Reading I: ADBI & Reading II: The Congratulations Letter — Summary & Exercise
| Reading | Text Type | Core Skill | Grammar Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading I | Informational / Organisation Profile | Scanning, vocabulary, note-taking | Purpose: to / for / in order to / so that |
| Reading II | Formal Letter | Comprehension, tone, inference | Contrast & cause: although / despite / because of |
Reading I: Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI)
What is ADBI?
The Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) is the think tank and capacity-building arm of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, it was established in 1997 to help ADB's developing member countries build capacity and support policy dialogue on development issues across the Asia-Pacific region.
A. Crossword Puzzle
| Direction | Clue | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Across | A medium where people exchange their opinions and ideas | forum |
| Across | A plan to achieve a particular purpose | strategy |
| Across | Utilisation of a decision | implication |
| Across | A common opinion | consensus |
| Across | A large official meeting | conference |
| Across | Viewpoint | perspective |
| Down | A meeting for discussion | conference |
| Down | A formal plan | proposal |
B. Fill in the Gaps with Correct Words/Phrases from the Text
| # | Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| a | The development works ……… of the ADB President. | under the direction |
| b | The organisation emphasises its activities in the areas where it has ……… . | strategic advantages |
| c | It provides ……… for policymakers in its developing member countries. | intellectual input |
| d | The basis for research topics are ADB's ……… . | priority sectors and themes |
| e | ADBI has close relations with various national and regional ……… . | think tanks |
C. Answer the Following Questions
a. What does ADBI stand for?
ADBI stands for Asian Development Bank Institute.
b. Who is this organisation supported by?
This organisation is supported by an independent Advisory Council.
c. State any two objectives of ADBI.
The objectives of ADBI are to identify effective development strategies and improve the capacity for the sound development of the agencies and organisations engaged in development work in ADB’s developing member countries.
d. How does ADBI run its programmes?
ADBI runs its programmes by conducting research focusing on medium to long-term development issues of strategic importance and through capacity building and training (CBT).
e. What do the ADBI's research programmes contribute to?
The ADBI's research programmes contribute to the development policy debate and help to identify effective development strategies and improve the capacity for sound development in the region.
f. What are the forms of ADBI's capacity-building and training programmes?
The forms of ADBI's capacity-building and training programmes are policy dialogues, course-based training, and e-learning.
g. How does it distribute its research results and outputs?
ADBI distributes its research results and outputs through multiple channels, including media, publications, webpage, and social media.
D. International Organisations Working in Nepal
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) — Works on poverty reduction, democratic governance, climate action, and disaster resilience in Nepal.
- World Food Programme (WFP) — Provides food assistance, school meals, and emergency relief, especially in remote and disaster-affected districts.
- Save the Children — Focuses on child rights, education, health, and protection, particularly for vulnerable children across Nepal.
Grammar I: Expressing Purpose
| Subject | Connective | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| A rice cooker | is meant for | cooking rice. |
| A washing machine | is meant for | washing clothes. |
| She's got a driving license | to | drive a car. |
| Mahanta took Maths | to | be an engineer. |
| Mina went to university | to | be a lecturer. |
- Mina went to university to be a lecturer.
- A rice cooker is meant for cooking rice.
- A washing machine is meant for washing clothes.
- She's got a driving license to drive a bus.
- Mahanta took Maths to be an engineer.
Fill in the Blanks: because / because of / so that / to / for / although / in spite of
| # | Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| a | ……… it rained heavily, we played a football match. | Although |
| b | We couldn’t enjoy the trekking much ……… the snowfall. | because of |
| c | ……… all our efforts, we couldn't run the programme smoothly. | In spite of |
| d | Deepak went back to the village ……… he could enjoy a pleasant life there. | so that |
| e | He went to hospital ……… see a doctor. | to |
| f | I bought an envelope ……… sending a letter. | for |
| g | I could not attend my classes yesterday ……… I was feeling unwell. | because |
| h | Suprima accepted the job ……… the salary, which was quite low. | in spite of |
| i | I could not get to sleep ……… the noise. | because of |
| j | I managed to get to sleep ……… there was a lot of noise. | although |
Writing I: Design Advertisements
TIGER SHOES
Tiger Shoes Advertisement
The best sports shoes. So remarkably original, that no other shoes have managed to match Tiger.
Tiger 50% off at New Year.
Shoes are made for champions. To win the game, everyone should wear Tiger.
Only use with special Tiger socks.
- Calculator — Headline: "Crunch Numbers Like a Pro." Features: fast processing, solar-powered, sleek design. Offer: 20% off. Warranty: 2 years.
- Mobile Phone — Headline: "Stay Connected, Stay Ahead." Features: long battery life, 5G, high-resolution camera. Offer: free earbuds with every purchase. Warranty: 1 year.
- Watch — Headline: "Time, Redefined." Features: water-resistant, smart notifications, premium strap. Offer: free engraving. Warranty: 3 years.
