Series- S4PQR/4 Set-1

(1/4/1)

Strictly Confidential: (For Internal and Restricted use only)

Senior Secondary Examination, 2024
Marking Scheme – ENGLISH CORE (301)
(QUESTION PAPER CODE – 1/4/1)

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.
2. “Evaluation policy is a confidential policy as it is related to the confidentiality of the
examinations conducted, evaluation done and several other aspects. Its leakage to
public in any manner could lead to derailment of the examination system and affect
the life and future of millions of candidates. Sharing this policy/document to anyone,
publishing in any magazine and printing in News Paper/Website etc may invite action
under various rules of the Board and IPC.”
3. 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 the latest information or knowledge and / or
are innovative, may be assessed for their correctness otherwise, and due marks may be
awarded to them. In Competency based questions, please try to understand the given
answer and even if reply is not from marking scheme but correct competency is shown
by the candidate, due marks should be awarded.
4. The Marking Scheme carries only suggested value points for the answers. These are in
the nature of Guidelines only and do not constitute the complete answer. The students
can have their own expression and if the expression is correct, then due marks should be
awarded accordingly.
5. 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. If there is any variation, the same should be
zeroed after deliberation and discussion. 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.
6. Evaluators will mark ( √ ) wherever answer is correct. For wrong answer ‘X” be marked.
Evaluators will not put ( √ ) while evaluating a wrong answer which gives an impression
that answer is correct and no marks are awarded. This is the most common mistake
which evaluators are committing.
7. 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 totalled up and written in the
left-hand margin and encircled. This must be followed strictly.
8. If a question does not have any parts, marks must be awarded in the left-hand margin
and encircled. This must be followed strictly.
9. If a student has attempted an extra question, answer of the question deserving more
marks should be retained and the other answer scored out with a note “Extra Question”.
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10. If more than one option is mentioned in the answer of multiple choice questions, then
no marks to be awarded.
11. No marks to be deducted for the cumulative effect of an error. It should be penalized
only once.
12. A full scale of marks (0-80 marks) as given in Question Paper has to be used. Please do
not hesitate to award full marks if the answer deserves it.
13. 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).
14. 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 totalling of marks awarded on an answer.
• Wrong transfer of marks from the inside pages of the answer book to the title page.
• Wrong question wise totalling on the title page.
• Wrong totalling of marks of the two columns on the title page.
• Wrong grand total.
• Marks in words and figures not tallying / not same.
• 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 not 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.
15. 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. ‘Zero’ should be mentioned both in
figures and words.
16. Any unassessed portion, non-carrying over of marks to the title page, or totalling 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 should be followed meticulously
and judiciously.
17. The Examiners should acquaint themselves with the guidelines given in the “Guidelines
for Spot Evaluation” before starting the actual evaluation.
18. Every Examiner shall also ensure that all the answers are evaluated, marks carried over to
the title page, correctly totalled and written in figures and words.
19. The candidates are entitled to obtain photocopy of the Answer Book on request on
payment of the prescribed processing fee. All Examiners / Additional Head Examiners /
Head Examiners are once again reminded that they must ensure that evaluation is
carried out strictly as per Value Points for each answer as given in the Marking Scheme.

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Series- S4PQR/4 Set-1
(1/4/1)

Strictly Confidential: (For Internal and Restricted use only)

Senior Secondary Examination, 2024
Marking Scheme – ENGLISH CORE (301)
[ QUESTION PAPER CODE : 1/4/1 ]
Maximum Marks : 80
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS:

1. The answers given below are suggestive. Credit should be given for any relevant point which is
not included in the value points listed below. However, any independent interpretation should
be discussed with the HE before awarding marks.
2. No marks shall be deducted for exceeding the word-limit.
3. If a spelling error is recurring, it should be penalized only once.

SECTION—A (Reading Skills) 22MARKS

NOTE: The objective of the reading section is to focus on testing a
candidate’s ability to comprehend. No mark(s) should be deducted for
mistakes in usage and grammar, spelling or word-limit. Full marks may
be awarded if a student has been able to identify the core ideas. If a
student literally lifts a portion of the given passage as an answer to a
question, no mark(s) to be deducted for this, as long as it is relevant.

Q.NO. PASSAGE-1
1. Answer the following questions, based on the given passage: 12 marks
Complete the following sentence with an appropriate word:
(i)
“- we end up screaming and dole out punishment.”
In the above sentence, the author criticizes the _________________
approach of the parents.
reactive / aggressive / negative
Ans. 1
(ii) Explain in about 40 words, when and how do parents become
reactive.
Ans. When
- children do something parents disapprove of
- lectures fail
(any one)
1+1
How
- screaming
- doling out punishment
(any one)
(iii) In the line ‘what will bloom will depend on the seeds we nurture’-
what seeds does the author refer to?
(a) Seasonal seeds (b) Societal news
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(c) Parental attitude (d) Values and emotions

Ans. (d) Values and emotions 1
(iv) Explain in about 40 words why does NHA focus on reforming
parents to reform children.
Ans. - in keeping with Zen approach 1+1
- what blossoms depends on seeds nurtured
- parents positive approach evokes similar response from
children
- parents commit to not saying or doing anything that will fuel
negativity in the child
(any two)
(v) Share evidence from the text, in about 40 words, to support the
view that parents appreciate the goodness of the child at every
opportunity.
Ans. - parents look for every opportunity to energize the positivity 1+1
- persistently appreciate the goodness in the child
- quotes like
you were really generous about sharing your
pizza
I appreciate the hard work you have put in your
project
it takes courage to stand up to a bully
(any two)
(vi) In paragraph 5, in what way does ‘This approach’ differ from the
earlier approach?
Ans. - recognizes child’s worth at every step 1
- no point in choosing negativity
- encourage rather than discourage
- aligning his energy in believing that he has great qualities
(any one)
(vii) Select the option that can be classified as qualifying a praise as
explained in the passage:
(A) You can be more helpful.
(B) You demonstrated patience while teaching your junior.
(C) Use your skill to be an excellent sportsman.
(D) You have to be amazing in your work.
Ans. (B) You demonstrated patience while teaching your junior. 1
(viii) The phrase ‘to cut the negative’ in para 4 most nearly means:
(A) to reduce wasteful expenditure
(B) to stop criticizing
(C) to eliminate challenges
(D) to humiliate someone

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Ans. (B) to stop criticizing 1

(ix) Read the five headlines (a)-(e) given below:
(a) New Age Parenting
(b) Children- A Rebellious Generaion
(c) Channelizing Energy
(d) Teacher- A Nation Builder
(e) Skill Development- Careers Ahead

Identify the option that displays the headline/s that Does/Do not
correspond with the occurrences in the text
(A) (a) and (e)
(B) (c) and (e)
(C) (b) only
(D) (a) and (c)

Ans. (B) (c) and (e) / (C) (b) only 1

PASSAGE-2
Q. 2. Answer the following questions, based on the given passage: 10 marks
(i) ‘…… these activities will increase productivity’. By ‘productivity.’
The author refers to
(A) products produced
(B) efficiency of the employee
(C) time spent by the employee
(D) number of activities
Ans. (B) efficiency of the employee 1
(ii) What change in the work place would bring those people back to
office who want amusement?
(A) giving long breaks
(B) free coffee and tea
(C) building entertainment lounge
(D) spacious conference hall
Ans. (C) building entertainment lounge 1
(iii) As per the survey, why do health conscious people prefer to work
from home?
Ans. - workout during the day 1
- can take a nap
(any one)
(iv) Complete the following sentence appropriately:
The passage ends on a note that some people are resolved to
______________.

