UNIT SEVEN
People and Occupations
People and Occupations
Textual Dictionary
Every word below is taken from this chapter, and its meaning is given for the learner.
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| rare (rair) | uncommon; not found often | uncommon; scarce; unusual | common; frequent; usual | Pearls at that time were very rare. The sentence describes the limited availability of pearls. |
| hazardous (haz-er-dus) | dangerous; involving risk | dangerous; risky; unsafe | safe; harmless; secure | These deep dives were extremely hazardous to the divers. The deep dives could seriously endanger the divers. |
| nomadic (noh-mad-ik) | moving from place to place instead of living permanently in one place | wandering; migratory; travelling | settled; permanent; stationary | Therefore, they live a nomadic life, travelling from one place to another. The river gypsies travel instead of owning a permanent home. |
| roam (rohm) | to move around without a fixed direction or place | wander; travel; range | stay; remain; settle | These people roam across our rivers and waters from May to December. They travel across rivers during much of the year. |
| rely (rye-ly) | to depend on someone or something | depend; trust; count on | distrust; doubt; reject | The Ama divers rely on their own skills and breathing techniques. They depend on their skills while diving. |
| inherit (in-her-it) | to receive something from earlier generations | receive; acquire; gain | lose; surrender; forfeit | They have inherited from their forefathers necessary life skills to survive in water. The skills came from earlier generations. |
| mainstream (main-streem) | the usual or principal part of society | society; majority; centre | margin; fringe; minority | The state feels that river gypsies need help to survive in the mainstream population. They need support to become part of wider society. |
| refugees (ref-yoo-jeez) | people forced to leave their homes for safety | displaced people; exiles; evacuees | residents; citizens; settlers | The lesson presents the experiences of refugees through a father's prayer for his child. The text focuses on people who have been forced to leave home. |
Total words: 8
1. How to Use This Sheet
For the learner
- Read the chapter carefully before studying the word list.
- Cover the meaning column and test yourself on each word.
- Read the pronunciation in Bengali script aloud.
- Compare the synonyms and antonyms to understand each word more clearly.
- Use the example sentences for writing practice.
- Review the key points after completing the reading activities.
Textual Dictionary
The following words are taken from this chapter.
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| rare (রেয়ার) | দুর্লভ (not found often) | uncommon (অসাধারণভাবে কম পাওয়া যায়); scarce (অপ্রতুল); unusual (অস্বাভাবিক) | common (সাধারণ); frequent (ঘন ঘন ঘটে); usual (স্বাভাবিক) | Pearls at that time were very rare. সে সময়ে মুক্তা খুবই দুর্লভ ছিল। |
| hazardous (হ্যাজার্ডাস) | বিপজ্জনক (involving risk) | dangerous (বিপজ্জনক); risky (ঝুঁকিপূর্ণ); unsafe (অনিরাপদ) | safe (নিরাপদ); harmless (ক্ষতিহীন); secure (সুরক্ষিত) | These deep dives were extremely hazardous to the divers. এই গভীর ডুবগুলো ডুবুরিদের জন্য অত্যন্ত বিপজ্জনক ছিল। |
| nomadic (নোম্যাডিক) | যাযাবর (moving from place to place) | wandering (ঘুরে বেড়ানো); migratory (পরিযায়ী); travelling (ভ্রমণকারী) | settled (স্থায়ীভাবে বসবাসকারী); permanent (স্থায়ী); stationary (অচল) | Therefore, they live a nomadic life, travelling from one place to another. তাই তারা এক স্থান থেকে অন্য স্থানে ভ্রমণ করে যাযাবর জীবনযাপন করে। |
| roam (রোম) | ঘুরে বেড়ানো (move without a fixed place) | wander (এদিক-ওদিক ঘোরা); travel (ভ্রমণ করা); range (বিস্তৃতভাবে ঘোরা) | stay (থাকা); remain (অবস্থান করা); settle (স্থায়ীভাবে বসবাস করা) | These people roam across our rivers and waters from May to December. এই মানুষগুলো মে থেকে ডিসেম্বর পর্যন্ত আমাদের নদী ও জলপথে ঘুরে বেড়ায়। |
| rely (রাইলাই) | নির্ভর করা (depend on) | depend (নির্ভর করা); trust (বিশ্বাস করা); count on (ভরসা করা) | distrust (অবিশ্বাস করা); doubt (সন্দেহ করা); reject (প্রত্যাখ্যান করা) | The Ama divers rely on their own skills and breathing techniques. আমা ডুবুরিরা নিজেদের দক্ষতা ও শ্বাস-প্রশ্বাসের কৌশলের ওপর নির্ভর করে। |
| inherit (ইনহেরিট) | উত্তরাধিকারসূত্রে পাওয়া (receive from earlier generations) | receive (পাওয়া); acquire (অর্জন করা); gain (লাভ করা) | lose (হারানো); surrender (সমর্পণ করা); forfeit (খোয়ানো) | They have inherited necessary life skills from their forefathers. তারা তাদের পূর্বপুরুষদের কাছ থেকে প্রয়োজনীয় জীবনদক্ষতা পেয়েছে। |
| mainstream (মেইনস্ট্রিম) | সমাজের প্রধান ধারা (usual or principal part of society) | society (সমাজ); majority (সংখ্যাগরিষ্ঠ অংশ); centre (কেন্দ্র) | margin (প্রান্তিক অংশ); fringe (প্রান্তসীমা); minority (সংখ্যালঘু অংশ) | River gypsies need help to survive in the mainstream population. মূলধারার জনগোষ্ঠীতে টিকে থাকার জন্য নদীর যাযাবরদের সাহায্য প্রয়োজন। |
| refugees (রেফিউজিজ) | শরণার্থীরা (people forced to leave their homes for safety) | displaced people (বাসস্থানচ্যুত মানুষ); exiles (নির্বাসিত মানুষ); evacuees (নিরাপদ স্থানে সরিয়ে নেওয়া মানুষ) | residents (বাসিন্দা); citizens (নাগরিক); settlers (বসতি স্থাপনকারী) | The lesson presents the experiences of refugees through a father's prayer for his child. একজন বাবার সন্তানের জন্য প্রার্থনার মাধ্যমে পাঠটি শরণার্থীদের অভিজ্ঞতা তুলে ধরে। |
Total words: 8
▣ Key Points
- Pearls were highly valued gems throughout history.
