Unit Five
Great Women to Remember
Great Women to Remember
Textual Dictionary
The words below are taken from this chapter, and their meanings are given in clear English.
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| famous (ˈfeɪməs) | known by many people | great (excellent) important (significant) | — | Begum Rokeya was a famous writer and a social worker. |
| humanitarian (hjuːˌmænɪˈteəriən) | a person who works to reduce human suffering | social worker (a person helping society) helper (one who helps) | — | Helen Keller was a great humanitarian. |
| disabled (dɪsˈeɪbəld) | having a physical or mental problem that limits activities or senses | unable (not able) limited (restricted) | healthy (well) able (having ability) | Helen devoted her life to helping disabled people. |
| devoted (dɪˈvəʊtɪd) | gave all one’s time and effort to a purpose | worked (made effort) helped (gave assistance) | — | Helen devoted her life to help disabled people. |
| interpret (ɪnˈtɜːprɪt) | to explain the meaning of a text or lecture | explain (make clear) translate (express in another language) | — | Anne Sullivan helped Helen by interpreting lectures and texts. |
| skills (skɪlz) | abilities to do something well | ability (power to do something) education (learning) | — | Helen improved her communication skills. |
| dispute (dɪˈspjuːt) | a disagreement between people | different opinions (different views) disagreement (lack of agreement) | same opinion (same view) agreement (harmony) | There was a dispute in her husband’s family. |
Dictionary entries: 7
1. How to Use This Sheet
- Read the chapter carefully before using this sheet.
- Cover the meaning column and test yourself on each word.
- Read the pronunciation aloud and practise saying each word.
- Use the example sentences to practise writing.
- Review the synonyms and antonyms after learning the meanings.
- Return to the chapter whenever you need to check the context of a word.
Textual Dictionary
The following seven words are taken from this chapter.
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| famous (ফেমাস) | বিখ্যাত (known by many people) | well-known (সুপরিচিত) noted (উল্লেখযোগ্য) | unknown (অপরিচিত) obscure (অখ্যাত) | Begum Rokeya was a famous writer and a social worker. বেগম রোকেয়া একজন বিখ্যাত লেখক ও সমাজকর্মী ছিলেন। |
| humanitarian (হিউম্যানিটারিয়ান) | মানবহিতৈষী ব্যক্তি (a person who works to reduce human suffering) | helper (সহায়তাকারী) social worker (সমাজকর্মী) | — | Helen Keller was a great humanitarian. হেলেন কেলার একজন মহান মানবহিতৈষী ছিলেন। |
| disabled (ডিসেইবল্ড) | প্রতিবন্ধী (having a physical or mental problem that limits activities or senses) | unable (অক্ষম) limited (সীমাবদ্ধ) | able (সক্ষম) healthy (সুস্থ) | Helen devoted her life to helping disabled people. হেলেন প্রতিবন্ধী মানুষদের সাহায্য করার জন্য তাঁর জীবন উৎসর্গ করেছিলেন। |
| devoted (ডিভোটেড) | নিবেদিত বা উৎসর্গীকৃত (gave all one’s time and effort to a purpose) | dedicated (নিবেদিত) committed (প্রতিশ্রুতিবদ্ধ) | indifferent (উদাসীন) careless (অমনোযোগী) | Helen devoted her life to help disabled people. হেলেন প্রতিবন্ধী মানুষদের সাহায্য করার জন্য তাঁর জীবন উৎসর্গ করেছিলেন। |
| interpret (ইন্টারপ্রিট) | ব্যাখ্যা করা (to explain the meaning of a text or lecture) | explain (ব্যাখ্যা করা) translate (অনুবাদ করা) | confuse (বিভ্রান্ত করা) misrepresent (ভুলভাবে উপস্থাপন করা) | Anne Sullivan helped Helen by interpreting lectures and texts. অ্যান সুলিভান বক্তৃতা ও লেখা ব্যাখ্যা করে হেলেনকে সাহায্য করতেন। |
| skills (স্কিলস) | দক্ষতাসমূহ (abilities to do something well) | abilities (সক্ষমতাসমূহ) talents (প্রতিভাসমূহ) | inabilities (অক্ষমতাসমূহ) weaknesses (দুর্বলতাসমূহ) | Helen improved her communication skills. হেলেন তাঁর যোগাযোগের দক্ষতা উন্নত করেছিলেন। |
| dispute (ডিসপিউট) | বিরোধ বা মতভেদ (a disagreement between people) | disagreement (অসম্মতি) conflict (বিরোধ) | agreement (সম্মতি) harmony (সম্প্রীতি) | There was a dispute in her husband’s family. তাঁর স্বামীর পরিবারে একটি বিরোধ ছিল। |
Dictionary entries: 7
★ Key Points
- Begum Rokeya was a famous writer and social worker.
- Begum Rokeya believed that women should have the same rights and opportunities as men.
- Begum Rokeya learnt Bangla and English from her eldest brother Ibrahim.
- Begum Rokeya set up a girls’ high school in memory of her husband.
- Helen Keller cared deeply for sick, injured and disabled people.
- Helen Keller became deaf, dumb and blind after a high fever.
- Anne Sullivan worked hard to enable Helen Keller to communicate.
- Helen Keller improved her communication skills through education.
- Anne Sullivan helped Helen by interpreting lectures and texts.
- Helen Keller spent her life helping disabled people to learn.
