.
(যিটো বুজা যায়, সেইটো নহয়, বিপৰীত অৰ্থত কোৱা।)

Irony হৈছে—

যি কথা মুখেৰে কোৱা হয় বা লিখা হয়, বাস্তৱতে তাৰ উল্টা অৰ্থ বুজায়।

নাইবা

বাহিৰে দেখাত এটা, কিন্তু ভিতৰতে অৰ্থ বা পৰিস্থিতি সম্পূৰ্ণ ভিন্ন হয়।

Examples:

A pilot afraid of heights. (এজন পাইলটে উচ্চতালৈ ভয় কৰে।)
A fire station burns down. (অগ্নিনিৰ্বাপক কেন্দ্ৰই নিজেই জ্বলি গ’ল।
A teacher’s child failed in exams. (শিক্ষকৰ সন্তান পৰীক্ষাত ফেইল হ'ল।)
The doctor fell sick. (ডাক্তৰ অসুখত পৰিল।)

8. Symbolism (প্ৰতীকবাদ)

Using an object to represent an idea.
(বস্তুৰ জৰিয়তে কোনো ধাৰণা প্ৰকাশ কৰা।)

Examples:

Dove = Peace.
Red = Danger.
Lotus = Purity.
Road = life choice (The Road Not Taken).

9. Imagery ( চিত্ৰলংকাৰ)

Language that creates a picture in the mind.
(ভাষাৰে মনত ছবি আঁকা।)

Examples:

The golden sun set behind the dark mountains. (সোনালী সূৰ্য গাঢ় পাহাৰৰ আঁৰত ডুবিল।)
The fragrance of blooming roses filled the garden. (ফুলৰ গন্ধে বাগিছা ভৰাই তুলিলে।)
“Drifting blissfully in the emerald sea.” (Amanda! → mermaid imagination).

10. Anaphora (পূৰ্বপদ পুনৰাবৃত্তি)

Repetition of a word at the beginning of successive lines.
(শাৰী বা বাক্যৰ আৰম্ভণিতে একে শব্দ পুনৰাবৃত্তি।)

Examples:

Every day, every night, in every way, I am getting better.
We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing ground.

11. Refrain (পুনৰাবৃত্তি শাৰী)

A line repeated in a poem or song.
(কবিতা বা গীতত একে শাৰী পুনৰাবৃত্তি।)

Examples:

“Never, never, never give up."
“O my country, O my country.”

12. Rhyme (অন্ত্যমিল)

Repetition of similar sounds at line ends.
(শব্দৰ শেষত মিল থকা ধ্বনি পুনৰাবৃত্তি।)

Examples:

Hat – Cat – Mat.
Tall – Small – All.
Night – Light – Bright.

13. Enjambment (বাক্যবিসৰ্গহীনতা)

When a line of a poem continues to the next line without pause or punctuation.

Example :-

“He stalks in his vivid stripes

The few steps of his cage.”

14. Allusion :- (সংকেত)

Reference to a well-known story, character, or event.

Examples -

"I am Rapunzel.” (Amanda! → allusion to fairy tale Rapunzel)

Literary device :

Poem – A Tiger in the Zoo

Literary Devices
1. Alliteration: use of sound ‘b’ at the start of two words (behind bars)
use of sound ‘h’ in the starting of two words (he hears)
use of sound ‘p’ at the start of two words (plump pass)
2. Assonance: use of vowel sound ‘e’ (he, locked, concrete, cell)
use of vowel sound ‘o’ and ‘I’ (should, around, houses), (Baring, his, white, his)
use of ‘I’ sound (with, his, brilliant)
use of vowel sound ‘I’ (in his vivid stripes)
3. Consonance: use of consonant sound ‘s’ (his, fangs, his, claws)
use of consonant sound ‘s’ (his, strength, bars)
use of ‘s’ sound (stalks, his, stripes)
4. Enjambment: Line three continues to line four without any punctuation mark. (And stares with his brilliant eyes At the brilliant stars.)
Sentence is continuing to next line without any punctuation mark.
Line continues to next line without punctuation marks. (Sliding through….deer pass)
Line continues to next line without punctuation marks (He should be snarling around houses At the jungle’s edge,)
5. Imagery: poet tries to create an image about the tiger (He stalks in his vivid stripes The few steps of his cage)
The poet has tries to create an image of tiger’s activities (lurking in shadow).
6. Metaphor: Tiger’s paws are compared with velvet (pads of velvet)
7. Onomatopoeia: using words which denote sound (snarling)
8. Oxymoron: use of adjectives opposite in meaning (quiet rage)
9. Personification: The tiger is personified because the poet refers him as ‘he’.
10. Rhyme: rhyme scheme is abcb (grass-pass)
abcb rhyme scheme is followed (bars-visitors)
abcb rhyme scheme is followed (edge, village)
abcb rhyme scheme is followed (cars-stars)
abcb (cage-rage)

