Strictly Confidential: (For Internal and Restricted use only)

Secondary School Examination-2020

Marking Scheme – ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE
(SUBJECT CODE : 101) (PAPER CODE : 1/4/1, 1/4/2, 1/4/3)
General Instructions: -

1. You are aware that evaluation is the most important process in the actual and correct
assessment of the candidates. A small mistake in evaluation may lead to serious
problems which may affect the future of the candidates, education system and teaching
profession. To avoid mistakes, it is requested that before starting evaluation, you must
read and understand the spot evaluation guidelines carefully.Evaluation is a 10-12
days mission for all of us. Hence, it is necessary that you put in your best effortsin
this process.
2. Evaluation is to be done as per instructions provided in the Marking Scheme. It should
not be done according to one’s own interpretation or any other consideration. Marking
Scheme should be strictly adhered to and religiously followed. However, while
evaluating, answers which are based on latest information or knowledge and/or
are innovative, they may be assessed for their correctness otherwise and marks
be awarded to them. In class-X, while evaluating two competency based
questions, please try to understand given answer and even if reply is not from
marking scheme but correct competency is enumerated by the candidate, marks
should be awarded.
3. The Head-Examiner must go through the first five answer books evaluated by each
evaluator on the first day, to ensure that evaluation has been carried out as per the
instructions given in the Marking Scheme. The remaining answer books meant for
evaluation shall be given only after ensuring that there is no significant variation in the
marking of individual evaluators.
4. Evaluators will mark( √ ) wherever answer is correct. For wrong answer ‘X”be marked.
Evaluators will not put right kind of mark while evaluating which gives an impression that
answer is correct and no marks are awarded. This is most common mistake which
evaluators are committing.
5. If a question has parts, please award marks on the right-hand side for each part. Marks
awarded for different parts of the question should then be totaled up and written in the
left-hand margin and encircled. This may be followed strictly.
6. If a question does not have any parts, marks must be awarded in the left-hand margin
and encircled. This may also be followed strictly.
7. If a student has attempted an extra question, answer of the question deserving more
marks should be retained and the other answer scored out.
8. No marks to be deducted for the cumulative effect of an error. It should be penalized
only once.
9. A full scale of marks 0-80 has to be used. Please do not hesitate to award full marks if
the answer deserves it.
10. Every examiner has to necessarily do evaluation work for full working hours i.e. 8 hours
every day and evaluate 20 answer books per day in main subjects and 25 answer books
per day in other subjects (Details are given in Spot Guidelines).
11. Ensure that you do not make the following common types of errors committed by the
Examiner in the past:-
 Leaving answer or part thereof unassessed in an answer book.
 Giving more marks for an answer than assigned to it.
 Wrong totaling of marks awarded on a reply.
 Wrong transfer of marks from the inside pages of the answer book to the title page.
 Wrong question wise totaling on the title page.
 Wrong totaling of marks of the two columns on the title page.
 Wrong grand total.
 Marks in words and figures not tallying.
 Wrong transfer of marks from the answer book to online award list.
  Answers marked as correct, but marks not awarded. (Ensure that the right tick mark
is correctly and clearly indicated. It should merely be a line. Same is with the X for
incorrect answer.)
 Half or a part of answer marked correct and the rest as wrong, but no marks
awarded.

12. While evaluating the answer books if the answer is found to be totally incorrect, it should
be marked as cross (X) and awarded zero (0)Marks.

13. Any unassessed portion, non-carrying over of marks to the title page, or totaling error
detected by the candidate shall damage the prestige of all the personnel engaged in the
evaluation work as also of the Board. Hence, in order to uphold the prestige of all
concerned, it is again reiterated that the instructions be followed meticulously and
judiciously.

14. The Examiners should acquaint themselves with the guidelines given in the Guidelines
for spot Evaluation before starting the actual evaluation.

15. Every Examiner shall also ensure that all the answers are evaluated, marks carried over
to the title page, correctly totaled and written in figures and words.

