Wednesday, July 1, 2015

An Inspiring Passage for the Fresh Leaners of English

Two friends, Raghib and Adeeb, wanted to learn how to ride a bicycle, Adeeb bought a book called "How to Ride a cycle" and started reading it. On the other hand, Raghib took out his bicycle on the street and started trying to ride it. He fell off several times and Adeeb laughed at him. However, by the time Adeeb finished the first chapter of his book, Raghib was riding his cycle fairly well. Adeeb knew how the cycle worked but did not know how to use it from first-hand experience. Learning a language is like riding a cycle. The most important thing about any language is communication. You learn to communicate effectively by using a language, by doing things with it and by experiencing it. You can learn English in the same way that Raghib learnt to ride a cycle. Don't worry if people laugh at you when you make mistakes. You can certainly learn through mistakes.

1. You can learn to listen only by listening. 
2. You can learn to speak only by speaking.
3. You can learn to read only by reading.  
4. You can learn to write only by writing.

Friday, March 27, 2015

Kazi Nazrul Islam

Kazi Nazrul Islam
Kazi Nazrul Islam was born on the 25th May in 1899. He is popularly known as a rebel poet. He was the first to make poems talking about intense spiritual fight against all types of social oppression. Nazrul is the national poet of Bangladesh. He is also remembered in India. He was born into a Muslim family in India, Nazrul received religious education. He worked as a muezzin at a local mosque. He learned of poetry, drama, and literature while working with theatrical groups. After being in the British Indian Army, Nazrul made himself a journalist in Kolkata. He was against the British Raj in India. He talked about revolution through his writings. Some examples are Bidrohi in 1922 which remains his most famous work, Agni Bina in 1922, Bisher Bashi in 1924 as well as his publication Dhumketu in 1961. 


His work in the Indian Independence Movement often led to going to jail by British authorities. While in prison, Nazrul wrote the "Rajbandir Jabanbandi". Nazrul's writings are about themes such as love, freedom, and revolution. He was against all bigotry, including religious and gender. Throughout his career, Nazrul wrote short stories, novels, and essays but is best known for his poems. He started new forms such as Bangla ghazals. Nazrul wrote and composed music for his nearly 4,000 songs. In 1942 when he was 43 years old, he began to suffering from an unknown disease. He was losing his voice and memory. It is often said, the reason was slow poisoning by British Government. He lived alone for many years. Invited by the Government of Bangladesh, Nazrul and his family moved to Dhaka in 1972. He died four years later on the 29th August in 1976.
 Md. Saiful Alam
B. A. Honours and M. A. in English
Lecturer in English
Queen’s College, Dhaka

 My Affectionate Readers,
Please, never hesitate to comment because your comment inspires me much. Moreover, any correction or suggestion regarding my writings will be largely appreciated and valued and you can ask me any grammatical questions regarding English. I promise I would try my best to assist you, all. Thank you very much.

Paragraph: How to Learn English Well


Story: A Liar Cowboy


A Liar Cowboy
Once there lived a cowboy in a village and he used to tell lies. He often made the villagers foolish by telling lies. At one afternoon, he was grazing (চরানো) his cattle (গরু-ছাগল) in a near-by field. The field was near a deep forest and there lived wild animals in the forest. Suddenly (হঠাৎ), he cried out saying (চিৎকার করে বলে উঠলো) “Help! Help! Tiger! Tiger!” But actually, there was no tiger. He said that to make the villagers foolish. On hearing the shout of him (তার চিৎকর শুনে), villagers came out to save him. But he laughed (হেসে উঠলো) saying that there was no tiger. I made fun. He did the same thing three times to fool (বোকা বানানো) the villagers. Another day he went to the field with his cattle and it was almost evening. On the day a tiger attacked (অক্রমন করলো)him and his cattle. At that time, he was crying out saying “Tiger! Tiger!” but nobody came to save him. People thought that he was making fun too. He lost his life on the day because of telling a lie.

