Unit Five
Humans and Environment
Humans and Environment
Textual Dictionary
Every word below is taken from this chapter, and the meanings are given in clear English.
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| environment (en-VY-run-ment) | The natural world around living things. | surroundings; habitat | — | Humans and animals depend on the environment. |
| sympathise (SIM-puh-thyze) | To feel concern for someone or something that is suffering. | empathise; pity | ignore; disregard | We should sympathise with different species living on Earth. |
| perched (purcht) | Sat or rested on something high. | sat; rested | descended; fell | A bird perched on the little board. |
| torment (TOR-ment) | To cause distress or suffering. | torture; distress | comfort; soothe | His mother did not want him to torment the bird. |
| gasping (GAS-ping) | Breathing with difficulty. | panting; struggling | breathing easily; resting | Seryozha imagined the siskin gasping for breath. |
| cautioned (KAW-shund) | Gave a warning. | warned; alerted | encouraged; reassured | Something cautioned the wild geese about the frost. |
| unison (YOO-ni-sun) | Doing something at the same time as others. | harmony; agreement | discord; disagreement | The bears danced in unison under the full moon. |
| meteorite (MEE-tee-uh-ryte) | A piece of rock or metal from space that lands on Earth. | space rock; celestial object | — | A meteorite had left a circular crater. |
| vicinity (vi-SIN-uh-tee) | The area around a particular place. | nearby area; neighborhood | distance; remoteness | The crater was brighter than anywhere else in that vicinity. |
Total words: 9
1. How to Use This Sheet
Learner Guide
- Read the chapter first and notice how people, birds, bears and nature are connected.
- Cover the meaning column and test yourself on each word.
- Say each pronunciation aloud and check it against the Bengali pronunciation guide.
- Use the example sentences as models for your own writing practice.
- Learn synonyms and antonyms together so that the meaning of each word becomes clearer.
- Use the key points to revise the important details before answering questions.
▣Textual Dictionary
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| environment (এনভায়রনমেন্ট) | The natural world around living things. | surroundings; habitat | — | Humans and animals depend on the environment. |
| sympathise (সিমপ্যাথাইজ) | To feel concern for someone or something that is suffering. | empathise; pity | ignore; disregard | We should sympathise with different species living on Earth. |
| perched (পার্চ্ট) | Sat or rested on something high. | sat; rested | descended; fell | A bird perched on the little board. |
| torment (টর্মেন্ট) | To cause distress or suffering. | torture; distress | comfort; soothe | His mother did not want him to torment the bird. |
| gasping (গ্যাসপিং) | Breathing with difficulty. | panting; struggling | breathing easily; resting | Seryozha imagined the siskin gasping for breath. |
| cautioned (কশন্ড) | Gave a warning. | warned; alerted | encouraged; reassured | Something cautioned the wild geese about the frost. |
| unison (ইউনিসন) | Doing something at the same time as others. | harmony; agreement | discord; disagreement | The bears danced in unison under the full moon. |
| meteorite (মিটিয়োরাইট) | A piece of rock or metal from space that lands on Earth. | space rock; celestial object | — | A meteorite had left a circular crater. |
| vicinity (ভিসিনিটি) | The area around a particular place. | nearby area; neighborhood | distance; remoteness | The crater was brighter than anywhere else in that vicinity. |
Total words: 9
▣Key Points
- The environment is the natural world around living things.
- Humans and animals depend on the environment.
- To sympathise means to feel concern for a suffering person or living thing.
- A bird is perched when it sits or rests on something high.
- To torment a living thing is to cause it distress or suffering.
- Gasping describes breathing with difficulty.
- To caution someone is to give that person a warning.
- Doing something in unison means doing it at the same time as others.
- A meteorite is a piece of rock or metal from space that lands on Earth.
- A crater may be left when a meteorite falls on the ground.
- The vicinity means the area around a particular place.
- The chapter shows that caring for animals requires attention and responsibility.
