1. Warm-up activity:

Discuss the following questions:

□ Have you read Kazi Nazrul Islam’s “Bidrahi” in Bengali? If so, did you find the use of any myths in the poem? If not, consider it your homework. Read “Bidrohi” at home for discussion in class later.

□ Were any of the myths associated with music and a musician?

2. Read the following passage and then fill in each gap with an appropriate word from the list given below.

Orpheus was the son of Apollo and the Muse Calliope. He was presented by his father with a lyre and taught to (i)………….. upon it, which he did to such perfection that nothing could withstand the (ii) ………….. of his music. Not only his fellow mortals, but (iii) …………..  animals were softened by his music. The very trees and rocks were charmed by him. The former crowded (iv) ………….. him and the latter relaxed somewhat of (v) …………..  hardness, softened by his notes.

i.   a) drum       b) play    c) jump         d) disco

ii.  a) charm     b) peace  c) silence      d) satisfaction

iii. a) tame       b) wild    c) rough        d) regular

iv.  a) on          b) for       c) around      d) below

v.   a) the         b) their     c) these         d) that

3. Answer the following questions:

a. Who were Orpheus’s parents?

b. What is Orpheus famous for?

c. What was the impact of his music on human beings?

d. How did animals react to it?

e. What would be a suitable title for this passage?

4. Discuss with a friend in English the following:

a. What part music plays in your life

b. What kind of music you like

c. Who your favorite singers/bands are

d. Which musical programmes you listen to and where

5. Write a paragraph of about 150 words describing the effect music has on you.

6. Match the words in Column A with the appropriate word in Column B: