বেসিক ইংলিশ (Basic English) – 201105, আল-কুরআন অ্যান্ড ইসলামিক স্টাডিজ – ফাজিল অনার্স ১ম বর্ষ পরীক্ষা ২০২২

FAZIL BA (HON’S) FIRST YEAR EXAMINATION-2022
AL QURAN AND ISLAMIC STUDIES
BASIC ENGLISH
Subject Code: 201105
Time—4 hours | Full marks—80

[N.B. The figures in the right margin indicate full marks.]

Part A—Grammar

Marks—40

1. Identify the determiners, headwords, modifiers, infinitives, appositives and phrases: (Marks: 1 × 5 = 5)

Given Sentence:
“Imam Bukhari (RH.), a famous Islamic scholar, combined Hadith Sharif enriching the Islamic wisdom to help the Muslim nation to the path of well being and beneficiary knowledge.”

Grammatical Identification & Analysis:

• Determiners: a, the (used before “Islamic wisdom”, “Muslim nation”, “path”).
• Headwords (Nouns): Imam Bukhari (Subject headword), scholar, Hadith Sharif (Object headword), wisdom, nation, path, knowledge.
• Modifiers:
  • Pre-modifiers: famous (adjective modifying scholar), Islamic (adjective modifying scholar and wisdom), Muslim (noun adjunct modifying nation), beneficiary (adjective modifying knowledge).
  • Post-modifiers: (RH.) modifying Imam Bukhari; participle phrase enriching the Islamic wisdom modifying the action/clause.
• Infinitive: to help (infinitive of purpose).
• Appositive: a famous Islamic scholar (renames and provides additional information about the subject “Imam Bukhari”).
• Phrases:
  • Appositive Phrase: a famous Islamic scholar
  • Participle Phrase: enriching the Islamic wisdom
  • Infinitive Phrase: to help the Muslim nation
  • Prepositional Phrases: to the path of well being, of well being and beneficiary knowledge

Or,

Alternative Sentence:
“A poor honest farmer, living in a small village with his wife and children work hard to support himself and his family.”

Grammatical Identification & Analysis:

• Determiners: A, a, his.
• Headwords: farmer (Subject headword), village, wife, children, family.
• Modifiers:
  • Pre-modifiers: poor, honest (adjectives modifying headword ‘farmer’); small (adjective modifying ‘village’).
  • Post-modifier: living in a small village with his wife and children (present participle phrase modifying ‘farmer’).
• Infinitive: to support (infinitive of purpose).
• Appositive: In this alternative sentence, the descriptive element is a participial modifier rather than a noun appositive.
• Phrases:
  • Noun Phrase: A poor honest farmer
  • Participle Phrase: living in a small village with his wife and children
  • Prepositional Phrases: in a small village, with his wife and children
  • Infinitive Phrase: to support himself and his family

2. Re-write the following sentences using right form of verbs (any five): (Marks: 1 × 5 = 5)

1. Question: They (wait) for three hours.
   Answer: They have been waiting for three hours.
   Explanation: Actions starting in the past and continuing up to the present with a duration (‘for three hours’) require Present Perfect Continuous Tense.
2. Question: He talks as if he (know) everything.
   Answer: He talks as if he knew everything.
   Explanation: If the clause preceding ‘as if / as though’ is in the Present Indefinite tense, the following clause takes the Past Subjunctive / Past Indefinite tense.
3. Question: Go fast lest you (fail) to catch the train.
   Answer: Go fast lest you should fail (or might fail) to catch the train.
   Explanation: After the conjunction ‘lest’, the modal auxiliary ‘should’ (or ‘might’) followed by the base form of the verb is used.
4. Question: The children (play) outside now.
   Answer: The children are playing outside now.
   Explanation: The adverb ‘now’ indicates an action currently in progress, requiring Present Continuous Tense.
5. Question: I can’t help (listen) to them.
   Answer: I can’t help listening to them.
   Explanation: After expressions like ‘cannot help’ or ‘could not help’, the gerund (verb + ing) is used.
6. Question: He (write) a letter then.
   Answer: He was writing a letter then.
   Explanation: The adverb ‘then’ in past context indicates an action happening at that past moment, requiring Past Continuous Tense.
7. Question: I (receive) your letter just now.
   Answer: I have received your letter just now.
   Explanation: The adverbial phrase ‘just now’ indicates a recently completed action, requiring Present Perfect Tense.
8. Question: It was long since I (see) you.
   Answer: It was long since I had seen you.
   Explanation: If the clause before ‘since’ is in Past Indefinite tense, the clause after ‘since’ takes Past Perfect Tense.
9. Question: Would that I (change) my fate.
   Answer: Would that I could change my fate.
   Explanation: Unfulfilled wish introduced by ‘Would that’ takes ‘could’ + base form of the verb.
10. Question: I answered (thank) her.
    Answer: I answered thanking her.
    Explanation: The second verb expressing an accompanying action takes present participle form (-ing).