2. Key Words - Main Table (1-15)
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| environment (এনভায়রনমেন্ট) | পরিবেশ (the natural world around living things) | surroundings (চারপাশ); habitat (বাসস্থান) | — | People, birds and bears are connected with the environment. মানুষ, পাখি ও ভালুক পরিবেশের সঙ্গে যুক্ত। |
| sympathise (সিমপ্যাথাইজ) | সহানুভূতি দেখানো (to feel concern for someone or something suffering) | empathise (সহানুভূতি দেখানো); pity (দয়া করা) | ignore (উপেক্ষা করা); disregard (অগ্রাহ্য করা) | We should sympathise with animals in danger. বিপদে থাকা প্রাণীদের প্রতি আমাদের সহানুভূতি দেখানো উচিত। |
| perched (পার্চ্ট) | উঁচু কোনো কিছুর ওপর বসেছিল (sat or rested on something high) | sat (বসেছিল); rested (বিশ্রাম নিয়েছিল) | descended (নেমেছিল); fell (পড়েছিল) | A small bird perched on the window ledge. একটি ছোট পাখি জানালার কার্নিশে বসেছিল। |
| torment (টর্মেন্ট) | কষ্ট দেওয়া (to cause distress or suffering) | torture (নির্যাতন করা); distress (দুঃখ দেওয়া) | comfort (সান্ত্বনা দেওয়া); soothe (শান্ত করা) | We must not torment a caged bird. খাঁচায় থাকা পাখিকে আমাদের কষ্ট দেওয়া উচিত নয়। |
| gasping (গ্যাসপিং) | কষ্ট করে শ্বাস নেওয়া (breathing with difficulty) | panting (হাঁপানো); struggling (কষ্ট করা) | breathing easily (সহজে শ্বাস নেওয়া); resting (বিশ্রাম নেওয়া) | The injured siskin was gasping for breath. আহত সিসকিনটি কষ্ট করে শ্বাস নিচ্ছিল। |
| cautioned (কশন্ড) | সতর্ক করেছিল (gave a warning) | warned (সতর্ক করেছিল); alerted (সতর্ক করেছিল) | encouraged (উৎসাহ দিয়েছিল); reassured (আশ্বস্ত করেছিল) | The cold wind cautioned the geese about winter. ঠান্ডা বাতাসটি হাঁসগুলোকে শীত সম্পর্কে সতর্ক করেছিল। |
| unison (ইউনিসন) | একসঙ্গে একই সময়ে কাজ করা (doing something at the same time) | harmony (সামঞ্জস্য); agreement (একমত হওয়া) | discord (বিরোধ); disagreement (মতভেদ) | The two bears moved in unison. দুটি ভালুক একসঙ্গে একই সময়ে চলল। |
| meteorite (মিটিয়োরাইট) | মহাকাশ থেকে পৃথিবীতে পতিত পাথর বা ধাতুর খণ্ড (a piece of rock or metal from space) | space rock (মহাকাশের পাথর); celestial object (মহাজাগতিক বস্তু) | — | The meteorite left a deep hollow in the ground. উল্কাপিণ্ডটি মাটিতে একটি গভীর গর্ত রেখে গেল। |
| vicinity (ভিসিনিটি) | কোনো স্থানের আশপাশের এলাকা (the area around a particular place) | nearby area (নিকটবর্তী এলাকা); neighbourhood (আশপাশের এলাকা) | distance (দূরত্ব); remoteness (দূরবর্তী অবস্থা) | The crater was brighter than the rest of the vicinity. গর্তটি আশপাশের বাকি এলাকার চেয়ে উজ্জ্বল ছিল। |
| nightingale (নাইটিঙ্গেল) | মধুর গান গাওয়া একটি ছোট পাখি (a small bird known for its song) | songbird (গান গাওয়া পাখি); singer (গায়ক পাখি) | — | Seryozha thought the bird might be a nightingale. সেরিওঝা ভেবেছিল পাখিটি হয়তো একটি নাইটিঙ্গেল। |
| siskin (সিসকিন) | ফিঞ্চ-জাতীয় একটি ছোট গানের পাখি (a small songbird related to finches) | songbird (গান গাওয়া পাখি); finch relative (ফিঞ্চ-জাতীয় পাখি) | — | The siskin was placed in a cage. সিসকিনটিকে একটি খাঁচায় রাখা হয়েছিল। |
| thrashing (থ্র্যাশিং) | হিংস্রভাবে বা এলোমেলোভাবে নড়াচড়া করা (moving violently or wildly) | struggling (ছটফট করা); flailing (এলোমেলোভাবে নড়া) | resting (বিশ্রাম নেওয়া); staying still (স্থির থাকা) | The trapped bird was thrashing under the net. আটকা পড়া পাখিটি জালের নিচে ছটফট করছিল। |
| jerkily (জার্কিলি) | হঠাৎ ও ঝাঁকুনির সঙ্গে (in sudden, sharp motions) | sharply (হঠাৎ); unevenly (অসমভাবে) | smoothly (মসৃণভাবে); steadily (স্থিরভাবে) | The little bird breathed jerkily after the accident. দুর্ঘটনার পর ছোট পাখিটি ঝাঁকুনির সঙ্গে শ্বাস নিচ্ছিল। |
| pane (পেন) | জানালার কাচের পাত (a sheet of glass in a window) | window glass (জানালার কাচ); glass sheet (কাচের পাত) | opening (খোলা স্থান); gap (ফাঁক) | The bird did not see the glass pane. পাখিটি কাচের পাতটি দেখতে পায়নি। |
| windowsill (উইন্ডোসিল) | জানালার নিচের তাক (a ledge below a window) | ledge (তাক); window ledge (জানালার কার্নিশ) | floor (মেঝে); ceiling (ছাদ) | The bird fell onto the windowsill. পাখিটি জানালার নিচের তাকে পড়ে গেল। |
Total words: 15
▣ Key Points
- The environment is the natural world around living things.
- Humans and animals depend on the environment.
- To sympathise means to feel concern for a suffering person or living thing.
- A bird is perched when it sits or rests on something high.