2. Key Words - Main Table (1-15)
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| famous (ফেমাস) | বিখ্যাত (known by many people) | well-known (সুপরিচিত) noted (উল্লেখযোগ্য) | unknown (অপরিচিত) obscure (অখ্যাত) | Begum Rokeya was a famous writer and a social worker. বেগম রোকেয়া একজন বিখ্যাত লেখক ও সমাজকর্মী ছিলেন। |
| writer (রাইটার) | লেখক (a person who writes books or stories) | author (লেখক) poet (কবি) | reader (পাঠক) — | Begum Rokeya was a famous writer. বেগম রোকেয়া একজন বিখ্যাত লেখক ছিলেন। |
| social worker (সোশ্যাল ওয়ার্কার) | সমাজকর্মী (a person who works for society) | helper (সহায়তাকারী) humanitarian (মানবহিতৈষী ব্যক্তি) | — | Begum Rokeya was a social worker. বেগম রোকেয়া একজন সমাজকর্মী ছিলেন। |
| lived (লিভড) | বসবাস করেছিলেন (stayed in a place) | resided (বসবাস করেছিলেন) stayed (থেকেছিলেন) | left (চলে গিয়েছিলেন) departed (প্রস্থান করেছিলেন) | She lived in undivided Bengal. তিনি অবিভক্ত বাংলায় বসবাস করতেন। |
| undivided (আনডিভাইডেড) | অবিভক্ত (not separated into parts) | united (একত্রিত) whole (সম্পূর্ণ) | divided (বিভক্ত) separated (আলাদা) | She lived in undivided Bengal. তিনি অবিভক্ত বাংলায় বসবাস করতেন। |
| believed (বিলিভড) | বিশ্বাস করতেন (thought something was true) | trusted (বিশ্বাস করেছিলেন) considered (মনে করতেন) | doubted (সন্দেহ করেছিলেন) disbelieved (অবিশ্বাস করেছিলেন) | She believed that women should have the same rights as men. তিনি বিশ্বাস করতেন যে নারীদের পুরুষদের মতো একই অধিকার থাকা উচিত। |
| rights (রাইটস) | অধিকার (freedoms or claims people should have) | freedoms (স্বাধীনতাসমূহ) entitlements (ন্যায্য পাওনাসমূহ) | duties (কর্তব্যসমূহ) restrictions (বাধাসমূহ) | Women should have the same rights as men. নারীদের পুরুষদের মতো একই অধিকার থাকা উচিত। |
| opportunities (অপরচুনিটিজ) | সুযোগসমূহ (chances to do or achieve something) | chances (সুযোগসমূহ) possibilities (সম্ভাবনাসমূহ) | barriers (বাধাসমূহ) obstacles (প্রতিবন্ধকতাসমূহ) | Women should have the same opportunities as men. নারীদের পুরুষদের মতো একই সুযোগ থাকা উচিত। |
| fought (ফট) | লড়াই করেছিলেন (worked strongly against something) | struggled (সংগ্রাম করেছিলেন) opposed (বিরোধিতা করেছিলেন) | supported (সমর্থন করেছিলেন) accepted (মেনে নিয়েছিলেন) | She fought for women’s rights throughout her life. তিনি সারা জীবন নারীদের অধিকারের জন্য লড়াই করেছিলেন। |
| cause (কজ) | ন্যায়সঙ্গত উদ্দেশ্য (a principle or movement supported by people) | aim (লক্ষ্য) movement (আন্দোলন) | effect (ফলাফল) result (পরিণাম) | She fought for their cause throughout her life. তিনি সারা জীবন তাদের ন্যায়সঙ্গত উদ্দেশ্যের জন্য লড়াই করেছিলেন। |
| born (বর্ন) | জন্মগ্রহণ করেছিলেন (came into life) | begotten (জন্মানো) delivered (জন্ম দেওয়া) | died (মারা গিয়েছিলেন) — | Begum Rokeya was born in a village called Pairabondh. বেগম রোকেয়া পায়রাবন্দ নামের একটি গ্রামে জন্মগ্রহণ করেছিলেন। |
| village (ভিলেজ) | গ্রাম (a rural settlement) | hamlet (ছোট গ্রাম) rural area (গ্রামাঞ্চল) | town (শহর) city (নগর) | She was born in a village called Pairabondh. তিনি পায়রাবন্দ নামের একটি গ্রামে জন্মগ্রহণ করেছিলেন। |
| married (ম্যারিড) | বিয়ে করেছিলেন (joined someone in marriage) | wedded (বিবাহ করেছিলেন) united (যুক্ত হয়েছিলেন) | unmarried (অবিবাহিত) single (একাকী) | Rokeya was married to Syed Sakhawat Hussain in 1897. রোকেয়া ১৮৯৭ সালে সৈয়দ সাখাওয়াত হোসাইনের সঙ্গে বিবাহবন্ধনে আবদ্ধ হন। |
| cooperative (কো-অপারেটিভ) | সহযোগিতাপূর্ণ (willing to help and work together) | helpful (সহায়ক) supportive (সহায়তাকারী) | unhelpful (অসহায়ক) uncooperative (অসহযোগী) | Her husband was very cooperative. তাঁর স্বামী খুব সহযোগিতাপূর্ণ ছিলেন। |
| encouraged (এনকারেজড) | উৎসাহিত করেছিলেন (gave support or confidence) | inspired (অনুপ্রাণিত করেছিলেন) motivated (উদ্দীপিত করেছিলেন) | discouraged (নিরুৎসাহিত করেছিলেন) hindered (বাধা দিয়েছিলেন) | He always encouraged Rokeya to continue her activities. তিনি সবসময় রোকেয়াকে তাঁর কাজ চালিয়ে যেতে উৎসাহিত করতেন। |
◆ Key Points
- Begum Rokeya was a famous writer and a social worker.
- She believed that women should have the same rights as men.
- She also believed that women should have equal opportunities in society.
- She fought for women’s rights throughout her life.
- She was born in Pairabondh, Rangpur, in 1880.
- She married Syed Sakhawat Hussain in 1897.
- Her husband encouraged her to continue her activities.
- Rokeya had great love for her mother tongue.
- She learnt Bangla and English from her eldest brother Ibrahim.
- Helen Keller cared deeply for sick, injured and disabled people.
- Anne Sullivan worked hard to enable Helen Keller to communicate.
- Helen improved her communication skills through education.