3. Fill in the blanks of the following sentences with appropriate prepositions (any five): (Marks: 1 × 5 = 5)

1. The boat sank beneath (or under) the waves.
2. Love of power is inherent in man.
3. We are thankful to Almighty Allah.
4. The Padma abounds with (or in) fishers (fish).
5. All are not indifferent to the others.
6. The virtuous never hanker after money.
7. Our country is beset with a lot of problems.
8. He tore the letter into pieces.
9. She laid down her life for the country.
10. We should abstain from evil deeds.

4. Change the voice of the following sentences (any five): (Marks: 1 × 5 = 5)

1. Active: Safa was plucking flowers.
   Passive: Flowers were being plucked by Safa.
2. Active: Buy me a nice pen.
   Passive: Let a nice pen be bought for me.
3. Active: He knows me very well.
   Passive: I am known to him very well.
4. Active: Never tell a lie.
   Passive: Let not a lie ever be told.
5. Active: Did the man buy the car?
   Passive: Was the car bought by the man?
6. Active: The manager is going to open a bank.
   Passive: A bank is going to be opened by the manager.
7. Active: English is spoken all over the world.
   Passive: People speak English all over the world. (Active form)
8. Active: The book reads well.
   Passive: The book is good when it is read. (Quasi-passive)
9. Active: Who told you this?
   Passive: By whom were you told this? / By whom was this told to you?
10. Active: Don’t laugh at the poor.
    Passive: Let not the poor be laughed at.

5. Change the following direct speech into indirect speech (any five): (Marks: 1 × 5 = 5)

1. Direct: The passengers said, “What a terrible night it was!”
   Indirect: The passengers exclaimed with fear (or wonder) that it had been a very terrible night.
2. Direct: Mohammad said to Imran, “Do you like to read poetry?”
   Indirect: Mohammad asked Imran if (or whether) he liked to read poetry.
3. Direct: He said, “Don’t sleep in the office.”
   Indirect: He advised (or ordered) not to sleep in the office / He forbade sleeping in the office.
4. Direct: The president said, “May Bangladesh live long.”
   Indirect: The president wished (or prayed) that Bangladesh might live long.
5. Direct: He asked me, “How much did you pay for this book?”
   Indirect: He asked me how much I had paid for that book.
6. Direct: He said to me, “Thank you very much.”
   Indirect: He thanked me very much.
7. Direct: The girl said, “Good morning, father.”
   Indirect: The girl wished her father good morning.
8. Direct: I said to Nipa, “By Allah I will not help you illegally.”
   Indirect: Swearing by Allah, I told Nipa that I would not help her illegally.
9. Direct: The farmer said, “Had I a few pieces of land”
   Indirect: The farmer strongly wished that he had had a few pieces of land.
10. Direct: He said to me, “What is the time by your watch?”
    Indirect: He asked me what the time was by my watch.

6. Make sentences with the following phrases and idioms (any five): (Marks: 1 × 5 = 5)

1. Heart and soul (সর্বান্তঃকরণে / With complete devotion):
   He tried heart and soul to achieve first class in his graduation examination.
2. Burst into tears (কান্নায় ভেঙে পড়া / Suddenly begin crying):
   On hearing the tragic news of her mother’s sudden demise, she burst into tears.
3. Crying need (জরুরি প্রয়োজন / Urgent necessity):
   Quality education and moral values are the crying need of our present society.
4. Gala day (উৎসবের দিন / A day of festive celebration):
   The annual prize giving day of our madrasah was indeed a gala day for all students.
5. Ins and outs (খুঁটিনাটি সকল তথ্য / Full details):
   The experienced lawyer knows all the ins and outs of this complicated civil case.
6. Fight shy of (এড়িয়ে চলা / To avoid deliberately):
   Sensible and honest people always fight shy of bad company and corrupt politicians.
7. Hard cash (নগদ টাকা / Ready currency):
   The property seller demanded payment in hard cash rather than accepting bank cheques.
8. By hook or by crook (যে কোনো উপায়ে / By any means, fair or foul):
   He was desperate to win the prestigious business contract by hook or by crook.
9. Achillies’ heel (দুর্বল দিক / Vulnerable spot):
   Overconfidence in grammar proved to be the candidate’s Achillies’ heel in the competitive exam.
10. Maiden speech (প্রথম বক্তৃতা / First speech delivered by someone):
    His eloquent maiden speech in the parliamentary assembly captivated all listeners.