- To torment a living thing is to cause distress or suffering.
- Gasping describes breathing with difficulty.
- To caution someone is to give that person a warning.
- Doing something in unison means doing it at the same time as others.
- A meteorite is a piece of rock or metal from space that lands on Earth.
- A crater may be left when a meteorite falls on the ground.
- The vicinity means the area around a particular place.
- Caring for animals requires attention and responsibility.
3. Key Words - Main Table (16-30)
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sketch (স্কেচ) | A simple drawing or picture. | drawing (চিত্র); outline (রূপরেখা) | — | The class discussed the sketch before reading the story. The sketch helped the learners imagine the scene. |
| relationship (রিলেশনশিপ) | The connection between people, animals or nature. | connection (সংযোগ); link (সম্পর্ক) | separation (বিচ্ছিন্নতা); disconnection (সংযোগহীনতা) | The unit explores the relationship between human beings and nature. |
| species (স্পিশিজ) | A group of similar living things. | kind (ধরন); type (প্রকার) | — | The lesson encourages sympathy for different species living on Earth. |
| attached (অ্যাট্যাচ্ট) | Joined or fixed to something. | joined (যুক্ত); fixed (স্থাপিত) | detached (আলাদা); separated (বিচ্ছিন্ন) | A little board was attached to the frame. |
| sprinkled (স্প্রিঙ্কল্ড) | Scattered small amounts over a surface. | scattered (ছড়িয়ে দেওয়া); spread (ছড়ানো) | gathered (জড়ো করা); collected (সংগ্রহ করা) | Grain was sprinkled on the little board. |
| stretched (স্ট্রেচ্ট) | Pulled tight across an area. | extended (প্রসারিত); drawn tight (টানটান করা) | slackened (ঢিলে করা); loosened (আলগা করা) | A net was stretched across the frame. |
| yard (ইয়ার্ড) | An open area beside or around a house. | garden (বাগান); courtyard (আঙিনা) | — | The bird-catching net was set out in the yard. |
| frightened (ফ্রাইটেন্ড) | Feeling afraid. | afraid (ভীত); scared (আতঙ্কিত) | brave (সাহসী); calm (শান্ত) | The siskin became frightened when Seryozha cleaned the cage. |
| caged (কেইজড) | Kept inside a cage. | confined (আবদ্ধ); enclosed (ঘেরা) | free (মুক্ত); released (ছেড়ে দেওয়া) | The caged bird needed care and fresh water. |
| lustre-glossed (লাস্টার-গ্লসড) | Shiny and smooth. | shiny (চকচকে); polished (মসৃণ ও উজ্জ্বল) | dull (নিস্তেজ); rough (রুক্ষ) | The berries were lustre-glossed in the autumn landscape. |
| sagging (স্যাগিং) | Hanging down or sinking. | drooping (ঝুলে পড়া); hanging (ঝুলন্ত) | rising (উঠতে থাকা); taut (টানটান) | The sagging orchards appeared in the poem about the wild geese. |
| stiffened (স্টিফেন্ড) | Became hard or tense. | hardened (শক্ত হয়ে গেল); tensed (টানটান হয়ে গেল) | softened (নরম হয়ে গেল); relaxed (শিথিল হলো) | Each wild breast stiffened at the memory of ice. |
| subantarctic (সাবঅ্যান্টার্কটিক) | Located close to, but just north of, Antarctica. | southern (দক্ষিণাঞ্চলীয়); polar-region (মেরু-অঞ্চলীয়) | tropical (উষ্ণমণ্ডলীয়); equatorial (নিরক্ষীয়) | The bears wandered into the wilderness on subantarctic islands. |
| adjacent (অ্যাডজেসেন্ট) | Next to or very close to something. | nearby (কাছাকাছি); adjoining (সংলগ্ন) | distant (দূরবর্তী); separate (আলাদা) | Some descendants moved onto adjacent islands. |
| speculate (স্পেকিউলেট) | To guess or make an assumption. | guess (অনুমান করা); assume (ধরে নেওয়া) | know (জানা); prove (প্রমাণ করা) | Scientists speculate that the full moon reminded the bears of the circus spotlight. |
Total words: 15
▣ Key Points
- A sketch is a simple drawing used to help learners imagine a scene.
- A relationship shows a connection between living things or between people and nature.
- Species refers to a group of similar living things.
- An attached object is joined or fixed to another object.
- Something sprinkled is spread in small amounts over a surface.
- A net stretched across a frame is pulled tight over that space.
- A frightened animal feels afraid and may behave suddenly.
- A caged bird is confined and cannot move freely in the wild.
- Lustre-glossed berries are described as shiny and smooth.
- Subantarctic places lie close to, but north of, Antarctica.
- Adjacent islands are next to one another or very close together.
- To speculate is to make a reasoned guess rather than state a proven fact.
4. Subject Terms and Definitions
5. Words in Context
The chapter presents nature through birds, animals, weather and changing landscapes. The following passage places important chapter words in a connected situation so that their meanings can be understood from context.
After the bears moved to adjacent islands, scientists studied their unusual behaviour. Near a bright crater, the bears gathered in the moonlight. Their movements were not wild or confused; they stepped together in unison. The scientists could only speculate about the reason for this tradition. In the surrounding vicinity, the dry ground was free from vegetation. Elsewhere in the chapter, a trapped bird was thrashing beneath a net, later falling onto a windowsill after striking a glass pane. The bird was gasping for breath, reminding the reader that animals need careful and responsible treatment.
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| adjacent (uh-JAY-suhnt) | Next to or very close to something. | nearby; adjoining | distant; separate | Some descendants moved onto half a dozen adjacent islands. |
| crater (KRAY-ter) | A bowl-shaped hollow in the ground caused by something like a meteorite. | hollow; depression | mound; rise | The bears gathered in the center of a sparkling, circular crater. |
| unison (YOO-ni-sun) | Doing something at the same time as others. | harmony; agreement | discord; disagreement | The bears stepped in unison under the full moon. |
| speculate (SPEK-yuh-layt) | To guess or make an assumption about something. | guess; assume | know; prove | Scientists speculate that the full moon reminded the bears of the circus spotlight. |
| vicinity (vi-SIN-uh-tee) | The area around a particular place. | nearby area; neighbourhood | distance; remoteness | The crater floor was brighter than anywhere else in that vicinity. |
| thrashing (THRASH-ing) | Moving violently or wildly. | struggling; flailing | resting; staying still | A little bird was thrashing about under the net. |
| windowsill (WIN-doh-sil) | A ledge below a window. | ledge; window ledge | floor; ceiling | The siskin hit the pane and fell to the windowsill. |
| gasping (GAS-ping) | Breathing with difficulty. | panting; struggling | breathing easily; resting | He imagined the siskin gasping for breath. |
Total words: 8
6. Exercise 1 - Match the Meaning
Match each word in Column A with its correct meaning in Column B. Write the letter of the meaning beside the word.
| Column A: Words | Column B: Meanings |
|---|---|
| 1. nightingale | A. A sheet of glass in a window |
| 2. siskin | B. Moving in sudden, sharp motions |
| 3. thrashing | C. A small bird known for its song |
| 4. torment | D. A ledge below a window |
| 5. perched | E. To cause distress or suffering |
| 6. jerkily | F. Breathing with difficulty |
| 7. pane | G. A small songbird related to finches |
| 8. windowsill | H. Sitting or resting on something high |
| 9. gasping | I. Moving violently or wildly |
| 10. adjacent | J. Next to or very close to something |
Answer Key: 1-C, 2-G, 3-I, 4-E, 5-H, 6-B, 7-A, 8-D, 9-F, 10-J
Textual Dictionary
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nightingale (NAYT-in-gale) | A small bird known for its song (a songbird) | songbird; singer | — | Seryozha thought the bird might be a nightingale. The bird might be a nightingale. |
| siskin (SIS-kin) | A small songbird related to finches (a finch relative) | songbird; finch relative | — | The siskin was placed in a cage. The small songbird was placed in a cage. |
| thrashing (THRASH-ing) | Moving violently or wildly (struggling) | struggling; flailing | resting; staying still | The trapped bird was thrashing under the net. The trapped bird was moving wildly under the net. |
| torment (TOR-ment) | To cause distress or suffering (to hurt) | torture; distress | comfort; soothe | His mother did not want him to torment the bird. His mother did not want him to hurt the bird. |
| perched (PURCHT) | Sitting or resting on something high (sat high up) | sat; rested | descended; fell | A bird perched on the little board. A bird sat on the little board. |
| jerkily (JERK-uh-lee) | In sudden, sharp motions (unevenly) | sharply; unevenly | smoothly; steadily | The little bird breathed jerkily after the accident. The little bird breathed unevenly after the accident. |
| pane (PAYN) | A sheet of glass in a window (window glass) | window glass; glass sheet | opening; gap | The bird did not see the glass pane. The bird did not see the window glass. |
| windowsill (WIN-doh-sil) | A ledge below a window (window ledge) | ledge; window ledge | floor; ceiling | The bird fell onto the windowsill. The bird fell onto the ledge below the window. |
| gasping (GAS-ping) | Breathing with difficulty (panting) | panting; struggling | breathing easily; resting | Seryozha imagined the siskin gasping for breath. Seryozha imagined the siskin breathing with difficulty. |
| adjacent (uh-JAY-suhnt) | Next to or very close to something (nearby) | nearby; adjoining | distant; separate | Some descendants moved onto half a dozen adjacent islands. Some descendants moved onto nearby islands. |
Total words: 10
Ex. Choose the word meaning “breathing with difficulty.”
Sol: “Breathing with difficulty” = gasping = difficulty in breathing. Ans. gasping
Ex. Choose the word that describes a bird sitting on something high.
Sol: “Sitting on something high” = perched = resting in a high place. Ans. perched
Ex. Choose the word for a sheet of glass in a window.
Sol: “A sheet of glass in a window” = pane = window glass. Ans. pane
Ex. Choose the word that means “next to or very close to something.”