Moral of the Story:
We should remember that we should never tell a lie because nobody believes a liar.

Md. Saiful Alam
B. A. Honours, BEd (1st Class) and M. A. in English
Assistant Teacher of English 
Machkhola Secondary School, Satkhira

Dear readers, 
Please, never hesitate to comment because your comment inspires me much. Moreover, any correction or suggestion regarding my writings will be largely appreciated and valued and you can ask me any grammatical questions regarding English. I promise I would try my best to assist you, all. Thank you very much.
 

Proper Treatment of Bangaladesh



>>Hapless Bangladesh, help her!<<
Bangladesh at her 45 looks shabbier than her age as she is diagnosed with fatal maladies that require treatment but there is hardly any doctor who came forward to provide proper and prompt treatment or any nurse who can nourish her to recovery. Each and every one is saying that she needs treatment but nobody has come forward to help her. How selfish and materialistic we are not to assist her in danger! She is crying, sobbing, weeping and groaning with her ceaseless pain but her sons and daughters are blind-folded in a way that they hardly think of her deteriorating condition. 
However, it is high time we loved our mother and it is we who can take better care of our mother than other people on earth in the way she nurtured us at our young age. Wake up the young hearts from sleep! Do something for her before it has been too late or she will visit the place where all have entry permission but no exit or escape.

Md. Saiful Alam
B. A. Honours and M. A. in English
Lecturer in English
Queen’s College, Dhaka
*
 My Affectionate Readers,
Please, never hesitate to comment because your comment inspires me much. Moreover, any correction or suggestion regarding my writings will be largely appreciated and valued and you can ask me any grammatical questions regarding English. I promise I would try my best to assist you, all. Thank you very much.

Monday, March 9, 2015

Paragraph: How to Learn English Well

How to Learn English Well
English is an international language. However, learning a language is not an easy matter. It would be easier for us, if we try to improve the four skills in a language. The four skills are as:  listening, speaking, reading and writing. Actually, there are two ways to acquire a language. One is called acquisition and the other is named learning. First, if a person wants to improve in listening skill, he needs to be a careful listener. He can also listen to the B.B.C radio news and can enjoy other programmes in English. Gradually his listening skill will be developed. Secondly, speaking is the most important skill of all. To improve the skill we must converse in English as much as possible. There is no other way to do better in the skill but to practise speaking. We should not be much worried about our mistakes while speaking. Thirdly, reading is the third skill. We can be successful in the skill only by reading a great number of books. And they must be written in English. One can read short stories, English newspapers, English grammar books by the English and so on. Finally, writing is another essential language skill. To be good at writing, we must write regularly and for this, we can choose any topic. Although, it is hard to be a good writer, only rigorous practice may help us in this regard. Thus we can both acquire and learn English well.    

Md. Saiful Alam
BA Honours, BEd (1st Class) and MA in English
Assistant Teacher of English 
Machkhola Secondary School, Satkhira

Dear readers, 
Please, never hesitate to comment because your comment inspires me much. Moreover, any correction or suggestion regarding my writings will be largely appreciated and valued and you can ask me any grammatical questions regarding English. I promise I would try my best to assist you, all. Thank you very much.





Saturday, January 31, 2015

Sentence Connectors




Sentence Connectors

A word or phrase that introduces a clause or sentence and serves as a transition between it and a previous clause or sentence, as for example also in I'm buying eggs and also I'm looking for a dessert for tonight. It may be preceded by a coordinating conjunction such as and in the above example.