3. Key Words - Main Table (16-30)
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| plantation (plænˈteɪʃən) | a large farm where crops are grown (a large cultivated area) | farm (কৃষিখামার) estate (জমিদারি) | — | Helen’s family earned money from a cotton plantation. Helen’s family earned money from a cotton farm. |
| communication (kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃən) | the act of sharing ideas or information (exchange of information) | contact (যোগাযোগ) conversation (আলাপ) | silence (নীরবতা) isolation (বিচ্ছিন্নতা) | Anne helped Helen develop communication with other people. |
| income (ˈɪnkʌm) | money received from work or a business (earnings) | earnings (উপার্জন) revenue (আয়) | loss (ক্ষতি) expense (ব্যয়) | The family’s main source of income was a cotton plantation. |
| source (sɔːrs) | the place or means from which something comes (origin) | origin (উৎস) cause (কারণ) | result (ফলাফল) outcome (পরিণাম) | The plantation was the family’s main source of income. |
| deaf (def) | unable to hear (without hearing) | hearing-impaired (শ্রবণপ্রতিবন্ধী) hard of hearing (কম শোনে এমন) | hearing (শ্রবণক্ষম) audible (শ্রাব্য) | Helen became deaf after a high fever. |
| dumb (dʌm) | unable to speak (without speech) | speechless (বাকরুদ্ধ) mute (বোবা) | vocal (কণ্ঠস্বরসম্পন্ন) eloquent (বাকপটু) | Helen became deaf, dumb and blind after her illness. |
| blind (blaɪnd) | unable to see (without sight) | sightless (দৃষ্টিহীন) visually impaired (দৃষ্টিপ্রতিবন্ধী) | sighted (দৃষ্টিসম্পন্ন) seeing (দেখতে সক্ষম) | The school helped blind students receive education. |
| enable (ɪˈneɪbəl) | to make someone able to do something (give ability) | allow (অনুমতি দেওয়া) empower (ক্ষমতায়ন করা) | prevent (প্রতিরোধ করা) disable (অক্ষম করা) | Anne worked hard to enable Helen to communicate. |
| formal (ˈfɔːrməl) | official or properly organized (structured and official) | official (আনুষ্ঠানিক) organized (সুশৃঙ্খল) | informal (অনানুষ্ঠানিক) casual (অনানুষ্ঠানিক) | Helen’s formal education started at Horace Mann School. |
| academic (ˌækəˈdemɪk) | connected with study and education (related to learning) | educational (শিক্ষামূলক) scholastic (শিক্ষাসংক্রান্ত) | practical (ব্যবহারিক) non-academic (শিক্ষাবহির্ভূত) | Helen studied regular academic subjects. |
| attended (əˈtendɪd) | went to or was present at a place (visited regularly) | went to (গিয়েছিল) visited (পরিদর্শন করেছিল) | missed (অনুপস্থিত ছিল) avoided (এড়িয়ে গিয়েছিল) | Helen attended Cambridge School for Young Ladies. |
| technique (tekˈniːk) | a particular method of doing something (special method) | method (পদ্ধতি) skill (দক্ষতা) | clumsiness (অদক্ষতা) disorder (বিশৃঙ্খলা) | Braille was a new technique for reading. |
| Braille (breɪl) | a system of raised marks used by blind people for reading (a reading system) | reading system (পাঠপদ্ধতি) tactile script (স্পর্শলিপি) | — | Helen learnt Braille at Radcliffe College. |
| degree (dɪˈɡriː) | an academic qualification awarded by a college or university (educational qualification) | qualification (যোগ্যতা) certificate (সনদ) | failure (ব্যর্থতা) disqualification (অযোগ্যতা) | Helen received her BA degree from Radcliffe College. |
| honours (ˈɒnərz) | special academic distinction for excellent achievement (academic distinction) | distinction (কৃতিত্ব) recognition (স্বীকৃতি) | disgrace (অসম্মান) failure (ব্যর্থতা) | Helen received her BA degree with Honours. |
Dictionary entries: 15
★ Key Points
- Helen Keller was born in Alabama, USA, in 1880.
- Her family’s main source of income was a cotton plantation.
- Helen became deaf, dumb and blind after a high fever in 1882.
- Anne Sullivan was sent to help Helen in 1887.
- Anne worked hard to enable Helen to communicate.
- Helen’s formal education began at Horace Mann School in Boston.
- Helen studied regular academic subjects during her education.
- Helen learnt Braille as a new technique for reading.
- Anne Sullivan helped Helen by interpreting lectures and texts.
- Helen received her BA degree with Honours from Radcliffe College in 1904.
- Helen spent her life helping disabled people to learn.
4. Subject Terms and Definitions
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| humanitarian (hjuːˌmænɪˈteəriən) | A person who works to reduce human suffering. | helper; social worker | — | Lesson 3: Helen Keller was a great humanitarian. |
| disabled (dɪsˈeɪbəld) | Having a physical or mental problem that limits activities or senses. | unable; limited | able; healthy | Lesson 3: Helen devoted her life to helping disabled people. |
| plantation (plænˈteɪʃən) | A large area of land where crops are grown. | farm; estate | — | Lesson 3: Her family’s main source of income was a cotton plantation. |
| communication (kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃən) | The exchange of information, ideas, or feelings. | conversation; contact | silence; isolation | Lesson 3: Helen improved her communication skills. |
| interpret (ɪnˈtɜːprɪt) | To explain the meaning of a text or lecture. | explain; translate | confuse; misrepresent | Lesson 3: Anne Sullivan helped Helen by interpreting lectures and texts. |
| Braille (breɪl) | A system of raised marks used by blind people for reading. | reading system; tactile script | — | Lesson 3: Helen learnt Braille at Radcliffe College. |
| degree (dɪˈɡriː) | An academic qualification awarded by a college or university. | qualification; certificate | failure; disqualification | Lesson 3: Helen received her BA degree from Radcliffe College. |
| dispute (dɪˈspjuːt) | A disagreement between people. | disagreement; conflict | agreement; harmony | Lesson 2: There was a dispute in her husband’s family. |
◆ Key Points
- A humanitarian works to reduce human suffering.
- Disabled people may have physical or mental problems that limit their activities or senses.
- A plantation is a large area of land where crops are grown.
- Communication means exchanging information, ideas, or feelings.
- To interpret a lecture or text is to explain its meaning.
- Braille is a reading system made from raised marks.
- A degree is an academic qualification from a college or university.
- A dispute is a disagreement between people.
- Helen Keller improved her communication skills through education.
- Anne Sullivan helped Helen Keller by interpreting lectures and texts.
5. Words in Context
Read the passage first and notice how the bold words describe the lives, values and work of Begum Rokeya and Helen Keller. Then use the table to understand each word and practise it in a meaningful sentence.
Begum Rokeya was a famous writer and social worker. She believed that women should have equal rights and opportunities. Her husband was cooperative and encouraged her activities. Helen Keller was a great humanitarian who devoted her life to helping disabled people. Through education, she improved her communication skills, while Anne Sullivan helped her by learning to interpret lectures and texts.
Use the examples as models for writing. The Bengali meanings come first so that the main idea is clear, while the English glosses and related words help you recognise the vocabulary in new sentences.