Poem – Amanda

Literary devices

1. Alliteration: ‘Stop that slouching and sit up straight’ – ‘s’ sound is being repeated at the start of closely placed words.
‘Stop that sulking’ – ‘s’ sound is repeated at the start of closely placed words
2. Allusion: ‘mermaid’ is a well known imaginary creature
use of famous fairy tale character Rapunzel
3. Anaphora: Repeated use of a word at start of two or more lines (don’t bite… don’t hunch)
Repeated use of a word at start of two or more lines (did you finish….did you tidy)
4. Assonance: use of vowel sound ‘o’ (Thought, told, you, your, shoes)
use of vowel sound ‘o’ (don’t hunch your shoulders)
use of vowel sound ‘e’ and ‘o’ (Will you please look at me when I’m speaking to you
5. Consonance: use of sound ‘r’ (I am Rapunzel; I have not a care …..Bright hair)
6. Imagery: drifting blissfully
7. Metaphor: use of word emerald sea for green colour of sea being similar to the colour of emrald
silence is golden – silence is said to be glorious like golden colour
freedom is sweet – freedom is said to be sweet in taste.
8. Repetition: use of word ‘Amanda’
9. Rhyme scheme: aaha (Amanda, Amanda, you, Amanda)
10. Rhyme: aaba ccc (Amanda, Amanda, straight, Amanda, sea, me, blissfully)
rhyme scheme aafa ggg (Amanda, Amanda, you, Amanda, care, rare, hair)
Rhyme scheme is aada eee (Amanda, Amanda, shoes, Amanda, street, feet, sweet)

Poem 7 – Animals

Literary Devices

1. Anaphora: ‘I’ word used at the start of two consecutive lines
use of repeated words at the beginning of two or more consecutive lines (use of “they do not”)
2. Assonance: use of vowel sound ‘I’ (I, think, I, live, with, animals)
3. Metaphor: sweat and whine refer to the cries and complaints of human beings
The inner qualities of humans are referred to as tokens
4. Repetition: use of the word ‘long’

Poetic Devices of the Poem 'Animals'

Rhyme Scheme: There is no rhyme as the poem is written in free verse.

Anaphora - Use of repeated words at the beginning of two or more consecutive lines

'They do not' - Second Stanza

'Not one' - Third Stanza

Personification: The poem has uniform personification

Repetition: Repetition of words/phrases in the same line

I stand and look at them long and long

Alliteration: Repetition of initial consonant sounds in the same line.

They do not make me sick

I wonder where they get those tokens

I stand and look at them long and long.

Assonance with animals) Use of vowel sound 'I' (I think I... live

Metaphor

'Sweat and whine' - refer to the cries and complaints of human beings.

'tokens' - The inner qualities of humans are referred to as 'tokens'

Poem – The Tale of Custard the Dragon

Literary Devices

1. Alliteration: “coward, and she called him Custard” – “c” sound
Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears “b” sound is repeated
beard was black “b”, he held his “h”
gulped some grog “g”
glee did gyrate “g”
2. Allusion: reference to any person or place (Percival)
3. Anaphora: repeated use of word at the start of two consecutive lines. (And a little ….And a realio)
repeated use of word at the start of two consecutive lines (And the little grey…And the little yellow)
4. Assonance: use of vowel sound ‘o’ (no one mourned for), use of vowel sound ‘I’ (ink and blink in glee did), use of vowel sound ‘a’ (that ate the pirate)
use of vowel sound ‘a’ (Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears)
5. Consonance: use of consonant sound ‘s’ (Suddenly, suddenly they heard a nasty sound)
6. Imagery: An image is created about the appearance of the pirate.
They have shown the reaction and actions made by the pirate on seeing the dragon.
The attack by the dragon is expressed in a way to make an image in our minds.
7. Onomatopoeia: usage of sound words to create a dramatic effect (giggled, weeck)
usage of sound words to create a dramatic effect (Mustard growled, Meowch, cried ink)
usage of sound words to create a dramatic effect (clatter, clank, jangling)
8. Oxymoron: use of two words with opposite meanings ‘ “pet dragon”
9. Personification: Ink, Blink and Mustard, they rudely called him Percival
10. Poetic license: window is written as ‘winda’ to create rhyme.
use of the word mousehold to rhyme with household
realio, trulio for real, true. The spellings have been changed to create a musical effect
11. Refrain: Repetition of a sentence again and again (And a realio, trulio)
12. Repetition: stanza has been repeated
help help
Custard cried for a nice safe cage
use of the word ‘tickled him’
use of the word ‘little’
13. Rhyme scheme: aabb (house-mouse, wagon-dragon)
aabb (ink-blink, mustard-custard)
aabb (bears-stairs, rage-cage)
aabb (unmerciful-Percival, wagon-dragon)
aabb (house-mouse, rage-cage)
aabb (sound-around, Belinda-winda)
aabb (right- bright, wood- good)
aabb (help-yelp, household – mousehold)
aabb (engine-dungeon, squirm-worm)
aabb (dragon-flagon, hit-bit)
aabb (him-victim, gyrate-pirate)
aabb (mustard-flustered, blink-ink, agree-me)
14. Simile: dog compared to mustard “And the little yellow dog was sharp as Mustard”
Belinda’s bravery is compared to that of a barrel full of bears (as a barrel full of bears), Mustard’s bravery is compared to that of an angry tiger (Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage)
sound of dragon is compared with sound of engine (snorting like an engine), Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon, dragon’s attack on pirate is compared to robin bird (like a robin at a worm)
15. Transferred epithet: terrified yelp

