Unit Seven: Youthful Achievers Lesson 1 Brojen Das: On Crossing the English Channel || Textbook page 114, 115, 116 & 117 || English first paper || Bangla meaning, line by line Bangla meaning, text questions and solution , short questions and summary ||

Unit Seven: Youthful Achievers
Lesson 1 Brojen Das: On Crossing the English Channel || Textbook page 114, 115, 116 & 117 || English first paper || Bangla meaning, line by line Bangla meaning, text questions and solution , short questions and summary ||

Unit Seven: Youthful Achievers
Lesson 1 Brojen Das: On Crossing the English Channel

Brojen Das was born on 9 December 1927 in

Munshiganj. He was a legendary swimmer who became the first person from Asia to swim across the English Channel in 1958. He crossed the channel six times and set a world record in channel swimming in 1961.

The government of Bangladesh honoured him with the National Sports award in 1976 and Swadhinata Padak (posthumously) in 1999. He also received the Pride of Performance award in 1959 from the Pakistan government and the King of Channel trophy from UK. Mr Das breathed his last on 1 June 1998.
Following is an abridged version of a memoir by Brojen Das in which he gives a captivating account of his record-breaking performance in the English Channel.

Here is the line-by-line Bangla meaning of your provided text:

Brojen Das was born on 9 December 1927 in Munshiganj.

ব্রজেন দাস ১৯২৭ সালের ৯ ডিসেম্বর মুন্সিগঞ্জে জন্মগ্রহণ করেন।

He was a legendary swimmer who became the first person from Asia to swim across the English Channel in 1958.
তিনি ছিলেন একজন কিংবদন্তি সাঁতারু, যিনি ১৯৫৮ সালে এশিয়া থেকে প্রথম ব্যক্তি হিসেবে ইংলিশ চ্যানেল অতিক্রম করেন।

He crossed the channel six times and set a world record in channel swimming in 1961.
তিনি ছয়বার ইংলিশ চ্যানেল অতিক্রম করেন এবং ১৯৬১ সালে চ্যানেল সাঁতারে বিশ্ব রেকর্ড গড়েন।

The government of Bangladesh honoured him with the National Sports award in 1976 and Swadhinata Padak (posthumously) in 1999.
বাংলাদেশ সরকার তাকে ১৯৭৬ সালে জাতীয় ক্রীড়া পুরস্কার এবং ১৯৯৯ সালে (মরণোত্তর) স্বাধীনতা পদক প্রদান করে।

He also received the Pride of Performance award in 1959 from the Pakistan government and the King of Channel trophy from UK.
তিনি ১৯৫৯ সালে পাকিস্তান সরকারের কাছ থেকে ‘প্রাইড অব পারফরম্যান্স’ পুরস্কার এবং যুক্তরাজ্য থেকে ‘কিং অব চ্যানেল’ ট্রফি লাভ করেন।

Mr Das breathed his last on 1 June 1998.
ব্রজেন দাস ১৯৯৮ সালের ১ জুন শেষ নিঃশ্বাস ত্যাগ করেন।

Following is an abridged version of a memoir by Brojen Das in which he gives a captivating account of his record-breaking performance in the English Channel.
নিম্নে ব্রজেন দাসের স্মৃতিচারণের সংক্ষিপ্ত সংস্করণ দেওয়া হলো, যেখানে তিনি ইংলিশ চ্যানেলে তার রেকর্ডভঙ্গ সাঁতারের একটি মনোমুগ্ধকর বিবরণ দিয়েছেন।

A. Read the text below and answers the questions that follow.

I had not failed my country
Brojen Das

I could hear very faint voices as if coming from the other side of the world. The time was about 4:00 in the morning and the date September 22, 1961. I was feeling tired and exhausted and was encountering stiff opposition from the strong tide. I looked towards my accompanying motorboat carrying my manager Quazi Mohammad Ali, skipper Len Hutchinson and the official observer, Mr. J. U. Wood. They were all pointing towards the Kent shore. As I looked up, I could see flashes. I realized I was very close to the shore.