Sol: “Next to or very close” = adjacent = nearby. Ans. adjacent
7. Exercise 2 - Fill in the Blanks
Instructions
Complete each sentence with the correct word from the word bank. Use each word once.
Word Bank: trained · travelled · attacked · shock · remote · mated · deep hollow · shiny · pool · Aurora Australis
1. The two Kodiak bears were ________ to perform circus tricks.
2. The circus ________ south on a West Coast tour.
3. A jaguar ________ a juggler.
4. The showpeople disbanded in ________ and horror.
5. The bears wandered into the ________ islands.
6. The bears ________ and multiplied there.
7. The meteorite left a ________ in the ground.
8. The crater had ________ walls.
9. Moonlight filled the crater with a ________ of light.
10. The bears danced beneath the moon and the ________.
Answer Key
1. trained 2. travelled 3. attacked 4. shock 5. remote 6. mated 7. deep hollow 8. shiny 9. pool 10. Aurora Australis
Ex. Complete the sentence: The bears were ________ to perform circus tricks.
Sol:
Clue: perform circus tricks
Correct word = trained
Ans. trained
Ex. Complete the sentence: A jaguar ________ a juggler.
Sol:
Clue: the jaguar harmed the juggler
Correct word = attacked
Ans. attacked
Ex. Complete the sentence: The meteorite left a ________ in the ground.
Sol:
Clue: a bowl-shaped hole made by a meteorite
Correct phrase = deep hollow
Ans. deep hollow
Ex. Complete the sentence: The bears danced beneath the moon and the ________.
Sol:
Clue: the natural light display near the South Pole
Correct term = Aurora Australis
Ans. Aurora Australis
8. Exercise 3 - Synonyms and Antonyms
Instruction: Study the textual words and their meanings. The synonyms and antonyms include Bengali meanings to make revision easier.
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| environment (এনভায়রনমেন্ট) | পরিবেশ (the natural world around living things) | surroundings (চারপাশ); habitat (বাসস্থান) | — | People, birds and bears are connected with the environment. মানুষ, পাখি ও ভালুক পরিবেশের সঙ্গে যুক্ত। |
| sympathise (সিমপ্যাথাইজ) | সহানুভূতি দেখানো (to feel concern for someone or something suffering) | empathise (সহানুভূতি দেখানো); pity (দয়া করা) | ignore (উপেক্ষা করা); disregard (অগ্রাহ্য করা) | We should sympathise with a frightened bird. ভীত পাখিটির প্রতি আমাদের সহানুভূতি দেখানো উচিত। |
| perched (পার্চ্ট) | উঁচু কোনো কিছুর ওপর বসেছিল (sat or rested on something high) | sat (বসেছিল); rested (বিশ্রাম নিয়েছিল) | descended (নেমেছিল); fell (পড়েছিল) | A sparrow perched on the garden frame. একটি চড়ুই বাগানের কাঠামোর ওপর বসেছিল। |
| torment (টর্মেন্ট) | কষ্ট দেওয়া (to cause distress or suffering) | torture (নির্যাতন করা); distress (দুঃখ দেওয়া) | comfort (সান্ত্বনা দেওয়া); soothe (শান্ত করা) | Children must not torment a caged bird. শিশুদের খাঁচায় থাকা পাখিকে কষ্ট দেওয়া উচিত নয়। |
| gasping (গ্যাসপিং) | কষ্ট করে শ্বাস নেওয়া (breathing with difficulty) | panting (হাঁপানো); struggling (কষ্ট করা) | breathing easily (সহজে শ্বাস নেওয়া); resting (বিশ্রাম নেওয়া) | The injured siskin was gasping near the cage. আহত সিসকিনটি খাঁচার কাছে কষ্ট করে শ্বাস নিচ্ছিল। |
| cautioned (কশন্ড) | সতর্ক করেছিল (gave a warning) | warned (সতর্ক করেছিল); alerted (সতর্ক করেছিল) | encouraged (উৎসাহ দিয়েছিল); reassured (আশ্বস্ত করেছিল) | The cold air cautioned the geese about frost. ঠান্ডা বাতাসটি হাঁসগুলোকে তুষারপাত সম্পর্কে সতর্ক করেছিল। |
| unison (ইউনিসন) | একসঙ্গে একই সময়ে কাজ করা (doing something at the same time) | harmony (সামঞ্জস্য); agreement (একমত হওয়া) | discord (বিরোধ); disagreement (মতভেদ) | The bears stepped in unison beneath the full moon. পূর্ণিমার চাঁদের নিচে ভালুকগুলো একই সঙ্গে পা ফেলল। |
| meteorite (মিটিয়োরাইট) | মহাকাশ থেকে পৃথিবীতে পতিত পাথর বা ধাতুর খণ্ড (a piece of rock or metal from space that lands on Earth) | space rock (মহাকাশের পাথর); celestial object (মহাজাগতিক বস্তু) | — | A meteorite left a circular crater in the ground. একটি উল্কাপিণ্ড মাটিতে একটি গোলাকার গর্ত রেখে গেল। |
| vicinity (ভিসিনিটি) | কোনো স্থানের আশপাশের এলাকা (the area around a particular place) | nearby area (নিকটবর্তী এলাকা); neighbourhood (আশপাশের এলাকা) | distance (দূরত্ব); remoteness (দূরবর্তী অবস্থা) | The crater was brighter than the rest of the vicinity. গর্তটি আশপাশের বাকি এলাকার চেয়ে উজ্জ্বল ছিল। |
| adjacent (অ্যাডজেসেন্ট) | সংলগ্ন বা খুব কাছের (next to or very close to something) | nearby (কাছাকাছি); adjoining (সংলগ্ন) | distant (দূরবর্তী); separate (আলাদা) | Some descendants moved onto adjacent islands. কিছু বংশধর সংলগ্ন দ্বীপগুলোতে চলে গেল। |
Total words: 10
Worked Example Series
Ex. Choose the synonym of vicinity: distant, nearby area, separate.