16. The Board permits candidates to obtain photocopy of the Answer Book on request in an
RTI application and also separately as a part of the re-evaluation process on payment of
the processing charges.
 QUESTION PAPER CODE 1/4/1
SECTION - A (READING) 20 MARKS
Note: Section - A tests a candidate’s ability to read and understand only, therefore,
no deductions are to be made for errors in spelling, grammar or punctuation.
Marks should be awarded if the answer can be clearly understood.
Objective: This section evaluates the reading and comprehension skills of the
students and their ability to infer and evaluate the given information.
1. UNCLE KEN MARKS – 8

Objective: To identify the main points of a text

Marking: 8 marks – 1 mark for each correct answer

(Attempt ANY EIGHT)

Answers:
a) insisted on going zigzag way
b) he dashed out of the field, was panting and his hat flew off
c) he did not see the lighter / funny side of the incident
d) his belt got entangled with fellow passenger’s luggage
e) the book that the gentleman was reading was written by the narrator himself
f) that his ghosts were funny and not scary
g) because he could elongate his arms at will
h) lived his life to the fullest, enjoying its small moments of happiness
i) benign

2. CHOICE OF PROFESSION TOTAL MARKS - 12

Objective : To identify the main points of the text

2.1 Marking: 8 marks - 2 marks for each correct answer

(Attempt ANY FOUR)

Answers:
a) students can take help of elders, teachers and professionals in deciding their
careers. They should choose their careers according to their aptitude and
resources.
b) wrong, unrealistic attitude, high ambitions
c) high school level else left groping aimlessly
d) for lack of funds, one will have to choose a far humbler career
e) strong optimism, ambition for fame, prepared to face the worst, has
perseverance and to be ready for hard labour (any two)

1
 2.2 Fill in the blanks
Marking: 2 marks - 1 mark for each correct answer
(Attempt ANY TWO)
Answers:
a) right and timely choice of a career
b) unemployment and frustration
c) elders, professionals and teachers

2.3 Vocabulary

Marking: 2 marks – 1 mark for each correct answer

(Attempt ANY TWO)
a) counselling
b) dream / ambition
c) financial resources

SECTION - B (WRITING & GRAMMAR)

TOTAL MARKS – 30

3. LETTER TO THE EDITOR – VISIT TO ORPHANAGE MARKS - 8

Objective : To use the given input in a short sustained piece of writing

Marking : [No marks are to be awarded if only the format is given.

Credit should be given for the candidate’ s creativity in
presentation of ideas, use of both the new format and
traditional format is permitted. However, mixing the two
formats is not allowed
Content – 4 marks
(The given information in the question paper to be
included)
Format – 1 mark
(sender’s address, date, receiver’s address, subject,
salutation, complimentary close)
Expression – 3 marks
(Accuracy – 1½ mark
Fluency – 1½ mark)

2
 Suggested Value Points:
 visited orphanage
 situation sad
 children living in poverty, deprivation, hunger
 poorly dressed
 lack of education
 filth and squalor
 undernourished
 no one to take care of them
(any other relevant point)

SUGGESTIONS
What the Authorities could do
 take care of the children
 provide more funds
 appoint mentors, supervisors
 regular checks
 proper health facilities to be provided
 ensure education and growth opportunities
 holistic development
 adoption opportunities
(any other relevant point)
OR

LETTER OF ENQUIRY- HOBBY CLASSES MARKS – 8

Objective : To use the given input in a short sustained piece of writing

Marking : [No marks are to be awarded if only the format is given.

Credit should be given for the candidate’ s creativity in
presentation of ideas, use of both the new format and
traditional format is permitted. However, mixing the two
formats is not allowed
Content – 4 marks
(The given information in the question paper to be included)
Format – 1 mark
(sender’s address, date, receiver’s address, subject,
salutation, complimentary close)
Expression – 3 marks
(Accuracy – 1½ mark
Fluency – 1½ mark)
3
 Suggested Value Points:
Enquire about
 fee structure
 timings
 dates and duration
 eligibility
 mention details of the classes you might like to join. (instrumental music /
Indian dance)
 skills you might like to learn
 mention previous experience
(any other relevant point)

4. STORY WRITING MARKS - 10

Objective: To plan, organize and present ideas coherently

Marking: Title – 1 mark

Relevance of content + creativity – 4 marks
Expression- 5 marks
(Fluency – 2 ½ marks
Accuracy – 2 ½ marks)

Any story developed logically with the help of given cues is acceptable.

5. GAP FILLING – PARKING RULES MARKS - 4

Objective: To use grammatical items correctly

Marking: 1 mark for each correct answer

(Attempt ANY FOUR)

Answers :
a) (iv) to
b) (ii) notified
c) (i) have
d) (iii) in
e) (i) the

4
6. OMISSION - SNATCHERS MARKS – 4

Objective : To use grammatical items correctly

Marking : 1 mark for each correct answer.