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Ans. not to go back to work in person / work from home only 1

(v) Explain one inference that can be drawn from para 1 about the
reason for people’s preference to work from home.
Ans. - more comfortable / flexible schedules / not having to commute 1
- efficiency / increased productivity
- save time from commuting
(any one)
(vi) State whether the statement given below is True or False:
The survey reveals that people deeply miss socializing in the work
from home style.
Ans. False 1
(vii) Explain in your own words how appearance is one of the factors
for people’s preference for work from home.

Ans. - lost / gained weight 2

- no right clothes
- looks- not to worry about
(any two)
(viii) As per the survey, what top priorities of people prevent them from
going to office?
Ans. - caring for children
1+1
- lack of commute

SECTION B
20 marks
(Creative Writing Skills)
OBJECTIVE:
• To test the ability to think logically and express clearly.
• To use a style appropriate to the given situation.
• To plan, organize and present ideas coherently.

Q. 3. Attempt any one of the two in about 50 words : 4 marks

NOTICE WRITING
Distribution of marks
Format -1 Content – 2
Expression: Grammar & Spelling – ½ Coherence of Ideas- ½
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FORMAT - Name of issuing authority- organisation/ agency, NOTICE,

heading, date of issue, signature / name, designation (bottom left)
P.S. Public School, Aram Nagar has opened a gym for the
(a)
benefit of students. As Sports Captain, draft a notice
informing students about the facilities available in the gym,
timings and other details.

Ans.3(a) Suggested value points:-

- opening date, time and venue
- facilities available
- opening and closing timings 4
(inputs given in the question to be included)
(any other relevant point)
OR
The RWA of Ganga Society, Pushp Nagar has planned to start
b.
free yoga classes for its residents. You are Sharmila Tiwari,
the President of RWA. Draft a notice informing residents
about the proposal, timing, venue and other details.

Ans.3(b) Suggested value points:-

- proposal – starting free yoga classes for residents
- when and where
- timings
4
(inputs given in the question to be included)
(any other relevant point)

4. Attempt any one of the two in about 50 words : 4 marks

Distribution of marks
Format -1 Content – 2
Expression: Grammar & Spelling – ½ Coherence of Ideas- ½

LETTER OF INVITATION
You are Mr. Srikanth Sharma. You have recently built a new
(a)
house in the hills of Uttarakhand. Draft a letter inviting your
brother and his family to spend a few days with you in your
new home. Include relevant details.

Ans.4(a) Suggested value points:

- informal letter
4
- informing about recently built house
- inviting brother and his family
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- attractions of hill station

(inputs given in the question to be included)

(any other relevant point)
OR
FORMAL REPLY
You are Mr. Shyam Sundar, Professor of Psychology. You are
(b)
invited by S.K.M. College, Mahboob Nagar to be the keynote
speaker at its Annual Conclave on ‘Student Health- The
Emotional impact of Social Media’. Draft a reply letter
expressing your inability to accept the invitation and also cite
a reason for refusal.

Ans.4(b) Suggested value points:

- letter of refusal
- thanking for the invite
- event and its schedule
- expressing inability- citing reason 4
- best wishes for Annual Conclave

(inputs given in the question to be included)

(any other relevant point)

Q. 5. Attempt ANY ONE of the two in 120-150 words : 5 marks

Distribution of marks
Format -1 Content – 3
Expression (Grammar & Spelling) – ½ Coherence of ideas - ½
FORMAT –Sender’s address, Date, Receiver’s address, Subject and
Salutation/ Salutation and Subject, Complimentary Close, Name
JOB APPLICATION
You are Sujata/Suresh, a qualified fashion designer. You
(a)
came across the given advertisement in a newspaper and
wish to apply for the position advertised. Write a letter of
application along with bio-data for the same.

We are Hiring !
Apparel designer
Required Qualification : Graduation in fashion design.
Experience : Minimum 2 years in relevant field.
Creativity, computer designing of
Skills : apparels, aptitude for sewing,
business sense, in-depth knowledge
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of fabric drafting.
Apply to the Director, Estella House of Fashion 26, M.G. Road,
Kanthapuram.
Ans.5(a) Suggested value points:
Covering Letter :
- reference to the advertisement
- suitability for post
- offer candidature
Bio-Data / Resume / CV:
- personal profile
- qualifications 5
- experience
- skills
- references
NOTE:
• No marks to be deducted if the Resume/CV/Bio-data is
included in the covering letter.

(inputs given in the question to be included)

OR
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
You are Jyoti/Jagan of Park Avenue, Karampur. You
(b)
feel sad to notice that people litter the roads with utter
disregard for sanitation and cleanliness. As a
responsible citizen, write a letter to the editor of a
national daily highlighting the need for educational
institutions to instill civic responsibility among school
children.
You may use the following cues along with your own
ideas to compose the letter.

• cleanliness drive
• spreading awareness campaigns
• eco club activities in schools
• volunteer for cleanup
• workshops, seminars

Ans.5(b) Suggested value points

5

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(inputs given in the question to be included)

(any other relevant point)
(any three)

Q. 6. Attempt ANY ONE of the two in 120-150 words : 5 marks

Distribution of marks
Format -1 Content – 3
Expression (Grammar & Spelling) – ½ Coherence of ideas - ½
FORMAT – Title and byline
ARTICLE WRITING
With the advancement of science and technology, basic
(a)
communication has adversely impacted the social skills of
today’s youth. You are Girish / girija of class XII. Write an
article for your school magazine highlighting the adverse
effects of technology and the ways to enhance social skills
among the younger generation to prevent social awkwardness.
You may use the following cues along with your own ideas to
draft the article.

Impact
• decrease in face to face communication
• lack of engagement
• inability to converse and poor inter-personal skills
Suggestions
• improve conversational and communication skills
• personal interaction, develop collaborative skills
• outdoor sports and activities
Ans.6(a) Suggested value points :

(inputs given in the question to be included) 5

(any other relevant point)
(any three)
OR
REPORT WRITING

Distribution of marks
Format -1 Content – 3
Expression (Grammar & Spelling) – ½ Coherence of ideas - ½
FORMAT – Title and byline , date and place
He members of your school Drama club, recently p[ut up a street
(b) 5 marks
play at the Central Park oy your city. The theme of the play was
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Education- An Equal Opportunity. As President of Drama Club,

write a report on the event to be published in your school
newsletter. Use the following cues along with your own ideas to
compose the report:

• date, venue , time

• no. of participants
• performance followed by interactive session with
spectators
• star actors
- response
• people’s feedback/response

Ans.6(b) Suggested value points :

(inputs given in the question to be included) 5

(any other relevant point)
(any three)
SECTION C (Literature) 40 marks

NOTE: The objective of this section is to test a candidate’s ability to

understand and interpret the prescribed text through short & long
answer type questions. Long answer type questions have been set to
test the students’ understanding of the text and their ability to interpret,
evaluate & respond to the issues raised therein. Hence, no particular
answer can be accepted as the only correct answer. All presentations
may be accepted as correct with consultation of the HE, if they have
been duly supported by the facts drawn from the text. The student
should be able to justify his / her viewpoint.
In the Inter textual questions reference to both the texts must be
included.

Q.7. Attempt any one of the extracts given below and answer the questions 6x1=6
that follow : marks
The little old house was out with a little new shed
(a)
in front at the edge of the road where the traffic sped.
A road side stand that too pathetically pled
It would not be fair to say for a dole of bread.
But for some of the money, the cash, whose flow supports
The flower of cities from sinking and withering faint.
( A Roadside stand)
Which of the following expressions has the same literary device as
(i)
used in
“ A roadside stand that too pathetically pled”.
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(A) All the world’s a stage.

(B) I wandered lonely, as a cloud
(C) The brutal wind bullied the tree.
(D) And life is too much like a pathless wood.
(C) The brutal wind bullied the tree.
Ans. 1
Select the option that aptly conveys the poet’s point of view with
(ii)
reference to the above extract:
The roadside stand is put up with the purpose to
(A) display fruits (B) to stop the traffic
(C) to do business (D) to interact with city people
Ans. (C) to do business 1
What do you infer about the people, who put up the roadside stand
(iii)
from the phrase ‘would not be fair to say for a dole of bread’?
Ans. not looking for charity or alms / self respecting people / poor 1
Complete the following sentence with reference to the extract.
(iv)
The word ‘pathetically’ reflects the ______________ condition of
the roadside stand.
Ans. miserable / pitiable / poor / dilapidated 1
State whether the following statement is True or False:
(v)
By ‘Flower of Cities’, the poet refers to the garden in cities.
Ans. False 1
(vi) Based on the rhyme scheme, evident in lines 1-4, which word would
rhyme with line 2?
___ ___ ___
Part fled seen

Ans. fled 1
OR
Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through her wool
Find even the ivory needle hard to pull
The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand
6x1=6
Q.7(b) When Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie
marks
Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by,
The Tigers in the panel that she made
Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.
(Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)
‘Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand.’ Through the above
(i)
expression the poet indicates:
(A) Aunt Jennifer is happily married.
(B) Aunt Jennifer loves the tigers in the panel
(C) Aunt Jennifer's unhappy married life
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(D) Anut Jennifer's rich and luxurious life.

(C) Aunt Jennifer's unhappy married life
Ans. 1
Select the option that has the same literary device as used in ‘Still
(ii)
ringed with ordeals’.
(A) Leopards cannot hide in the jungle as they are spotted.
(B) Sun smiled happily on us.
(C) Her lovely voice was music to his ears
(D) Life is like a box of chocolates
(A) Leopards cannot hide in the jungle as they are spotted.
Ans. 1
(iii) Complete the following sentences with reference to the extract.
The tigers in the panel symbolize _________________________.
Ans. - Aunt Jennifer’s strong desire
- fearlessness / courage / freedom
1
- male dominance
(any one)
(iv) State whether the statement given below is True or False:
“Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.”
The above expression suggests that Aunt Jennifer is dying.

Ans. False 1
Based on the rhyme scheme, evident in lines 1-2, which word would
rhyme with line 1?
___ ___ ___
(v) full sand bye
Ans. full 1
The use of the word ‘fluttering fingers’ in the extract suggest that
(vi)
the fingers of Aunt Jennifer are trembling. This creates an image
of ____________ .
Ans. - weak, terrified, nervous Aunt Jennifer
- Aunt Jennifer’s fear/ unhappy marriage / dominating husband 1
(any one)

Q.8. Attempt any one of the extracts given below and answer the questions
that follow:
(a) I did not open my mouth to answer. Then the steps were quickened 4x1=4
and the voices became excited. The sounds came nearer and marks
nearer. Women and girls entered the room. I held my breath and
watched them open closet doors and peep behind large trunks.
Someone threw up the curtains, and the room was filled with
sudden light. What caused them to stoop and look under the bed. I
do not know. I remember being dragged out, though I resisted by
kicking and scratching wildly. In spite of myself, I was carried
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downstairs and tied fast in a chair.