- In the past, pearl oysters were collected from the bottoms of oceans, lakes and rivers.
- Free-divers sometimes descended deeply while holding one breath.
- Deep diving was hazardous because it involved serious risk.
- Ama divers make their living by diving in the sea.
- Ama divers rely on their own skills and breathing techniques.
- River gypsies live a nomadic life and travel from one place to another.
- In winter, many river gypsies live in makeshift tarpaulin tents on riverbanks.
- River gypsy men may catch snakes, entertain people and sell herbal cures.
- River gypsy women may sell bangles, cosmetics and other things from door to door.
- Changing waterways and urbanisation create difficulties for river gypsies.
- Mobile boat-schools help educate children who cannot attend conventional schools.
2. Key Words - Main Table (1-15)
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mythology (mith-OL-uh-jee) | a collection of traditional stories and beliefs | legends (traditional stories); beliefs (ideas accepted as true) | facts (known truths); history (recorded past events) | Pearls have been mentioned in religious texts and mythologies. Pearls have appeared in traditional stories and beliefs. |
| ancient (AYN-shunt) | very old; belonging to the distant past | old (not new); early (belonging to an earlier time) | modern (of the present time); recent (not long ago) | The ancient Egyptians valued pearls highly. The Egyptians of long ago valued pearls highly. |
| dissolved (di-ZOLVD) | mixed into a liquid and disappeared | melted (became liquid); liquefied (turned into liquid) | hardened (became solid); solidified (became firm) | Cleopatra would dissolve a pearl in a glass. Cleopatra would mix a pearl into a liquid. |
| status (STAY-tus) | social position or rank | position (place or rank); standing (social rank) | inferiority (lower position); insignificance (lack of importance) | Pearls were a sign of wealth and social status. Pearls showed a person's wealth and social position. |
| unparalleled (un-PARR-uh-leld) | having no equal; unmatched | unequalled (without an equal); unique (one of a kind) | ordinary (common); matched (having an equal) | The beauty of the pearls was unparalleled. Nothing equalled the beauty of the pearls. |
| association (uh-soh-see-AY-shun) | a connection or relationship | connection (link); relationship (bond) | separation (being apart); disconnection (lack of connection) | The beauty of pearls was associated with love and marriage. Pearls were connected with love and marriage. |
| delicate (DEL-i-kit) | easily damaged; fine and fragile | fragile (easily broken); fine (beautifully made) | strong (not easily damaged); tough (able to resist damage) | The delicate pearls were kept with great care. The fragile pearls needed careful handling. |
| rare (RAIR) | uncommon; not found often | uncommon (not usual); scarce (not plentiful); unusual (not ordinary) | common (usual); frequent (happening often); usual (normal) | Pearls at that time were very rare. Pearls were not found often at that time. |
| descend (di-SEND) | to go down from a higher place | go down (move downward); dive (go under water) | ascend (go up); rise (move upward) | Free-divers were often forced to descend deeply. Free-divers had to go far down into the water. |
| hazardous (HAZ-er-dus) | dangerous; involving risk | dangerous (likely to cause harm); risky (involving danger); unsafe (not safe) | safe (free from danger); harmless (not causing harm); secure (protected) | These deep dives were extremely hazardous to the divers. The deep dives were very dangerous for the divers. |
| rely (RYE-ly) | to depend on someone or something | depend (need support from); trust (believe in); count on (depend on) | distrust (lack confidence in); doubt (feel uncertain about); reject (refuse to accept) | The Ama divers rely on their own skills and breathing techniques. The Ama divers depend on their own abilities. |
| gypsy (JIP-see) | a member of a travelling ethnic group | Bedey (a local name); traveller (one who travels) | settler (one who lives permanently); resident (one who lives in a place) | River gypsies are an ethnic group of people in Bangladesh. River gypsies form a travelling ethnic group in Bangladesh. |
| ethnic (ETH-nik) | related to a group of people with a shared culture | cultural (connected with culture); communal (shared by a community) | individual (belonging to one person); unrelated (not connected) | River gypsies are an ethnic group of people in Bangladesh. They belong to a group with its own lifestyle and culture. |
| nomadic (noh-MAD-ik) | moving from place to place instead of living permanently in one place | wandering (moving around); migratory (moving from place to place); travelling (moving between places) | settled (living permanently); permanent (lasting or fixed); stationary (not moving) | They live a nomadic life, travelling from one place to another. They move from place to place rather than living permanently in one place. |
| roam (ROHM) | to move around without a fixed direction or place | wander (move without a fixed direction); travel (go from place to place); range (move over an area) | stay (remain in one place); remain (continue to be); settle (live permanently) | These people roam across our rivers and waters from May to December. These people travel across the rivers and waterways during that period. |
Total words: 15
◆ Key Points
- Mythology refers to traditional stories and beliefs, while ancient describes something belonging to the distant past.
- When a substance is dissolved, it mixes into a liquid and disappears from view.
- Status means a person's social position or rank.
- Something unparalleled has no equal.
- Association means a connection or relationship between people, things or ideas.
- A delicate object is fine or fragile and can be damaged easily.
- Rare things are uncommon and are not found often.
- To descend is to move down, especially from a higher place into the water.
- Hazardous activities involve serious risk or danger.
- To rely on someone or something is to depend on that person or thing.
- A nomadic group moves from place to place instead of living permanently in one place.
- To roam means to move around without a fixed direction or place.