(Attempt ANY FOUR)
NOTE: ½ A MARK FOR IDENTIFYING THE MISSING WORD
½ A MARK FOR IDENTIFYING PLACEMENT (i.e the word before
and the word after the missing word)

Answers
Word Before Missing Word Word After
(a) each of the
(b) teams will directly
(c) report to the
(d) teams and residents
(e) catch the snatchers

7. REARRANGEMENT OF WORDS MARKS - 4

Objectives : To reorder words / phrases to write grammatically accurate

sentences

Marking : 1 mark for each correct answer

(Attempt ANY FOUR)
For a partially correct answer, no marks are to be allotted.
Answers:
a) It is not easy to be a student.
b) They are under pressure these days. / These days they are under pressure.
c) The parents need to be very supportive.
d) Students can’t be judged only on their academic performance.
e) We should provide them more opportunities.

5
 SECTION - C (LITERATURE)
TOTAL MARKS 30
General Instructions: This section is meant to test the student’s familiarity with and
appreciation of the set texts. However, if the expression prevents clear
communication, ½ a mark may be deducted.

8. Objective: To identify the correct answer on the basis of inference,

interpretation and comprehension.

Marking: 4 marks – 1 mark for each correct answer

PROSE - TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA MARKS - 4

Answers:
i) the narrator
ii) talked about their plan / asked for a lift / didn’t want a favour
iii) offered to take them to Poleta in his car / offered to drop them at Poleta
iv) break / gap / to stop/to wait / silence
OR
DRAMA – JULIUS CAESAR MARKS - 4

Answers:
i) Caesar might be harmed / killed
ii) they were baseless / irrational / illogical
iii) the Senate
iv) give in / agree

9. Answer any four TOTAL MARKS (2x4=8)

Objective: To test the ability to infer and evaluate

Marking: 2 marks for each correct answer

Content – 1 mark
Expression – 1 mark

6
 a) POETRY – NOT MARBLE NOR GUILDED MONUMENTS
MARKS - 2

Value Points:
 poetry immortal
 its appeal everlasting
 monuments / statues are subject to vagaries of time - fall into ruins / can
be destroyed with passage of time / perish

b) POETRY – FROG AND THE NIGHTINGALE MARKS - 2

Value Points:
 innocent, trusting by nature – rather gullible, foolish
 the frog cunning / exploitative / dominating
 the innocent Nightingale could not see through frog’s motive / game / plan
 suffered and lost her life

c) PROSE – A SHADY PLOT MARKS – 2

Value Points:
 Ouija board users trouble ghosts / bother them
 call them out of their beds too often at night / odd times

d) PROSE – THE LETTER MARKS - 2

Value Points:
 when his own daughter falls ill and there was no news of her
 suffered pangs of separation

e) POETRY – SNAKE MARKS – 2

Value Points:
 the snake had reached the trough before him
 it was like an honoured guest
 had the first right to drink water

10. Answer any one in 100 – 120 words TOTAL MARKS - 8

Objective : To understand and relate to the prescribed text and be able to

make an analysis of events and characters
7
Marking: Content – 4 marks
Expression – 4 marks

PROSE – PATOL BABU, FILMSTAR

Value Points:
 perfectionism
 meticulousness
 dedication
 commitment
 valuing satisfaction over money

INCIDENTS
 makes the most of given opportunity
 squeezes the last drop of meaning out of the word ‘Oh’ given to him
 does justice to the role
 does not wait for money

OR

PROSE – MRS. PACKLETIDE’S TIGER

Value Points:
 Mrs. Packletide a petty jealous woman
 wanted to outshine Loona Bimberton who had been carried eleven miles
in aeroplane
 made plans for a tiger hunt
 procures tiger skin
 throws lunch party
 invites Loona to give her a tiger claw brooch
 took all this trouble only to belittle Loona’s achievement and make her
envious of her
 Miss. Mebbin – a greedy woman,
 knew Mrs. Packletide’s secret – how the tiger was killed
 exploited her / blackmailed her / forced her to buy a weekend cottage
 cunning

8
 LONG READING TEXT (NOVELS)

11. Answer any one of the following TOTAL MARKS - 10

Objective: To understand and relate to the prescribed text and be able

to make an analysis of events and characters.