(Memories of childhood)
Select the appropriate option:
………. Sounds came nearer and nearer…………….
(A) describes the increase in volume.
(i) (B) adds suspense and anxiety to readers
(C) reflects the thought of the speaker
(D) is a factual narrative.
Ans. (B) adds suspense and anxiety to readers 1
Complete the following sentence:
(ii) ‘Inspite of myself’ suggests that the speaker was _____________.
against her will / forcefully carried downstairs
Ans. 1
What do you infer from the first line of the extract?
(A) It was her first day in school.
(iii) (B) She did not want to get caught.
(C) She was unprepared for the lesson.
(D) She preferred to be by herself.
Ans. (B) She did not want to get caught. 1
State whether the statement given below is True or False:
(iv) The speaker hoodwinked the people looking for her.
False
Ans. 1
OR
Human civilizations have been around for a paltry 12,000 years-
Q.8 (b) 4x1=4
barely a few seconds on the geological clock. In that short amount
marks
of time, we’ve managed to create quite a rukus, etching our
dominance over nature with our villages, towns, cities, mega cities.
The rapid increase of human populations has left us battling with
other species for limited resources, and the unmitigated burning of
fossil fuels has now created a blanket of carbon dioxide around the
world, which is slowly but surely increasing the average global
temperature.
(Journey to the End of the Earth)
According to the view expressed by the author in the above extract,
increase in global temperature is due to
(i) (A) mega cities (B) human people
(C) burning of fossil fuels (D) limited resources
(C) burning of fossil fuels
Ans. 1
Complete the following sentence with reference to the extract:
(ii) Humans are criticised by the author for ________________.
creating a rukus / etching dominance over nature with villages, towns,
cities / unmitigated burning of fossil fuels / rapid increase in 1
Ans. population / increasing average global temperature
According to the author, the relation between human population
(iii) and resources is ___________________.
inversely proportional / that increase in population leads to scarcity of
Ans. resources 1

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‘In that short amount of time, we’ve managed to create a ruckus.’

By ‘ruckus’ the author refers to ___________________.
(iv) (A) movement (B) misunderstanding
(C) breach (D) commotion
Ans. (D) commotion 1

Attempt any one of the extracts given below and answer the questions 6x1=6
Q9. that follow: marks
I heard M. Hamel say to me, “I won’t scold you, little Franz : you
(a)
must feel bad enough, see how it is ! Everyday we have said to
ourselves. Bah! I’ve plenty of time I’ll learn it tomorrow. And now
you see where we’ve come out. Ah, that’s the great trouble with
Alsace; she puts off learning till tomorrow. Now those fellows out
there will have the right to say to you. ‘How is it; you pretend to be
Frenchmen, and yet you can neither speak nor write your own
language?’ But, you are not the worst, poor little Franz. We’ve all
a great deal to reproach ourselves with”.
(The Last Lesson)
‘And now you see where we’ve come out.’
The tone of M. Hamel in the above line is that of:
(i) (A) kindness (B) happiness
(C) regret (D) enthusiasm
Ans. (C) regret 1
‘We’ve all a great deal to reproach ourselves with.’
Select the option, which conveys the meaning of ‘reproach’ as
reflected in the above line.
(A) The player received a reprimand for breach of rules
(ii) (B) The students approached the management with a demand for
new canteen
(C) The clerk received a letter of appreciation for his innovative
ideas
(D) She could not find a way to broach the subject with her boss.
Ans. (A) The player received a reprimand for breach of rules. 1
State whether the following statement is True or False with
reference to the extract.
(iii) M. Hamel endorses the belief that there is plenty of time to learn
their language.
Ans. False 1
Complete the sentence appropriately.
(iv) ‘You must feel bad enough.’ Through these words M. Hamel urges
the people _________________.
Ans. to realize their mistake / to hold on to their mother tongue 1
Identify the line from the text that reinforces the theme of
(v) patriotism in the story.
‘How is it, You pretend to be Frenchmen and yet you can neither speak
Ans. nor write your own language?’ 1

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She puts off learning till tomorrow. The phrase ‘puts off’ suggests
(vi) _________________________.
Ans. procrastinates / postpones / delays 1
OR
They thought he would demand repayment in full of the money
which they had illegally and deceitfully extorted from the
sharecroppers. He asked only 50 percent. “There he seemed
adamant”, writes Reverend J.Z. Hodge, a British missionary in
Champaran, who observed the entire episode at close range. 6x1=6
Q.9 (b)
“thinking probably that he would not give way, the representatives marks
of the planters offered to refund to the extent of 25 percent, and to
his amazement Mr. Gandhi took him at his words thus breaking
the deadlock.”
Choose the correct option
‘there he seemed adamant,’reflects Gandhi’s trait of being
(i) (A) arrogant (B) uncompromising
(C) argumentative (D) courageous
Ans. (B) uncompromising 1
_________________ deceitfully extorted from the sharecroppers.
The status of sharecroppers as inferred from the above line is
(ii) (A) law abiding citizens (B) followers of Gandhi
(C) victims of exploitation (D) contract labourers
Ans. (C) victims of exploitation 1
Complete the following sentence:
(iii) Gandhi surprised them by ______________________.
accepting 25% refund offer / taking the representative of the planters
Ans. at his word 1
The inference that can be drawn from the line “Mr. Gandhi took
(iv) him at his word” is __________________.
Ans. trusted / believed the words of the speaker 1
(v) ‘Deadlock’ in the last line means ____________________.

