The Padma Bridge, Our Pride!
Read the following text and check your understanding in groups.
Paragraph 1
The Padma Multipurpose Bridge is a matter of national pride for Bangladesh. It is across the Padma River. Inaugurated on 26 June 2022, it is a testament to our determination to achieve wonders.Question: What will be your thesis statement for this text?
My answer: The Padma Multipurpose Bridge is a symbol of national pride and determination for Bangladesh, exemplified by its successful construction across the Padma River.
Paragraph 2
The bridge is considered a more challenging construction project compared to any others. Building a bridge over the Padma River is challenging compared to any other river considering its width and depth. It is the longest bridge in Bangladesh, with a length of 6.15 km. It overshadows any other bridge in length in Bangladesh. When compared to it, only Bangabandhu Bridge comes somewhat close to it, with a lengthDraft Copy Academic Year 202496 of 4.98 km. Two other bridges can be compared to it lengthwise, namely Bangabandhu Railway Bridge (4.8 km) and Rupsha Rail Bridge (5.13 km). The Padma Bridge is a two- level road-rail bridge. The steel truss bridge carries a four-lane highway on the upper level and a single-track railway on the lower level. Contrarily, both the Bangabandhu Railway Bridge and Rupsha Rail Bridge only carry railway tracks.Question: What are the points of comparison in this paragraph?
My answer: The points of comparison in the paragraph are:
- The length of the Padma Bridge (6.15 km) compared to other bridges in Bangladesh.
- The comparison of Padma Bridge's construction complexity with other bridges.
- Differences in functionality between Padma Bridge (road-rail) and Bangabandhu Railway Bridge and Rupsha Rail Bridge (railway only).
Paragraph 3
The Padma Bridge features the highest pile depth compared to any bridge in the world at 120 m (390 ft). It also is the deepest bridge in the world, with piles installed as deep as 127 meters. When discussing the practicality of the bridge, contrary to many misbeliefs, the bridge will boost the GDP of Bangladesh by as much as 1.23 percent. 13 districts with higher average poverty than the rest of the country are connected to the capital. 17 new economic zones are planned, which will result in prosperity as opposed to poverty in the southwestern region.Question: What are the points of comparison in this paragraph?
My answer: The points of comparison in the paragraph are:
- The pile depth of the Padma Bridge (120 m) compared to other bridges worldwide.
- The economic impact of the bridge on Bangladesh's GDP.
- The connection and development of 13 districts and 17 new economic zones due to the bridge.
Paragraph 4
Tourist spots of the Southwestern Bangladesh like Kuakata and Sundarbans, and major destinations like Barisal, Faridpur, Gopalganj, Patuakhali, and Khulna are now easily reachable from the capital city of Dhaka. On the other hand, the bridge will connect Dhaka with Kolkata in a faster way. It will take at least 2 hours less compared to what it used to take. The southern part of Bangladesh has been connected to Dhaka in a shorter time by road in contrast to hassles associated with travel by ferries.Question: What are the points of comparison in this paragraph?
My answer: The points of comparison in this paragraph are:
- Travel time reduction between Dhaka and Kolkata via the Padma Bridge.
- Ease of access to tourist spots and major destinations in Southwestern Bangladesh from Dhaka.
- Comparison of travel convenience between using the bridge and previous ferry travel.
Paragraph 5
From the beginning, the Padma Multipurpose Bridge negotiation was hampered by controversy and conspiracy. Local and international conspirators conspired to hinder the completion of the bridge. A united national effort assured the completion of this mega project. To sum it up, the Padma Bridge has changed the lives of people for the better. We should now put our minds and efforts to harvest the opportunities it opened up. With a combined effort of all the people from different walks of life, a new era of development and prosperity will be assured if the Padma Bridge is utilised to its full potential.Question: What will be your concluding paragraph for this essay? Your answer: The journey of constructing the Padma Multipurpose Bridge was fraught with challenges and conspiracies, but the resilience and unity of Bangladesh ensured its completion. This bridge has not only improved connectivity but also opened up new economic opportunities. Moving forward, it is essential to harness these opportunities for national development and prosperity, ensuring that the Padma Bridge reaches its full potential. Together, we can usher in a new era of growth and success.
Now follow the instructions and do the activity.
Instructions
- Make groups of 5 and count 1,2,3,4 and 5. Write down your number so that you will not forget your number.
- Work on the paragraph distributed by the teacher. (Read the question after each paragraph and work on that)
- Complete the work within the time allocated by your teacher.
- After completing your work, form 5 new groups. All 1(the number you were given previously) will form Group 1. Likewise, all twos will be in group 2, all threes will be in group 3, all fours will be in group 4 and finally, all fives will be in group 5.
- Now, the new group members will share their learnings with their new group members. First, the members whose number is 1 will share their learning first, then the twos, after the threes, later the fours and finally the fives.
- All the new groups will discuss and work on the whole essay and rewrite the essay as a complete one. If you need, take the help of other groups and the teacher.
- Later, do the necessary edits and make the final draft.
- Finally, every group will present their essay in front of the class. After the presentation, request other groups to share their feedback.
- Conclude your presentation with a note of thanks.
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- Tell students to have a brief recap on the activity-6.3.1
- Then tell them to go through the following texts, questions and discuss the answers with their group members.
- After group discussion, tell students to go through the instructions (given in the textbook) to do the next activities.
- Provide necessary guidance and logistic support to do the activity.
- Ensure that all students are participating in the activity.
- Provide corrective feedback and appreciate your students' efforts.