Serial
Connectors

Usage of Sentence Connectors
1
As

As I was sick, I could not attend the class.
2
For this reason,

Tuhin didn’t study properly before the S.S.C examination. For this reason, he cut a sorry figure in the examination.
3
In addition

My professor is an extremely fascinating person.  In addition, he tells some of the most interesting stories I have ever heard.
4
Consequently


5
Undoubtedly

Mr. Kabir is our English teacher and I attended one of his classes. Undoubtedly, he is a great scholar.
6
Unless

He will not try unless he is forced to.
Unless you study hard, you cannot do better in the examination.
7
Besides

Research in education is very important. But it is a very hard task. Although it takes time, it contributes to the development of overall quality of education. Besides, research can bring out the potentials of the students. 
8
On the other hand

* On the one hand, the city offers a lot of entertainment. On the other hand, it’s very noisy. (Show two contrasting ideas.)

9
And

I took my breakfast and started for my college.
10
When

When you phoned me, I was offering my prayer.
11
But

If a student does not learn his or her lessons, an examination is tough for him or her. But an exam is easy for them if they take proper preparation.
12
As well as

I studied Mathematics, Economics as well as English literature.
 Monica as well as Veronica was present there.
13
That

Alexander believed that like Achilles, he too had gods as his ancestors and that he, too, had a divine right to conquer and rule the world.
14
So that

The miser thought it necessary to take some steps so that no one might get information of his riches and steal it.
15
Which

It is education which is the backbone of a nation.
16
Because

We can't go to Julia's party because we're going away that weekend.
17
After

After much thought he bought a lump of gold with all his money and buried it at a secret place.
18
So

My aunt is ill so I will visit her tomorrow.
19
Though / Although

Research in education is very important. But it is a very hard task. Though / Although it takes time, it contributes to the development of overall quality of education.
20
However / Anyway


21
Otherwise

You must not hurry the work, otherwise it may be spoiled. 
22
Similarly / Likewise / In the same way

Similarly: People cannot survive under water.  Similarly, a fish will die if it is taken out of water.

Likewise: If you work hard, you will probably pass the test.  Likewise, if you waste time, you will probably fail.

In the same way: Speaking a foreign language fluently requires oral practice.  In the same way, playing the piano cannot be learned without regular practice.

23
Too

I sent them to all of my friends and to you too.
24
Certainly

Sara: Would you help me to learn English?
Kabir: Certainly, why not?
25
Thus

Thus: We are in the middle of a severe draught.  Thus, the city government has asked us to conserve water whenever possible.
26
As a result

Whereas the developed countries depend on researched methods, we still lag behind. As a result, our quality of education is not improving.
27
If

If a student does not learn his or her lessons, an examination is tough for him or her.
28
In fact

Oregon has a very rainy climate.  In fact, it rains there 65% of the time.
29
Whose

I don’t know whose car it is.
30
For example

* Allergies to certain insect bites can be fatal.  For example, a bee sting can cause shock in some people.
* Some sports often involve injury to the players.  Skiing without proper skills, for instance, often leads to broken legs.
31
Such as

Fruits, such as lemons and oranges, provide us with vitamin C.

32
Actually

Jennifer has never liked swimming. Actually, she's terrified of water and won't go near it.
33
Indeed

Indeed, he is an honest man.
34
Yet

The book is short yet interesting.
35
Hence


36
Therefore


Lopez has experienced poverty and hardship before. Therefore, he has a sympathetic heart towards the poor and needy.
37
In the end

In the end of the drama, the hero was killed by the poison.
38
After all

You can’t leave you mother uncared. After all, she is your own mother. 
39
Let alone

He can’t even afford for his square meals late alone his friends.
40
Instead


41
Rather

Families in cities and villages use a number of poly bags everyday. They don’t preserve these rather they throw those bags away.   
42
Even

The work is very hard and so you can’t do it. Even strong brother can’t do it because you need special quality to do it.
43
Even though

Even though he has a degree, he's an idiot.
44
How

I don’t know how to deal with the novel as it’s hard to understand.
45
Who

Mr. Wahid was my English teacher who died in 2010 in his residence.
46
Now

Now he is fully prepared for the test.
47
While

He was rowing the boat while I slept.
48
Not only … but also

Not only is she stupid but also stubborn.
49
So … that

My younger bother was so brilliant that he could solve any problem.
50
Than (Comparative Degree)

Bangla is sweeter than most other languages in the world.
51
In order that

* He studied hard in order that he would succeed in the test. (Followed by a sentence.)
52
Moreover

The library on 5th Avenue in New York City is one of the best places to do research.  Moreover, it has hundreds of the most respected magazines and journals in the world.  
53
Both … and

My sister is both smart and intelligent.
54
Either … or


Either Peter or John has taken the book.
55
Neither … nor


It is neither hot nor tasty.
56
Afterwards

When you order this item let me know afterwards so I know when we should expect it.
57
For

I scolded him then for he had done a serious wrong.
58
Whether … or


Tell me whether you know the route or not.
59
Nevertheless

1. Life in the country may not be as exciting as life in the city. Nevertheless, you are close to nature which provides peace and quietness.
2. The music was loud nevertheless it was enjoyable.
60
So/as … as (Positive Degree)

Very few teachers are as proficient as Humayun Kabir.
No other girl is so beautiful as she is.  
61
No sooner had … than

No sooner had the students seen their teacher than they stood up.
62
Scarcely had … when

Scarcely had the students seen their teacher when they stood up.
63
Hardly had … when

Hardly had the students seen their teacher when they stood up.
64
Or

1. Sit on the bench or on the grass.
2. Are you tired or shall we go out for a walk?
3. We can learn to talk English or we can depend on sign language.

65
Suddenly

Once I was walking alone through the Sundarbans. Suddenly, I saw a crocodile floating in the river.
66
Next

First, I will meet your father. Then, I will take some tea. Next, I shall teach you English. 
67
In order that

I bought all the books in order that you may study
68
First

Time management skills are essential for study success. In fact, there are several useful strategies that can be used to improve your time management skills. Firstly, have clear goals in mind. Secondly, plan your time by using a yearly and weekly planner. Careful planning will enable you to keep on top of your work and avoid stress. Finally, reward yourself when the job is done.
69
Secondly

70
Thirdly

71
Finally

72
Even if

This horse will take you to the village even if he is tired.
73
As if / As though

He pretended as if / as though he knew everything.
74
Whereas

Research in education is very important. But it is a very hard task. Although it takes time, it contributes to the development of overall quality of education. Besides, research can bring out the potentials of the students. Whereas the developed countries depend on researched methods, we still lag behind. As a result, our quality of education is not improving.
75
Somehow


76
Meanwhile/in the mean time

Carl's starting college in September. Meanwhile, he's travelling around Europe.
77
Especially

I have a question about tenses.  Specifically, when should I use the past perfect?
78
Apart from

Apart from English, she speaks French.

79
Perhaps or Probably

 Perhaps he is a criminal.
80
Usually

 Usually, he does not tell a lie.
81
In case

Please don’t let your husband go out during a strike in the country. In case, he is attacked with a petrol bomb.
82



83
In this regard

In this regard, I don’t know anything. 
84



85
On the contrary

There was no malice in her; on the contrary, she was very kind.
86
What / Whatever

People usually want to have their own way. They want to think and act what or whatever they like.
87
Lest

The miser was in constant fear lest thieves should steal his money.
88
Afterwards

Wash the potatoes first. Afterwards, you can boil them.
89
Since

All the students have been miserable since Mr. Humayn Kabir, an accomplished teacher of English, left the school.
90
On condition that

The teacher excused him on condition that he would not repeat the mistake.
91
Provided that

You can take leave provided that you work overtime later
92
As soon as

Mr. Ford plans to pay off his loan as soon as he gets his bonus.


Md. Saiful Alam
B. A. Honours and M. A. in English
Lecturer of English
Queen’s College, Dhaka

English 1st Paper, Jashore Board, Set: A -2024 (Possible Answer Paper)

Learn English with fun!