Ans. stalemate / to come to a standstill / failure to reach an agreement 1

What do we infer about the attitude of planters towards
(vi) sharecroppers?
Ans. condescending / authoritative / domineering / looked down upon them 1

Answer any five of the following six questions in 40-50 words each : 5 x 2 = 10
Q10.
marks
Distribution of marks:-
CONTENT – 1
SPELLING AND GRAMMAR- ½ COHERENCE OF IDEAS- ½
When I sense a flash of it in Mukesh, I am cheered. How is
(i)
Mukesh’s attitude of life different from that of his family and
friends? (The Lost Spring)
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Suggested value points:-

- family and friends- fatalists , hopeless, took bangle making for
a god given lineage.
- Mukesh – dares to dream, determined and hopeful , dreams to
Ans. become a motor mechanic 2

(any other relevant point)

(any one)
“I was frightened, but not yet frightened out of my wits.” Says
(ii)
Douglas. Which qualities of the speaker are highlighted in the
above statement? (Deep Water)
Suggested value points:-
- resilience
- calm and composed in face of adversity
Ans. - systematic in planning and execution 2

(any other relevant point)

(any one)
‘See you soon Amma.’ How are these words contrary to the
(iii)
speaker’s emotions? (My Mother at Sixty-six)
Suggested value points:-
- fears separation / quite disturbed
Ans. - speaks words of reassurance, positivity and hope 2

(any other relevant point)

‘And such too is the grandeur of the dooms; we have imagined for
(iv)
the mighty dead.’ Explain the inference you can draw from the
phrase ‘mighty dead’. (A Thing of Beauty)
Suggested value points:-

Legendary heroes
- sacrificed to mitigate others’ sufferings
Ans. - performed heroic deeds, feats 2
- continue to inspire

(any other relevant point)

(any one)
What evidence from the text reveals that Rudyard Kipling did not
(v)
walk the talk? (The Interview)
Suggested value points:-
- Kipling – an interviewer himself, interviewed Mark Twain
- calls interviews a crime, an assault, immoral, something that
Ans. merits punishment 2

(any other relevant point)

‘Soaf, you really should be sensible !’ What does Jansie’s advice to
(vi)
her friend Sophie reveal about their friendship? (Going Places)
Suggested value points:-
- true and honest friendship
Ans. - a friendship of opposites 2
- Jansie is cautious and down to earth
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- Sophie lives in a make believe world, is a dreamer

(any other relevant point)

(any one)

Answer any two of the following three questions in 40 -50 words each: 2x2=4
Q.11
marks
Distribution of marks:-
CONTENT – 1
SPELLING AND GRAMMAR- ½ COHERENCE OF IDEAS- ½
How can you say ‘Students on Ice Programme’ was a step towards
(i)
the future? (Journey to the End of the Earth)
Suggested value points:-
- students today- policy makers of tomorrow
- provides first hand experience of the changing world
environment
Ans. - helps foster a new understanding and respect for planet 2

(any other relevant point)

(any one)
Louisa behaves like a perfect wife. Give evidence from The Third
(ii)
Level in support of the above statement.
Suggested value points:-
- upset, offended when psychiatrist friend Sam remarks – Charlie
was ‘unhappy’
- worried when Charlie searches Third Level
Ans. - later accompanies Charlie in looking for Third Level 2

