English 8.edited
English 8.edited
Subject: English
Class: 8
Assessment guidelines for conducting annual examinations 2024 for the
secondary level education institutions
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Subject-wise guidelines for conducting annual summative assessments for the
academic year 2024
Subject: English
Class: 8
(a) Guidelines for developing questions
1. Questions should be based on the competencies/skills and knowledge focused on
the experiences of the NCTB textbooks as prescribed by the syllabus outlined in
this guideline.
2. Questions on reading and grammar must be set from the unseen texts which should
be similar to the relevant texts given in the textbooks in terms of level of difficulty,
genre, and style.
3. Tasks for the writing part need to be set considering the type of writing students
have done in the classroom. However, no writing tasks/topics should be copied
from the textbook while setting questions.
4. Question setters need to provide sample answers and rubrics for marking the essay
type/open-ended writing tasks.
Continuous Summative
30% 70%
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(d) Continuous assessment: Task type and marks distribution
Teachers must give prior notifications to students explaining the details of when
and how the continuous assessments will be conducted.
Teachers must select the mentioned items for CA from the given syllabus.
The concerned teachers also have to keep a record of students’ performances in
various Continuous Assessment tasks and compile the final grades for the
Continuous Assessment part obtained by each student by the end of the year.
Total 30
Total 100
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N.B. Question setters may include alternative items of similar nature and level of difficulty
to give options for the candidates to choose from. Thus candidates will have the flexibility
to choose any one out of the three tasks.
(f) Sample questions for the written test as per the prescribed format
This is a sample question paper. In the light of this sample question paper, you will
prepare the question paper for the subject you teach. In no way can this sample question
paper be used or copied exactly when setting your own question papers.
Part A: Reading
1. Read the following story and answer the questions that follow:
Once in a small village in Korea, there lived a wise and kind-hearted merchant named
Chulsoo. He was known for his generosity and fairness. Chulsoo had a younger brother
named Hyunsoo, who was greedy and selfish. While Chulsoo worked hard to trade goods
and help the villagers, Hyunsoo spent his days lounging and scheming how to get rich
without effort.
One day, Chulsoo received a rare golden grain from a traveler as a token of appreciation.
The traveler told him that the grain had magical powers and would bring prosperity to
whoever planted it with good intentions. Chulsoo, being wise, decided to plant the grain in
his garden. He took care of it with great dedication, and soon, a magnificent golden tree
grew in his garden. The tree bore fruits that turned into gold coins when they ripened.
Chulsoo used the wealth to help the poor and improve the village, earning the love and
respect of everyone.
When Hyunsoo heard about the golden tree, he became envious. He demanded that Chulsoo
should give him the tree, but Chulsoo refused, explaining that the tree only grew because it
was nurtured with kindness. Determined to have the tree, Hyunsoo sneaked into the garden
one night and dug up the tree to plant it in his own yard. However, the next morning, the
tree had withered and died. No matter how hard Hyunsoo tried, the tree wouldn't grow again.
Realizing his mistake, Hyunsoo went to his brother, ashamed and apologetic. "Forgive me,
brother," he said, "I was blinded by greed." Chulsoo embraced his brother and said, "Greed
destroys, but kindness heals. Let's work together from now on." From that day for, the two
brothers lived in harmony, and the village prospered.
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A. Choose the best answer from the alternatives: 1x5=5
i) He was known for his generosity and fairness. What is the opposite word of the
underlined word?
a) self-seeking
b) kind
c) benevolent
d) lavish
ii) What happened when Chulsoo planted the golden grain?
a) It disappeared.
b) It grew into a golden tree.
c) It turned into gold coins.
d) It withered and died.
iii) How did Hyunsoo react when he heard about the golden tree?
a) He was happy for his brother.
b) He ignored it.
c) He became envious.
d) He decided to plant his own tree.
iv) ‘Realizing his mistake, Hyunsoo went to his brother, ashamed and apologetic.’
What is the closest meaning of the underlined word?
a) sympathetic
b) argumentative
c) remorseful
d) disgraceful
v) What lesson did Hyunsoo learn at the end of the story?
a) Greed destroys, but kindness heals.
b) Hard work pays off.
c) Money is the key to happiness.
d) Family is not important.
