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.

Thursday, September 11, 2025

A Legend of the Northland – Questions & Answers

Q1. Who is the poet of “A Legend of the Northland”?
Ans: Phoebe Cary is the poet of “A Legend of the Northland.”

Q2. What type of poem is “A Legend of the Northland”?
Ans: It is a ballad, a narrative poem that tells a story in short stanzas.

Q3. What is the central theme of the poem?
Ans: The central theme of the poem is that we should not be selfish and greedy. The poem shows how greed and selfishness are punished.

Q4. Where is the story of the poem set?
Ans: The story is set in the Northland.

Q5. Why can’t the people of the Northland sleep through the nights?

Ans: The people of the Northland can not sleep through the nights because the nights are very long in winter.

Q6. How do the children in the Northland look?
Ans: The children look like bear’s cubs because they wear funny, furry clothes to protect themselves from the cold.

Q7. What means of transport do people use in the Northland during snow?
Ans: The people of Northland use sledges pulled by reindeer.

Q8. Who came to the old woman’s cottage ?
Ans: Saint Peter came to the cottage of the old woman.

Q9. What did Saint Peter ask the woman for?
Ans: He asked her for a cake from her store.

Q10. How did the woman behave when Saint Peter asked for food?
Ans: The woman behaved selfishly and greedily, refusing to give him even the smallest cake.

Q11. Why did the woman refuse to give any cake?
Ans: The woman refuse to give any cake because every cake seemed too large to her to give away, though they were small.

Q12 What was Saint Peter’s reaction?
Ans: Saint Peter became angry at the woman's greed and selfishness.

Q13. What punishment did Saint Peter give her?
Ans: He cursed her to become a bird (woodpecker), to build nests like birds and bore for food in hard wood.

Q14. How did the woman transform?
Ans: The woman went up the chimney and flew out as a woodpecker, with a scarlet cap on her head.

Q15. What lesson does the story teach?
Ans: The lesson is that selfishness and greed are punished, and one should be kind and generous to others.

Q16. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?
Ans: The rhyme scheme is ABCB.

Q17. Identify an example of Simile from the poem.
Ans: “And the children look like bear’s cubs”

Q18. Identify an example of Alliteration from the poem.
Ans: “And being faint with fasting” (repetition of ‘f’ sound.)

Q19. Identify an example of Repetition in the poem.
Ans: “By boring, and boring, and boring” – (repetition of the word ‘boring.’)

Q20. What is the figure of speech in “Black as a coal”?

Ans: Simile (comparison with coal).

Q21. “So she made a very little cake,But as it baking lay,She looked at it, and thought it seemed Too large to give away.”

(i) Who is ‘she’ here?
Ans: The old woman.

(ii) Why did she think the cake was too large?
Ans:The woman thought the cake was too large because of her greed and unwillingness to share.

Q22. Why did Saint Peter punish the old woman?
Ans: Saint Peter punished the old woman because she was greedy and refused to share even a tiny cake.

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

A Question of Trust – Questions & Answers

Q1. Who was Horace Danby?
Ans: Horace Danby was a fifty-year-old lock-maker.

Q2. Was Horace completely honest?
Ans: No, Horace was not completely honest. He secretly robbed a safe once every year to buy expensive books.

Q3. Why did Horace rob only once a year?
Ans: Horace robbed once a year so that he could steal enough money to buy rare and expensive books that lasted him for twelve months.

Q4. What did Horace love the most?
Ans: Horace loved the most rare, expensive books.

Q5. Where did he serve his first and only sentence ?
Ans: He served his first and only sentence in a prison library fifteen years ago.

Q6. Which house did Horace plan to rob that year?
Ans: Horace planned to rob Shotover Grange.

Q7. How did Horace prepare for the robbery?
Ans: Horace studied the house, its rooms, electric wiring, paths, and garden for two weeks and prepared for the robbery.

Q8. How did he know about the value of jewels in the safe?
Ans: He knew from a magazine article which described the house and mentioned the safe hidden behind a painting.

Q9. How much were the jewels worth?
Ans: The jewels were worth about fifteen thousand pounds.

Q10. How did Horace enter the house?

Ans: He used the passkey (kitchen key) which the housekeeper had left hanging on a hook outside.

Q11. Why did Horace wear gloves?
Ans: Horace wore gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints.

Q12. How did Horace manage the dog?
Ans: Horace called the dog by its right name “Sherry” and showed affection. The dog became quiet.

Q13. Where was the safe located?
Ans: The safe was located in the drawing room behind a poor painting.

Q14. What problem did the flowers cause?
Ans: The smell of the flowers made Horace sneeze repeatedly because he was suffering from hay fever.

Q15. Who entered while Horace was sneezing?
Ans: A young woman dressed in red, who pretended to be the lady of the house, entered.

Q16. How did the woman speak to Horace?
Ans: The woman spoke in a quiet, kind, but firm voice.

Q17. What was Horace’s first thought on seeing her?
Ans: His first thought was to run away.

Q18. Why could Horace not run away?
Ans: Horace could not run because the lady said him that she would call the police.

Q19. Did Horace threaten the woman?
Ans: Yes, at first he threatened her saying that he would cut the telephone wires and keep her silent for hours, but later said that he was only trying to frighten her.

Q20. What did the lady demand from Horace?
Ans: The lady demanded that Horace should open the safe for her because she wanted to wear her jewels for a party.

Q21. What excuse did the lady give for not opening the safe herself?
Ans: The lady said she had forgotten the numbers to open the safe.

Q22. Why did Horace help the lady ?
Ans: Horace felt hopeful because the lady was seemed to be amused and he thought that she will let him go if he helped her.

Q23. What did Horace do for the lady?
Ans: Horace opened the safe and handed over the jewels to her.

Q24. Why did Horace remove his gloves?
Ans: He removed his gloves to give her his cigarette lighter.

Q25. What did Horace do after giving the jewels?
Ans: He went home happily, believing he had escaped without trouble.

Q26. What happened after two days?

Why was Horace areested by the police ?

Ans: On the third day, Horace was arrested by the police for the jewel robbery at Shotover Grange.

Q27. Why was Horace easily caught?
Ans: His fingerprints were all over the room because he had removed his gloves.

Q28. Who was the real culprit of the story ?ans: A beautiful, young and clever lady was the real culprit of the story.

Q29. Did people believe Horace’s story about the lady in red?
Ans: No, nobody believed him. The actual wife of the house owner denied his story and called it nonsense.

Q30. What was the reality about the young lady?
Ans: The young lady was actually another clever thief who tricked Horace.

Q31. Where is Horace now?
Ans: Horace is now in prison working as an assistant librarian.

Q32. How does he feel about the lady in red?
Ans: He feels angry whenever he thinks of the charming, clever young lady who cheated him.

Q33. Why did Horace get angry when anyone says about the 'honour among the thieves' ?Ans: Horace was tricked and and sent to prison by the young lady, who was also a thief like Horace . So he got angry when anyone says about the 'honour among the thieves'.

Q34. Which saying does the story illustrate ?

Ans: The story illustrates that there is 'no honour among thieves.'

Very Short Answer type questions.

Who was Horace Danby?
Ans : A fifty-year old man who made locks.
What did he love? Ans: He loved collecting rare and expensive books.
Where was the safe in Shotover Grange?
Ans : The safe was behind a poor painting in the drawing room.
Why did Horace wear gloves?
Ans: Horace wear gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints.
What was the name of the dog?
Ans : The name of the dog is Sherry.
What disease did Horace suffer from?
Ans : Horace was suffered from hay fever.

SA (Short Answer type (2–3 marks)

Why did Horace rob only once a year?
Ans : Horace robbed only once a year because he wanted enough money to buy rare books that would last him for twelve months.
How did Horace enter the house?
Ans : He used the key to the kitchen door which the housekeeper had left hanging outside. Or Horace used the passkey to enter the house that the housekeeper left hanging outside.
Describe Horace’s first meeting with the lady in red. Ans: Horace was sneezing when the lady entered. She spoke in a quiet but firm voice, pretended to be the lady of the house, and cleverly engaged him in conversation.
How was Horace tricked by the lady in red?
Ans: She pretended to be the owner’s wife, convinced Horace to open the safe, took away the jewels and sent Horace’s to prison.

Monday, September 1, 2025

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)