I asked what the time was and how far I had still to go. They told me that if I put the last ounce of energy into my swimming, I would set a new world record for France to England swim. This electrified me. The goal for which I had been striving for the past four years could be mine. The aim, which goaded me to swim the Channel six times, each time risking my life and reputation, was so close. Yet it could be far...

Treachery of Weather

The Channel, with its cold biting water, the winds, the waves and the tides does not make things easier. The unpredictable weather changes for the worse after a swimmer jumps in. It has never, to my knowledge. changed for the better for anyone yet... Apart from stamina and practice of long distance swimming, one must have the grit, determination and courage to subdue the Channel. Weather and ill luck have conspired and joined hands many a time to defeat Channel swimmers. They had defeated me no less than five times....

The final shot

On the morning of 9 September 1961, after finishing my swim, I had gone to bed. The BBC-TV cameramen filmed me in my bed. Although very tired after swimming for 11 hours and 48 minutes, I could not fall asleep. The thought that I had once again failed my country, friends and fans was disturbing me. After only four hours sleep the following night, I decided to try again for the sixth time... had fixed the tentative date for September 20. On that day I took the ferry to Calais.

Sea Sick

I get sea-sick in the ferry and also during swimming if there are breakers or waves. This sea-sickness was the main cause of my failure to set a world record on September 8/9 or even in 1960. The night rest at the Cap Gris Nez hotel did me immense good. I felt on top of the world. The weather on September 21 was near perfect. I jumped into the water within 12 days of my 5th swim, a record in itself after saying a little prayer, asking God to give me good weather all through and to crown me with success. Nearly the whole of Cap Gris Nez village had turned out to wish me luck and see me enter the water for the sixth time.....

Plunge And After

Once in water, you get oblivious of time, distance or direction. The only thought which kept me worried, was that I must make it and that I must get good weather all the way. The second half of the swim is always very difficult. And if even little waves develop, it saps the ebbing energy of the swimmer all the more. Taking a lesson from my previous swims I kept my speed at a steady pace for I knew I would need every ounce of my energy towards the close....

I felt hungry and famished and shouted for my manager. In reply. I was told that I could not afford to waste 10 minutes in having the feed! If I have to break the record, I must swim on with all my might. But I refused...1 am sorry now for it. For if I had gone on, I might have finished the whole swim in less than 10 hours and 15 minutes creating a new world record from both sides....

Last Efforts

After the feed I really got my teeth into the strokes.... I was squeezing my body for the last drop of energy I could get out of it.... and edged on inch by inch. The people in the motorboat were cheering me. I saw the flash on the Kent shore very clearly. I realized I was very close. I could see the record, like the proverbial carrot, dangling before my swollen eyes....
I kept pulling myself on... a little more, just a little more... the momentum was building up- then I felt rocks, sharp and craggy... Then a big rock appeared before me. And that was it.... the shore it was... the time: 4.35 a.m. GMT: I had broken the world record by 15 minutes. I thanked God for fulfilling my life's ambition. Then I remembered my parents. I had not failed my country.