Marking: Content: 5 marks

Expression: 5 marks

ANNE’S CHARACTER

Value Points:
Strength of character
 a strong survival instinct
 adapts herself to the situation and people
 optimism
 perseverance
 love of writing

OR

ROLE OF DIARY

Value Points:
 Anne’s best friend
 her confidante
 poured her feelings, reactions into it
 a source of comfort and solace
 a true friend who helped her overcome her loneliness

OR

ARRIVAL OF ANNE SULLIVAN

Value Points:
 deaf, dumb and blind Helen trapped in her silent, dark world
 Anne’s arrival- a turning point in her life
 empathized with her
9
  understood her limitations
 dealt with her problems very sympathetically
 accompanied her wherever she went and gave her moral and material
support

OR

CHARACTER SKETCH OF HELEN

Value Points:
Helen’s severe physical disabilities – their effect on her life
 felt isolated in her dark world
 embittered
 angry with the world at large
 rebellious
 frustrated as no one understood her
 unwilling to listen / stubborn

INCIDENTS
 cut off Martha’s hair
 locked her mother in the pantry
 locked Anne Sullivan in her room
 got into mischief frequently
 stole the cake and ate it.

10
 QUESTION PAPER CODE 1/4/2
SECTION - A (READING) 20 MARKS

Note: Section - A tests a candidate’s ability to read and understand only, therefore,
no deductions are to be made for errors in spelling, grammar or punctuation.
Marks should be awarded if the answer can be clearly understood.
Objective: This section evaluates the reading and comprehension skills of the
students and their ability to infer and evaluate the given information.
1. CHOICE OF PROFESSION TOTAL MARKS – 12
Objective : To identify the main points of the text

1.1 Marking: 8 marks - 2 marks for each correct answer

(Attempt ANY FOUR)
Answers:
a) students can take help of elders, teachers and professionals in deciding their
careers. They should choose their careers according to their aptitude and
resources.
b) wrong, unrealistic attitude, high ambitions
c) high school level else left groping aimlessly
d) for lack of funds, one will have to choose a far humbler career
e) strong optimism, ambition for fame, prepared to face the worst, has
perseverance and to be ready for hard labour (any two)

1.2 Fill in the blanks

Marking: 2 marks - 1 mark for each correct answer
(Attempt ANY TWO)
Answers:
a) right and timely choice of a career
b) unemployment and frustration
c) elders, professionals and teachers

1.3 Vocabulary

Marking: 2 marks – 1 mark for each correct answer

(Attempt ANY TWO)
a) counselling
b) dream / ambition
c) financial resources

11
 2. UNCLE KEN MARKS – 8
Objective: To identify the main points of a text

Marking: 8 marks – 1 mark for each correct answer

(Attempt ANY EIGHT)

Answers:
a) insisted on going zigzag way
b) he dashed out of the field, was panting and his hat flew off
c) he did not see the lighter / funny side of the incident
d) his belt got entangled with fellow passenger’s luggage
e) the book that the gentleman was reading was written by the narrator himself
f) that his ghosts were funny and not scary
g) because he could elongate his arms at will
h) lived his life to the fullest, enjoying its small moments of happiness
i) benign

SECTION - B (WRITING & GRAMMAR)

TOTAL MARKS – 30

3. OMISSION - SNATCHERS MARKS – 4

Objective : To use grammatical items correctly

Marking : 1 mark for each correct answer.

(Attempt ANY FOUR)
NOTE: ½ A MARK FOR IDENTIFYING THE MISSING WORD
½ A MARK FOR IDENTIFYING PLACEMENT (i.e the word before
and the word after the missing word)

Answers
Word Before Missing Word Word After
(a) each of the
(b) teams will directly
(c) report to the
(d) teams and residents
(e) catch the snatchers

12
4. GAP FILLING – PARKING RULES MARKS - 4

Objective: To use grammatical items correctly

Marking: 1 mark for each correct answer

(Attempt ANY FOUR)

Answers :

a) (iv) to
b) (ii) notified
c) (i) have
d) (iii) in
e) (i) the

5. REARRANGEMENT OF WORDS MARKS - 4

Objectives : To reorder words / phrases to write grammatically accurate

sentences

Marking : 1 mark for each correct answer

(Attempt ANY FOUR)
For a partially correct answer, no marks are to be allotted.