Reading II: The Congratulations Letter
In Reading II, Anil Gurung of Changunarayan, Bhaktapur writes a formal letter to Mrs. Rai, congratulating her on her recent appointment as the Chief Editor of The Nepal Times. The letter is warm, respectful, and purposeful — it praises her achievement, explains why her new position matters, states what readers expect from her, and offers help. It is a model of formal congratulatory writing.
A. Answer the Following Questions
a. When do you usually congratulate people?
We usually congratulate people on special achievements and happy occasions — such as passing exams, getting a job or promotion, winning awards, getting married, buying a new house, or receiving a scholarship.
b. Mention the occasions you have been congratulated.
I have been congratulated on passing my exams with good grades, winning a school competition, and completing a community project successfully.
B. Find the Words from the Text and Complete the Sentences
| # | Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| a | I really admire you for your ……… explanation. | impressive |
| b | An ……… person can, no doubt, see many positive things at a glance. | unbiased |
| c | The work was done with a professional ……… . | standard |
| d | Please make every ……… to arrive on time. | effort |
| e | Parents are ……… proud of their children’s achievements. | justifiably |
C. Answer the Following Questions
a. Where does Anil Gurung live?
Anil Gurung lives in Changunarayan, Bhaktapur.
b. Why is Anil Gurung writing this letter?
Anil Gurung is writing this letter to congratulate Mrs. Rai on her recent appointment to the Chief Editor of The Nepal Times.
c. Why is her new position an opportunity for Mrs. Rai?
Her new position is an opportunity for Mrs. Rai to set the standard for future chief editors.
d. What does Anil Gurung expect from Mrs. Rai as the chief editor?
Anil Gurung expects unbiased news stories and articles from Mrs. Rai as the chief editor.
e. How can you say that Anil Gurung is a helpful person?
I can say that Anil Gurung is a helpful person because he promises to assist her.
f. What could be the relationship between Mrs. Rai and Anil Gurung?
The relationship between Mrs. Rai and Anil Gurung could be friends.
D. Share Your Experience
Yes, I once sent a letter of congratulations to my cousin when she was selected for a full scholarship to study abroad. I sent it because her hard work and dedication inspired everyone in our family. I felt proud and happy to be part of her special moment, and she later told me that my letter meant a lot to her.
Grammar II: Joining Sentences with Connectives
| # | Original Sentences | Joined Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| a | I couldn't sleep. I was tired. (despite) | I couldn’t sleep despite my tiredness. |
| b | They have little money. They are living happily. (even though) | They are living happily even though they have little money. |
| c | He went to the tap. He wanted to bring a pail of water. (in order to) | He went to the tap in order to bring a pail of water. |
| d | I enjoyed the film. The story was not very good. (though) | I enjoyed the film though the story was not very good. |
| e | We live in the same colony. We hardly meet each other. (in spite of) | We hardly meet each other in spite of living in the same colony. |
| f | I was not wet. I had an umbrella. (because) | I was not wet because I had an umbrella. |
| g | I ate all the food. It was not very tasty. (although) | I ate all the food although it was not very tasty. |
| h | He went to the bank. He could cash the cheque. (so that) | He went to the bank so that he could cash the cheque. |
Writing II: Messages of Congratulations
A good message of congratulations is short, sincere, and specific. It names the person, states the achievement clearly, and ends with warm wishes. Study the three models below.
Congratulations!
Model 1 — Award Congratulations
Our special thanks and tribute to
Mr. Mahabir Pun,
President of ENRD for being awarded
The Ramon Magsaysay Award, 2007.
This was for his outstanding contribution to Community Leadership and bringing unprecedented changes in rural livelihoods through the use of Internet Technology.
E-Network Research and Development, Nepal
Congratulations!
Model 2 — Scholarship Congratulations (Neighbour)
My special thanks and tribute to
Mr. Ashok Poudel,
for getting a full scholarship to study Microbiology at Indira Gandhi University, India. Congrats! It’s so decent to see that your diligent work has at last paid off. Make good use of your scholarship. The success of this scholarship opens the entryways to your splendid future.
I am so pleased and proud of your great achievement. May the Almighty keep his grace on you to achieve many great things in life. Keep it up, dear.
Mr. Anupam Pandit
Congratulations!
Model 3 — Formal Newspaper Message (Mayoral Election)
My special thanks and tribute to
Mr. Arjan Sharma,
for getting the golden chance to be elected as the Mayor of Daran Municipality, Province-1, Nepal. Your election comes at a time of crisis for Nepal, including different local governments. I hope you will certainly solve different problems of the municipality. Congrats! It’s so decent to see that your diligent work has at last paid off. Make good use of your intelligence. Heartiest felicitation on this opportunity that opens the entryways to your splendid future and the progress of the municipality.
I wish your success during your mandate as Chairperson of the municipality.
Mr. Anupam Pandit
