A. Do you ever read the Problem Page in magazines or newspapers? What kinds of problems do people often write about?
 

B. Here are two letters from the problem page in the Daily Bangladesh. Read them and discuss with a partner what you think the content of the letters is. Use a dictionary to check any new words.

                                                 Avajon's Problem page 

                                                              You aren't alone...
 

Dear Avajon
Often I'm so sorry to see the city's footpaths occupied by floating people. They are living in some makeshift shacks. I simply cannot think how father, mother grandfather, grandmother and kids-all live in such a tiny place. Within the few square yards in their possession they sleep, socialise, cook and even beautify themselves. These people are living in such an inhuman condition! This cannot be the picture of life in a civilized society. Also they are polluting the area. They are least bothered about their health and hygiene. Out of curiosity, I talked to some of these people. They have their own homes and identity in their own village. They are here thinking that life in the city will be better. What an irony! Can't the society or the state do anything for these people? However, I must admit that I'm amazed to see how they sometimes tidy up their places especially in the evening! Home, sweet home after all! Mithun
 

Dear Mithun
I understand your concern. The movement of people from the rural areas to the urban areas is a big social problem in many countries like ours. These floating people are definitely a burden to the cities where they migrate. When the number is huge, it is difficult for any state to rehabilitate them quickly. See from the other side. The people you have referred to have lost their roots and they are unable to assimilate in the new culture. Maybe many of them are attracted by the charm of the cities, but I'm sure it was a need to many others. People become rootless sometimes due to climate change, river erosion, social discrepancies, or poverty. However, you cannot solve this problem overnight. But you can certainly take steps to improve their lifestyle. Why don't you form a committee with other young people in your locality that will teach them basic health and hygiene? It may help them to minimise pollution. Give it a try. 

Yours 

Avajon

C. Look at the texts. Say who/what they, their, this, that, it refer to in the following sentences. 

a. They are living in some makeshift shacks.

b. Within few square yards in their possession they sleep, socialise, cook and even beautify themselves. 

c. This cannot be the picture of life in a civilized society. 

d. Why don't you form a committee with other young people in your locality that will teach them basic health and hygiene?

e. Give it a try.
 

Ꭰ. Work in pairs. First write two problem letters. The problems can be personal or of your locality as in B. Read your partner's problem and give suggestions.