Answers:
a) It is not easy to be a student.
b) They are under pressure these days. / These days they are under pressure.
c) The parents need to be very supportive.
d) Students can’t be judged only on their academic performance.
e) We should provide them more opportunities.

6. LETTER TO THE EDITOR – VISIT TO ORPHANAGE MARKS - 8

Objective : To use the given input in a short sustained piece of writing

Marking : [No marks are to be awarded if only the format is given.

Credit should be given for the candidate’s creativity in
presentation of ideas, use of both the new format and
traditional format is permitted. However, mixing the two
formats is not allowed
13
 Content – 4 marks
(The given information in the question paper to be
included)
Format – 1 mark
(sender’s address, date, receiver’s address, subject,
salutation, complimentary close)
Expression – 3 marks
(Accuracy – 1½ mark
Fluency – 1½ mark)

Suggested Value Points:

 visited orphanage
 situation sad
 children living in poverty, deprivation, hunger
 poorly dressed
 lack of education
 filth and squalor
 undernourished
 no one to take care of them
(any other relevant point)

SUGGESTIONS
What the Authorities could do
 take care of the children
 provide more funds
 appoint mentors, supervisors
 regular checks
 proper health facilities to be provided
 ensure education and growth opportunities
 holistic development
 adoption opportunities
(any other relevant point)

OR

LETTER OF ENQUIRY- HOBBY CLASSES MARKS – 8

Objective : To use the given input in a short sustained piece of writing

14
 Marking : [No marks are to be awarded if only the format is given.
Credit should be given for the candidate’s creativity in
presentation of ideas, use of both the new format and
traditional format is permitted. However, mixing the two
formats is not allowed
Content – 4 marks
(The given information in the question paper to be
included)
Format – 1 mark
(sender’s address, date, receiver’s address, subject,
salutation, complimentary close)
Expression – 3 marks
(Accuracy – 1½ mark
Fluency – 1½ mark)

Suggested Value Points:

Enquire about

 fee structure
 timings
 dates and duration
 eligibility
 mention details of the classes you might like to join. (instrumental music /
Indian dance)
 skills you might like to learn
 mention previous experience
(any other relevant point)

7. STORY WRITING MARKS - 10

Objective: To plan, organize and present ideas coherently

Marking: Title – 1 mark

Relevance of content + creativity – 4 marks
Expression- 5 marks
(Fluency – 2 ½ marks
Accuracy – 2 ½ marks)

Any story developed logically with the help of given cues is acceptable.

15
 SECTION - C (LITERATURE)
TOTAL MARKS 30
General Instructions: This section is meant to test the student’s familiarity with and
appreciation of the set texts. However, if the expression prevents clear
communication, ½ a mark may be deducted.

8. Objective: To identify the correct answer on the basis of inference,

interpretation and comprehension.

Marking: 4 marks – 1 mark for each correct answer

DRAMA – JULIUS CAESAR MARKS - 4

Answers:
a) Caesar might be harmed / killed
b) they were baseless / irrational/ illogical
c) the Senate
d) give in / agree
OR

PROSE - TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA MARKS - 4

Answers:
a) the narrator
b) talked about their plan / asked for a lift / didn’t want a favour
c) offered to take them to Poleta in his car / offered to drop them at Poleta
d) break / gap / to stop/to wait / silence

9. Answer any four TOTAL MARKS (2x4=8)

Objective: To test the ability to infer and evaluate

Marking: 2 marks for each correct answer

Content – 1 mark
Expression – 1 mark

a) PROSE – THE LETTER MARKS - 2

Value Points:
 when his own daughter falls ill and there was no news of her
 suffered pangs of separation
16
 b) POETRY – SNAKE MARKS – 2

Value Points:
 the snake had reached the trough before him
 it was like an honoured guest
 had the first right to drink water

c) POETRY – NOT MARBLE NOR GUILDED MONUMENTS

MARKS - 2

Value Points:
 poetry immortal
 its appeal everlasting
 monuments / statues are subject to vagaries of time - fall into ruins / can
be destroyed with passage of time / perish

d) POETRY – FROG AND THE NIGHTINGALE MARKS - 2

Value Points:
 innocent, trusting by nature – rather gullible/ foolish
 the frog cunning / exploitative / dominating
 the innocent Nightingale could not see through frog’s motive / game
suffered and lost her life

e) PROSE – A SHADY PLOT MARKS – 2

Value Points:
 Ouija board users trouble ghosts / bother them
 call them out of their beds too often at night/ odd times