7. Complete the following sentences with appropriate parts of speech: (Marks: 1 × 10 = 10)

1. Abdullah is very weak today. He cannot walk (Verb).
2. There are many books. Which (Pronoun / Interrogative adjective) book do you need?
3. The sky is cloudy (or dark / overcast) (Adjective). We should not go out.
4. Khadija was always punctual (Adjective). She was never late.
5. If a man sows good seeds, he will reap a good harvest (or crop) (Noun).
6. We are a free nation now. 1971 is the year when we became independent (Adjective).
7. Allah helps them who (Relative Pronoun) help themselves.
8. Holy Ramadan is coming. The Muslims fast (Verb) in the month of Ramadan.
9. Mariam pronounces very well. She pronounced the word quite correctly (or accurately) (Adverb).
10. Every body respects him. His courage won him admiration (or glory / honor) (Noun).

Part B—Translation

Marks—10

8. Translate from the Holy Quran: (Marks: 5 × 2 = 10)

(a) Translate the sura ‘Al-Ikhlas’ or ‘An-Nas’ into English:

Option 1: Surah Al-Ikhlas (سورة الإخلاص)

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ ﴿١﴾ اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ ﴿٢﴾ لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ ﴿٣﴾ وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ ﴿٤﴾

English Translation:
1. Say: He is Allah, the One and Unique.
2. Allah, the Eternal Refuge (upon Whom all depend, and Who depends on none).
3. He neither begets nor was He begotten.
4. And there is none comparable or equal unto Him.

সরল অর্থ:
১. বলুন: তিনি আল্লাহ, একক ও অদ্বিতীয়।
২. আল্লাহ অমুখাপেক্ষী (সকলের আশ্রয়স্থল, তিনি কারো মুখাপেক্ষী নন)।
৩. তিনি কাউকে জন্ম দেননি এবং তাঁকেও জন্ম দেওয়া হয়নি।
৪. এবং তাঁর সমতুল্য কেউই নেই।

Or,

Option 2: Surah An-Nas (سورة الناس)

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ ﴿١﴾ مَلِكِ النَّاسِ ﴿٢﴾ إِلَٰهِ النَّاسِ ﴿٣﴾ مِن شَرِّ الْوَسْوَاسِ الْخَنَّاسِ ﴿٤﴾ الَّذِي يُوَسْوِسُ فِي صُدُورِ النَّاسِ ﴿٥﴾ مِنَ الْجِنَّةِ وَالنَّاسِ ﴿٦﴾

English Translation:
1. Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind,
2. The Sovereign of mankind,
3. The God of mankind,
4. From the evil of the retreating whisperer (who whispers evil then withdraws),
5. Who whispers into the hearts of mankind,
6. From among the jinn and mankind.

সরল অর্থ:
১. বলুন: আমি আশ্রয় প্রার্থনা করছি মানুষের প্রতিপালকের নিকট,
২. মানুষের অধিপতির নিকট,
৩. মানুষের প্রকৃত উপাস্যের নিকট,
৪. আত্মগোপনকারী কুমন্ত্রণাদাতার অনিষ্ট হতে,
৫. যে মানুষের অন্তরে কুমন্ত্রণা দেয়,
৬. জ্বিন এবং মানুষের মধ্য থেকে।

(b) Translate the ayats into English:

Ayat 1: Surah Al-Mulk, Ayat 3
الَّذِي خَلَقَ سَبْعَ سَمَاوَاتٍ طِبَاقًا ۖ مَّا تَرَىٰ فِي خَلْقِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ مِن تَفَاوُتٍ ۖ فَارْجِعِ الْبَصَرَ هَلْ تَرَىٰ مِن فُطُورٍ

English Translation:
“[He] who created seven heavens in layers. You see no flaw, inconsistency, or fault in the creation of the Most Merciful. So look again: do you see any rifts or imperfections?”

সরল অর্থ:
“যিনি সৃষ্টি করেছেন স্তরে স্তরে সপ্ত আকাশ। পরম করুণাময় আল্লাহর সৃষ্টিতে আপনি কোনো প্রকার অসঙ্গতি বা খুঁত দেখতে পাবেন না। অতএব পুনরায় দৃষ্টি ফেরান— কোনো ত্রুটি দেখতে পান কি?”