3. Key Words - Main Table (16-30)
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| talisman (ট্যালিসম্যান) | an object believed to have magical power | charm; amulet; lucky object | — | Many villagers believed in the magical power of the gypsies and their talismans. |
| survive (সারভাইভ) | to continue to live or exist | live; endure; remain | die; perish; disappear | The state feels that river gypsies need help to survive in the mainstream population. |
| used to (ইউজড টু) | accustomed to something in the past | accustomed to; familiar with; habituated to | unfamiliar with; unused to; unaccustomed to | Traditionally, river gypsies are used to water life. |
| inherit (ইনহেরিট) | to receive something from earlier generations | receive; acquire; gain | lose; surrender; forfeit | They have inherited necessary life skills from their forefathers. |
| mainstream (মেইনস্ট্রিম) | the usual or principal part of society | society; majority; centre | margin; fringe; minority | The state wants to help river gypsies enter the mainstream population. |
| petty (পেটি) | small and less important | minor; small; insignificant | major; important; significant | Females of the bedey families contribute to the family income with petty trades. |
| trick (ট্রিক) | a clever or deceptive action | device; scheme; deception | honesty; openness; truth | The lesson mentions the tricks used in traditional performances. |
| integral part (ইন্টিগ্রাল পার্ট) | a necessary or essential part | essential part; component; element | separate part; outsider; nonessential part | Bedeys are an integral part of our history and literature. |
| community (কমিউনিটি) | a group of people living or working together | group; society; population | individual; outsider; stranger | A strong community can support children who cannot attend conventional schools. |
| settle (সেটল) | to begin living permanently in a place | establish; reside; remain | move; travel; depart | Many bedeys have settled near the riverbanks. |
| urbanise (আরবানাইজ) | to develop into an urban area | develop; modernise; build up | ruralise; preserve; decline | Bangladesh is getting urbanised very rapidly. |
| urban (আরবান) | connected with a city or town | city; metropolitan; municipal | rural; village; countryside | Gypsy people are losing their customers among the urban population. |
| remedy (রেমেডি) | a treatment for a problem or illness | cure; treatment; medicine | disease; illness; harm | Many people no longer believe in the traditional remedies of the bedeys. |
| heal (হিল) | to make a person healthy again | cure; treat; restore | hurt; harm; injure | They try to heal the pains of old people by traditional methods. |
| refugees (রেফিউজিজ) | people forced to leave their homes for safety | displaced people; exiles; evacuees | residents; citizens; settlers | The lesson presents the experiences of refugees through a father’s prayer for his child. |
▣ Key Points
- River gypsies are an ethnic group known as bedey to local people.
- They live a nomadic life because they do not own land.
- From May to December, they travel across rivers and waters in small country boats.
- In winter, many of them live in makeshift tarpaulin tents on open riverbanks.
- Men may catch snakes, entertain people and sell herbal cures.
- Women may sell bangles, cosmetics and other goods from door to door.
- Urbanisation and shrinking waterways threaten the income of river gypsies.
- Climate change causes unpredictable rain and drying rivers, which restrict boat movement.
- River gypsies have inherited important water-life skills from their forefathers.
- Gypsy children often cannot attend conventional schools because they have no permanent living place.
- Mobile boat-schools are established to educate children who live and travel on boats.
- Refugees are people who leave their homes because they need safety.
4. Subject Terms and Definitions
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| pearl (purl) | A valuable gem formed inside a pearl oyster. | gem (precious stone); jewel (valuable ornament) | — | Throughout history, the pearl has been one of the most highly valued gems. Throughout history, people have valued the pearl greatly. |
| pearl oyster (purl oy-ster) | An oyster from which pearls are obtained. | oyster (shellfish); shellfish (water animal with a shell) | — | Before the beginning of the 20th century, pearls were obtained from pearl oysters. Before the 20th century began, people obtained pearls from these oysters. |
| free-diver (free-dye-ver) | A diver who goes underwater while holding one breath. | diver (underwater swimmer); swimmer (person who swims) | — | Free-divers were often forced to descend to a depth of more than 100 feet in one breath. Free-divers descended deeply while holding their breath. |
| Ama diver (AH-mah dye-ver) | A woman of the sea who makes a living by diving. | sea woman (woman of the sea); diver (underwater swimmer) | — | Ama divers rely on their own skills and breathing techniques. Ama divers depend on their skills and techniques. |
| breathing equipment (breeth-ing i-kwip-ment) | Equipment used to supply or support breathing underwater. | diving equipment (equipment for diving); oxygen tank (container for oxygen) | — | Ama divers dive without using oxygen tanks or other breathing equipment. Ama divers work underwater without such equipment. |
| lung capacity (lung kuh-pass-i-tee) | The amount of air the lungs can hold. | breathing ability (ability to breathe); air capacity (amount of air held) | — | Careful watching, lung capacity and hunter instincts are special qualities of Ama divers. These qualities help the divers work in the sea. |
| ethnic group (eth-nik groop) | A group of people with a shared lifestyle and culture. | community (group of people); people (human group) | — | River gypsies are an ethnic group of people in Bangladesh. River gypsies form a distinct group of people. |
| nomadic life (noh-mad-ik life) | A life of travelling from one place to another without owning land. | wandering life (travelling life); travelling life (mobile life) | settled life (permanent life); permanent residence (fixed home) | They live a nomadic life, travelling from one place to another. They move instead of living permanently in one place. |
| tarpaulin tent (tar-paw-lin tent) | A temporary tent made from tarpaulin. | temporary shelter (short-term home); makeshift shelter (rough temporary home) | permanent house (fixed home); solid building (strong structure) | Many water bodies dry up in winter, so they live in makeshift tarpaulin tents. They use temporary tents when they return to the mainland. |
| mobile boat-school (moh-bile boat-skool) | A school on a boat that moves with children who live and travel on boats. | boat-school (school on a boat); mobile school (moving school) | conventional school (ordinary fixed school); land school (school on land) | Mobile boat-schools are being established for gypsy children. These schools help children who cannot attend conventional schools. |
▣ Key Points
- Pearls are valuable gems that have been highly valued throughout history.