10. Answer any one in 100 – 120 words TOTAL MARKS - 8

Objective : To understand and relate to the prescribed text and be able to

make an analysis of events and characters

Marking: Content – 4 marks

Expression – 4 marks

17
 PROSE – MRS. PACKLETIDE’S TIGER

Value Points:
 Mrs. Packletide a petty jealous woman
 wanted to outshine Loona Bimberton who had been carried eleven miles
in aeroplane
 made plans for a tiger hunt
 procures tiger skin
 throws a lunch party
 invites Loona to give her a tiger claw brooch
 took all this trouble only to belittle Loona’s achievement and make her
envious of her
 Miss. Mebbin – a greedy woman,
 knew Mrs. Packletide’s secret – how the tiger was killed
 exploited her / blackmailed her / forced her to buy a weekend cottage
 cunning
OR

PROSE – PATOL BABU, FILMSTAR

Value Points:
 Patol Babu a perfectionism
 Meticulousness
 Dedication
 Commitment
 valuing satisfaction more than money

Incidents
 makes the most of his opportunity
 squeezes the last drop of meaning out of the word ‘Oh’ given to him
 does justice to the role
 does not wait for money

LONG READING TEXT (NOVELS)

11. Answer any one of the following TOTAL MARKS - 10

Objective: To understand and relate to the prescribed text and be able

to make an analysis of events and characters.
18
Marking: Content: 5 marks
Expression: 5 marks

ROLE OF DIARY

Value Points:
 Anne’s best friend
 her confidante
 poured her feelings, reactions into it
 a source of comfort and solace
 a true friend who helped her overcome her loneliness

OR

ARRIVAL OF ANNE SULLIVAN

Value Points:
 deaf, dumb and blind Helen trapped in her silent, dark world
 Anne’s arrival- a turning point in her life
 empathized with her
 understood her limitations
 dealt with her problems very sympathetically
 accompanied her wherever she went and gave her moral and material
support

OR
CHARACTER SKETCH OF HELEN

Value Points:
Helen’s severe physical disabilities – their effect on her life
 felt isolated in her dark world
 embittered
 angry with the world at large
 rebellious
 frustrated as no one understood her
 unwilling to listen / stubborn

19
 INCIDENTS
 cut off Martha’s hair
 locked her mother in the pantry
 locked Anne Sullivan in her room
 got into mischief frequently
 stole the cake and ate it.
OR

ANNE’S CHARACTER

Value Points:
Strength of character
 a strong survival instinct
 adapts herself to the situation and people
 optimism
 perseverance
 love of writing

20
 QUESTION PAPER CODE 1/4/3
SECTION - A (READING) 20 MARKS

Note: Section - A tests a candidate’s ability to read and understand only, therefore,
no deductions are to be made for errors in spelling, grammar or punctuation.
Marks should be awarded if the answer can be clearly understood.
Objective: This section evaluates the reading and comprehension skills of the
students and their ability to infer and evaluate the given information.
1. UNCLE KEN MARKS – 8
Objective: To identify the main points of a text

Marking: 8 marks – 1 mark for each correct answer

(Attempt ANY EIGHT)

Answers:
a) insisted on going zigzag way
b) he dashed out of the field, was panting and his hat flew off
c) he did not see the lighter / funny side of the incident
d) his belt got entangled with fellow passenger’s luggage
e) the book that the gentleman was reading was written by the narrator himself
f) that his ghosts were funny and not scary
g) because he could elongate his arms at will
h) lived his life to the fullest, enjoying its small moments of happiness
i) benign

2. CHOICE OF PROFESSION TOTAL MARKS - 12

Objective : To identify the main points of the text

2.1 Marking: 8 marks - 2 marks for each correct answer

(Attempt ANY FOUR)

Answers:
a) students can take help of elders, teachers and professionals in deciding their
careers. They should choose their careers according to their aptitude and
resources.
b) wrong, unrealistic attitude, high ambitions
c) high school level else left groping aimlessly
d) for lack of funds, one will have to choose a far humbler career
e) strong optimism, ambition for fame, prepared to face the worst, has
perseverance and to be ready for hard labour (any two)
21
 2.2 Fill in the blanks
Marking: 2 marks - 1 mark for each correct answer
(Attempt ANY TWO)
Answers:
a) right and timely choice of a career
b) unemployment and frustration
c) elders, professionals and teachers