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| famous (ফেমাস) | বিখ্যাত (known by many people) | well-known (সুপরিচিত); noted (উল্লেখযোগ্য) | unknown (অপরিচিত); obscure (অখ্যাত) | Begum Rokeya was a famous writer and a social worker. বেগম রোকেয়া একজন বিখ্যাত লেখক ও সমাজকর্মী ছিলেন। |
| social worker (সোশ্যাল ওয়ার্কার) | সমাজকর্মী (a person who works for society) | helper (সহায়তাকারী); humanitarian (মানবহিতৈষী ব্যক্তি) | — | Begum Rokeya was a social worker. বেগম রোকেয়া একজন সমাজকর্মী ছিলেন। |
| rights (রাইটস) | অধিকার (freedoms or claims people should have) | freedoms (স্বাধীনতাসমূহ); entitlements (ন্যায্য পাওনাসমূহ) | duties (কর্তব্যসমূহ); restrictions (বাধাসমূহ) | Women should have the same rights as men. নারীদের পুরুষদের মতো একই অধিকার থাকা উচিত। |
| opportunities (অপরচুনিটিজ) | সুযোগসমূহ (chances to do or achieve something) | chances (সুযোগসমূহ); possibilities (সম্ভাবনাসমূহ) | barriers (বাধাসমূহ); obstacles (প্রতিবন্ধকতাসমূহ) | Women should have the same opportunities as men. নারীদের পুরুষদের মতো একই সুযোগ থাকা উচিত। |
| cooperative (কো-অপারেটিভ) | সহযোগিতাপূর্ণ (willing to help and work together) | helpful (সহায়ক); supportive (সহায়তাকারী) | unhelpful (অসহায়ক); uncooperative (অসহযোগী) | Her husband was very cooperative. তাঁর স্বামী খুব সহযোগিতাপূর্ণ ছিলেন। |
| humanitarian (হিউম্যানিটারিয়ান) | মানবহিতৈষী ব্যক্তি (a person who works to reduce human suffering) | helper (সহায়তাকারী); social worker (সমাজকর্মী) | — | Helen Keller was a great humanitarian. হেলেন কেলার একজন মহান মানবহিতৈষী ছিলেন। |
| disabled (ডিসেইবল্ড) | প্রতিবন্ধী (having a physical or mental problem that limits activities or senses) | unable (অক্ষম); limited (সীমাবদ্ধ) | able (সক্ষম); healthy (সুস্থ) | Helen devoted her life to helping disabled people. হেলেন প্রতিবন্ধী মানুষদের সাহায্য করার জন্য তাঁর জীবন উৎসর্গ করেছিলেন। |
| communication (কমিউনিকেশন) | যোগাযোগ (the exchange of information, ideas, or feelings) | conversation (কথোপকথন); contact (যোগাযোগ) | silence (নীরবতা); isolation (বিচ্ছিন্নতা) | Helen improved her communication skills. হেলেন তাঁর যোগাযোগের দক্ষতা উন্নত করেছিলেন। |
| interpret (ইন্টারপ্রিট) | ব্যাখ্যা করা (to explain the meaning of a text or lecture) | explain (ব্যাখ্যা করা); translate (অনুবাদ করা) | confuse (বিভ্রান্ত করা); misrepresent (ভুলভাবে উপস্থাপন করা) | Anne Sullivan helped Helen by interpreting lectures and texts. অ্যান সুলিভান বক্তৃতা ও লেখা ব্যাখ্যা করে হেলেনকে সাহায্য করতেন। |
6. Exercise 1 - Match the Meaning
Match each English word with the correct meaning. Write the letter of the meaning beside each word.
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| famous (ফেমাস) | G. বিখ্যাত (known by many people) | well-known (সুপরিচিত); noted (উল্লেখযোগ্য) | unknown (অপরিচিত); obscure (অখ্যাত) | Begum Rokeya was a famous writer and a social worker. বেগম রোকেয়া একজন বিখ্যাত লেখক ও সমাজকর্মী ছিলেন। |
| humanitarian (হিউম্যানিটারিয়ান) | C. মানবহিতৈষী ব্যক্তি (a person who works to reduce human suffering) | helper (সহায়তাকারী); social worker (সমাজকর্মী) | — | Helen Keller was a great humanitarian. হেলেন কেলার একজন মহান মানবহিতৈষী ছিলেন। |
| disabled (ডিসেইবল্ড) | H. প্রতিবন্ধী (having a physical or mental problem that limits activities or senses) | unable (অক্ষম); limited (সীমাবদ্ধ) | able (সক্ষম); healthy (সুস্থ) | Helen devoted her life to help disabled people. হেলেন প্রতিবন্ধী মানুষদের সাহায্য করার জন্য তাঁর জীবন উৎসর্গ করেছিলেন। |
| plantation (প্ল্যান্টেশন) | F. ফসল চাষের জন্য ব্যবহৃত বিস্তীর্ণ জমি (a large area of land where crops are grown) | farm (খামার); estate (জমির বড় এলাকা) | — | Their main source of income was cotton plantation. তাদের আয়ের প্রধান উৎস ছিল তুলার বাগান। |
| communication (কমিউনিকেশন) | I. তথ্য, ভাবনা বা অনুভূতির আদান-প্রদান (the exchange of information, ideas, or feelings) | conversation (কথোপকথন); contact (যোগাযোগ) | silence (নীরবতা); isolation (বিচ্ছিন্নতা) | Helen improved her communication skills. হেলেন তাঁর যোগাযোগের দক্ষতা উন্নত করেছিলেন। |
| interpret (ইন্টারপ্রিট) | E. কোনো লেখা বা বক্তৃতার অর্থ ব্যাখ্যা করা (explain the meaning of a text or lecture) | explain (ব্যাখ্যা করা); translate (অনুবাদ করা) | confuse (বিভ্রান্ত করা); misrepresent (ভুলভাবে উপস্থাপন করা) | Anne Sullivan helped Helen by interpreting lectures and texts. অ্যান সুলিভান বক্তৃতা ও লেখা ব্যাখ্যা করে হেলেনকে সাহায্য করতেন। |
| skills (স্কিলস) | A. কোনো কাজ ভালোভাবে করার দক্ষতা (abilities to do something well) | abilities (সক্ষমতাসমূহ); talents (প্রতিভাসমূহ) | inabilities (অক্ষমতাসমূহ); weaknesses (দুর্বলতাসমূহ) | Helen improved her communication skills. হেলেন তাঁর যোগাযোগের দক্ষতা উন্নত করেছিলেন। |
| rights (রাইটস) | J. মানুষের প্রাপ্য স্বাধীনতা বা দাবি (freedoms or claims people should have) | freedoms (স্বাধীনতাসমূহ); entitlements (ন্যায্য পাওনাসমূহ) | duties (কর্তব্যসমূহ); restrictions (বাধাসমূহ) | Women should have the same rights as men. নারীদের পুরুষদের মতো একই অধিকার থাকা উচিত। |
| opportunities (অপরচুনিটিজ) | D. কিছু করা বা অর্জন করার সুযোগ (chances to do or achieve something) | chances (সুযোগসমূহ); possibilities (সম্ভাবনাসমূহ) | barriers (বাধাসমূহ); obstacles (প্রতিবন্ধকতাসমূহ) | Women should have the same opportunities as men. নারীদের পুরুষদের মতো একই সুযোগ থাকা উচিত। |
| dispute (ডিসপিউট) | B. মানুষের মধ্যে মতভেদ বা বিরোধ (a disagreement between people) | disagreement (অসম্মতি); conflict (বিরোধ) | agreement (সম্মতি); harmony (সম্প্রীতি) | There was a dispute in her husband’s family. তাঁর স্বামীর পরিবারে একটি বিরোধ ছিল। |
Answer Key
famous—G; humanitarian—C; disabled—H; plantation—F; communication—I; interpret—E; skills—A; rights—J; opportunities—D; dispute—B.
famous—G; humanitarian—C; disabled—H; plantation—F; communication—I; interpret—E; skills—A; rights—J; opportunities—D; dispute—B.
Total dictionary entries: 10
7. Exercise 2 - Fill in the Blanks
Instructions: Complete each sentence with a suitable word from the word bank. Use each word once.
Word Bank: famous | rights | village | encouraged | humanitarian | plantation | disabled | communicate | Braille | died
- Begum Rokeya became a __________ writer and social worker.
- She believed that women should have the same __________ as men.
- Rokeya was born in a __________ called Pairabondh.
- Her husband always __________ her to continue her activities.
- Helen Keller was a great __________.
- Helen’s family earned money mainly from a cotton __________.
- Helen devoted her life to helping __________ people.
- Anne Sullivan worked hard to help Helen __________.
- At Radcliffe College, Helen learnt __________ for reading.
- Helen Keller __________ on June 1, 1968.
Answer Key: 1. famous; 2. rights; 3. village; 4. encouraged; 5. humanitarian; 6. plantation; 7. disabled; 8. communicate; 9. Braille; 10. died.
8. Exercise 3 - Synonyms and Antonyms
Study the textual words, their meanings, synonyms, antonyms and examples.
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| famous (ফেমাস) | বিখ্যাত (known by many people) | well-known (সুপরিচিত) noted (উল্লেখযোগ্য) | unknown (অপরিচিত) obscure (অখ্যাত) | Begum Rokeya became famous for supporting women's rights. বেগম রোকেয়া নারীদের অধিকার সমর্থনের জন্য বিখ্যাত হয়েছিলেন। |
| humanitarian (হিউম্যানিটারিয়ান) | মানবহিতৈষী ব্যক্তি (a person who works to reduce human suffering) | helper (সহায়তাকারী) social worker (সমাজকর্মী) | — | Helen Keller worked as a humanitarian for disabled people. হেলেন কেলার প্রতিবন্ধী মানুষদের জন্য মানবহিতৈষী হিসেবে কাজ করেছিলেন। |
| disabled (ডিসেইবল্ড) | প্রতিবন্ধী (having a physical or mental problem that limits activities or senses) | unable (অক্ষম) limited (সীমাবদ্ধ) | able (সক্ষম) healthy (সুস্থ) | Helen wanted disabled people to learn. হেলেন প্রতিবন্ধী মানুষদের শিখতে সাহায্য করতে চেয়েছিলেন। |
| devoted (ডিভোটেড) | নিবেদিত বা উৎসর্গীকৃত (gave all one's time and effort to a purpose) | dedicated (নিবেদিত) committed (প্রতিশ্রুতিবদ্ধ) | indifferent (উদাসীন) careless (অমনোযোগী) | Helen devoted her life to helping people. হেলেন মানুষকে সাহায্য করার জন্য তাঁর জীবন উৎসর্গ করেছিলেন। |
| interpret (ইন্টারপ্রিট) | ব্যাখ্যা করা (explain the meaning of a text or lecture) | explain (ব্যাখ্যা করা) translate (অনুবাদ করা) | confuse (বিভ্রান্ত করা) misrepresent (ভুলভাবে উপস্থাপন করা) | Anne Sullivan helped Helen interpret the lectures. অ্যান সুলিভান হেলেনকে বক্তৃতাগুলো ব্যাখ্যা করতে সাহায্য করেছিলেন। |
| skills (স্কিলস) | দক্ষতাসমূহ (abilities to do something well) | abilities (সক্ষমতাসমূহ) talents (প্রতিভাসমূহ) | inabilities (অক্ষমতাসমূহ) weaknesses (দুর্বলতাসমূহ) | Education helped Helen develop useful skills. শিক্ষা হেলেনকে উপযোগী দক্ষতা গড়ে তুলতে সাহায্য করেছিল। |
| dispute (ডিসপিউট) | বিরোধ বা মতভেদ (a disagreement between people) | disagreement (অসম্মতি) conflict (বিরোধ) | agreement (সম্মতি) harmony (সম্প্রীতি) | A dispute arose in the family. পরিবারে একটি বিরোধ দেখা দিয়েছিল। |
| rights (রাইটস) | অধিকার (freedoms or claims people should have) | freedoms (স্বাধীনতাসমূহ) entitlements (ন্যায্য পাওনাসমূহ) | duties (কর্তব্যসমূহ) restrictions (বাধাসমূহ) | Rokeya worked for women's rights. রোকেয়া নারীদের অধিকারের জন্য কাজ করেছিলেন। |
| opportunities (অপরচুনিটিজ) | সুযোগসমূহ (chances to do or achieve something) | chances (সুযোগসমূহ) possibilities (সম্ভাবনাসমূহ) | barriers (বাধাসমূহ) obstacles (প্রতিবন্ধকতাসমূহ) | Women should receive equal opportunities in education. নারীদের শিক্ষায় সমান সুযোগ পাওয়া উচিত। |
| cooperative (কো-অপারেটিভ) | সহযোগিতাপূর্ণ (willing to help and work together) | helpful (সহায়ক) supportive (সহায়তাকারী) | unhelpful (অসহায়ক) uncooperative (অসহযোগী) | Rokeya's husband was cooperative with her activities. রোকেয়ার স্বামী তাঁর কাজকর্মে সহযোগিতাপূর্ণ ছিলেন। |
Worked Practice
Ex. Give a synonym of famous.