2. Read the text about a peaceful morning and answer the questions that follow:
The morning was serene and calm. The first rays of sunlight gently touched the dew-covered
grass, making them glisten like tiny diamonds. Birds chirped harmoniously, filling the air
with their melodious tunes. A cool breeze whispered through the trees, rustling the leaves
softly. The village river, flowing quietly, mirrored the clear blue sky above. People were
slowly starting their day, some heading towards the fields while others were opening their
shops. The distant sound of a temple bell added a sacred touch to the peaceful atmosphere.
Everything seemed in perfect harmony as if nature itself was at peace.
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a) Read the statements and write whether they are true or false. If false, give the
correct answer. 1x5=5
i) The first rays of sunlight made the river sparkle like diamonds.
ii) The birds chirped harmoniously, creating a noisy atmosphere.
iii) The village river mirrored the clear blue sky above.
iv) People were rushing to start their day.
v) The distant sound of a temple bell added to the chaos of the morning.
b) Read the text again and match the things in column A with their characteristics in
column B. 1x5=5
Column A (Things) Column B (Characteristics)
a) Dew-covered grass i) Peaceful atmosphere
b) Birds ii) Tiny diamonds
c) Flowing river iii) Clear blue sky
d) Temple bell iv) Melodious tunes
e) Morning v) Sacred touch
c) Read the text again and write the summary of the text in your own words. The
following points must be mentioned in writing your summary. 5
Focus on the main idea
Use of own words
Keep it brief
Maintaining the original meaning
3. Here is a part of the poem ‘Ode to the West Wind’ by Percy Bysshe Shelley. Read it
and identify the metaphors used in the poem. Use the following table to complete the
activity. 2x5=10
Ode to the West Wind
By: Percy Bysshe Shelley
Make me thy lyre, even as the forest is:
What if my leaves are falling like its own!
The tumult of thy mighty harmonies
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Comparing Metaphor Reason to use the
Line of the poem
Person/thing (Compared to) metaphors
4. Read the following passage and identify five cohesive devices used in the text, and
analyze the purpose of using them in the sentences. Use the table below to complete
the activity. 2x5=10
Trees are a vital part of our environment. They have, in fact, great impacts on the climate.
But we are not kind and careful about them. Rather, we destroy trees at random. As a result,
one day the country will bear the consequences of the greenhouse effect. Since ours is an
agricultural country, our economy depends largely on agriculture. Moreover, trees play a
vital role in our climate. Besides, trees keep soil strong and protect it. After that, trees save
us from floods and many other natural calamities. Furthermore, trees provide us with timber
which is of great use, especially in construction works and making furniture. Thus, trees are
our best friends.
5. Complete the following text by using the right form of the verb.
1x10=10
Self-study is a method of learning where students take charge of their own studying outside
of the classroom, without direct supervision. This (a) —— (allow) the student to take
control of how, what, when, and where they (b) —— (learn).This method of studying (c)
—— (be) preferred by independent learners because they can take learning into their own
hands. They (d) —— (assess) what information they need, find the resources to (e) ——
(complementing) their learning, and complete their assessments at their own pace.
Anyone can (f) —— (incorporate) self-studying in their own learning practice, not just
independent learners. Self-studying is also quite useful for anyone who may not have the
time to get (g) —— (enroll) in formal courses, or cannot travel to institutions for those
courses.
Self-study helps (h) —— (building) a student’s confidence in learning.(i) —— (Manage)
one’s time and priorities helps make self-studying more effective. Students are (j) ——
(allow) to be self-motivated and less reliant on teachers to direct how and when they should
study. With their autonomy, students learn to plan and become persistent with their studies
thoughtfully.
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6. Here is the story of Maria. There are some gaps in the story. Now fill in the blanks
with appropriate non-finite verbs (Gerund, participles, and infinitive). 1x5=5
Maria was determined __________ (to finish/finishing) her project before the deadline. She
knew that __________ (to manage/managing) her time well was crucial. After __________
(to plan/planning) her schedule carefully, she began __________ (to work/working) on the
most challenging tasks first.
While __________ (to complete/completing) the initial stages, Maria realized she needed
some help. She called her friend, Sujon, __________ (to ask/asking) for advice. Sujon
suggested __________ (to break/breaking) the project into smaller, more manageable parts.
Maria found this advice helpful and decided __________ (to follow/following) it. As she
continued __________ (to work/working), she felt more confident. By the end of the day,
she was able __________ (to see/seeing) significant progress, which motivated her
__________ (to keep/keeping) going.
7. Read the following sentences and identify time adverbials. Then write new sentences
using the same adverbial for each. 1x5=5
Yesterday, Rafiq went to the market in the morning to buy fresh vegetables. Every Friday,
he visits the market early to avoid the crowds. Last week, he couldn’t go because of the
heavy rain, but he made sure to go this week. Later that day, he prepared a special dinner
for his family. Next weekend, they plan to visit his grandparents in the village.
