HSC English First Paper | Unit: 8, Lesson: 5 | Environment and Nature | Kuakata: Daughter of the sea

1. Warm up activity:

Discuss the following questions in pairs.

□ What do you know about Kuakata?

□ What does the phrase ‘Daughter of the Sea’ in the title mean?

□ Tell your friend what you wish to know about Kuakata.

2. Now read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:

Kuakata, locally known as Sugar Kannya (Daughter of the Sea) is a rare scenic spot located on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh. Kuakata in Latachapli union under Kalapara Police Station of Patuakhali district is about 30 km in length and 6 km in breadth. It is 70 km from Patuakhali district headquarters and 320 km from Dhaka. An excellent combination of the picturesque natural beauty, sandy beaches, blue sky and the shimmering expanse of water of the Bay of Bengal and the evergreen forest makes Kuakata a much sought after tourist destination.

The name Kuakata takes its origin from the story of a ‘Kua’- or well-dug on the sea shore by the early Rakhaine settlers for collecting drinking water. The Rakhaines had landed on Kuakata coast after being expelled from Arakan by the Mughals. Following the first well, it became a tradition to dig wells in the neighborhood of Rakhaine homesteads for fresh water supply.

Kuakata is one of the unique spots which allow a visitor to watch both the sunrise and the sunset from the beach. That perhaps makes Kuakata one of the world’s most attractive beaches. The long and wide beach at Kuakata has a typical natural setting. This sandy beach slopes gently into the Bay and bathing there is as pleasant as is swimming or diving.

Kuakata is truly a virgin, beach and a sanctuary for migratory winter birds. Fishing boats plying in the Bay of Bengal with colourful sails, surfing waves and the lines of coconut trees add to the vibrant colours Kuakata. The indigenous culture of the Rakhaine community and hundred year old Buddhist temples indicate the age – old tradition and cultural heritage of this

Kuakata is also a holy land for the Hindus and Buddhists, Each year thousands of devotees come here to attend the festivals Rash Purnima and Mag hi Purnima. On these two days, pilgrims take holy bath and enjoy going to the traditional fairs.

3. Answer the following questions:

a. Where is Kuakata located?

b. Where does the name “Kuakata” come from? 

c. What is the most unique feature of Kuakata beach? 

d. What are some traditional events that take place in Kuakata? 

e. Would you like to visit Kuakata? Make a list of 3 things that you’d like to do while in Kuakata.

4. Find the noun forms of the following adjectives:

a. attractive

b. typical

c. migratory 

d. wide

c. long

5. What do these words mean in the context they have been used In the text:

a. expanse

b. unique

c. virgin

d. indigenous

e. devotee

f. heritage

6. Project: Imagine that you work in a tourist agency. Yon are going to make a leaflet on Kuakata to attract potential tourist. Make a draft of 100 words for the leaflet highlighting all the attractions of the place.

Look at the sample of the leaflets given below. Think about how to design the leaflet Try to use some attractive pictures of Kuakata sea beach.

Finally, make a leaflet on Kuakata and display it in your college common room.