Sol: famous = well-known = noted. Ans. well-known
Ex. Give an antonym of disabled.
Sol: disabled ≠ able. Ans. able
Ex. Give a synonym of interpret.
Sol: interpret = explain = translate. Ans. explain
Ex. Give an antonym of dispute.
Sol: dispute ≠ agreement. Ans. agreement
Ex. Give a synonym of opportunities.
Sol: opportunities = chances = possibilities. Ans. chances
Exercise
Choose the correct synonym or antonym as directed.
- Write a synonym of humanitarian: (a) helper (b) opponent (c) stranger (d) ruler
- Write an antonym of devoted: (a) dedicated (b) committed (c) indifferent (d) helpful
- Write a synonym of skills: (a) weaknesses (b) abilities (c) restrictions (d) duties
- Write an antonym of rights: (a) freedoms (b) entitlements (c) duties (d) chances
- Write a synonym of cooperative: (a) supportive (b) careless (c) limited (d) obscure
- Write an antonym of famous: (a) noted (b) well-known (c) unknown (d) great
- Write a synonym of dispute: (a) harmony (b) agreement (c) conflict (d) freedom
- Write an antonym of opportunities: (a) possibilities (b) barriers (c) chances (d) openings
- Write a synonym of disabled: (a) unable (b) healthy (c) able (d) strong
- Write an antonym of interpret: (a) explain (b) translate (c) confuse (d) clarify
Answer Key: 1. helper; 2. indifferent; 3. abilities; 4. duties; 5. supportive; 6. unknown; 7. conflict; 8. barriers; 9. unable; 10. confuse.
Total dictionary entries: 10
9. Exercise 4 - Make Sentences
Use each word in a meaningful sentence.
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| famous (ফেমাস) | known by many people | well-known, noted | unknown, obscure | Begum Rokeya was a famous writer and a social worker. |
| humanitarian (হিউম্যানিটারিয়ান) | a person who works to reduce human suffering | helper, social worker | — | Helen Keller was a great humanitarian. |
| disabled (ডিসেইবল্ড) | having a physical or mental problem that limits activities or senses | unable, limited | able, healthy | Helen devoted her life to helping disabled people. |
| devoted (ডিভোটেড) | gave all one’s time and effort to a purpose | dedicated, committed | indifferent, careless | Helen devoted her life to help disabled people. |
| interpret (ইন্টারপ্রিট) | to explain the meaning of a text or lecture | explain, translate | confuse, misrepresent | Anne Sullivan helped Helen by interpreting lectures and texts. |
| skills (স্কিলস) | abilities to do something well | abilities, talents | inabilities, weaknesses | Helen improved her communication skills. |
| dispute (ডিসপিউট) | a disagreement between people | disagreement, conflict | agreement, harmony | There was a dispute in her husband’s family. |
| plantation (প্ল্যান্টেশন) | a large area of land where crops are grown | farm, estate | — | Their main source of income was a cotton plantation. |
Worked Examples
Ex. Make a sentence with famous.
Sol:
Sentence = Begum Rokeya was a famous writer and social worker. Ans.
Sentence = Begum Rokeya was a famous writer and social worker. Ans.
Ex. Make a sentence with humanitarian.
Sol:
Sentence = Helen Keller was a great humanitarian. Ans.
Sentence = Helen Keller was a great humanitarian. Ans.
Ex. Make a sentence with disabled.
Sol:
Sentence = Helen spent her life helping disabled people to learn. Ans.
Sentence = Helen spent her life helping disabled people to learn. Ans.
Ex. Make a sentence with interpret.
Sol:
Sentence = Anne Sullivan helped Helen interpret lectures and texts. Ans.
Sentence = Anne Sullivan helped Helen interpret lectures and texts. Ans.
Ex. Make a sentence with plantation.
Sol:
Sentence = Helen’s family earned money from a cotton plantation. Ans.
Sentence = Helen’s family earned money from a cotton plantation. Ans.
Total words: 8
10. Vocabulary MCQ (1-10)
Choose the best answer. Read the solution after each question.
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| humanitarian (হিউম্যানিটারিয়ান) | মানবহিতৈষী ব্যক্তি (a person who works to reduce human suffering) | helper (সহায়তাকারী) social worker (সমাজকর্মী) | — | Helen Keller was a great humanitarian. হেলেন কেলার একজন মহান মানবহিতৈষী ছিলেন। |
| disabled (ডিসেইবল্ড) | প্রতিবন্ধী (having a physical or mental problem that limits activities or senses) | unable (অক্ষম) limited (সীমাবদ্ধ) | able (সক্ষম) healthy (সুস্থ) | Helen devoted her life to helping disabled people. হেলেন প্রতিবন্ধী মানুষদের সাহায্য করার জন্য তাঁর জীবন উৎসর্গ করেছিলেন। |
| devoted (ডিভোটেড) | নিবেদিত বা উৎসর্গীকৃত (gave all one’s time and effort to a purpose) | dedicated (নিবেদিত) committed (প্রতিশ্রুতিবদ্ধ) | indifferent (উদাসীন) careless (অমনোযোগী) | Helen devoted her life to help disabled people. হেলেন প্রতিবন্ধী মানুষদের সাহায্য করার জন্য তাঁর জীবন উৎসর্গ করেছিলেন। |
| interpret (ইন্টারপ্রিট) | ব্যাখ্যা করা (to explain the meaning of a text or lecture) | explain (ব্যাখ্যা করা) translate (অনুবাদ করা) | confuse (বিভ্রান্ত করা) misrepresent (ভুলভাবে উপস্থাপন করা) | Anne Sullivan helped Helen by interpreting lectures and texts. অ্যান সুলিভান বক্তৃতা ও লেখা ব্যাখ্যা করে হেলেনকে সাহায্য করতেন। |
| skills (স্কিলস) | দক্ষতাসমূহ (abilities to do something well) | abilities (সক্ষমতাসমূহ) talents (প্রতিভাসমূহ) | inabilities (অক্ষমতাসমূহ) weaknesses (দুর্বলতাসমূহ) | Helen improved her communication skills. হেলেন তাঁর যোগাযোগের দক্ষতা উন্নত করেছিলেন। |
| rights (রাইটস) | অধিকার (freedoms or claims people should have) | freedoms (স্বাধীনতাসমূহ) entitlements (ন্যায্য পাওনাসমূহ) | duties (কর্তব্যসমূহ) restrictions (বাধাসমূহ) | Women should have the same rights as men. নারীদের পুরুষদের মতো একই অধিকার থাকা উচিত। |
| opportunities (অপরচুনিটিজ) | সুযোগসমূহ (chances to do or achieve something) | chances (সুযোগসমূহ) possibilities (সম্ভাবনাসমূহ) | barriers (বাধাসমূহ) obstacles (প্রতিবন্ধকতাসমূহ) | Women should have the same opportunities as men. নারীদের পুরুষদের মতো একই সুযোগ থাকা উচিত। |
| cooperative (কো-অপারেটিভ) | সহযোগিতাপূর্ণ (willing to help and work together) | helpful (সহায়ক) supportive (সহায়তাকারী) | unhelpful (অসহায়ক) uncooperative (অসহযোগী) | Her husband was very cooperative. তাঁর স্বামী খুব সহযোগিতাপূর্ণ ছিলেন। |