- Pearl oysters were collected from the bottoms of oceans, lakes and rivers.
- Free-divers sometimes descended deeply while holding one breath.
- Deep diving was hazardous because it involved serious risk.
- Ama divers make their living by diving in the sea.
- Ama divers rely on their own skills and breathing techniques.
- Ama divers can dive to a depth of up to 25 metres without oxygen tanks.
- River gypsies are an ethnic group known as bedey to local people.
- River gypsies live a nomadic life because they do not own land.
- From May to December, river gypsies travel across rivers in small country boats.
- In winter, many river gypsies live in makeshift tarpaulin tents on open riverbanks.
- Mobile boat-schools are established for gypsy children who cannot attend conventional schools.
5. Words in Context
Pearls appeared in ancient mythology and became a sign of wealth and social status. Because pearls were delicate, people kept them with great care. In another part of the chapter, deep diving was hazardous, while river gypsies lived a nomadic life. They inherit useful skills from their forefathers and need support to live in the mainstream population. The lesson also presents the experiences of refugees.
Read the passage first, then use the table to understand how each word works in context. Notice the Bengali-script pronunciation beside each English word and compare the synonyms and antonyms.
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ancient (এনশেন্ট) | Very old; belonging to the distant past. | old; early | modern; recent | The ancient Egyptians valued pearls highly. The Egyptians of long ago valued pearls highly. |
| mythology (মিথোলজি) | A collection of traditional stories and beliefs. | legends; beliefs | facts; history | Pearls have been mentioned in religious texts and mythologies. Pearls have appeared in traditional stories and beliefs. |
| status (স্ট্যাটাস) | Social position or rank. | position; standing | inferiority; insignificance | Pearls were a sign of wealth and social status. Pearls showed a person's wealth and social position. |
| delicate (ডেলিকেট) | Easily damaged; fine and fragile. | fragile; fine | strong; tough | The delicate pearls were kept with great care. The fragile pearls were carefully protected. |
| hazardous (হ্যাজার্ডাস) | Dangerous; involving risk. | dangerous; risky; unsafe | safe; harmless; secure | These deep dives were extremely hazardous to the divers. The deep dives were very dangerous for the divers. |
| nomadic (নোম্যাডিক) | Moving from place to place instead of living permanently in one place. | wandering; migratory; travelling | settled; permanent; stationary | They live a nomadic life, travelling from one place to another. They travel instead of living permanently in one place. |
| inherit (ইনহেরিট) | To receive something from earlier generations. | receive; acquire; gain | lose; surrender; forfeit | They have inherited necessary life skills from their forefathers. The skills came from earlier generations. |
| mainstream (মেইনস্ট্রিম) | The usual or principal part of society. | society; majority; centre | margin; fringe; minority | River gypsies need help to survive in the mainstream population. They need support to become part of wider society. |
| refugees (রেফিউজিজ) | People forced to leave their homes for safety. | displaced people; exiles; evacuees | residents; citizens; settlers | The lesson presents the experiences of refugees through a father's prayer for his child. The text focuses on people who have been forced to leave home. |
Total words: 9
6. Exercise 1 - Match the Meaning
Match each word in Column A with its correct meaning in Column B. Write the correct letter beside each word.
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mythology (মিথোলজি) | _____ | legends (কিংবদন্তি); beliefs (বিশ্বাস) | facts (তথ্য); history (ইতিহাস) | Pearls have been mentioned many times in religious texts and mythologies. ধর্মীয় গ্রন্থ ও পৌরাণিক কাহিনিতে মুক্তার কথা বহুবার উল্লেখ করা হয়েছে। |
| ancient (এনশেন্ট) | _____ | old (পুরোনো); early (প্রাচীন) | modern (আধুনিক); recent (সাম্প্রতিক) | The ancient Egyptians valued pearls highly. প্রাচীন মিশরীয়রা মুক্তাকে অত্যন্ত মূল্যবান মনে করত। |
| dissolved (ডিজলভড) | _____ | melted (গলে যাওয়া); liquefied (তরলে পরিণত হওয়া) | hardened (শক্ত হওয়া); solidified (জমাট বাঁধা) | Cleopatra would dissolve a pearl in a glass. ক্লিওপেট্রা একটি গ্লাসে মুক্তা দ্রবীভূত করতেন। |
| status (স্ট্যাটাস) | _____ | position (অবস্থান); standing (সামাজিক মর্যাদা) | inferiority (হীন অবস্থান); insignificance (গুরুত্বহীনতা) | Pearls were a sign of wealth and social status. মুক্তা সম্পদ ও সামাজিক মর্যাদার প্রতীক ছিল। |
| unparalleled (আনপ্যারালেলড) | _____ | unequalled (তুলনাহীন); unique (অনন্য) | ordinary (সাধারণ); matched (সমতুল্য) | The beauty of the pearls was unparalleled. মুক্তার সৌন্দর্য ছিল তুলনাহীন। |
| association (অ্যাসোসিয়েশন) | _____ | connection (সংযোগ); relationship (সম্পর্ক) | separation (বিচ্ছেদ); disconnection (সংযোগহীনতা) | The beauty of pearls was associated with love and marriage. মুক্তার সৌন্দর্য ভালোবাসা ও বিবাহের সঙ্গে যুক্ত ছিল। |
| delicate (ডেলিকেট) | _____ | fragile (ভঙ্গুর); fine (সূক্ষ্ম) | strong (শক্ত); tough (মজবুত) | The delicate pearls were kept with great care. ভঙ্গুর মুক্তাগুলো অত্যন্ত যত্নে রাখা হতো। |
| rare (রেয়ার) | _____ | uncommon (দুর্লভ); scarce (অপ্রতুল); unusual (অস্বাভাবিক) | common (সাধারণ); frequent (ঘন ঘন ঘটে); usual (স্বাভাবিক) | Pearls at that time were very rare. সে সময়ে মুক্তা খুবই দুর্লভ ছিল। |