Sol:
Meaning = the area around a particular place
Matching word = nearby area
Ans. nearby area
Ex. Choose the antonym of perched: rested, sat, fell.
Sol:
Meaning = sat or rested on something high
Opposite action = fell
Ans. fell
Ex. Choose the synonym of gasping: panting, resting, soothing.
Sol:
Meaning = breathing with difficulty
Matching word = panting
Ans. panting
Ex. Choose the antonym of unison: harmony, agreement, discord.
Sol:
Meaning = doing something at the same time
Opposite idea = lack of agreement
Ans. discord
Ex. Choose the synonym of adjacent: distant, nearby, separate.
Sol:
Meaning = next to or very close
Matching word = nearby
Ans. nearby
Answer Key: 1. nearby area 2. fell 3. panting 4. discord 5. nearby
9. Exercise 4 - Make Sentences
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| disbanded (ডিসব্যান্ডেড) | Broke up and stopped working as a group. | separated (বিচ্ছিন্ন হয়েছিল); scattered (ছড়িয়ে পড়েছিল) | assembled (একত্রিত হয়েছিল); united (ঐক্যবদ্ধ হয়েছিল) | The shocked show people disbanded after the dangerous incident. বিপজ্জনক ঘটনার পর হতবাক প্রদর্শনীর লোকেরা বিচ্ছিন্ন হয়ে গেল। |
| wilderness (উইল্ডারনেস) | A wild, natural area far from people. | wildland (বন্য এলাকা); wild country (বন্য প্রাকৃতিক অঞ্চল) | city (শহর); settlement (বসতি) | The bears wandered into the wilderness. ভালুকগুলো বন্য প্রাকৃতিক অঞ্চলে ঘুরে বেড়াল। |
| multiplied (মাল্টিপ্লাইড) | Increased in number. | increased (বেড়েছিল); grew (বৃদ্ধি পেয়েছিল) | decreased (কমেছিল); diminished (হ্রাস পেয়েছিল) | The bears mated, thrived and multiplied on the island. দ্বীপে ভালুকগুলো মিলিত হয়ে উন্নতি করল এবং সংখ্যায় বেড়ে গেল। |
| adjacent (অ্যাডজেসেন্ট) | Next to or very close to something. | nearby (কাছাকাছি); adjoining (সংলগ্ন) | distant (দূরবর্তী); separate (আলাদা) | Some descendants moved onto adjacent islands. কিছু বংশধর সংলগ্ন দ্বীপগুলোতে চলে গেল। |
| speculate (স্পেকুলেট) | To guess or make an assumption about something. | guess (অনুমান করা); suppose (মনে করা) | know (জানা); prove (প্রমাণ করা) | Scientists speculate about why the bears danced. বিজ্ঞানীরা ভালুকগুলো কেন নাচত তা অনুমান করেন। |
| clarion (ক্ল্যারিয়ন) | A loud, clear sound like a trumpet. | call (ডাক); trumpet sound (তূর্যের শব্দ) | whisper (ফিসফিস শব্দ); silence (নীরবতা) | The wild swan lifted its harsh clarion across the marsh. বন্য রাজহাঁসটি জলাভূমির ওপর তার কর্কশ তূর্যধ্বনি তুলল। |
| rooted (রুটেড) | Fixed firmly in place. | fixed (স্থির); planted (রোপিত) | loose (আলগা); movable (সরানো যায় এমন) | The speaker wanted to stand rooted in the deep ground. বক্তা গভীর মাটিতে দৃঢ়ভাবে দাঁড়িয়ে থাকতে চেয়েছিলেন। |
| tugging (টাগিং) | Pulling something with effort. | pulling (টানা); dragging (হেঁচড়ে টানা) | pushing (ঠেলা); releasing (ছেড়ে দেওয়া) | The sky was tugging at the speaker's hair. আকাশ যেন বক্তার চুল টানছিল। |
Total words: 8
Ex. Choose the synonym of wilderness: city, wildland, settlement.