Poem 5 – The Ball Poem

Literary devices

1. Alliteration: use of sound ‘b’ at the start of two consecutive words (buys a ball back)
2. Anaphora: use of repeated words in two or more lines (What is the boy… what, what and merrily bouncing… merrily over)
3. Assonance: repeated use of vowel ‘o’ (boy, now, who, lost)
use of vowel sound ‘e’ (He is learning, well behind his desperate eyes)
4. Asyndeton: no use of conjunction in a sentence (A dime, another ball, is worthless)
5. Imagery: when poet says merrily bouncing down the street
6. Repetition: ‘what’ is repeated
use of word ‘ball’
‘ball’ word is repeated
7. Rhyme scheme: There is no rhyme scheme followed in the poem.

Thursday, September 18, 2025

A QUESTION OF TRUST

LA (Long Answer type – 5–6 marks)

Give a character sketch of Horace Danby.
→ Horace Danby was about fifty years old, unmarried, and lived with a housekeeper. Outwardly, he appeared honest, running a successful lock-making business. However, he was not completely honest because he robbed a safe once a year to buy rare books. He was careful, clever, and planned robberies meticulously, but also suffered from hay fever. Despite his intelligence, he was naïve and got tricked by a clever lady thief. His weakness for books and his trusting nature led to his downfall, and he ended up in prison as an assistant librarian.
How did the lady in red deceive Horace Danby?
→ The lady in red entered the house while Horace was attempting the robbery. She pretended to be the owner’s wife and cleverly manipulated him by threatening to call the police. She claimed she had forgotten the safe’s number and asked Horace to open it. Believing her, Horace opened the safe without gloves and handed over the jewels. Later, the real mistress of the house exposed the truth, proving that the lady was another thief who had tricked Horace.
Which saying does the story illustrate: “Set a thief to catch a thief” or “Honour among thieves”? Discuss.
→ The story illustrates the saying that there is no honour among thieves. Horace himself was a thief who believed he could rob safely, but he was outsmarted by another thief—the lady in red. She not only betrayed his trust but also ensured his arrest. If there were honour among thieves, she would have spared him. Instead, she deceived him, proving that greed and selfishness rule among criminals.
What lesson do we learn from “A Question of Trust”?
→ The story teaches that dishonesty never pays. Horace, though clever, ended up in prison because of his weakness for books and lack of judgment. It also shows that criminals cannot trust one another, as the lady in red proved by betraying Horace. The story warns that no matter how carefully one plans, crime always leads to punishment.

✦ Complete MCQs from A Question of Trust ✦

1. Character and Background

Q1. What was Horace Danby’s business?
a) Jewellery shop
b) Lock-making ✅
c) Book publishing
d) Painting

Q2. Where did Horace live?
a) Alone in a flat
b) With a wife
c) With a housekeeper ✅
d) With his servants

Q3. How many helpers did Horace have in his business?
a) One
b) Two ✅
c) Three
d) Four

Q4. Why did the housekeeper worry about Horace?
a) He was poor
b) He was sickly ✅
c) He was careless
d) He was unmarried

Q5. How long ago did Horace serve his first prison sentence?
a) 5 years ago
b) 10 years ago
c) 15 years ago ✅
d) 20 years ago

2. Love for Books and Robbery Plan

Q6. What kind of books did Horace love?
a) Storybooks
b) Rare, expensive books ✅
c) Detective novels
d) Religious books

Q7. How did Horace buy his books?
a) From bookshops
b) From friends
c) Through an agent ✅
d) From libraries

Q8. Which house did Horace target for robbery?
a) Silver Grange
b) Shotover Grange ✅
c) Dover Grange
d) River Grange

Q9. How long did Horace study the house before the robbery?
a) One week
b) Two weeks ✅
c) Three weeks
d) A month

Q10. Where had the family of Shotover Grange gone?
a) To the market
b) To London ✅
c) To a wedding
d) To a picnic

Q11. Where had the servants gone on the day of robbery?
a) To the market
b) To a friend’s house
c) To the movies ✅
d) To the station

3. Entering the House

Q12. Where did the housekeeper keep the key to the kitchen?
a) In a cupboard
b) In her pocket
c) On a hook outside ✅
d) Under the mat

Q13. What did Horace do before entering the house?
a) Removed his shoes
b) Put on gloves ✅
c) Called the servants
d) Fed the dog

Q14. What was the dog’s reaction on seeing Horace?
a) Barked loudly
b) Attacked him
c) Wagged its tail ✅
d) Ran away

