On the Grasshopper and Cricket by John Keats, Class 9-10, 2024

Learn English with fun!

John Keats (1795-1821) was an English poet and physician who is considered a major figure in the Romantic movement. His work is still widely read today, and he is considered one of the most important poets of his age.

Nobody knows this little Rose by Emily Dickinson

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Success is Counted Sweetest by Emily Dickinson

Success is Counted Sweetest

by 

Emily Dickinson

"Little Red" by Jessica McDonald

Little Red

 by 

Jessica McDonald 

Once there was a girl,

And her name was Little Red,

She set off to her grandma’s house,

For Gram was sick in bed,

She wandered through the forest,

With her basket full of bread,

She ran into the Big Bad Wolf,

‘Where Are you going?’ he said.

‘I’m headed to my grandma’s house,

Can’t stop to talk,’ said Red.

The sneaky wolf, he made a plan,

And then away he sped.

When Red got to her Grandma’s house,

She saw her there in bed,

‘Oh, what big eyes, and ears, and teeth,

You have upon your head!’

‘The better to eat you with my dear’

The hungry wolf just said.

‘Please don’t eat me,’ said Little Red,

‘Just eat my bread instead.’

Summary of the poem: 

Be the Best of Whatever You Are by Douglas Malloch

Be the Best of Whatever You Are

by Douglas Malloch

 

If you can’t be a pine on the top of the hill

Be a scrub in the valley--but be

The best little scrub by the side of the rill;

Be a bush if you can’t be a tree.

 

If you can’t be a bush be a bit of the grass,

And some highway some happier make;

If you can’t be a muskie then just be a bass--

But the liveliest bass in the lake!

pine 

We can’t all be captains, we’ve got to be crew,

There’s something for all of us here.

There’s big work to do and there’s lesser to do,

And the task we must do is the near.

 

An American Poet

If you can’t be a highway then just be a trail,

If you can’t be the sun be a star;

It isn’t by size that you win or you fail--

Be the best of whatever you are!

 

Word meanings

Scrub (noun) - an area of land covered with) short trees and bushes, growing on dry ground of low quality

Valley (noun) - an area of low land between hills or mountains, often with a river flowing through it; the land that a river flows through

Example: In the valley below cows were grazing peacefully.

Rill (noun) a shallow channel cut by water flowing over rock or soil

Muskie (noun) a type of fish

 Bass (noun) a type of fish found in rivers or the sea

 

Summary of the poem

Be the Best of Whatever You Are by Douglas Malloch motivates us to make the most of our circumstances, and be the best version of ourselves, regardless of our position or role in life. It emphasizes that it's not always about being in the most important position, but rather about doing our best and making a positive impact wherever we are.

The poem suggests that if we cannot be the most prominent tree on a hill, we should try to be the best small bush or scrub by a stream. If we cannot be a powerful muskie fish, we should aim to be the liveliest bass in the lake. It highlights that it's not about being the biggest or most powerful, but about being the best at what we do.

The poem also reminds us that not everyone can be a leader or a captain; there are roles for all of us. It encourages us to embrace the tasks at hand, whether they are big or small, and to give our best effort. It emphasizes that our value is not determined by our size or status but by how well we fulfill our potential and contribute positively to the world.

In summary, the poem is a reminder to be the best version of ourselves, to make the most of our abilities and circumstances, and to contribute positively in whatever role or position we find ourselves in.

Dear readers,

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

 Prepared by

Md. Saiful Alam

BA Honours, BEd (1^st Class) and MA in English

An MPO registered Assistant Teacher of English

Machkhola Secondary School, Satkhira

Email: suman64924@gamil.com

If by Rudyard Kipling for class seven, New Curriculum, 2023, English

If

by Rudyard Kipling

 

 (1865 – 1936) an English novelist, short-story writer, poet, and journalist

‘If you can make one heap of all your winnings

And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,

And lose, and start again at your beginnings

And never breathe a word about your loss;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew

To serve your turn long after they are gone,

And so hold on when there is nothing in you

Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’

 

Word Meanings

Pitch and toss- a gambling game

Sinew – (noun) strong band of tissue in the body connecting a muscle to a bone

Except - not including

Hold on – to not give up

 

Summary of the poem 'If' by Rudyard Kipling:

Rudyard Kipling's poem "If" is about the qualities and virtues that a person should possess to navigate through life successfully. It describes various situations and challenges, highlighting the importance of perseverance, humility, and inner strength.