| dispute (ডিসপিউট) | বিরোধ বা মতভেদ (a disagreement between people) | disagreement (অসম্মতি) conflict (বিরোধ) | agreement (সম্মতি) harmony (সম্প্রীতি) | There was a dispute in her husband’s family. তাঁর স্বামীর পরিবারে একটি বিরোধ ছিল। |
| plantation (প্ল্যান্টেশন) | বাগান বা চাষের বৃহৎ জমি (a large area of land where crops are grown) | farm (খামার) estate (জমিদারি বা বৃহৎ জমি) | — | Their main source of income was a cotton plantation. তাদের আয়ের প্রধান উৎস ছিল একটি তুলার বাগান। |
Meanings and Synonyms
1. A person who works to reduce human suffering is a —.Sol: [A] Humanitarian means a person who works to reduce human suffering.
A. humanitarian
B. landlord
C. student
D. director
2. Which word means “not able to use a part of the body easily or completely”?Sol: [B] Disabled describes a physical or mental condition that limits activities or senses.
A. healthy
B. disabled
C. cooperative
D. famous
3. In the sentence “Helen devoted her life to help them,” devoted means —.Sol: [C] Devoted means giving time and effort to a purpose; dedicated has the same meaning.
A. forgot
B. opposed
C. dedicated
D. divided
4. Anne Sullivan helped Helen by interpreting lectures and texts. Here interpreting means —.Sol: [A] To interpret a lecture or text is to explain its meaning.
A. explaining
B. hiding
C. refusing
D. damaging
Antonyms and Context
5. The antonym of rights in the chapter vocabulary is —.Sol: [C] Rights are freedoms, while duties are responsibilities rather than freedoms.
A. freedoms
B. entitlements
C. duties
D. chances
6. Which word is opposite in meaning to opportunities?Sol: [B] Opportunities are chances, whereas barriers prevent progress.
A. possibilities
B. barriers
C. chances
D. openings
7. If two members of a family have different opinions, they may have a —.Sol: [A] A dispute is a disagreement between people.
A. dispute
B. harmony
C. degree
D. plantation
Usage in the Chapter
8. Which word completes the sentence? “Her husband was very — and encouraged Rokeya to continue her activities.”Sol: [B] Cooperative means willing to help and work together.
A. obscure
B. cooperative
C. disabled
D. injured
9. Helen improved her communication — through education.Sol: [C] Skills are abilities to do something well, including communication.
A. disputes
B. rights
C. skills
D. plantations
10. In the chapter, a cotton plantation was Helen’s family’s main source of —.Sol: [B] The text states that the cotton plantation was the family’s main source of income.
A. education
B. income
C. language
D. communication
Total vocabulary entries: 10
11. Quick Revision List
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| famous (FAY-muhs) | known by many people In other words: widely known. | well-known (known by many) noted (well known) | unknown (not known) obscure (not famous) | Begum Rokeya was a famous writer and a social worker. This means many people knew her as a writer and social worker. |
| humanitarian (hyoo-man-i-TAIR-ee-an) | a person who works to reduce human suffering In other words: a person who helps suffering people. | helper (a person who helps) social worker (a person helping society) | — | Helen Keller was a great humanitarian. She cared deeply for sick, injured and disabled people. |
| disabled (dis-AY-buhld) | having a physical or mental problem that limits activities or senses In other words: unable to use a part of the body easily or completely. | unable (not able) limited (restricted) | able (having ability) healthy (well) | Helen devoted her life to helping disabled people. She spent her life helping people with limiting physical or mental problems. |
| devoted (di-VOH-tid) | gave all one’s time and effort to a purpose In other words: gave complete time and effort. | dedicated (fully committed) committed (devoted to a purpose) | indifferent (uncaring) careless (not careful) | Helen devoted her life to helping disabled people. Her life was fully given to helping disabled people. |
| interpret (in-TER-prit) | to explain the meaning of a text or lecture In other words: to make a text or lecture clear. | explain (make clear) translate (express in another language) | confuse (make unclear) misrepresent (present wrongly) | Anne Sullivan helped Helen by interpreting lectures and texts. Anne made lectures and texts understandable for Helen. |
| skills (skilz) | abilities to do something well In other words: abilities developed through learning or practice. | abilities (powers to do things) talents (natural abilities) | inabilities (lack of ability) weaknesses (areas of difficulty) | Helen improved her communication skills. She became better at communicating with others. |
| dispute (dis-PYOOT) | a disagreement between people In other words: a situation in which people have different opinions. | disagreement (lack of agreement) conflict (a serious disagreement) | agreement (harmony) harmony (peaceful agreement) | There was a dispute in her husband’s family. Members of the family had different opinions. |
| plantation (plan-TAY-shun) | a large area of land where crops are grown In other words: a large place used for growing crops. | farm (land for growing crops) estate (large area of land) | — | Their main source of income was a cotton plantation. The cotton plantation provided most of the family’s income. |
| opportunities (op-er-TOO-ni-teez) | chances to do or achieve something In other words: possibilities for progress or achievement. | chances (possibilities) possibilities (things that may happen) | barriers (things that block progress) obstacles (difficulties) | Begum Rokeya believed that women should have the same rights and opportunities as men. She believed women should receive equal chances. |
| cooperative (koh-OP-er-uh-tiv) | willing to help and work together In other words: ready to give help and cooperate. | helpful (giving help) supportive (giving support) | unhelpful (not giving help) uncooperative (not willing to work together) | Her husband was very cooperative. He supported Rokeya and encouraged her activities. |
★ Key points
- Begum Rokeya was a famous writer and social worker.
- She believed that women should have the same rights and opportunities as men.
- She fought for women’s rights throughout her life.
- She was born in Pairabondh, Rangpur, in 1880.
- She learnt Bangla and English from her eldest brother Ibrahim.
- Her husband encouraged her to continue her activities.
- Helen Keller cared deeply for sick, injured and disabled people.
- Helen became deaf, dumb and blind after a high fever in 1882.
- Anne Sullivan worked hard to enable Helen to communicate.
- Helen learnt Braille and how to type at Radcliffe College.
- Anne Sullivan helped Helen by interpreting lectures and texts.
- Helen spent her life helping disabled people to learn.
Dictionary entries: 10
12. Practice Bank
Textual Dictionary
Read the meanings, synonyms, antonyms and example sentences carefully. The English words are taken from the chapter.
Read the meanings, synonyms, antonyms and example sentences carefully. The English words are taken from the chapter.
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| undivided (ˌʌndɪˈvaɪdɪd) | not separated into parts | united; whole | divided; separated | Begum Rokeya lived in undivided Bengal in the early 20th century. |
| landlord (ˈlændlɔːd) | a person who owns land | landowner; proprietor | tenant; renter | Rokeya's father was an educated landlord. |
| deputy (ˈdɛpjʊti) | a person who acts in place of another or holds a second-ranking office | substitute; assistant | principal; superior | Her husband was the Deputy Magistrate of Bhagalpur. |
| magistrate (ˈmædʒɪstreɪt) | an official who administers justice | judge; official | — | Rokeya's husband was the Deputy Magistrate of Bhagalpur. |
| activities (ækˈtɪvətiz) | things that people do | actions; work | inactivity; idleness | Her husband always encouraged Rokeya to continue her activities. |
| medium (ˈmiːdiəm) | a means used for education or communication | means; method | — | Arabic and Persian were used as a medium of education and communication. |
| mother tongue (ˈmʌðə tʌŋ) | the first language learned at home | native language; first language | foreign language; second language | Rokeya had great love for her mother tongue. |
| upper-class (ˌʌpə ˈklɑːs) | belonging to the highest social group | wealthy; elite | lower-class; poor | Many upper-class Muslims of Bengal learnt Arabic and Persian. |
| contacted (ˈkɒntæktɪd) | communicated with someone | reached; approached | avoided; ignored | Her father contacted the Director of Perkins School for the Blind. |
| enable (ɪˈneɪbəl) | to make someone able to do something | allow; empower | prevent; disable | Anne worked hard to enable Helen to communicate. |
| Braille (breɪl) | a technique for reading by touching raised marks | raised-dot writing; tactile reading | — | Helen learnt Braille at Radcliffe College. |
| honours (ˈɒnəz) | special academic distinction | distinction; recognition | failure; disgrace | Helen received her BA degree with Honours from Radcliffe College. |
Dictionary entries: 12. Hint: Use the context of each sentence to understand the exact meaning of the word.
Verified Multiple-Choice Questions
- How does the lesson present Sufia Kamal as a role model for young people?
ক As someone who used her talent and voice to support social progress and dignity
খ As someone who became wealthy by running large factories
গ As someone who preferred silence and stayed away from public life
ঘ As someone who succeeded mainly through family inheritance - If a student wants to explain the common message of the women in the lesson, which idea fits best?
ক Personal success matters only when it brings fame and money
খ Women can shape society by showing courage, learning, and responsibility
গ Only leaders in politics can make important changes in a country
ঘ Education is useful only for jobs, not for social improvement - Which action best matches the spirit of the women highlighted in the lesson?
ক Remaining passive when unfairness is seen, so conflict can be avoided
খ Using knowledge and determination to improve life for others
গ Following tradition even when it prevents progress for women
ঘ Focusing on private success and avoiding community concerns - In the lesson, why is Jahanara Imam remembered as a significant figure beyond her personal life?
ক She became famous mainly for writing romantic novels
খ She spoke out for justice and helped inspire people in a difficult national cause
গ She led a business movement to increase trade in Bangladesh
ঘ She was known chiefly for inventing new scientific equipment - What can a reader infer about Begum Rokeya from the way her work is presented in the lesson?
ক She focused only on poetry and avoided social issues
খ She worked to improve women’s education and challenge unfair traditions
গ She spent her life as a ruler of a small kingdom
ঘ She was famous mainly for sports achievements
Creative Question Bank
1. Read the stimulus and answer the questions.
Begum Rokeya believed that women should have the same rights and opportunities as men. She fought for their cause throughout her life and learnt Bangla and English from her eldest brother Ibrahim.
a) What did Begum Rokeya believe? [2]
b) Why did she learn Bangla and English? [4]
c) Describe two ways in which she worked for women. [4]
2. Read the stimulus and answer the questions.
Helen Keller was born healthy, but after a high fever she became deaf, dumb and blind. Anne Sullivan worked hard to enable Helen to communicate, and later helped her by interpreting lectures and texts.
a) Who helped Helen to communicate? [2]
b) What problems did Helen have after the fever? [4]
c) Explain how Anne Sullivan supported Helen's education. [4]
3. Read the stimulus and answer the questions.
Helen studied at several schools and later attended Radcliffe College. There she learnt Braille and how to type. In 1904 she received her BA degree with Honours.
a) Where did Helen receive her BA degree? [2]
b) What two skills did she learn at Radcliffe College? [4]
c) Write a short account of Helen's formal education from the passage. [4]
4. Read the stimulus and answer the questions.
Many upper-class Muslims of Bengal learnt Arabic and Persian as a medium of education and communication. Rokeya, however, had great love for her mother tongue and learnt Bangla and English from her eldest brother.
a) Name one language learnt by Rokeya. [2]
b) Why did many upper-class Muslims learn Arabic and Persian? [4]
c) Compare Rokeya's language learning with the language practice of many upper-class Muslims of Bengal. [4]