Find the Content and Exercises with Solution
Lesson Objectives
This lesson aims to enhance students' reading comprehension, critical thinking, and social awareness through a nonfiction text about the river gypsies of Bangladesh. Students will interpret key ideas, answer both objective and analytical questions, build vocabulary, practice grammar with suffixes and prefixes, and transfer information by completing tables and fill-in-the-blanks. The activities also promote understanding of marginalised communities and the impact of environmental and social changes on traditional lifestyles.
B. Read the text and answer the following questions.
River gypsies in Bangladesh face various problems. First, Bangladesh is getting urbanised very rapidly. Gypsy people are losing their customers among the urban population. Hence, their income is threatened. Secondly, 24,000 kilometres of previous waterways shrink to only 6,000 kilometres in the country in dry seasons.
Scientists believe that Bangladesh will be worst affected by global climate change. The unpredictable rain and drying out of rivers have made boat movement heavily restricted. Thirdly, many river gypsies are changing their lifestyle in the context of changed reality. They are thinking of living permanently on land. The state feels that river gypsies need help to survive in the mainstream population. Therefore, the government is offering voting rights, permanent housing and bank loan facilities. However, changes do not come overnight.
Traditionally, river gypsies are used to water life. They have inherited from their forefathers necessary life skills to survive in water. They have no education and training to adapt to mainstream modern society. So the state feels the need to bring them under formal education network. But they have no permanent living place. Gypsy children are born and brought up on the boats. Therefore, they cannot go to conventional schools. And hence, mobile boat-schools are being established for gypsy children. Some voluntary organizations are running special schools on boat to educate river gypsy children in some areas.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Word | Word |
|---|---|---|
| Nomadic | Marginalisation | Adaptability |
| Displacement | Ethnicity | Infrastructures |
| Integration | Resettlement | Livelihood |
| Vulnerability | Sustainability | Transition |
Multiple Choice Questions
- What long-term implication does the shrinking of waterways most likely have on the cultural identity of river gypsies?
- a) It forces them to adapt to the language of mainstream society
- b) It gradually erodes their traditional river-based lifestyle and values
- c) It strengthens their resistance to external influence
- d) It motivates them to become expert climate scientists
- Why is the state’s intervention for the river gypsies described as necessary but insufficient?
- a) Because the state lacks proper funding for such initiatives
- b) Because boat movement remains fully unrestricted
- c) Because socio-cultural change requires time and adaptation beyond material aid
- d) Because the gypsies refuse all kinds of support
- Which of the following best explains why gypsy children are deprived of formal education?
- a) They are not interested in going to school
- b) They are expected to follow their parents' professions instead
- c) Their nomadic lifestyle prevents regular attendance in conventional schools
- d) There are no schools located near the rivers
- How does climate change exacerbate the marginalisation of river gypsies?
- a) By encouraging them to migrate to developed countries
- b) By limiting their access to mainstream education only
- c) By causing river systems to dry up, thus restricting their traditional mobility and income sources
- d) By increasing demand for their herbal medicines
- Which statement most accurately reflects the underlying theme of the passage?
- a) Technological progress solves all social issues
- b) Marginalised communities are unable to adapt to modernity
- c) Social transformation is complex and requires more than material assistance
- d) Traditional lifestyles are incompatible with modern values
Short Questions
- Who are referred to as "bedey" in Bangladesh?
- What kind of life do the river gypsies lead and why is it becoming increasingly unsustainable?
- How do river gypsies adapt their livelihood and lifestyle during the monsoon season?
- Why does the woman mention that “if it rains, we’re going to rivers again next month”? What does it imply about their seasonal dependence?
- Why is traditional healing no longer a reliable source of income for the river gypsies in urban areas?
- What factors influence the educational decisions of the woman regarding her son, and how do they reflect generational shifts?
- How does the woman’s response reflect her awareness of modern alternatives to folk medicine and the limits of traditional knowledge?
- Why does the community's livelihood depend heavily on mobility and adaptability, and how is this threatened by environmental and social changes?
- What does the conversation reveal about the layered socio-economic challenges faced by river gypsy families, including access to housing, education, and legal rights?
- In what ways does the woman balance her traditional role as a healer and seller with her modern aspirations for her child’s future?
Fill in the Blanks
River gypsies are an __________ group of people in Bangladesh. They live a __________ life because they do not own any __________. From May to December, they travel by small __________ boats, which also serve as their __________. In the winter, when water bodies dry up, they return to the __________ and live in __________ tents. During the monsoon, they are busy with __________ and diving for natural __________. The men often charm __________ and sell __________ cures. The women go door to door selling __________, __________, and other items.