Here are Some important word meaning in bangla 

1. Faint – দুর্বল, অস্পষ্ট

   • Synonym: Weak, Dim
   • Antonym: Strong, Clear

2. Exhausted – ক্লান্ত, নিঃশেষিত

   • Synonym: Tired, Fatigued
   • Antonym: Energetic, Fresh

3. Opposition – বাধা, প্রতিরোধ

   • Synonym: Resistance, Obstruction
   • Antonym: Support, Agreement

4. Accompanying – সঙ্গ দেওয়া, সাথে থাকা

   • Synonym: Attending, Escorting
   • Antonym: Abandoning, Leaving

5. Observer – পর্যবেক্ষক, সাক্ষী

   • Synonym: Witness, Spectator
   • Antonym: Participant, Ignorer

6. Realize – উপলব্ধি করা, বুঝতে পারা

   • Synonym: Understand, Comprehend
   • Antonym: Misunderstand, Ignore

7. Electrify – উজ্জীবিত করা, চমকে দেওয়া

   • Synonym: Thrill, Excite
   • Antonym: Bore, Depress

8. Striving – প্রচেষ্টা করা, সংগ্রাম করা

   • Synonym: Struggling, Endeavoring
   • Antonym: Surrendering, Quitting

9. Goaded – উস্কে দেওয়া, তাড়িত করা

   • Synonym: Provoked, Motivated
   • Antonym: Discouraged, Hindered

10. Reputation – খ্যাতি, সুনাম

• Synonym: Fame, Prestige
• Antonym: Disgrace, Dishonor

11. Treachery – বিশ্বাসঘাতকতা, প্রতারণা

• Synonym: Betrayal, Deception
• Antonym: Loyalty, Honesty

12. Biting – কামড়ানো, কড়া শীতল

• Synonym: Sharp, Chilling
• Antonym: Mild, Warm

13. Unpredictable – অনিশ্চিত, পূর্বানুমান করা কঠিন

• Synonym: Uncertain, Erratic
• Antonym: Predictable, Expected

14. Subdue – দমন করা, নিয়ন্ত্রণ করা

• Synonym: Overcome, Suppress
• Antonym: Surrender, Release

15. Conspired – চক্রান্ত করা, ষড়যন্ত্র করা

• Synonym: Plotted, Schemed
• Antonym: Cooperated, Helped

16. Defeat – পরাজয়, ব্যর্থতা

• Synonym: Loss, Failure
• Antonym: Victory, Triumph

17. Tentative – পরীক্ষামূলক, অনিশ্চিত

• Synonym: Uncertain, Hesitant
• Antonym: Definite, Certain

18. Immense – বিশাল, অপরিসীম

• Synonym: Huge, Enormous
• Antonym: Small, Tiny

19. Plunge – ঝাঁপ দেওয়া, ডুবে যাওয়া

• Synonym: Dive, Immerse
• Antonym: Rise, Emerge

20. Oblivious – অজ্ঞ, ভুলে যাওয়া

• Synonym: Unaware, Forgetful
• Antonym: Aware, Mindful

21. Famished – ক্ষুধার্ত, অনাহারে কষ্ট পাওয়া

• Synonym: Starving, Hungry
• Antonym: Full, Satisfied

22. Momentum – গতি, শক্তি

• Synonym: Force, Drive
• Antonym: Weakness, Slowness

23. Saps – দুর্বল করা, নিঃশেষ করা

• Synonym: Weakens, Exhausts
• Antonym: Strengthens, Energizes

24. Ebbing – হ্রাস পাওয়া, কমে যাওয়া

• Synonym: Declining, Diminishing
• Antonym: Rising, Increasing

25. Strokes – আঘাত, সাঁতারের কৌশল

• Synonym: Strikes, Moves
• Antonym: Stillness, Inactivity

26. Swollen – ফোলা, স্ফীত

• Synonym: Inflamed, Enlarged
• Antonym: Shrunken, Reduced

27. Craggy – পাথুরে, রুক্ষ

• Synonym: Rocky, Jagged
• Antonym: Smooth, Flat

28. Dangling – ঝুলন্ত, দোলানো

• Synonym: Hanging, Swinging
• Antonym: Fixed, Steady

29. Crown – মুকুট পরানো, বিজয়ী ঘোষণা করা

• Synonym: Honor, Reward
• Antonym: Dishonor, Remove

30. Shore – উপকূল, তীর

• Synonym: Coast, Beach
• Antonym: Sea, Ocean

31. Disturbing – বিরক্তিকর, উদ্বেগজনক

• Synonym: Upsetting, Unsettling
• Antonym: Calming, Comforting

32. Determination – দৃঢ় সংকল্প, প্রত্যয়

• Synonym: Resolve, Perseverance
• Antonym: Hesitation, Weakness

33. Risking – ঝুঁকি নেওয়া, বিপদে ফেলা

• Synonym: Endangering, Venturing
• Antonym: Securing, Protecting

34. Surrender – আত্মসমর্পণ, হাল ছেড়ে দেওয়া

• Synonym: Yield, Give up
• Antonym: Resist, Defend

35. Grit – সাহস, ধৈর্য

• Synonym: Courage, Tenacity
• Antonym: Cowardice, Weakness

36. Filmed – চিত্রায়িত, ধারণ করা

• Synonym: Recorded, Captured
• Antonym: Erased, Removed

37. Shouted – চিৎকার করা, জোরে বলা

• Synonym: Yelled, Screamed
• Antonym: Whispered, Murmured

38. Predictable – পূর্বানুমেয়, সহজেই বোঝা যায় এমন

• Synonym: Expected, Foreseeable
• Antonym: Unpredictable, Uncertain

39. Ferry – ফেরি নৌকা, নৌযান

• Synonym: Boat, Vessel
• Antonym: Land transport

40. Courage – সাহস, দৃঢ়তা

• Synonym: Bravery, Valor
• Antonym: Fear, Timidity

 Unit Seven: Youthful Achievers

Lesson 1 Brojen Das: On Crossing the English Channel Text Questions and Solutions. 

Model Question on Lesson 1 Brojen Das: On Crossing the English Channel

Here is the line-by-line Bangla meaning of the full passage as per your request:

1. I could hear very faint voices as if coming from the other side of the world.

আমি খুব ক্ষীণ স্বর শুনতে পাচ্ছিলাম, যেন তা পৃথিবীর অন্য দিক থেকে আসছে।

2. The time was about 4:00 in the morning and the date September 22, 1961.
সময় ছিল ভোর ৪টার কাছাকাছি এবং দিনটি ছিল ২২ সেপ্টেম্বর, ১৯৬১।

3. I was feeling tired and exhausted and was encountering stiff opposition from the strong tide.
আমি ক্লান্ত ও পরিশ্রান্ত অনুভব করছিলাম এবং প্রবল স্রোতের বিরুদ্ধে প্রচণ্ড প্রতিরোধের সম্মুখীন হচ্ছিলাম।

4. I looked towards my accompanying motorboat carrying my manager Quazi Mohammad Ali, skipper Len Hutchinson and the official observer, Mr. J. U. Wood.
আমি আমার সঙ্গে থাকা মোটরবোটের দিকে তাকালাম, যেখানে আমার ব্যবস্থাপক কাজী মোহাম্মদ আলী, অধিনায়ক লেন হাচিনসন এবং সরকারি পর্যবেক্ষক জনাব জে. ইউ. উড ছিলেন।

5. They were all pointing towards the Kent shore.
তারা সবাই কেন্টের উপকূলের দিকে ইঙ্গিত করছিলেন।

6. As I looked up, I could see flashes.
আমি উপরের দিকে তাকাতেই আলোর ঝলক দেখতে পেলাম।

7. I realized I was very close to the shore.
আমি বুঝতে পারলাম যে আমি উপকূলের খুব কাছাকাছি পৌঁছে গিয়েছি।

8. I asked what the time was and how far I had still to go.
আমি জিজ্ঞাসা করলাম, এখন কয়টা বাজে এবং আমাকে আর কতদূর যেতে হবে।

9. They told me that if I put the last ounce of energy into my swimming, I would set a new world record for France to England swim.
তারা আমাকে বললেন, যদি আমি আমার শেষ শক্তিটুকু দিয়ে সাঁতার কাটতে থাকি, তাহলে আমি ফ্রান্স থেকে ইংল্যান্ড সাঁতারের একটি নতুন বিশ্ব রেকর্ড গড়তে পারব।

10. This electrified me.
এটি আমাকে প্রবল উদ্দীপ্ত করল।

11. The goal for which I had been striving for the past four years could be mine.
যে লক্ষ্যের জন্য আমি গত চার বছর ধরে চেষ্টা করে আসছিলাম, সেটি আমার হতে পারে।

12. The aim, which goaded me to swim the Channel six times, each time risking my life and reputation, was so close.
যে লক্ষ্য আমাকে ছয়বার চ্যানেল পার হওয়ার জন্য উদ্বুদ্ধ করেছিল, প্রতিবার জীবন ও সুনাম ঝুঁকিতে ফেলে, সেটি এতটাই কাছাকাছি ছিল।