(any other relevant point)

(any one)
What was the servants’ reaction to Sadao’s decision of treating the
(iii)
American soldier? (The Enemy)
Suggested value points:-
- resented / scared
- Yumi refused to wash, clean the American
- gardener and cook feared it would anger sea, nature who will
Ans. take revenge 2
- on seventh day, all the three deserted

(any other relevant point)

(any one)

Q.12 Answer any one of the following two questions in 120-150 words : 5 marks
Distribution of marks:-
CONTENT – 3 FLUENCY – 1
SPELLING – ½ GRAMMAR- ½
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After reading ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tiger’ and ‘Going Places’, you

(a)
realize that Aunt Jennifer and Sophie’s mother have been subdued
by their respective husbands.
As a social activist you have to write an article to a newspaper on
the need to empower women.
You may begin like this.
Empowerment of women is a very essential social reform. It needs
to be accelerated for any nation to progress…….
Suggested value points:-
Ans.
Need:
- women comprise 50% population (approx.)
- an empowered woman leads to social, economic, educational
progress
Ways:
- gender equality
- more representation in government 5
- increased opportunities for education and employment
Textual reference :
- Aunt Jennifer’s suppression leaves her shattered / restricts her
from taking her potential to peak
- Sophie’s mother being meek is only a mute spectator

(any other relevant point)

(any three)
OR
‘A Roadside Stand’ and ‘Lost Spring’ depict two contrasting
(b)
worlds existing in the society.
Justify this statement with reference to the poem ‘ A Roadside
Stand’ and the text ‘ The Lost Spring’.
You may begin.
Social satire in the two texts portrays two contrasting worlds that
exist in society.
Suggested value points:-
Ans.
- both lessons highlight social and economic inequalities in
society
A Roadside Stand
- world of haves and have-nots
- apathy of city dwellers towards countryside people
- the greedy good-doers exploit simple, trusting villagers
The Lost Spring 5
- world of rag pickers and bangle makers stands in contrast to the
world of affluent ones
- the poor caught in the vicious circle of sahukars, middlemen
and police

(any other relevant point)

(any three)

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Q.13 Answer any one of the following two questions in 120-150 words : 5 marks
Distribution of marks:-
CONTENT – 3 FLUENCY – 1
SPELLING – ½ GRAMMAR- ½
Mr. Lamb: Lord, boy, you’ve got two arms, two legs and eyes and
(a)
ears…….
You could get on better than all the rest. Optimism is the best tool
to face challenges in life.
Imagine you are Mr. Lamb. You want to give a motivational
speech to a group of differently abled students urging them to be
positive in their approach to life. Write the speech on behalf of Mr.
Lamb.
You may begin like this.
Hello ! Dear Students ! Believe in yourself. Nothing is impossible
…… (On the Face of It)
Suggested value points:-
Ans.
- no disability is a handicap
- count blessings not negatives
- belief in self, key to success
- be a support to yourself
- be open to suggestions
Textual reference 5
- Mr. Lamb never grieves his lost leg
- takes no offence to ‘Lamey Lamb’

(any other relevant point)

(any three)
OR
“Tiger population became extinct in the forests of
(b)
Pratibandapuram.”
Tiger King is a typical example of man’s dominance over nature.
As a member of your school Eco Club, write an article for your
school magazine on how man should follow the policy of ‘Live and
Let Live’.
You may begin like this.
The noblest principle, man should follow in his life is co-existence.
(The Tiger king)
Suggested value points:-
Ans.
- man a trustee, not owner of the Earth
- respect all animals, the Earth
- practice sustainable development
- educate people to be responsible
- promote afforestation
- preserve ecological balance 5
- stringent laws against poaching
Textual reference
- being the king, the Tiger King should have protected all
creatures
- his attempt to disprove the royal astrologer resulted in
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extinction of tigers in Pratibandapuram and in his in-laws’

estate

(any other relevant point)

(any three)
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