 

The first stanza talks about the ability to gather wealth and take risks with it, without thinking much about the outcome. It emphasizes the importance of starting over and not dwelling on past losses.

 

The second stanza speaks to the idea of pushing oneself beyond physical and mental limits, continuing to strive even when faced with exhaustion or adversity. It encourages holding on and not giving up, relying on the willpower to endure.

 

Overall, the poem encourages readers to remain determined, resilient, and focused, regardless of the difficulties they encounter. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, facing challenges with courage, and never losing hope.

 

Dear readers,

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

 Prepared by

Md. Saiful Alam

BA Honours, BEd (1^st Class) and MA in English

An MPO registered Assistant Teacher of English

Machkhola Secondary School, Satkhira

Email: suman64924@gamil.com

"My Experience of Collecting Information from Friends" Class: Six, New Curriculum - 2023

1^st Assessment - 2023

Subject: English, Class: 6 (VI)

Make 5-10 questions from Bangla textbook?

1. Which poem do you like from Bangla textbook?

Answer: I like the poem called “Chithi Bili”.

2.  Who wrote the poem?

Rokanuzzaman Khan

The poem: Chithi Bili

Answer: Rokanuzzaman Khan, a Bangladeshi journalist and litterateur, wrote it.

3. What is the poem about?

Answer: The poem is about delivering letters by a frog, a postmaster here.

4. Why do you like it?

Answer: It is very interesting because here a frog is doing the job of a postmaster.

5. How are the rhyming patters of the poem?

Answer: The 2^nd line rhymes with the 4^th line, whereas the 6^th line, with the 8^th line. In the same way, every alternate line rhymes together.

6. Which season is it?

Answer: It is the rainy season.

7. What are things the frog carrying?

Answer: The frog is carrying an umbrella, a hurricane and a bag of letters.

8. What do you see behind him?

Answer: A river is flowing smoothly behind him.

9. What do you see in the sky?

Answer: Some black clouds are floating to and fro in the sky.

10. What do you think where he is now?

Answer: He is now on his way to deliver letters to the recipients. 

Assignment on 

My Experience of Collecting Information from Friends

 I am going to share my experience of collecting information from friends about Bangla poetry. It was quite interesting.

At first I have prepared some questions to know about my friend’s likings of Bangla book. Then I noted down the answers serially in the notebook. In short, it can be said that he loved the poem “Paka Paki”. It is a nice poem because its rhymes are sweeter to listen to. Sukumar Roy writes it. He is a famous poet for his rhyming pattern.

He likes the Bangla textbook because there are many interesting pictures and many topics that attracted him very much. He likes Bangla poetry more than short stories, dramas, essays and novels. He loves it because its rhymes and sweet sound it produces.

I enjoyed the session very much. It is exciting to know about a new thing from a friend. I did not have to read it but I know about it now. It helped me a lot to enhance my creativity.

I faced few problems about spelling some Bangla words in English, and sometimes my partner did not understand me while I was talking with him in English. So, I had to use easy words for him. Nothing is more exciting to learn by sharing. 

Md. Saiful Alam
B. A. Honours, BEd (1^st Class) and M. A. in English
An MPO Registered Assistant Teacher of English,
Machkhola Secondary School, Satkhira
E-mail: suman64924@gmail.com

Narration structure at a glance

Paragraph: The Importance of Learning English

Learning English is an important skill to have in today's world. The ability to communicate in English is essential for success in many areas, including education, business, and relationships. Knowing English gives people the opportunity to connect with people from around the world, allowing them to build relationships, share ideas and experiences, and create new opportunities. Furthermore, English is the language of science, technology, business, and the Internet, so it is an invaluable asset to have in order to access the latest developments in these fields. In addition, English is a language that is widely accepted, making it easier to travel, access a range of educational resources, and develop an understanding of different cultures. All in all, learning English is a valuable skill that offers many advantages.

Common Proverbs

A proverb is a short sentence, etc., usually known by many people, stating something commonly experienced or giving advice 

                                PROVERB

1. Waste not, want not.
2. Necessity knows no law.
3. A little learning is a dangerous thing.
4. A friend in need is a friend indeed.
5. Pride goes before fall.
6. Charity begins at home.
7. Where there is a will; there is a way.
8. To kill two birds with one stone.
9. It takes two to make a quarrel.
10. All’s well that ends well.
11. No pains, no gains.
12. To add insult to injury.
13. Eat, drink and be merry.
14. Empty vessels sound much.
15. Hunger is the best sauce.
16. Let by-gones be by-gones.
17. Practice makes a man perfect.
18. Familiarity breeds contempt.
19. All that glitters is not gold.
20. Out of sight; out of mind.
21. Everybody is wise after the event.
22. Birds of the same feather flock together.
23. To build castle in the air.
24. Might is right.
25. Strike the iron while it is hot.
26. Habit is the second nature.
27. To carry coal to Newcastle.
28. Many a little makes a mickle.
29. To live from hand to mouth.
30. Riches have wings.
31. There’s many a slip between the cup and the lip.
32. Something is better than nothing.
33. A bad workman quarrels with his tools.
34. Many men, many minds.
35. Oil your own machine.
36. Grapes are sour.
37. Morning shows the day.
38. Penny wise, pound foolish.
39. A bolt from the blue.
40. Beggars must not be choosers.
41. Do or die.
42. Death defies doctors.
43. The wearer best knows where the shoe pinches.
44. As you sow, so you reap.
45. A blessing in disguise. 
46. A stitch in time saves nine.
47. Fortune favours the brave.
48. Self-help is the best help.
49. A thing is valued where it belongs.
50. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. saying This means that not all people have the same opinions about what is attractive.
51. Beauty is only skin deep. saying said to emphasize that a person's character is more important than how they look
52. a rolling stone (gathers no moss) old-fashioned saying said to mean that a person who is always travelling and changing jobs has the advantage of having no responsibilities, but also has disadvantages such as having no permanent place to live

Paragraph: The Importance of Learning English

Paragraph: English is a widely used language. It is the most important language of all. It is the only language which assists a person to carry on international communication easily. If a person desires to pursue higher studies, he needs to learn it because most of the books of higher education are written in English. Information on any topic is more available in English than in any other language in the world. If one knows the tongue, one has an easy access to it. Actually, there is hardly any person who does not want to get a good job. English is needed for them. It is also necessary for travelling foreign countries because as soon as he leaves his mother land, it is almost impossible for him to communicate with other people if he is not capable of speaking the language. In addition, English literature is very rich, one can improve one’s literature by learning English literature. Moreover, there are some jobs which require people with good command over English. So, it can be said that no other language in the world is so useful as English.

Paragraph: Your School Library

Your School Library

A library is a place where readers can both read and borrow books. So, the library which is housed in a school is called a school library. Like many other reputed schools, we have a grand school library, and it is on the first floor of our school building. There is a better collection of books on various subjects. The books are arranged properly so that readers can easily explore them. A librarian takes care of the books, and assists readers to find out their expected books. The library is equipped with modern facilities. The readers can use the Internet to attain necessary information, and the air-conditioners keep the room cool and suitable for reading. There is a great sitting arrangement for readers. However, the students are seen perusing books during their leisure period. Just as a man without eyes is called blind, in the same way a school without a library is crippled one.        

Words Meaning

Reputed (adj) – famous

Explore (v.) – find out

Equipped (adj.) – have

Perusing (v.) - read

Crippled (adj.) – a person with physical disability

Paragraph: Your Mother

Your Mother

Paragraph: A mother is a person who is the dearest and the most important one to her children. Anyway, my mother is very sweet, caring and careful. Being highly educated, she takes care of me. She is very nice because she does everything what is good for me. She assists me in my studies. However, she is the best cook who prepares delicious dishes for our family and she is well conscious of balanced diet. In addition, she has acute sense of sanitation. For this reason, she keeps each and everything neat and clean. She often reminds me of following health rules. She is an early bird who wakes me up early in the morning and prepares me for school in time. Besides, she becomes very worried if I fall sick or any other family members are unwell. She always entertains me when I am depressed. She frequently teaches me how behave with the elders and how to love the younger and also advises me to follow the path of honesty. Furthermore, my mother is like a love-string which binds our family affectionately. I love my mother very much because no other person on earth is as sweet as my mother.