Sol:
Meaning = a wild, natural area
Matching word = wildland
Ans. wildland
Meaning = a wild, natural area
Matching word = wildland
Ans. wildland
Ex. Choose the antonym of adjacent: nearby, adjoining, distant.
Sol:
Meaning = next to or very close
Opposite idea = distant
Ans. distant
Meaning = next to or very close
Opposite idea = distant
Ans. distant
Ex. Choose the synonym of multiplied: decreased, grew, diminished.
Sol:
Meaning = increased in number
Matching word = grew
Ans. grew
Meaning = increased in number
Matching word = grew
Ans. grew
Ex. Choose the antonym of rooted: fixed, movable, planted.
Sol:
Meaning = fixed firmly in place
Opposite idea = movable
Ans. movable
Meaning = fixed firmly in place
Opposite idea = movable
Ans. movable
Ex. Choose the synonym of speculate: prove, guess, know.
Sol:
Meaning = to guess or make an assumption
Matching word = guess
Ans. guess
Meaning = to guess or make an assumption
Matching word = guess
Ans. guess
10. Vocabulary MCQ (1-10)
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| environment (en-VY-run-ment) | The natural world around living things. | surroundings; habitat | — | Humans and animals depend on the environment. |
| sympathise (SIM-puh-thyze) | To feel concern for a suffering person or living thing. | empathise; pity | ignore; disregard | We should sympathise with different species living on Earth. |
| perched (purcht) | Sat or rested on something high. | sat; rested | descended; fell | A little bird perched on the board. |
| torment (TOR-ment) | To cause distress or suffering. | torture; distress | comfort; soothe | Do not torment the siskin. |
| gasping (GAS-ping) | Breathing with difficulty. | panting; struggling | breathing easily; resting | The siskin was gasping for breath. |
| cautioned (KAW-shund) | Gave a warning. | warned; alerted | encouraged; reassured | Something cautioned the wild geese about the frost. |
| unison (YOO-ni-sun) | Doing something at the same time as others. | harmony; agreement | discord; disagreement | The bears stepped in unison. |
| meteorite (MEE-tee-uh-ryte) | A piece of rock or metal from space that lands on Earth. | space rock; celestial object | — | A meteorite left a circular crater. |
| vicinity (vi-SIN-uh-tee) | The area around a particular place. | nearby area; neighbourhood | distance; remoteness | The crater was brighter than anywhere else in that vicinity. |
| nightingale (NIGHT-in-gale) | A small bird known for its song. | songbird; singer | — | Seryozha thought the bird might be a nightingale. |
Practice Questions
Word Meanings
1. What does perched mean in the story?
A. Flying awayB. Resting on something highC. Falling downD. Hiding underground
Sol: [B] Perched means sat or rested on something high.
2. Which word means “breathing with difficulty”?
A. GaspingB. PerchedC. CautionedD. Sympathised
Sol: [A] Gasping describes difficult breathing.
3. If someone causes a bird suffering, what are they doing?
A. Comforting itB. Tormenting itC. Reassuring itD. Releasing it
Sol: [B] To torment is to cause distress or suffering.
Nature and Responsibility
4. Which action shows that a person sympathises with a suffering animal?
A. Ignoring itB. Tormenting itC. Showing concern for itD. Leaving it without water
Sol: [C] To sympathise means to feel concern for someone or something that is suffering.
5. Why did Seryozha's mother object to the bird-catching net?
A. It was too smallB. It could cause birds sufferingC. It could not catch birdsD. It belonged to his uncle
Sol: [B] She did not want him to torment little birds.
6. What did the siskin do after finding the open cage door?
A. It flew toward the windowB. It returned to the gardenC. It began to singD. It hid under the cage
Sol: [A] The siskin flew across the room and hit the glass pane.
Poetry and Warning
7. What cautioned the wild geese about the coming frost?
A. A cageB. Something beneath their feathersC. A circus spotlightD. A meteorite
Sol: [B] The poem says something beneath their warm feathers cautioned them about frost.
8. In “Something Told the Wild Geese,” what does “cautioned” most nearly mean?
A. Gave a warningB. Made a nestC. Changed colourD. Made music
Sol: [A] Cautioned means warned or alerted.
Dancing Bears and Place
9. What does it mean that the bears stepped in unison?
A. They stepped at the same timeB. They stepped in different directionsC. They stopped dancingD. They danced alone
Sol: [A] Unison means doing something at the same time as others.
10. Why was the crater brighter than other places in its vicinity?
A. It contained green plantsB. Moonlight reflected from its white wallsC. The bears carried lampsD. The circus returned there
Sol: [B] The crater's chalk-white walls reflected the moonlight.
◆ 11. Quick Revision List
Key points to remember
- Seryozha received a bird-catching net from his uncle as a birthday gift.
- The net worked when a bird perched on the grain-covered board and the board turned over.
- Seryozha’s mother opposed tormenting birds and advised him to let the siskin go.
- The bird Seryozha caught was a siskin, not a nightingale.
- At first, Seryozha fed the siskin grain, changed its water and cleaned its cage.