Q15. How did Horace quieten the dog?
a) Gave it food
b) Beat it
c) Called it by name ✅
d) Locked it in a room

4. Inside the Drawing Room

Q16. What was kept on the table in the drawing room?
a) A vase
b) A bowl of flowers ✅
c) A clock
d) A candle stand

Q17. What problem did the flowers cause?
a) They fell down
b) They made him sneeze ✅
c) They smelled bad
d) They distracted him

Q18. What did Horace think of the burglar alarm?
a) Strongly built
b) Poorly built ✅
c) Impossible to cut
d) Absent

Q19. How much time did Horace have before the servants returned?
a) Two hours
b) Three hours
c) Four hours ✅
d) Five hours

Q20. Who entered while Horace was sneezing?
a) The servant
b) The lady in red ✅
c) The police
d) The real mistress

5. The Lady in Red

Q21. How did the lady speak to Horace at first?
a) Loudly
b) Kindly but firmly ✅
c) Rudely
d) Fearfully

Q22. What did the lady say would happen if Horace ran away?
a) Nothing
b) She would telephone the police ✅
c) She would scream
d) She would faint

Q23. What did Horace first threaten to do?
a) Hurt her
b) Cut the telephone wires ✅
c) Tie her up
d) Escape by window

Q24. Did the lady get frightened?
a) Yes
b) No ✅

Q25. What did the lady finally ask Horace to do?
a) Kill the dog
b) Open the safe ✅
c) Leave immediately
d) Telephone her husband

Q26. What reason did the lady give for opening the safe?
a) She lost the key
b) She forgot the number ✅
c) It was jammed
d) She was afraid

Q27. Why did Horace trust the lady?
a) She seemed amused and kind ✅
b) She cried
c) She was rich
d) She promised him money

Q28. What did Horace do for the lady?
a) Stole money for her
b) Opened the safe ✅
c) Broke furniture
d) Called the police

6. The Arrest

Q29. How long did Horace remain free after the robbery?
a) One day
b) Two days ✅
c) One week
d) One month

Q30. Who arrested Horace?
a) The lady in red
b) A policeman ✅
c) A detective
d) A servant

Q31. What evidence did the police find against Horace?
a) His clothes
b) His fingerprints ✅
c) His tools
d) His bag

Q32. Why were Horace’s fingerprints on the safe?
a) He forgot gloves
b) He removed gloves to light a cigarette ✅
c) He touched the flowers
d) He shook hands

Q33. Who denied Horace’s story in court?
a) The policeman
b) The servants
c) The real mistress of the house ✅
d) The dog

Q34. How did the real mistress look?
a) Young and pretty
b) Old and sharp-tongued ✅
c) Tall and slim
d) Rich and kind

7. Ending

Q35. What was Horace’s new job in prison?
a) Cook
b) Assistant librarian ✅
c) Clerk
d) Watchman

Q36. How does Horace feel when people talk about “honour among thieves”?
a) Happy
b) Proud
c) Angry ✅
d) Indifferent

Q37. What was the clever lady in red actually?
a) The owner’s wife
b) Another thief ✅
c) A servant
d) A neighbour

Q38. What moral does the story teach?
a) Crime pays
b) Dishonesty never pays ✅
c) Always trust strangers
d) Books are better than jewels

Q39. Which saying does the story illustrate?
a) Set a thief to catch a thief
b) No honour among thieves ✅
c) Early bird catches the worm
d) Fortune favours the brave

Q40. What was Horace’s weakness that led to his downfall?
a) His love for food
b) His love for jewels
c) His love for books ✅
d) His love for money

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

AMPLIFICATION ( ভাৱ সম্প্ৰসাৰণ)

1. Honesty is the best policy. (সততাই উত্তম নীতি)

Ans: Honesty means truthfulness in words and actions. A dishonest man may get temporary gain, but in the end, he loses trust, peace and respect. An honest man, on the other hand, is loved and admired by all. His conscience remains clear, and he enjoys real happiness in life. Even if he faces difficulties, he finally achieves success because people believe him. History also remembers honest leaders and reformers with great honour. Honesty builds character, which is the foundation of real success. Therefore, honesty is rightly said to be the best policy in life.

2. Knowledge is power. (জ্ঞানেই শক্তি)

Ans: Knowledge is a great gift of human life. It gives us the power to think, to judge and to act wisely. A man of knowledge can guide others and overcome any difficulty. Wealth and strength may be lost, but knowledge always remains. With knowledge, man has invented machines, discovered medicines, and even explored space. A knowledgeable person is respected everywhere. Knowledge brings confidence and freedom from fear. Truly, knowledge is the greatest power that leads to progress and prosperity.

3. Cut your coat according to your cloth. ( আঠুৱা চাই ঠেং মেলা, আয় চাই ব্যয় কৰা )

Ans: We should always live within our means. A person who spends more than his income soon falls into debt, misery and shame. On the other hand, one who spends carefully is respected and lives happily. True happiness lies in simple living and not in wasteful luxury. A man who knows how to control his expenses enjoys peace of mind and security. Many rich men become poor because of their careless spending. Hence, it is wise to cut our coat according to our cloth. This principle helps us avoid future troubles.