13. Yet it could be far...
তবুও এটি দূরেও হতে পারে...

Treachery of Weather (আবহাওয়ার বিশ্বাসঘাতকতা)

14. The Channel, with its cold biting water, the winds, the waves and the tides does not make things easier.
ইংলিশ চ্যানেলের ঠান্ডা হাড়-কাঁপানো পানি, বাতাস, ঢেউ এবং স্রোত পরিস্থিতিকে সহজ করে না।

15. The unpredictable weather changes for the worse after a swimmer jumps in.
একজন সাঁতারু পানিতে ঝাঁপ দেওয়ার পর আবহাওয়া অনিশ্চিতভাবে খারাপ হয়ে যায়।

16. It has never, to my knowledge, changed for the better for anyone yet...
আমার জানা মতে, এটি কখনো কারও জন্য ভালো দিকে পরিবর্তিত হয়নি...

17. Apart from stamina and practice of long-distance swimming, one must have the grit, determination and courage to subdue the Channel.
সহনশীলতা ও দীর্ঘ দূরত্ব সাঁতারের অনুশীলনের পাশাপাশি, চ্যানেল জয় করার জন্য একজনের অবশ্যই দৃঢ় সংকল্প, ধৈর্য ও সাহস থাকতে হবে।

18. Weather and ill luck have conspired and joined hands many a time to defeat Channel swimmers.
আবহাওয়া ও দুর্ভাগ্য বহুবার একত্রিত হয়ে চ্যানেল সাঁতারুদের পরাজিত করেছে।

19. They had defeated me no less than five times...
তারা আমাকে কমপক্ষে পাঁচবার পরাজিত করেছিল...

The Final Shot (শেষ প্রচেষ্টা)

20. On the morning of 9 September 1961, after finishing my swim, I had gone to bed.
৯ সেপ্টেম্বর ১৯৬১ সালের সকালে, সাঁতার শেষ করার পর আমি বিছানায় গিয়েছিলাম।

21. The BBC-TV cameramen filmed me in my bed.
বিবিসি-টিভির ক্যামেরাম্যানরা আমাকে আমার বিছানায় ধারণ করেছিলেন।

22. Although very tired after swimming for 11 hours and 48 minutes, I could not fall asleep.
১১ ঘণ্টা ৪৮ মিনিট সাঁতারের পর খুব ক্লান্ত থাকলেও আমি ঘুমাতে পারছিলাম না।

23. The thought that I had once again failed my country, friends and fans was disturbing me.
আমার দেশ, বন্ধু ও ভক্তদের আবারও হতাশ করেছি—এই চিন্তাটি আমাকে বিচলিত করছিল।

24. After only four hours sleep the following night, I decided to try again for the sixth time...
পরের রাতে মাত্র চার ঘণ্টা ঘুমের পর, আমি ষষ্ঠবার চেষ্টা করার সিদ্ধান্ত নিলাম...

Sea Sick (সমুদ্রপীড়া)

25. I get sea-sick in the ferry and also during swimming if there are breakers or waves.
আমি ফেরিতে এবং ঢেউ থাকলে সাঁতারের সময় সমুদ্রপীড়ায় ভুগি।

26. This sea-sickness was the main cause of my failure to set a world record on September 8/9 or even in 1960.
এই সমুদ্রপীড়াই ৮/৯ সেপ্টেম্বর বা এমনকি ১৯৬০ সালে বিশ্ব রেকর্ড করতে না পারার প্রধান কারণ ছিল।

27. The night rest at the Cap Gris Nez hotel did me immense good.
ক্যাপ গ্রি নেজ হোটেলে রাতের বিশ্রাম আমাকে অনেক উপকার করেছিল।

Plunge And After (ঝাঁপ দেওয়া ও পরবর্তী সময়)

28. Once in water, you get oblivious of time, distance or direction.
একবার পানিতে নামলে, সময়, দূরত্ব বা দিক সম্পর্কে ধারণা হারিয়ে যায়।

29. The only thought which kept me worried, was that I must make it and that I must get good weather all the way.
আমার একমাত্র চিন্তা ছিল, আমাকে অবশ্যই এটি সম্পন্ন করতে হবে এবং আমাকে পুরো পথ ভালো আবহাওয়া পেতে হবে।

30. Taking a lesson from my previous swims I kept my speed at a steady pace...
আমার আগের সাঁতার থেকে শিক্ষা নিয়ে আমি আমার গতি স্থির রেখেছিলাম...