Suffix and Prefix Exercise
River gypsies live a __________ (nomad) life and follow a unique __________ (culture) tradition. Their lifestyle is often seen as __________ (usual) by people who live in cities. They are __________ (land) and travel across rivers for most of the year. Some villagers believe their healing powers are __________ (magic), while others consider them __________ (trust) and mysterious. The women’s role in trade and folk medicine shows their __________ (depend) and creativity.
Complete the Table
Complete the following table with the information given in the passage.
| Subject | Event/Action | What/Why |
|---|---|---|
| River gypsies | live in boats | (i) from May to December as part of their nomadic life |
| River gypsies | return to mainland | (ii) when water bodies dry up in winter |
| Women | (iii) sell bangles and herbal items | to earn a living and serve villagers |
| Men | perform snake charming | (iv) to entertain people and sell cures |
| Villagers | (v) believe in gypsies’ magical powers | to remove evil spirits from the body |
Answers
Word Details
| Word | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Nomadic (Adjective) | Moving from place to place rather than settling permanently | Bengali: যাযাবর / ঘুরে বেড়ায় এমন | IPA: /nəʊˈmædɪk/ | River gypsies live a nomadic life, moving with the seasons. |
| Marginalisation (Noun) | The process of being pushed to the edge of society or treated as insignificant | Bengali: প্রান্তিককরণ | IPA: /ˌmɑːdʒɪnəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ | Marginalisation of river gypsies has led to a lack of education and healthcare access. |
| Adaptability (Noun) | The ability to adjust to new conditions | Bengali: অভিযোজনযোগ্যতা | IPA: /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/ | Their adaptability helps them survive changing environmental conditions. |
| Displacement (Noun) | Being forced to leave one’s home, often due to conflict or climate | Bengali: বাস্তুচ্যুতি | IPA: /dɪsˈpleɪsmənt/ | Floods and climate change cause the displacement of river communities. |
| Ethnicity (Noun) | Belonging to a social group with shared cultural or national traditions | Bengali: জাতিগত পরিচিতি | IPA: /eθˈnɪsəti/ | The river gypsies represent a distinct ethnicity in Bangladesh. |
| Infrastructures (Noun) | Basic physical and organizational structures needed for society | Bengali: অবকাঠামো | IPA: /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃərz/ | They lack access to infrastructures like schools and hospitals. |
| Integration (Noun) | The process of becoming part of a group or society | Bengali: একীভবন | IPA: /ˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃən/ | Proper education can help with the integration of river gypsies into mainstream society. |
| Resettlement (Noun) | The act of moving people to a different place to live | Bengali: পুনর্বাসন | IPA: /ˌriːˈsɛtlmənt/ | The government planned the resettlement of gypsies on permanent land. |
| Livelihood (Noun) | A means of earning money in order to live | Bengali: জীবিকা | IPA: /ˈlaɪvliˌhʊd/ | Fishing and healing are common sources of livelihood for them. |
| Vulnerability (Noun) | The state of being easily harmed or affected | Bengali: দুর্বলতা বা ঝুঁকিপূর্ণ অবস্থা | IPA: /ˌvʌlnərəˈbɪləti/ | Children in river communities face extreme vulnerability due to poor healthcare. |
| Sustainability (Noun) | The ability to continue over time without damaging the environment | Bengali: টেকসই উন্নয়ন | IPA: /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ | Mobile schools promote educational sustainability for nomadic children. |
| Transition (Noun) | A change from one state or condition to another | Bengali: পরিবর্তন / রূপান্তর | IPA: /trænˈzɪʃən/ | River gypsies are in a slow transition from water-based to land-based lives. |
Multiple Choice Questions
- What long-term implication does the shrinking of waterways most likely have on the cultural identity of river gypsies?
- a) It forces them to adapt to the language of mainstream society
- b) It gradually erodes their traditional river-based lifestyle and values ✅
- c) It strengthens their resistance to external influence
- d) It motivates them to become expert climate scientists
- Why is the state’s intervention for the river gypsies described as necessary but insufficient?
- a) Because the state lacks proper funding for such initiatives
- b) Because boat movement remains fully unrestricted
- c) Because socio-cultural change requires time and adaptation beyond material aid ✅
- d) Because the gypsies refuse all kinds of support
- Which of the following best explains why gypsy children are deprived of formal education?
- a) They are not interested in going to school
- b) They are expected to follow their parents' professions instead
- c) Their nomadic lifestyle prevents regular attendance in conventional schools ✅
- d) There are no schools located near the rivers
- How does climate change exacerbate the marginalisation of river gypsies?
- a) By encouraging them to migrate to developed countries
- b) By limiting their access to mainstream education only
- c) By causing river systems to dry up, thus restricting their traditional mobility and income sources ✅
- d) By increasing demand for their herbal medicines
- Which statement most accurately reflects the underlying theme of the passage?