4. Bolt from the blue. (বিনা মেঘে বজ্রপাত, অপ্ৰত্যাশিত দুৰ্ঘটনা)

Ans: A “bolt from the blue” means a sudden and unexpected event. It comes without warning, like a lightning flash from a clear sky. Life is full of such surprises, both good and bad. A piece of happy news or a shocking accident may strike suddenly. Such events change the course of life in a moment. Wise men therefore prepare themselves for every situation. A calm mind can face even unexpected events with courage. Truly, life is full of bolts from the blue.

5. No pain, no gain. ( দুখ নকৰিলে মুখ নভৰে)

Ans: Success in life depends on hard work. Without labour and sacrifice, no great achievement is possible. A farmer must till the land before enjoying a good harvest. A student must study hard before passing an exam. Great men became successful because they worked day and night with patience. Luxury and laziness never bring progress. The greater the pain, the sweeter the gain. Truly, no pain, no gain is the rule of life.

6. Travelling widens wisdom. (ভ্ৰমণে জ্ঞান বঢ়ায়).

Ans: Travelling is a great teacher. A man who travels learns more than one who stays at home. He sees new places, meets new people, and experiences new cultures. This broadens his mind and makes him more intelligent. Books give us knowledge, but travelling gives us real-life lessons. It also teaches tolerance, discipline and confidence. Therefore, travelling widens wisdom and makes a man truly educated.

7. A sleeping fox catches no poultry. (শুই থকা শিয়ালে হাঁহ ধৰিব নোৱাৰে)

Ans: An idle person cannot achieve anything in life. A fox that sleeps all day cannot catch poultry for food. Similarly, a man who wastes his time in idleness never succeeds. Industry and alertness are necessary for progress. A student who does not study cannot do well in exams. A businessman who is lazy cannot earn profit. Life is full of competition, and only the active can win. Therefore, a sleeping fox catches no poultry.

8. The more you sow, the more you will reap. ( or )

As you sow, so you reap. ( যেনে কৰ্ম তেনে ফল )

Ans: Life is like a field where we sow seeds of action. The harder we work, the greater the results we get. A farmer who sows more seed reaps more crops. Similarly, a student who studies more learns more and scores higher. In every field of life, effort brings reward. Lazy people cannot expect success without labour. The results of life always depend on our actions. Truly, the more you sow, the more you will reap.

9. Blows one’s own trumpet. (নিজকে নিজে প্ৰশংসা কৰা)

Ans: Some people always praise themselves. They talk loudly about their qualities and achievements. But real greatness does not need self-praise. People who are truly great are known by their deeds, not their words. A man who boasts loses respect in society. Silence and humility are the marks of a noble man. Therefore, to blow one’s own trumpet is foolish and disliked by all.

10. Service to man is service to God. (মানুহক সেৱা কৰা মানে ঈশ্বৰক সেৱা কৰা)

Ans: God lives in every human being. When we serve men, we serve God Himself. Feeding the hungry, helping the sick, and educating the poor are noble works. Religion is meaningless without kindness and service. Great saints and leaders served humanity and became immortal. Love for mankind is the true worship of God. Therefore, service to man is service to God.

11. Mind your own business. (নিজৰ কামত মন দিয়ক).

Ans: We should focus on our own duties instead of interfering in the affairs of others. A man who wastes time in gossip and quarrel gains nothing. Meddling in others’ work creates enmity and hatred. A sincere person minds his own business and earns respect. Life is short, and every moment should be used for self-improvement. Therefore, it is wise to mind our own business.

12. Birds of the same feather flock together. ( সাপেহে সাপৰ ঠেং দেখে , একেধৰণৰ মানুহ একেলগ হয়)

Ans: People of similar character, taste or habits like to live together. Good boys make friendship with good boys, and bad boys with bad boys. In society, noble men mix with noble men, while selfish men mix with selfish ones. Our nature attracts us towards people of the same kind. Therefore, we should choose our companions carefully. Truly, birds of the same feather flock together.

13. Rome was not built in a day. (ভুকুতে কল নপকে)

Ans: Great achievements require time and patience. The city of Rome, with its glory and power, was built after long years of hard work. Similarly, success in life cannot be gained in a day. A student must work for years to gain true knowledge. A tree takes years to grow and bear fruit. Quick success is often short-lived. Therefore, Rome was not built in a day, and patience is the key to progress.

14. Failures are the pillars of success. (বিফলতাই সফলতাৰ স্তম্ভ).

Ans: Failure is not the end but the beginning of success. Every failure teaches us a lesson and corrects our mistakes. Great inventors and leaders failed many times before they succeeded. Failure builds patience, courage and experience. A man who never fails can never value success. Therefore, failures are rightly called the pillars of success.