| hazardous (হ্যাজার্ডাস) | _____ | dangerous (বিপজ্জনক); risky (ঝুঁকিপূর্ণ); unsafe (অনিরাপদ) | safe (নিরাপদ); harmless (ক্ষতিহীন); secure (সুরক্ষিত) | These deep dives were extremely hazardous to the divers. এই গভীর ডুবগুলো ডুবুরিদের জন্য অত্যন্ত বিপজ্জনক ছিল। |
| nomadic (নোম্যাডিক) | _____ | wandering (ঘুরে বেড়ানো); migratory (পরিযায়ী); travelling (ভ্রমণকারী) | settled (স্থায়ীভাবে বসবাসকারী); permanent (স্থায়ী); stationary (অচল) | They live a nomadic life, travelling from one place to another. তারা এক স্থান থেকে অন্য স্থানে ভ্রমণ করে যাযাবর জীবনযাপন করে। |
Answer Key
1. mythology — c 2. ancient — h 3. dissolved — a 4. status — j 5. unparalleled — e
6. association — d 7. delicate — g 8. rare — f 9. hazardous — b 10. nomadic — i
Meanings in Column B:
a. mixed into a liquid and disappeared
b. dangerous; involving risk
c. a collection of traditional stories and beliefs
d. a connection or relationship
e. having no equal; unmatched
f. not found often
g. easily damaged; fine and fragile
h. very old; belonging to the distant past
i. moving from place to place instead of living permanently in one place
j. social position or rank
1. mythology — c 2. ancient — h 3. dissolved — a 4. status — j 5. unparalleled — e
6. association — d 7. delicate — g 8. rare — f 9. hazardous — b 10. nomadic — i
Meanings in Column B:
a. mixed into a liquid and disappeared
b. dangerous; involving risk
c. a collection of traditional stories and beliefs
d. a connection or relationship
e. having no equal; unmatched
f. not found often
g. easily damaged; fine and fragile
h. very old; belonging to the distant past
i. moving from place to place instead of living permanently in one place
j. social position or rank
Ex. Match rare with its correct meaning.
Sol:
rare = not found often
rare = uncommon
Answer = rare — uncommon
rare = not found often
rare = uncommon
Answer = rare — uncommon
Ex. Match hazardous with its correct meaning.
Sol:
hazardous = involving risk
involving risk = dangerous
Answer = hazardous — dangerous
hazardous = involving risk
involving risk = dangerous
Answer = hazardous — dangerous
Ex. Match nomadic with its correct meaning.
Sol:
nomadic = moving from place to place
moving from place to place = travelling
Answer = nomadic — travelling
nomadic = moving from place to place
moving from place to place = travelling
Answer = nomadic — travelling
Ex. Match delicate with its correct meaning.
Sol:
delicate = easily damaged
easily damaged = fragile
Answer = delicate — fragile
delicate = easily damaged
easily damaged = fragile
Answer = delicate — fragile
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: ancient · delicate · dissolved · hazardous · inherit · mainstream · mythology · nomadic · rare · rely
- The ______ Egyptians valued pearls highly.
- Cleopatra would ______ a pearl in a glass.
- Pearls have been mentioned in religious texts and ______.
- The ______ pearls were kept with great care.
- Pearls at that time were very ______.
- These deep dives were extremely ______ to the divers.
- River gypsies live a ______ life.
- The Ama divers ______ on their own skills and breathing techniques.
- River gypsies need help to survive in the ______ population.
- The Ama divers ______ necessary life skills from their forefathers.
Textual Dictionary
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ancient (AYN-shunt) | very old; belonging to the distant past | old; early | modern; recent | The ancient Egyptians valued pearls highly. |
| dissolved (di-ZOLVD) | mixed into a liquid and disappeared | melted; liquefied | hardened; solidified | Cleopatra would dissolve a pearl in a glass. |
| mythology (mith-OL-uh-jee) | a collection of traditional stories and beliefs | legends; beliefs | facts; history | Pearls have been mentioned in religious texts and mythologies. |
| delicate (DEL-i-kit) | easily damaged; fine and fragile | fragile; fine | strong; tough | The delicate pearls were kept with great care. |
| rare (rair) | not found often | uncommon; scarce; unusual | common; frequent; usual | Pearls at that time were very rare. |
| hazardous (HAZ-er-dus) | dangerous; involving risk | dangerous; risky; unsafe | safe; harmless; secure | These deep dives were extremely hazardous to the divers. |
| nomadic (noh-MAD-ik) | moving from place to place instead of living permanently in one place | wandering; migratory; travelling | settled; permanent; stationary | They live a nomadic life, travelling from one place to another. |
| rely (RYE-ly) | to depend on someone or something | depend; trust; count on | distrust; doubt; reject | The Ama divers rely on their own skills and breathing techniques. |
| mainstream (MAIN-streem) | the usual or principal part of society | society; majority; centre | margin; fringe; minority | River gypsies need help to survive in the mainstream population. |
| inherit (in-HER-it) | to receive something from earlier generations | receive; acquire; gain | lose; surrender; forfeit | They have inherited necessary life skills from their forefathers. |
Ex. Complete the sentence: The Ama divers ______ on their own skills.
Sol:
Sentence clue = Ama divers use their own skills
Correct word = rely
Ans. rely
Sentence clue = Ama divers use their own skills
Correct word = rely
Ans. rely
Ex. Complete the sentence: The ______ Egyptians valued pearls highly.
Sol:
Sentence clue = Egyptians of long ago
Correct word = ancient
Ans. ancient
Sentence clue = Egyptians of long ago
Correct word = ancient
Ans. ancient
Ex. Complete the sentence: These deep dives were extremely ______ to the divers.