Last Efforts (শেষ প্রচেষ্টা)

31. After the feed I really got my teeth into the strokes...
খাবার গ্রহণের পর আমি সত্যিই জোরে সাঁতার কাটতে শুরু করলাম...

32. The people in the motorboat were cheering me.
মোটরবোটের লোকেরা আমাকে উৎসাহিত করছিল।

33. Then a big rock appeared before me.
তারপর আমার সামনে একটি বড় পাথর দেখা দিল।

34. And that was it.... the shore it was...
এটাই ছিল... উপকূল পৌঁছে গিয়েছি...

35. The time: 4.35 a.m. GMT: I had broken the world record by 15 minutes.
সময়: সকাল ৪.৩৫ GMT: আমি ১৫ মিনিটের ব্যবধানে বিশ্ব রেকর্ড ভেঙে দিয়েছিলাম।

36. I thanked God for fulfilling my life's ambition.
আমি আমার জীবনের লক্ষ্য পূরণের জন্য সৃষ্টিকর্তাকে ধন্যবাদ জানালাম।

37. Then I remembered my parents. I had not failed my country.
তারপর আমি আমার বাবা-মাকে মনে করলাম। আমি আমার দেশকে হতাশ করিনি।

Unit Seven: Youthful Achievers
Lesson 1 Brojen Das: On Crossing the English Channel Text Questions and Solutions. 

Model Question on Lesson 1 Brojen Das: On Crossing the English Channel

Answer Question No. B

Here are the meanings of the given phrases/idioms along with example sentences:

1. Last drop of energy – The very last bit of strength or effort one has left.

   • Sentence: After running the marathon, he used the last drop of energy to cross the finish line.

2. To be on top of the world – To feel extremely happy or successful.

   • Sentence: When she won the gold medal, she felt on top of the world.

3. To get one's teeth into – To become fully engaged or involved in something with great enthusiasm.

   • Sentence: He got his teeth into the new project and worked tirelessly to make it successful.

4. To be crowned with success – To achieve great success or reach one’s goal.

   • Sentence: After years of hard work, his research was crowned with success when he received the Nobel Prize.

5. With all one's might – Using all of one's strength or effort.

   • Sentence: She pulled the heavy suitcase with all her might to get it up the stairs.

C. Choose the best answer for each of the questions.

1. The last half of the Chanel swim is -

i) less challenging than the first half
ii) more challenging than the first half
iii) as difficult as the first one
iv) all of the above

2. Brojen Das went to swim in the English Channel on 21 September 1961-

i) within 12 days of his 5th swim
ii) within a week of his previous Channel swim
iii) immediately after his 5th swim
iv) after 11 hours and 48 minutes of his 5th swim

3. He finished the 6th swim

1) a little bit late than expected

ii) just on time

iii) 15 minutes after the time set by the Channel authority

iv) 15 minutes before the time taken by the previous record holder

4. Brojen Das used to suffer from seasickness -

i) when he was in the ferry

ii) when he was in cold water

iii) when there were rocks in front of him

iv) when he felt hungry

5. The people of the Cap Gris Nez came to the shore to

1) congratulate Brojen Das upon his success

ii) to see off Brojen Das

iii) to welcome Brojen Das

iv) to take photos with him

6. Once a swimmer gets into the Channel water. -

i) he/she cannot keep a track of the time

ii) he/she cannot keep a track of the directions

iii) he/she cannot keep track of the distance

iv) all of the above

Answer Question No. C

Here are the correct answers to the multiple-choice questions based on the passage:

1. The last half of the Channel swim is -
   ii) more challenging than the first half

2. Brojen Das went to swim in the English Channel on 21 September 1961 -
   i) within 12 days of his 5th swim

3. He finished the 6th swim -
   iv) 15 minutes before the time taken by the previous record holder

4. Brojen Das used to suffer from seasickness -
   i) when he was in the ferry

5. The people of the Cap Gris Nez came to the shore to -
   ii) to see off Brojen Das

6. Once a swimmer gets into the Channel water -
   iv) all of the above

Unit Seven: Youthful Achievers
Lesson 1 Brojen Das: On Crossing the English Channel Text Questions and Solutions. 