Story: Two Friends and a Bear

Two Friends and a Bear

Once two friends were walking through a forest. They were talking about their love for each other. Suddenly, a bear came. Being afraid, the first friend climbed up a nearby tree, while the second one did not know how to climb up a tree. He finding no other way alternative lay down on the ground and pretended to be dead. The bear came near the man and smelt the nose and ears of him. Then the bear went away. Coming down from the tree, the first friend asked him what the bear told him in his ears. The second friend replied, “Don’t trust a friend who leaves you in danger.” Moral: “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” 

Story: The Pied Piper of Hamelin

 

The Pied Piper of Hamelin

Long long ago there was a certain village in Germany. Its name was Hamelin. The villagers there were very worried because the village was full of dangerous rats. The rats were huge in size and even they killed the cats, and destroyed corns, food, clothes and etc. The villagers were very irritated because of the rats. Then, they went to the mayor and shared their problem with him. Immediately, he called on a meeting of the councilors. During their meeting, they heard a knock at the door. The door was opened. A strange man was there at the door. He was a piper. He assured them to solve their problem of rats. At that time, the mayor promised him to give a valuable reward, if he succeeded. The following day the piper played his flute in a pleasing way that all the rats came out and started following him. After some time he reached a river and all the rats jumped into it and drowned. Afterwards, he went back to the mayor for his reward. But at the moment, he insulted him and disagreed to give him the money. Then, the piper returned empty-handed (খালি হাতে). The following day, the piper played another tune, and all the children of the village began to follow him dancing. They went behind the mountain and never returned.      

Story: The Hare and the Tortoise

 

The Hare and the Tortoise

Once there lived a hare in a forest. He was very proud of running fast. One afternoon he was taking rest. Suddenly, he saw a tortoise walking past him. He laughed at the slow pace of the tortoise. Being angry, the tortoise proposed a race. And the hare agreed. A day was fixed for the race and all the animals and the birds of the forest were present there. The race started. Then and there, the hare left the tortoise far behind and he thought of taking some rest again in a bush. When the hare was napping, the tortoise never stopped walking. He kept on plodding. Soon, he was about to touch the finishing line. At that time, the hare woke up and saw the tortoise touching the finishing rope. Moral: “Slow but steady wins the race.”

Dear readers,

Please, never hesitate to comment because your comment inspires me much. Moreover, any correction or suggestion regarding the 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: Environment Pollution

Environment Pollution

Paragraph: Our environment comprises air, water, soil, sound and so on. When these essential elements are polluted, it is called environment pollution. First, air, an inseparable element of the environment, is polluted by the smoke from the industrial plants, motor-vehicles and dust from the roads and construction sites. Besides, when a dead animal is left unburied, it pollutes the air. Moreover, deforestation increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the air; the gas is also responsible for air pollution. Furthermore, burning of fossil fuels pollutes air. Secondly, water is another important element of the environment. It is contaminated, when people cast away waste materials into water. In addition, leakage of oil from water vehicles and presence of organic materials into water can be held responsible for water pollution. Thirdly, soil, another integral part of the environment, is polluted by the industrial exhaust, deforestation, over-use of agricultural pesticides, chemical fertilizers, improper disposal of polythene shopping bags. Fourthly, sound, another necessary component of the environment, is polluted by playing music aloud here and there, honking harshly, use of hydraulic horns. By the way, we, humans, are largely responsible for these types of pollution. If pollution keeps on going in this manner, we will suffer in near future. In this regard, people must be made aware of different types of pollution, only then we can prevent our environment from pollution. As we are part of the environment, preservation of those elements benefits our whole existence on earth.    

Md. Saiful Alam

BA Honours, BEd (1^st Class) and MA in English

Assistant Teacher of English 

Machkhola Secondary School, Satkhira Sadar, Satkhira

 E-mail: suman64924@gmail.com

Dear readers,

Please, never hesitate to comment because your comment inspires me much. Moreover, any correction or suggestion regarding the 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.