Sol:
Sentence clue = involving serious risk
Correct word = hazardous
Ans. hazardous
Sentence clue = involving serious risk
Correct word = hazardous
Ans. hazardous
Ex. Complete the sentence: River gypsies live a ______ life.
Sol:
Sentence clue = travelling from one place to another
Correct word = nomadic
Ans. nomadic
Sentence clue = travelling from one place to another
Correct word = nomadic
Ans. nomadic
Answer Key: 1. ancient 2. dissolved 3. mythology 4. delicate 5. rare 6. hazardous 7. nomadic 8. rely 9. mainstream 10. inherit
8. Exercise 3 - Synonyms and Antonyms
Study the following textual dictionary. The pronunciation is given in Bengali script, and the meanings are explained for the learner.
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ancient (এনশেন্ট) | very old; belonging to the distant past | old (not new); early (from an earlier time) | modern (of the present time); recent (not long ago) | The ancient Egyptians valued pearls highly. The Egyptians of long ago valued pearls highly. |
| dissolved (ডিজলভড) | mixed into a liquid and disappeared | melted (became liquid); liquefied (turned into liquid) | hardened (became solid); solidified (became firm) | Cleopatra would dissolve a pearl in a glass. Cleopatra would mix a pearl into a liquid. |
| mythology (মিথলজি) | a collection of traditional stories and beliefs | legends (traditional stories); beliefs (accepted ideas) | facts (known truths); history (recorded past events) | Pearls have been mentioned in religious texts and mythologies. Pearls have appeared in traditional stories and beliefs. |
| delicate (ডেলিকেট) | easily damaged; fine and fragile | fragile (easily broken); fine (beautifully made) | strong (not easily damaged); tough (resistant to damage) | The delicate pearls were kept with great care. The fragile pearls were carefully protected. |
| rare (রেয়ার) | not found often | uncommon (not usual); scarce (in short supply); unusual (not ordinary) | common (usual); frequent (happening often); usual (normal) | Pearls at that time were very rare. Pearls were not found often at that time. |
| hazardous (হ্যাজার্ডাস) | dangerous; involving risk | dangerous (unsafe); risky (involving danger); unsafe (not safe) | safe (without danger); harmless (not dangerous); secure (protected) | These deep dives were extremely hazardous to the divers. These deep dives seriously endangered the divers. |
| nomadic (নোম্যাডিক) | moving from place to place instead of living permanently in one place | wandering (moving around); migratory (moving from place to place); travelling (going from one place to another) | settled (living in one place); permanent (lasting); stationary (not moving) | They live a nomadic life, travelling from one place to another. They move from place to place instead of living permanently in one place. |
| rely (রাইলাই) | to depend on someone or something | depend (need support from); trust (believe in); count on (depend on) | distrust (not trust); doubt (feel uncertain about); reject (refuse to accept) | The Ama divers rely on their own skills and breathing techniques. The Ama divers depend on their own skills. |
| mainstream (মেইনস্ট্রিম) | the usual or principal part of society | society (the community); majority (larger part); centre (main part) | margin (outer part); fringe (edge); minority (smaller part) | River gypsies need help to survive in the mainstream population. They need help to become part of wider society. |
| inherit (ইনহেরিট) | to receive something from earlier generations | receive (get); acquire (obtain); gain (get or develop) | lose (no longer have); surrender (give up); forfeit (lose as a penalty) | They have inherited necessary life skills from their forefathers. They have received important skills from earlier generations. |
Exercise
Write a synonym or antonym as directed.
- Write a synonym of ancient.
- Write an antonym of dissolved.
- Write a synonym of mythology.
- Write an antonym of delicate.
- Write a synonym of rare.
- Write an antonym of hazardous.
- Write a synonym of nomadic.
- Write an antonym of rely.
- Write a synonym of mainstream.
- Write an antonym of inherit.
Answer Key: 1. old 2. hardened 3. legends 4. strong 5. uncommon 6. safe 7. wandering 8. distrust 9. society 10. lose
Worked Example Series
Ex. Give a synonym of rare.
Sol: Meaning clue = not found often
Closest synonym = uncommon
Ans. uncommon
Closest synonym = uncommon
Ans. uncommon
Ex. Give an antonym of hazardous.
Sol: Meaning clue = involving danger
Opposite meaning = without danger
Correct antonym = safe
Ans. safe
Opposite meaning = without danger
Correct antonym = safe
Ans. safe
Ex. Give a synonym of nomadic.
Sol: Context clue = travelling from one place to another
Matching meaning = moving around
Correct synonym = wandering
Ans. wandering
Matching meaning = moving around
Correct synonym = wandering
Ans. wandering
Ex. Give an antonym of mainstream.
Sol: Meaning clue = the principal part of society
Opposite meaning = the outer or less central part
Correct antonym = margin
Ans. margin
Opposite meaning = the outer or less central part
Correct antonym = margin
Ans. margin
Ex. Give a synonym of inherit.
Sol: Context clue = receive from earlier generations
Matching meaning = obtain
Correct synonym = acquire
Ans. acquire
Matching meaning = obtain
Correct synonym = acquire
Ans. acquire
Total words covered: 10
9. Exercise 4 - Make Sentences
Instruction: Study the words and write meaningful sentences using them.
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| rare (rair) | not found often | uncommon; scarce; unusual | common; frequent; usual | Rare pearls were highly valued by ancient people. |
| hazardous (haz-er-dus) | involving serious risk | dangerous; risky; unsafe | safe; harmless; secure | Diving to great depths can be hazardous. |
| nomadic (noh-mad-ik) | moving from place to place | wandering; migratory; travelling | settled; permanent; stationary | The nomadic families move with their boats. |
| roam (rohm) | to move around without a fixed place | wander; travel; range | stay; remain; settle | The river gypsies roam along the waterways. |
| rely (rye-ly) | to depend on someone or something | depend; trust; count on | distrust; doubt; reject | The divers rely on careful breathing. |
| inherit (in-her-it) | to receive from earlier generations | receive; acquire; gain | lose; surrender; forfeit | The children inherit useful skills from their forefathers. |
| mainstream (main-streem) | the principal part of society | society; majority; centre | margin; fringe; minority | Education can help them join the mainstream. |
| refugees (ref-yoo-jeez) | people forced to leave their homes for safety | displaced people; exiles; evacuees | residents; citizens; settlers | The story describes the fears of refugees. |
Write sentences using these words:
- rare
- hazardous
- nomadic
- roam
- rely
- inherit
- mainstream
- refugees
Answer Key: Model Sentences
1. Ex. Make a sentence with rare.
Sol: The museum displayed a rare pearl.