- a) Technological progress solves all social issues
- b) Marginalised communities are unable to adapt to modernity
- c) Social transformation is complex and requires more than material assistance ✅
- d) Traditional lifestyles are incompatible with modern values
Short Questions with Answers
-
Who are referred to as "bedey" in Bangladesh?
River gypsies are referred to as "bedey" by the local people in Bangladesh. -
What kind of life do the river gypsies lead and why?
They lead a nomadic life because they do not own any land and travel from one place to another by boat. -
How do river gypsies spend their time during the monsoon?
During the monsoon, they live on boats in rivers and resume their traditional livelihoods like fishing and healing. -
Why does the woman mention that “if it rains, we’re going to rivers again next month”?
She means that their movement depends on the season; in the rainy season, they shift back to living on the rivers. -
Why is traditional healing no longer a reliable source of income for the river gypsies?
Because modern people, especially in urban areas, no longer believe in or depend on traditional folk medicine. -
What factors influence the educational decisions of the woman regarding her son?
Her desire to break the cycle of hardship and help her son adapt to modern society motivates her to send him to school. -
How does the woman’s response reflect her awareness of modern alternatives to folk medicine?
She acknowledges that city people no longer rely on traditional cures, showing her understanding of shifting social values. -
Why does the community's livelihood depend heavily on mobility and adaptability?
Their occupations, such as fishing, selling goods, and healing, rely on seasonal movements and access to different communities. -
What does the conversation reveal about the socio-economic challenges faced by river gypsy families?
It highlights their struggles with education, healthcare, permanent housing, and acceptance in modern society. -
In what ways does the woman balance her traditional role and modern aspirations for her child?
While continuing her folk practices to earn a living, she sends her son to school to ensure he has a better future.
Fill in the Blanks – Answer Key
River gypsies are an ethnic group of people in Bangladesh. They live a nomadic life because they do not own any land. From May to December, they travel by small country boats, which also serve as their houses. In the winter, when water bodies dry up, they return to the mainland and live in tarpaulin tents. During the monsoon, they are busy with fishing and diving for natural pearls. The men often charm snakes and sell herbal cures. The women go door to door selling bangles, cosmetics, and other items.
Fill in the Blanks - Answer Key
Thousands of years ago, the first pearl was probably discovered while human beings were searching for food at the sea shore. Throughout history, the pearl with its beauty has been highly valued. Pearls have been mentioned in religious texts and mythologies. The ancient Egyptians valued pearls so much that they were buried with them. Cleopatra dissolved a pearl in a glass and drank it. The Greeks saw pearls as a sign of wealth and social position. In ancient Rome, pearls showed great social status. Brave knights wore them for good luck in battles.
Suffix and Prefix Answer
River gypsies live a nomadic life and follow a unique cultural tradition. Their lifestyle is often seen as unusual by people who live in cities. They are landless and travel across rivers for most of the year. Some villagers believe their healing powers are magical, while others consider them untrustworthy and mysterious. The women’s role in trade and folk medicine shows their dependability and creativity.
Gap Filling Activity in Table
| Subject | Event/Action | What/Why |
|---|---|---|
| River gypsies | live in boats | (i) from May to December as part of their nomadic life |
| River gypsies | return to mainland | (ii) when water bodies dry up in winter |
| Women | (iii) sell bangles and herbal items | to earn a living and serve villagers |
| Men | perform snake charming | (iv) to entertain people and sell cures |
| Villagers | (v) believe in gypsies’ magical powers | to remove evil spirits from the body |
Suffix and Prefix Answer
The pearl is a natural gem that has been valued for thousands of years. Its shiny beauty makes it a symbol of purity and elegance. Many people show great admiration for pearls. Cleopatra’s act was a national expression of pride. In ancient Rome, pearls were signs of wealthy and powerful status.
Gap Filling Activity in Table
| Subject | Event/Action | What/Why |
|---|---|---|
| Humans | discovered pearls | while searching for food at the sea shore |
| Cleopatra | dissolved a pearl and drank it | to show love and respect for her nation |
| The ancient Egyptians | were buried with pearls | to express the value of pearls |
| The Greeks | associated pearls | with love and marriage |
| Brave knights | wore pearls | for good luck in battles |
📖 Key Features
- 📌 Format: Reading Text with High Quality Graphics
- 📌Content: Class VIII – Unit Seven, Lesson 4: River Gypsies in Bangladesh (2) (Page 84)
- 📌 Exercise: Multiple Choice Questions, Short Questions, Fill-in-the-Blanks, suffix and prefix, information transfer, and 10 words with IPA transcription, word class, Bengali and English meanings, and example sentences
- 📌 Ideal for: IT-Assisted Classrooms
- 📌 Perfect for: Presentation Purposes and Personal Learning too
🚀 Contact us to get your password!
🚀 Confirm or Renew Your Membership!
✅ Reading Course for Grade 8!
✅ Grammar Course for Grade 8!