أو (Alternative)

Surah Al-Kawthar (سورة الكوثر)
إِنَّا أَعْطَيْنَاكَ الْكَوْثَرَ ﴿١﴾ فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَانْحَرْ ﴿٢﴾ إِنَّ شَانِئَكَ هُوَ الْأَبْتَرُ ﴿٣﴾

English Translation:
1. Indeed, We have granted you [O Muhammad] the Abundance (Al-Kawthar).
2. So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone].
3. Indeed, your enemy is the one cut off [from all posterity and goodness].

সরল অর্থ:
১. নিশ্চয় আমি আপনাকে কাউসার (প্রভূত কল্যাণ) দান করেছি।
২. অতএব আপনি আপনার রবের উদ্দেশ্যে সালাত আদায় করুন এবং কুরবানী সম্পন্ন করুন।
৩. নিশ্চয় আপনার শত্রুই তো বংশধরহীন, লেজকাটা ও নির্বংশ।

Part C—Composition

Marks—30

9. Write a paragraph on any one of the following topic: (Marks: 10)

(a) The Impact of Climate Change

Climate change is currently the most formidable environmental, economic, and existential challenge confronting humankind. It refers to significant, long-term alterations in global temperatures and prevailing weather patterns over extended periods. Although natural occurrences have historically altered climatic conditions, since the beginning of the industrial revolution, reckless human activities—such as relentless burning of fossil fuels, rampant deforestation, and unrestrained industrial emissions—have released massive quantities of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. Consequently, global average temperatures are surging, triggering catastrophic ecological consequences. Polar ice caps and glaciers are melting at alarming velocities, resulting in sea level rise that threatens to inundate low-lying riverine countries, most notably Bangladesh. Furthermore, erratic precipitation patterns have led to intense droughts, severe heatwaves, catastrophic flash floods, and ferocious cyclonic storms. These adverse phenomena inflict catastrophic damage on agricultural productivity, triggering acute food shortages and displacing millions of climate refugees. To mitigate the catastrophic consequences of climate change, the international community must transition rapidly toward renewable energy sources, enforce strict carbon reduction targets, promote global afforestation, and foster sustainable environmental practices before the planetary crisis becomes irremediable.

Or,

(b) Metro Rail

Metro Rail represents a monumental milestone in the development of public transportation and infrastructure modernization in Bangladesh. Initiated under the visionary stewardship of the Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit (MRT Line-6) project, the metro rail has revolutionized urban mobility in the densely populated capital city of Dhaka. Characterized by state-of-the-art electric multiple-unit trains, elevated viaducts, automated ticketing systems, and pristine stations, it offers passengers a safe, rapid, comfortable, and environmentally benign alternative to notorious traffic gridlocks. The first phase from Uttara North to Agargaon was opened to the public in December 2022, and its expansion to Motijheel has dramatically curtailed travel time from over two hours to merely thirty minutes. By providing a punctual and congestion-free commuting network, Metro Rail not only enhances individual productivity and economic efficiency but also significantly reduces vehicular noise and air pollution by operating on eco-friendly electrical energy. Moreover, designated coaches for women and accessible facilities for physically challenged citizens highlight its inclusive social ethos. In summary, Metro Rail has elevated urban lifestyle standards and stands as a glorious testament to national capability and smart modernization.

10. Write an application to the principal of your madrasah requesting him for permission to set up an “English Debating Club” at the madrasah. (Marks: 10)

Date: 28 October 2022
To
The Principal
Darul Uloom Alia Madrasah, Dhaka.
Subject: Request for permission to set up an “English Debating Club”.

Sir,
We, the students of Fazil BA (Hon’s) 1st Year in the Department of Al-Quran and Islamic Studies, beg most respectfully to lay before you the following request for your kind and sympathetic consideration.

In this modern era of globalization, proficiency in the English language and eloquence in logical presentation are indispensable for preaching Islamic universal values and representing our Islamic heritage on global academic platforms. An English Debating Club can provide our students with an exceptional forum to sharpen their critical thinking, augment spontaneous communication skills, and develop leadership qualities through regular debates, symposiums, and group discussions. Many talented students of our institution are eager to cultivate their oratorical skills in English but lack an organized institutional platform.

We, therefore, fervently pray and hope that your honor would be kind enough to grant us permission to establish an “English Debating Club” on the madrasah campus and nominate a respected faculty member from the Department of English as our patron and moderator.