Ans. The museum displayed a rare pearl.
Sol: The museum displayed a rare pearl.
Ans. The museum displayed a rare pearl.
2. Ex. Make a sentence with hazardous.
Sol: The deep water became hazardous during the storm.
Ans. The deep water became hazardous during the storm.
Sol: The deep water became hazardous during the storm.
Ans. The deep water became hazardous during the storm.
3. Ex. Make a sentence with nomadic.
Sol: The nomadic group travelled from one riverbank to another.
Ans. The nomadic group travelled from one riverbank to another.
Sol: The nomadic group travelled from one riverbank to another.
Ans. The nomadic group travelled from one riverbank to another.
4. Ex. Make a sentence with roam.
Sol: Small boats roam across the rivers during the rainy season.
Ans. Small boats roam across the rivers during the rainy season.
Sol: Small boats roam across the rivers during the rainy season.
Ans. Small boats roam across the rivers during the rainy season.
5. Ex. Make a sentence with rely.
Sol: Ama divers rely on their skills under the water.
Ans. Ama divers rely on their skills under the water.
Sol: Ama divers rely on their skills under the water.
Ans. Ama divers rely on their skills under the water.
6. Ex. Make a sentence with inherit.
Sol: Young divers inherit traditional techniques from older divers.
Ans. Young divers inherit traditional techniques from older divers.
Sol: Young divers inherit traditional techniques from older divers.
Ans. Young divers inherit traditional techniques from older divers.
7. Ex. Make a sentence with mainstream.
Sol: Formal education may bring river children into the mainstream.
Ans. Formal education may bring river children into the mainstream.
Sol: Formal education may bring river children into the mainstream.
Ans. Formal education may bring river children into the mainstream.
8. Ex. Make a sentence with refugees.
Sol: The lesson presents the experiences of refugees.
Ans. The lesson presents the experiences of refugees.
Sol: The lesson presents the experiences of refugees.
Ans. The lesson presents the experiences of refugees.
10. Vocabulary MCQ (1-10)
Choose the best answer for each question.
Each question has four options. Read the chapter context carefully before answering.
Meanings in Context
1. What does mythology mean in the sentence “Pearls have been mentioned in religious texts and mythologies”?
A. scientific records
B. traditional stories and beliefs
C. personal letters
D. written laws
Sol: [B] Mythology means a collection of traditional stories and beliefs.
2. Which word means “belonging to the distant past”?
A. ancient
B. delicate
C. urban
D. permanent
Sol: [A] Ancient means very old or belonging to the distant past.
3. In the chapter, Cleopatra would dissolve a pearl in a glass. What does dissolve mean here?
A. hide under water
B. mix into a liquid
C. polish carefully
D. throw away
Sol: [B] To dissolve is to mix something into a liquid until it disappears.
People and Occupations
4. Pearls were a sign of wealth and social status. What is the meaning of status?
A. social position or rank
B. physical strength
C. family size
D. travelling distance
Sol: [A] Status refers to a person's social position or rank.
5. Why were the deep dives described as hazardous to the divers?
A. They were enjoyable.
B. They involved serious risk.
C. They happened near villages.
D. They required pearl necklaces.
Sol: [B] Hazardous means dangerous or involving serious risk.
6. Which activity best shows that someone is nomadic?
A. Staying permanently in one house
B. Travelling from one place to another
C. Working in one office
D. Studying in a conventional school
Sol: [B] Nomadic describes a life of moving from place to place.
7. The Ama divers ______ their own skills and breathing techniques.
A. inherit
B. rely on
C. dissolve
D. urbanise
Sol: [B] Rely on means depend on something or someone.
Application of Vocabulary
8. Which sentence uses inherit correctly according to the chapter?
A. The children inherit life skills from their forefathers.
B. The children inherit across the river.
C. The children inherit a tent with water.
D. The children inherit a pearl by diving safely.
Sol: [A] Inherit means receive something from earlier generations.
9. River gypsies need help to survive in the mainstream population. What does mainstream mean?
A. the outer edge of a river
B. the principal part of society
C. a temporary boat-house
D. a group of sea animals
Sol: [B] Mainstream means the usual or principal part of society.
10. Which group is described by the word refugees?
A. People forced to leave their homes for safety
B. People who sell bangles door to door
C. People who collect pearl oysters
D. People who teach in boat-schools
Sol: [A] Refugees are people forced to leave their homes for safety.
11. Quick Revision List
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mythology (মিথলজি) | পুরাণকাহিনি ও বিশ্বাস (traditional stories and beliefs) | legends (পুরাণকাহিনি); beliefs (বিশ্বাস) | facts (তথ্য); history (ইতিহাস) | Pearls have been mentioned in religious texts and mythologies. ধর্মীয় গ্রন্থ ও পুরাণকাহিনিতে মুক্তার উল্লেখ করা হয়েছে। |
| ancient (এনশেন্ট) | প্রাচীন (very old) | old (পুরোনো); early (প্রাথমিক) | modern (আধুনিক); recent (সাম্প্রতিক) | The ancient Egyptians valued pearls highly. প্রাচীন মিশরীয়রা মুক্তাকে অত্যন্ত মূল্যবান মনে করত। |
| dissolved (ডিজলভড) | তরলে মিশে অদৃশ্য হওয়া (mixed into a liquid) | melted (গলিত); liquefied (তরলীকৃত) | hardened (শক্ত হওয়া); solidified (কঠিন হওয়া) | Cleopatra would dissolve a pearl in a glass. ক্লিওপেট্রা একটি গ্লাসে মুক্তা গলিয়ে নিতেন। |
| status (স্ট্যাটাস) | সামাজিক অবস্থান বা মর্যাদা (social position or rank) | position (অবস্থান); standing (মর্যাদা) | inferiority (হীন অবস্থান); insignificance (গুরুত্বহীনতা) | Pearls were a sign of wealth and social status. মুক্তা সম্পদ ও সামাজিক মর্যাদার প্রতীক ছিল। |
| delicate (ডেলিকেট) | সহজে ক্ষতিগ্রস্ত হয় এমন; কোমল (easily damaged) | fragile (ভঙ্গুর); fine (সূক্ষ্ম) | strong (শক্ত); tough (দৃঢ়) | The delicate pearls were kept with great care. কোমল মুক্তাগুলো অত্যন্ত যত্নে রাখা হতো। |
| rare (রেয়ার) | দুর্লভ (not found often) | uncommon (অসাধারণভাবে কম পাওয়া যায়); scarce (অপ্রতুল); unusual (অস্বাভাবিক) | common (সাধারণ); frequent (ঘন ঘন ঘটে); usual (স্বাভাবিক) | Pearls at that time were very rare. সে সময়ে মুক্তা খুবই দুর্লভ ছিল। |
| hazardous (হ্যাজার্ডাস) | বিপজ্জনক (involving risk) | dangerous (বিপজ্জনক); risky (ঝুঁকিপূর্ণ); unsafe (অনিরাপদ) | safe (নিরাপদ); harmless (ক্ষতিহীন); secure (সুরক্ষিত) | These deep dives were extremely hazardous to the divers. এই গভীর ডুবগুলো ডুবুরিদের জন্য অত্যন্ত বিপজ্জনক ছিল। |
| nomadic (নোম্যাডিক) | যাযাবর (moving from place to place) | wandering (ঘুরে বেড়ানো); migratory (পরিযায়ী); travelling (ভ্রমণকারী) | settled (স্থায়ীভাবে বসবাসকারী); permanent (স্থায়ী); stationary (অচল) | They live a nomadic life, travelling from one place to another. তারা এক স্থান থেকে অন্য স্থানে ভ্রমণ করে যাযাবর জীবনযাপন করে। |
| roam (রোম) | ঘুরে বেড়ানো (move without a fixed place) | wander (এদিক-ওদিক ঘোরা); travel (ভ্রমণ করা); range (বিস্তৃতভাবে ঘোরা) | stay (থাকা); remain (অবস্থান করা); settle (স্থায়ীভাবে বসবাস করা) | These people roam across our rivers and waters from May to December. এই মানুষগুলো মে থেকে ডিসেম্বর পর্যন্ত আমাদের নদী ও জলপথে ঘুরে বেড়ায়। |
| rely (রাইলাই) | নির্ভর করা (depend on) | depend (নির্ভর করা); trust (বিশ্বাস করা); count on (ভরসা করা) | distrust (অবিশ্বাস করা); doubt (সন্দেহ করা); reject (প্রত্যাখ্যান করা) | The Ama divers rely on their own skills and breathing techniques. আমা ডুবুরিরা নিজেদের দক্ষতা ও শ্বাস-প্রশ্বাসের কৌশলের ওপর নির্ভর করে। |
| inherit (ইনহেরিট) | উত্তরাধিকারসূত্রে পাওয়া (receive from earlier generations) | receive (পাওয়া); acquire (অর্জন করা); gain (লাভ করা) | lose (হারানো); surrender (সমর্পণ করা); forfeit (খোয়ানো) | They have inherited necessary life skills from their forefathers. তারা তাদের পূর্বপুরুষদের কাছ থেকে প্রয়োজনীয় জীবনদক্ষতা পেয়েছে। |
| mainstream (মেইনস্ট্রিম) | সমাজের প্রধান ধারা (principal part of society) | society (সমাজ); majority (সংখ্যাগরিষ্ঠ অংশ); centre (কেন্দ্র) | margin (প্রান্তিক অংশ); fringe (প্রান্তসীমা); minority (সংখ্যালঘু অংশ) | The state wants river gypsies to survive in the mainstream population. রাষ্ট্র চায় নদীর যাযাবরেরা মূলধারার জনগোষ্ঠীতে টিকে থাকুক। |
| refugees (রেফিউজিজ) | শরণার্থীরা (people forced to leave their homes for safety) | displaced people (বাসস্থানচ্যুত মানুষ); exiles (নির্বাসিত মানুষ); evacuees (নিরাপদ স্থানে সরিয়ে নেওয়া মানুষ) | residents (বাসিন্দা); citizens (নাগরিক); settlers (বসতি স্থাপনকারী) | The lesson presents the experiences of refugees. পাঠটি শরণার্থীদের অভিজ্ঞতা তুলে ধরে। |
Total words: 12
▣ Key Points
- Pearls have been valued as highly prized gems throughout history.
- Religious texts and mythologies mention pearls from the earliest times.
- The ancient Egyptians valued pearls and were buried with them.
- The Greeks associated pearls with love, marriage, wealth and social position.
- Free-divers collected pearl oysters from the bottoms of oceans, lakes and rivers.
- Deep diving was hazardous because divers had to descend deeply while holding one breath.
- Ama divers make their living by diving without oxygen tanks or other breathing equipment.
- Ama divers rely on their own skills, breathing techniques, lung capacity and hunter instincts.
- River gypsies live a nomadic life and travel in small country boats from May to December.
- In winter, many river gypsies live in makeshift tarpaulin tents on open riverbanks.
- River gypsy men may catch snakes, entertain people and sell herbal cures.
- Mobile boat-schools help educate gypsy children who cannot attend conventional schools.