Model Question on Lesson 1 Brojen Das: On Crossing the English Channel

D. Suppose you are a sports journalist. You are going to interview a swimmer after his/her record-breaking performance at the national sports competition. Make a list of 5 questions that you would like to ask the swimmer.

Answer Question No. D

As a sports journalist interviewing a swimmer after their record-breaking performance at a national sports competition, I would ask the following five questions:

1. How do you feel after achieving this incredible milestone and breaking the national record?
2. What was the most challenging part of the competition, and how did you overcome it?
3. Can you walk us through your training regimen and preparation leading up to this event?
4. Was there any moment during the competition when you felt like giving up? If so, what kept you going?
5. What are your future goals, and do you have your sights set on any international records or competitions?

E. Now, complete the story about a village girl called Urmila, who became champion in a national swimming competition at the age of 14. Write no more than 180 words.

Urmila was a little girl who grew up in a village named Patuair in Kishoreganj district. A small river called Phuleswari flowed through her village. At the age of five, Urmila used to go to the river with her father and started to learn swimming. Her mother did not like the idea of her daughter swimming in the river. But her father was happy to train Urmila to be a competent swimmer. Who knew that the little girl would become an accomplished swimmer one day!

Answer Question No. E

By the time Urmila was ten, she could swim across the river effortlessly. Her father encouraged her to take part in local swimming competitions, where she started winning medals. Soon, her talent caught the attention of the district sports officials, who selected her for advanced training.

At the age of 12, Urmila moved to the city to train under professional coaches. She worked tirelessly, practicing for hours every day. Her dedication and hard work paid off when she qualified for the national swimming championship. Competing against some of the best swimmers in the country, Urmila gave her best performance.

On the final day of the competition, she felt nervous but determined. As the race began, she focused on her strokes, maintaining a steady pace. With sheer determination, she surged ahead of her competitors and touched the finish line first. Urmila had become the national champion at just 14!

Tears of joy filled her eyes as she stood on the podium, holding her gold medal. She had made her family and village proud. Urmila’s journey had just begun, and she dreamed of representing her country one day.

F. Group project: Visit the website http://www.brojendas.com/conqueringthe.htm. Choose some photos of Brojen Das from the site. Write captions for each of the photos. Make a poster on Brojen Das and give a group presentation to the class.

Answer Question No. F

I cannot access external websites directly, but you and your group can visit http://www.brojendas.com/conqueringthe.htm to find photos of Brojen Das. Here’s how you can complete your group project:

Steps for the Group Project:

1. Visit the Website – Look for photos of Brojen Das, especially those related to his English Channel swims.
2. Choose Photos – Select images that highlight important moments in his life, such as training, swimming, receiving awards, or celebrating his achievements.
3. Write Captions – For each photo, write a brief caption describing the moment. Example captions:
   • "Brojen Das during his record-breaking English Channel swim in 1961."
   • "Receiving the ‘King of the Channel’ trophy for his outstanding achievements."
   • "A proud moment: Brojen Das with his team after completing the historic swim."
4. Create a Poster – Arrange the photos and captions creatively on a poster. Include key facts about his life and achievements.
5. Group Presentation – Assign roles within your group. Some members can explain the photos, while others talk about his impact on sports history.

Unit Seven: Youthful Achievers
Lesson 1 Brojen Das: On Crossing the English Channel Text Questions and Solutions. 

Model Question on Lesson 1 Brojen Das: On Crossing the English Channel

Thanks for reading my articles. If it is helpful for you please share to your friends.