Simple phenomena of magnetism — Describe

What happens when two magnetic poles are brought near each other, and how do magnets interact with magnetic materials?

Like poles (N-N or S-S) repel each other; unlike poles (N-S) attract each other. A magnet always attracts an unmagnetised magnetic material (never repels it), because it induces magnetism in the material. A material is described as 'magnetised' if it has its own magnetic poles/field, and 'unmagnetised' if it does not.