We remain,
Sir,
Yours most obediently,
Students of Fazil BA (Hon’s) 1st Year
Department of Al-Quran and Islamic Studies
Darul Uloom Alia Madrasah, Dhaka.

Or,

Write an application to the principal of your madrasah to set up a canteen in the madrasah compound.

Date: 29 October 2022
To
The Principal
Tamirul Millat Kamil Madrasah, Tongi, Gazipur.
Subject: Application for setting up a canteen in the madrasah compound.

Sir,
We, the students of your esteemed madrasah, have the honor to state that ours is one of the largest educational institutions in the country with thousands of students attending classes from morning until late afternoon. However, it is a matter of great hardship that there is no hygienic canteen within the madrasah compound.

During the tiffin break and long intervals between lectures, students and teachers feel intensely hungry and thirsty. In the absence of an in-campus canteen, students are compelled to buy substandard, uncovered, and unhygienic foods from roadside vendors, which causes various stomach illnesses and health hazards. A neat and subsidized canteen providing nutritious snacks, tea, and clean drinking water would be of immense benefit to the entire student body and faculty members.

May we, therefore, pray and hope that your benevolent honor would be magnanimous enough to take prompt measures to establish a hygienic canteen on the madrasah premises and oblige thereby.

We remain,
Sir,
Yours obediently,
Students of Tamirul Millat Kamil Madrasah.

11. Write a dialogue between you and your friend on the importance of learning English. (Marks: 10)

A dialogue between Abdullah and his friend Salman on the importance of learning English:

Abdullah: Assalamu Alaikum, Salman. How are you doing today?
Salman: Wa Alaikumus Salaam, Abdullah. I am doing well, thank you. You look quite absorbed with that thick book. What are you reading?
Abdullah: I am studying an advanced English vocabulary and communication book. It is truly fascinating.
Salman: Why are you dedicating so much energy to English? We already speak Bengali and study Arabic for our religious courses.
Abdullah: That is true, Salman, but English is the primary international lingua franca. In today’s interconnected world, almost all modern disciplines—such as technology, medical science, trade, and higher research—are documented in English.
Salman: I see your point, but how is it relevant to us as Islamic Studies students?
Abdullah: It is immensely crucial for us! If we want to present the authentic, peaceful teachings of Islam to the global community and refute international misconceptions, we must articulate our message fluently in English.
Salman: That is a profound perspective. Without mastering international languages, our academic reach remains confined within regional borders.
Abdullah: Exactly. Furthermore, English proficiency unlocks prestigious international scholarships and provides access to global scholarly publications.
Salman: You have truly opened my eyes, Abdullah. I had neglected English communication for too long. How can I start improving?
Abdullah: Start by reading English newspapers daily, listening to standard podcasts, and practicing spoken dialogue with friends. We can practice speaking English together every day.
Salman: That sounds brilliant! Thank you so much for this inspiring conversation.
Abdullah: You are most welcome, my brother. Let us embark on this journey together.

Or,

Write a dialogue between you and your friend about the advantages and disadvantages of internet.

A dialogue between Zahid and his friend Farhan on the pros and cons of internet:

Zahid: Hello Farhan, what are you doing with your smartphone for such a long time?
Farhan: Hi Zahid! I am researching reference material for our upcoming term paper using the internet. The sheer abundance of information online is breathtaking!
Zahid: Absolutely, the internet is undoubtedly one of the greatest technological triumphs of human history. It has turned the vast globe into a tiny global village.
Farhan: True. Think of the boundless advantages: instant communication across oceans, access to world-class academic digital libraries, online banking, distance learning, and seamless international commerce.
Zahid: I fully agree on its blessings, Farhan. But have you ever reflected on the dark side and disadvantages of unrestrained internet usage?
Farhan: Are you referring to cybercrimes and time wastage?
Zahid: Precisely. Many young individuals are severely addicted to social media and futile online gaming, squandering their precious productive hours. Moreover, privacy breaches, exposure to obscene content, misinformation, and cyberbullying pose grave moral and psychological threats.
Farhan: You are completely right. Constant screen exposure also damages eyesight and reduces real-world human interactions and physical exercises.
Zahid: So the internet is essentially a double-edged sword. Its impact depends entirely upon how prudently and constructively one employs it.
Farhan: Well said. We must harness its educational and beneficial capabilities while exercising self-discipline to guard against its corruptive perils.
Zahid: Exactly! Balanced and purposeful usage is the true key.
Farhan: Thank you, Zahid, for this thoughtful and fruitful dialogue.

সাধারণ জিজ্ঞাসা (FAQ)