15. Morning shows the day. ( যি মূলা বাঢ়ে তাৰ দুপাততে চিন )

Ans: The beginning of a day gives an idea of how the whole day will be. Similarly, the early habits of a child show what he will become in future. A student who is hardworking in youth is likely to succeed in life. On the other hand, a careless beginning often leads to failure. That is why elders advise us to begin our work well. Truly, morning shows the day.

16. All that glitters is not gold. (উজ্জ্বল বস্তু মাত্রেই সোণ নহয় )

Ans: Appearances are often deceptive. Many things look beautiful and valuable but are worthless inside. A man may appear rich or kind, but his heart may be evil. True worth lies in honesty and purity, not in outer show. Even stones may shine like gold but have no value. Therefore, we must not be deceived by looks. Truly, all that glitters is not gold.

17. Tit for tat. (যেন কুকুৰ তেন টাঙোন )

Ans: Tit for tat means giving others the same treatment they give us. If someone is kind, we should return kindness. If someone cheats us, we should not trust him again. In society, people learn lessons when they face the results of their actions. This proverb teaches justice and fairness. But it also warns against cruelty, because evil will bring evil in return. Truly, life gives tit for tat.

18. An empty vessel sounds much. (ঢোৰা সাপৰ ফোঁচ-ফোঁচনিয়ে সাৰ )

Ans: An empty vessel makes more noise than a full one, and the same is true for people. A man who has little knowledge always talks loudly and tries to show off. On the other hand, a wise man speaks less but his words carry weight. Knowledge makes men humble, while ignorance makes them proud. Society values silence and depth more than noise. Truly, empty vessels always sound much.

19. A little learning is a dangerous thing. (অল্প বিদ্যা ভয়ংকাৰী)

Ans: Knowledge is useful, but half-knowledge is harmful. A man with little learning thinks himself wise and often misleads others. His mistakes may cause loss to himself and society. For example, a doctor with half knowledge may kill instead of cure. On the other hand, truly learned men remain humble and careful. Therefore, a little learning is always a dangerous thing.

20. A rolling stone gathers no moss. (লৰি ফুৰা কেঁকোৰাৰ তেল নাই, বাগৰি ফুৰা শিলত শেলুৱৈ নগজে)

Ans: A rolling stone never gathers moss, and similarly, a man who keeps changing jobs or places never succeeds. Stability and patience are necessary for progress. A restless person cannot gain wealth or respect. Success comes to those who remain steady and hardworking. Constant change for small gain leads only to loss. Therefore, a rolling stone gathers no moss.

21. Example is better than precept. (উপদেশতকৈ আৰ্হি ভাল).

Ans: Preaching is easy, but practicing is difficult. People learn more by example than by advice. A teacher who lives by his own words influences students better. Parents who set a good example teach their children more than lectures. Hypocrites who say one thing and do another are never respected. Therefore, example is always better than precept.

Anplifications

1. Honesty is the best policy (সততাই উত্তম নীতি)

Ans: Honesty means truthfulness in words and actions. A dishonest man may get temporary gain, but in the end, he loses trust, peace and respect. An honest man, on the other hand, is loved and admired by all. His conscience remains clear, and he enjoys real happiness in life. Even if he faces difficulties, he finally achieves success because people believe him. History also remembers honest leaders and reformers with great honour. Honesty builds strong character, which is more valuable than wealth. Therefore, honesty is rightly said to be the best policy in life, and it should be practiced by everyone.

2. Knowledge is power (জ্ঞানেই শক্তি)

Ans: Knowledge is a great gift of human life. It gives us the power to think, to judge and to act wisely. A man of knowledge can guide others and overcome any difficulty. Wealth and strength may be lost, but knowledge always remains. With knowledge, man has invented machines, discovered medicines, and even explored space. A knowledgeable person is respected everywhere. Truly, knowledge is the greatest power that leads to progress and prosperity. Thus, knowledge should be gained and used for the welfare of all.

3. Cut your coat according to your cloth (আঠুৱা চাই ঠেং মেলা, আয় চাই ব্যয় কৰা)

Ans: We should always live within our means. A person who spends more than his income soon falls into debt, misery and shame. On the other hand, one who spends carefully is respected and lives happily. True happiness lies in simple living and not in wasteful luxury. A man who knows how to control his expenses enjoys peace of mind and security. Many rich men become poor because of their careless spending. Hence, it is always wise to cut our coat according to our cloth. This habit saves us from trouble in future life.

4. A rolling stone gathers no moss (লৰি ফুৰা কেঁকোৰাৰ তেল নাই, বাগৰি থকা শিল ত শেলুৱৈ নগজে)

Ans: A rolling stone never gathers moss, and similarly, a man who changes his place or job too often never succeeds. To achieve something, one must stay in one place and work with patience. A restless person cannot gain stability in life. People who keep shifting their goals fail to achieve real progress. Success comes to those who remain steady and hardworking. Changing always for small gains only leads to loss in the end. Therefore, steadiness in life is more valuable than constant change.