2.3 Vocabulary

Marking: 2 marks – 1 mark for each correct answer

(Attempt ANY TWO)
a) counselling
b) dream / ambition
c) financial resources

SECTION - B (WRITING & GRAMMAR)

TOTAL MARKS – 30

3. GAP FILLING – PARKING RULES MARKS - 4

Objective: To use grammatical items correctly

Marking: 1 mark for each correct answer

(Attempt ANY FOUR)
Answers :
a) (iv) to
b) (ii) notified
c) (i) have
d) (iii) in
e) (i) the

4. REARRANGEMENT OF WORDS MARKS - 4

Objectives : To reorder words / phrases to write grammatically accurate

sentences

Marking : 1 mark for each correct answer

(Attempt ANY FOUR)
For a partially correct answer, no marks are to be allotted.
22
 Answers:
a) It is not easy to be a student.
b) They are under pressure these days./ These days they are under pressure.
c) The parents need to be very supportive.
d) Students can’t be judged only on their academic performance.
e) We should provide them more opportunities.

5. LETTER TO THE EDITOR – VISIT TO ORPHANAGE MARKS - 8

Objective : To use the given input in a short sustained piece of writing

Marking : [No marks are to be awarded if only the format is given.

Credit should be given for the candidate’s creativity in
presentation of ideas, use of both the new format and
traditional format is permitted. However, mixing the two
formats is not allowed
Content – 4 marks
(The given information in the question paper to be
included)
Format – 1 mark
(sender’s address, date, receiver’s address, subject,
salutation, complimentary close)
Expression – 3 marks
(Accuracy – 1½ mark
Fluency – 1½ mark)

Suggested Value Points:

 visited orphanage
 situation sad
 children living in poverty, deprivation, hunger
 poorly dressed
 lack of education
 filth and squalor
 undernourished
 no one to take care of them
(any other relevant point)

23
 SUGGESTIONS
What the Authorities could do
 take care of the children
 provide more funds
 appoint mentors, supervisors
 regular checks
 proper health facilities to be provided
 ensure education and growth opportunities
 holistic development
 adoption opportunities
(any other relevant point)
OR
LETTER OF ENQUIRY- HOBBY CLASSES MARKS – 8

Objective : To use the given input in a short sustained piece of writing

Marking : [No marks are to be awarded if only the format is given.

Credit should be given for the candidate’s creativity in
presentation of ideas, use of both the new format and
traditional format is permitted. However, mixing the two
formats is not allowed
Content – 4 marks
(The given information in the question paper to be
included)
Format – 1 mark
(sender’s address, date, receiver’s address, subject,
salutation, complimentary close)
Expression – 3 marks
(Accuracy – 1½ mark
Fluency – 1½ mark)
Suggested Value Points:
Enquire about
 fee structure
 timings
 dates and duration
 eligibility
 mention details of the classes you might like to join. (instrumental music /
Indian dance)
 skills you might like to learn
 mention previous experience
(any other relevant point)
24
6. STORY WRITING MARKS - 10

Objective: To plan, organize and present ideas coherently

Marking: Title – 1 mark

Relevance of content + creativity – 4 marks
Expression- 5 marks
(Fluency – 2 ½ marks
Accuracy – 2 ½ marks)

Any story developed logically with the help of given cues is acceptable.
7. OMISSION - SNATCHERS MARKS – 4

Objective : To use grammatical items correctly

Marking : 1 mark for each correct answer and it should be underlined.

(Attempt ANY FOUR)
NOTE: ½ A MARK FOR IDENTIFYING THE MISSING WORD
½ A MARK FOR IDENTIFYING PLACEMENT (i.e the word before
and the word after the missing word)

Answers
Word Before Missing Word Word After
(a) each of the
(b) teams will directly
(c) report to the
(d) teams and residents
(e) catch the snatchers

SECTION - C (LITERATURE)
TOTAL MARKS 30
General Instructions: This section is meant to test the student’s familiarity with and
appreciation of the set texts. However, if the expression prevents clear
communication, ½ a mark may be deducted.