- The siskin hit the glass pane after flying out through the open cage door.
- The poem “Something Told the Wild Geese” shows that nature warns the geese when frost and snow are approaching.
- In “Green Escape,” the speaker turns away from streets and crowds towards grass, wind, rain and living nature.
- The Kodiak bears learned to somersault, spin, stand on their heads and dance on their hind legs.
- The bears stepped in unison, which means that they moved at the same time.
- The bears later lived in a remote wilderness after the circus people disbanded.
- A meteorite left a circular crater whose white walls reflected moonlight.
12. Practice Bank
Textual Dictionary
Study the following additional words from the chapter.
Study the following additional words from the chapter.
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| hobby-horses (HOB-ee-HOR-siz) | Toy horses for children to ride or play with. | toys (playthings); play horses (toy horses) | — | Seryozha received hobby-horses among his birthday presents. |
| sprinkled (SPRING-kuld) | Scattered small drops or pieces over a surface. | scattered (spread); spread (distributed) | gathered (collected); removed (taken away) | Grain was sprinkled on the little board. |
| attached (uh-TATCHT) | Joined or fixed to something. | joined (connected); fixed (fastened) | detached (separated); removed (taken off) | A little board was attached to a frame. |
| stretched (STRETCHT) | Pulled tightly across a space. | extended (drawn out); tightened (pulled firm) | loosened (made less tight); slackened (became loose) | A net was stretched across the frame. |
| yard (YAHRD) | An open area beside or around a house. | garden (cultivated area); grounds (land around a building) | indoors (inside a building); room (indoor space) | The net was set out in the yard. |
| thrived (THRYVD) | Grew strongly and remained healthy. | flourished (grew well); prospered (did well) | declined (became weaker); suffered (experienced harm) | The bears mated, thrived and multiplied. |
| wilderness (WIL-der-nis) | A wild, natural area with few or no people. | wilds (wild region); backcountry (remote natural area) | city (urban area); settlement (inhabited place) | The bears wandered into the wilderness. |
| densely (DENS-lee) | In a closely packed way. | thickly (closely); closely (tightly together) | sparsely (thinly); loosely (not closely) | They lived on densely wooded islands. |
| generations (JEN-uh-RAY-shunz) | Groups of descendants born at different times. | families (related groups); descendants (later family members) | ancestors (earlier family members); predecessors (those before) | After a number of generations, the bears populated the island. |
| descendants (dee-SEN-dunts) | Living beings descended from earlier ones. | offspring (young); heirs (those who follow) | ancestors (earlier relatives); forebears (people or animals before) | The descendants of the two bears moved onto adjacent islands. |
| vegetation (vej-uh-TAY-shun) | Plants growing in a particular place. | plants (living growth); greenery (green plant life) | barrenness (lack of plants); emptiness (absence of growth) | No vegetation grows within the crater. |
| speculate (SPEK-yuh-layt) | To guess or form an idea without complete proof. | guess (form an idea); suppose (assume) | know (understand certainly); prove (show to be true) | Scientists speculate about why the bears danced. |
Creative Question Bank
1. Seryozha received a bird-catching net as a birthday present. He placed grain on its board, caught a siskin and later forgot to change its water.
(a) What was attached to the frame? [2]
(b) Why did his mother object to the net? [4]
(c) Describe two ways Seryozha cared for the bird at first. [4]
(a) What was attached to the frame? [2]
(b) Why did his mother object to the net? [4]
(c) Describe two ways Seryozha cared for the bird at first. [4]
2. The wild geese noticed signs of changing weather. Although the fields were golden and the berries were bright, something beneath their feathers warned them of frost.
(a) What did the geese feel was approaching? [2]
(b) Mention two images from the poem that show nature before winter. [4]
(c) Explain how the poem presents nature as a guide for the geese. [4]
(a) What did the geese feel was approaching? [2]
(b) Mention two images from the poem that show nature before winter. [4]
(c) Explain how the poem presents nature as a guide for the geese. [4]
3. In Green Escape, the speaker turns away from streets, crowds and skyscrapers and chooses grass, wind, rain, bees and birds.
(a) What does the speaker leave behind? [2]
(b) Write two things the speaker hears or observes in the natural setting. [4]
(c) Contrast the urban world with the natural world described in the poem. [4]
(a) What does the speaker leave behind? [2]
(b) Write two things the speaker hears or observes in the natural setting. [4]
(c) Contrast the urban world with the natural world described in the poem. [4]
4. Two Kodiak bears escaped into a remote wilderness after the circus people disbanded. Their descendants later gathered in a bright meteorite crater and performed old circus movements.
(a) What kind of bears were they? [2]
(b) Name two circus tricks performed by the bears. [4]
(c) Explain why the crater became a suitable place for their dancing. [4]
(a) What kind of bears were they? [2]
(b) Name two circus tricks performed by the bears. [4]
(c) Explain why the crater became a suitable place for their dancing. [4]
Hint: Use complete sentences, refer closely to the chapter, and support each answer with a relevant detail.