5. An empty vessel sounds much (ঢোৰা সাপৰ ফোঁচ-ফোঁচনিয়ে সাৰ)

Ans: An empty vessel makes more noise than a full one, and the same is true for people. A man who has little knowledge or wisdom always talks too much. He tries to show off his importance by loud words. On the other hand, a wise person speaks less but his words carry weight. Society values such thoughtful people and ignores the proud talkers. Knowledge makes people humble, but ignorance makes them arrogant. Thus, empty vessels always sound much, and silence is the mark of true wisdom.

6. Time and tide wait for none (সময় কাৰো বাবে ৰৈ নাথাকে।)

Ans: Time once lost is lost forever. It moves like the flowing tide which waits for no one. A person who wastes time in idleness never succeeds in life. Great men always valued time and used it carefully. Time is more precious than money, because money once lost can be regained but time cannot. We should therefore make the best use of every moment. If we respect time, time will reward us with success. Hence, time and tide truly wait for none.

7. United we stand, divided we fall (একতাই শক্তি, বিভেদে পতন).

Ans: Unity is strength, and disunity brings weakness. If people remain united, they can face any difficulty together. A small group of united men can defeat a large army of divided soldiers. In society and in family life also, unity brings happiness and progress. History shows us that nations which stood united became strong and prosperous. On the other hand, those who were divided perished in the long run. Therefore, united we stand but divided we surely fall.

8. A friend in need is a friend indeed (দুখত সঁহাৰি বন্ধুতে প্ৰকৃত বন্ধু).

Ans: A real friend is known only in times of trouble. Anyone can show friendship when days are bright. But a true friend never leaves us when we face danger or sorrow. He helps us with his service, love and sacrifice. Such a friend is more precious than wealth or fame. A selfish person will leave us when we are in distress. So, we must choose friends carefully and value those who help in need. Truly, a friend in need is a friend indeed.

9. A little learning is a dangerous thing (অলপ জ্ঞান ভয়ানক).

Ans: Knowledge is valuable, but half-knowledge can be dangerous. A man with little learning thinks himself wise and often misleads others. His wrong decisions may cause harm to himself and society. On the other hand, a truly learned man remains humble and careful. People with incomplete knowledge are like blind guides. In science, medicine or education, such people can create great trouble. Therefore, a little learning is always dangerous, and one should seek complete understanding.

10. Slow and steady wins the race (ঢিল আৰু স্থিৰে জয়ী হয়).

Ans: Success does not always depend on speed but on steadiness and patience. A man who works regularly and carefully reaches his goal at last. The story of the hare and the tortoise proves this truth. The hare was faster but careless, while the tortoise was slow but steady and won the race. In life also, people who work honestly with patience succeed in the long run. Laziness and overconfidence lead to failure. So, slow and steady always wins the race.

11. Health is wealth (স্বাস্থ্যই সম্পদ).

Ans: Good health is the greatest wealth of man. A rich man cannot enjoy his riches if he has poor health. On the other hand, a healthy man can work, earn, and live happily even with little wealth. Health gives energy, peace of mind and long life. Without health, life becomes a burden full of suffering. That is why we should eat well, exercise daily and avoid bad habits. Truly, health is the real wealth that makes life valuable.

12. Rome was not built in a day (ৰোম এখন দিনতে নিৰ্মিত নহয়).

Ans: Great things are not achieved in a short time. Rome, the famous city, was built after years of hard work. Similarly, success in life requires patience and effort. A student cannot gain true knowledge in a single day. An artist or a scientist needs years of practice to become great. Hard work and steady progress lead to real achievement. Quick success is often short-lived and meaningless. Hence, Rome was not built in a day, and neither is success.

13. Where there is a will, there is a way (যেতিয়া ইচ্ছা থাকে, তেতিয়া উপায় থাকে).

Ans: Determination is the key to success. A man with a strong will never accepts defeat. Difficulties may come, but he finds a way to overcome them. Many great men rose from poverty because of their strong willpower. Weak people blame fate, but the strong create their own path. History is full of examples of men who achieved success by willpower. Therefore, where there is a will, there is surely a way.

14. All that glitters is not gold (চকচকিয়াই সোন নহয়).

Ans: Appearances are often deceptive. Many things look attractive from outside but are worthless inside. A man may appear rich or kind, but his heart may be evil. Real value lies in purity and truth, not in outward glitter. We must therefore judge things and people carefully. Even stones may shine, but they can never be gold. Thus, all that glitters is not gold, and one should not be deceived by outer show.

15. Pride goes before a fall (গৰ্বে পতন আনে).

Ans: Pride makes a man blind to his faults. A proud person looks down on others and behaves rudely. Such behaviour makes him unpopular and friendless. Very soon, his pride leads him to downfall. History shows us that proud kings and rulers were destroyed because of arrogance. On the other hand, humble men always rise higher in life. Thus, pride surely goes before a fall, and humility is the path to success.

16. A stitch in time saves nine (সময়তে সেলাই দিলে নটা সাঁচ বচে).

Ans: A small problem, if solved in time, prevents a big loss later. For example, if we repair a small tear in a cloth, we save it from becoming larger. Similarly, in life, small mistakes or faults should be corrected at once. Neglect makes them grow into great troubles. Wise people never delay in doing their duty. Procrastination is the root of many failures. Hence, a stitch in time saves nine, and timely action saves us from future pain.

17. Prevention is better than cure (প্ৰতিষেধেই চিকিৎসাৰতকৈ উত্তম).

Ans: It is always better to prevent a disease than to suffer and treat it later. Simple habits like cleanliness, good food and exercise keep us healthy. If we neglect these, we fall sick and then need costly treatment. Similarly, social evils should be stopped before they spread widely. Prevention saves time, money and life itself. Cure may not always be possible, but prevention is always safe. Hence, prevention is better than cure in every walk of life.

18. Empty mind is devil’s workshop (খালী মনেই ভূতৰ কাৰখানা).

Ans: An idle man with nothing to do often falls into evil habits. His empty mind becomes a playground for bad thoughts. Such a person may waste time, harm others, or become addicted to bad habits. On the other hand, a busy man has no time for such evils. Work keeps us healthy, happy and safe from wrong deeds. Therefore, idleness is dangerous and should be avoided. Truly, an empty mind is the devil’s workshop.

19. Charity begins at home (দান ঘৰপৰাই আৰম্ভ হয়).

Ans: True kindness must start from our own family. A man who ignores his parents or relatives but shows charity to outsiders is not truly kind. Love, respect and help should first be given to those close to us. From here, it can spread to neighbours and society. Many great men who served humanity first cared for their homes. Real charity is natural, not forced. Therefore, charity rightly begins at home before reaching the world.

20. God helps those who help themselves (যিজনে নিজৰ সহায় কৰে, তেওঁৰ সহায় ঈশ্বৰে কৰে).

Ans: God never helps a lazy person who only prays without action. He blesses those who work hard with courage and effort. A farmer must till his land before expecting a good crop. A student must study sincerely before seeking success in exam. Only after our努力 does God grant His blessing. Thus, man must first help himself and then expect divine help. Truly, God helps those who help themselves.

21. Barking dogs seldom bite (ভুকভুকা কুকুৰে সচৰাচৰ কামুৰে নাপায়).

Ans: People who talk too much about harming others often do nothing. A barking dog makes a lot of noise but rarely bites. Similarly, boastful men make threats but seldom act. Truly dangerous people remain silent and strike suddenly. We should not fear loud talkers but beware of the quiet schemers. Hence, barking dogs seldom bite, and silence is often more powerful than noise.

22. Make hay while the sun shines (সূৰ্য উঠোঁতেই ঘাস শুকাওক).

Ans: We must use our opportunities at the right time. Farmers dry their hay when the sun shines, otherwise it rots. In the same way, we should act when conditions are favourable. A student must study in his youth instead of wasting time. Lost time never comes back, so wise people act without delay. If we waste chances, we suffer later. Therefore, we must make hay while the sun shines.

23. A bad workman quarrels with his tools (অকামীয়া কামিয়েহে নিজৰ সঁজুলিৰে খং খায়).

Ans: An unskilled worker always blames his tools for his failure. In truth, his own lack of skill is responsible. A good workman can do well even with ordinary instruments. Similarly, lazy students blame books, teachers or luck instead of themselves. Great men never complain but try to improve their skill. Hence, blaming tools is foolish, for a bad workman always quarrels with them.

24. Better late than never (বিলমব হ’লেও নহোৱাৰ চেয়ে ভাল).

Ans: It is better to do a thing late than not to do it at all. Sometimes we miss the right time, but still we should not give up. A student who starts studying late may still pass if he works hard. A man who begins a good habit late in life still benefits from it. Doing good is always useful, whether early or late. Hence, better late than never, for delay is still better than failure.

25. Jack of all trades, master of none (সকলো কামত অলপ, কোনো কামত সম্পূৰ্ণ নহয়).

Ans: A person who tries to learn everything cannot master any one subject. He becomes average in many skills but expert in none. Such men are often unsuccessful in life because they lack specialization. On the other hand, a true expert is respected and valued everywhere. It is better to be master of one art than jack of all. Thus, jack of all trades is master of none, and focus brings real success.

26. Look before you leap (ফুদাং মাৰাৰ আগতে চাই লওক).

Ans: We should always think before we act. A careless step without thought may cause danger or failure. Wise men weigh the results before taking action. For example, a businessman must calculate risk before investing money. A student must choose his career carefully before making decisions. Rash actions often lead to regret and loss. Hence, look before you leap is a golden rule of life.

27. Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise (সকলোতে শুই সকলোতে উঠা মানুহক স্বাস্থ্য, ধনসম্পদ আৰু জ্ঞান দিয়ে).

Ans: A man who goes to bed early and rises early enjoys good health. Morning hours are fresh and full of energy, which helps in study and work. Early rising improves discipline and gives peace of mind. Such a man gets more time to work and becomes successful in life. Laziness and late rising spoil health and waste time. Great men of the world practiced early rising as a rule. Therefore, early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.