8. Objective: To identify the correct answer on the basis of inference,

interpretation and comprehension.

Marking: 4 marks – 1 mark for each correct answer

25
 PROSE - TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA MARKS - 4

Answers:
a) the narrator
b) talked about their plan / asked for a lift / didn’t want a favour
c) offered to take them to Poleta in his car / offered to drop them at Poleta
d) break / gap / to stop/to wait / silence
OR
DRAMA – JULIUS CAESAR MARKS - 4

Answers:
a) Caesar might be harmed / killed
b) they were baseless, irrational / illogical
c) the Senate
d) give in / agree

9. Answer any four TOTAL MARKS (2x4=8)

Objective: To test the ability to infer and evaluate

Marking: 2 marks for each correct answer

Content – 1 mark
Expression – 1 mark

a) POETRY – FROG AND THE NIGHTINGALE MARKS - 2

Value Points:
 innocent, trusting by nature – rather gullible / foolish
 the frog cunning and exploitative
 the innocent Nightingale could not see through frogs motive / game
 suffered and lost her life

b) PROSE – A SHADY PLOT MARKS – 2

Value Points:
 Ouija board users trouble ghosts; bother them at night / odd times
 call them out of their beds too often

26
 c) PROSE – THE LETTER MARKS - 2

Value Points:
 when his own daughter falls ill and there was no news of her
 suffered pangs of separation

d) POETRY – SNAKE MARKS – 2

Value Points:
 the snake had reached the trough before him
 it was like an honoured guest
 had the first right to drink water

e) POETRY – NOT MARBLE NOR GUILDED MONUMENTS

MARKS - 2

Value Points:
 poetry immortal
 its appeal everlasting
 monuments / statues are subject to vagaries of time - fall into ruins / can
be destroyed with passage of time / perish

10. Answer any one in 100 – 120 words TOTAL MARKS - 8

Objective : To understand and relate to the prescribed text and be able to

make an analysis of events and characters

Marking: Content – 4 marks

Expression – 4 marks

PROSE – PATOL BABU, FILMSTAR

Value Points:
 perfectionism
 meticulousness
 dedication
 commitment
 valuing satisfaction over money

27
 Incidents
 makes the most of his opportunity
 squeezes the last drop of meaning out of the word ’Oh’ given to him
 does justice to the role
 does not wait for money

OR

PROSE – MRS. PACKLETIDE’S TIGER

Value Points:
 Mrs. Packletide a petty jealous woman
 wanted to outshine Loona Bimberton who had been carried eleven miles
in aeroplane
 made plans for a tiger hunt
 procures tiger skin
 throws a lunch party
 invites Loona and gives her a tiger claw brooch
 took all this trouble only to belittle Loona’s achievement and make her
envious of her
 Miss. Mebbin – a greedy woman,
 knew Mrs. Packletide’s secret – how the tiger was killed
 exploited her / blackmailed her / forced her to buy a weekend cottage
 greedy and cunning

LONG READING TEXT (NOVELS)

11. Answer any one of the following TOTAL MARKS - 10

Objective: To understand and relate to the prescribed text and be able

to make an analysis of events and characters.

Marking: Content: 5 marks

Expression: 5 marks

28
ANNE’S CHARACTER

Value Points:
Strength of character
 a strong survival instinct
 adapts herself to the situation and people
 optimism
 perseverance
 love of writing

OR

ROLE OF DIARY

Value Points:
 diary – Anne’s best friend
 her confidante
 poured her feelings, reactions into it
 a source of comfort and solace
 a true friend who helped her overcome her loneliness

OR

ARRIVAL OF ANNE SULLIVAN

Value Points:
 deaf, dumb and blind Helen trapped in her silent dark world
 Anne’s arrival- a turning point in her life
 empathized with her
 understood her limitations
 dealt with her problems very sympathetically
 accompanied her wherever she went and gave her moral and material
support

OR

29
CHARACTER SKETCH OF HELEN

Value Points:
Helen’s severe physical disabilities – their effect on her life
 felt isolated in her dark world
 embittered
 angry with the world at large
 rebellious
 frustrated as no one understood her
 unwilling to listen / stubborn

INCIDENTS
 cut off Martha’s hair
 locked her mother in the pantry
 locked Anne Sullivan in her room
 got into mischief frequently
 stole the cake and ate it.

30