Part C: Writing
[For questions 8-10 learners should strictly follow the textbook to develop their writing
on different issues.]
If you think you are a suitable and qualified candidate for this post, write a CV for the
job. 10
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9. Read the story below. Try to assume the topic of the story. Then complete the activity
that follows. 10
In the social system of Bangladesh, children have to depend upon their parents and family
members for their well-being. The state cannot ensure completely their basic needs and
social security. Children are the most unprotected, vulnerable, and weak segment of society.
Child marriage is a perennial problem. Though it’s a global problem it is more alarming for
Bangladesh. It is treated as a massive violation of girl’s rights because due to early marriage,
they cannot continue or complete their education. Child marriage is such a problem that can
pose a threat to the whole society. In most of the cases, girls are victims of child marriage.
Due to poverty and illiteracy parents especially in rural areas think economically girls are a
burden for the family and to reduce the burden of the family arrange child marriage. As the
mental faculties of the children are not mature enough they cannot realize the consequences
of child marriage, rely on their parents, family, and other relatives and they think that child
marriage will be a benefit for them. Parents inspire early marriage from the fear that the
amount of dowry will be high with the age of their daughters.
One of the major causes of the rapid increase in population in Bangladesh is early
marriage. It has adverse health, intellectual, and psychological impacts and it also causes
dropout from school. Marriage at an early age has the risk of sexually transmitted diseases,
unintended pregnancy, delivery of low birth weight babies, and maternal and child death.
It destroys a girl physically and mentally.
Now, write a paragraph on ‘The cause and effects of early marriage in Bangladesh’ in
150 words.
Here are some thought-provoking questions on early marriage that you may use to write the
paragraph.
What are the primary factors of early marriage in Bangladesh?
What are the problems with early marriage?
How does early marriage affect the mental and emotional well-being of young
girls?
How to stop early marriage?
10. Suppose you are Ratul. You have been shortlisted in the Creative Writing
category of the National Education Week competition this year. In this case, you will
need a forwarding letter. 10
Now write an application/ a letter to the Head Teacher of your school asking for a
forwarding letter.
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(g) Answers to the objectively marked questions
Answers to question 1. A
i) a
ii) b
iii) c
iv) c
vi) a
Answers to question 1. B
a) Chulsoo was respected by the villagers for his kindness and fairness.
Answers to question 2. a)
i) False; The first rays of the sunlight made the grass sparkle like diamonds.
ii) False; The birds chirp harmoniously, creating a melodious tune.
iii) True
iv) False; People were starting their day slowly
v) False, The distant sound of the temple bell added sacred touch to the
morning.
a) + ii
b) + iv
c) + iii
d) +v
e) +i
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Answers to question 4 (samples only)
Answers to question 5
Self-study is a method of learning where students take charge of their own studying outside
of the classroom, without direct supervision. This (a) (allows) the student to take control of
how, what, when, and where they (b) (learn).This method of studying (c) (is) preferred by
independent learners because they can take learning into their own hands. They (d) (assess)
what information they need, find the resources to (e) (complement) their learning and
complete their assessments at their own pace.
Anyone can (f) (incorporate) self-studying in their own learning practice, not just
independent learners. Self-studying is also quite useful for anyone who may not have the
time to get (g) (enrolled) in formal courses or cannot travel to institutions for those courses.
Self-study helps (h) (build) a student’s confidence in learning. (i) (Managing one’s time and
priorities helps make self-studying more effective. Students are (j) allowed to be self-
motivated and less reliant on teachers to direct how and when they should study. With their
autonomy, students learn to plan and become persistent with their studies thoughtfully.
Answers to question 6
Maria was determined (to finish) her project before the deadline. She knew that (managing)
her time well was crucial. After (planning) her schedule carefully, she began (to work) on
the most challenging tasks first.
While (completing) the initial stages, Maria realized she needed some help. She called her
friend, Sujon, (to ask) for advice. Sujon suggested (breaking) the project into smaller, more
manageable parts.
Maria found this advice helpful and decided (to follow) it. As she continued (to work), she
felt more confident. By the end of the day, she was able (to see) significant progress, which
motivated her (to keep) going.
Answers to question 7
Yesterday: We missed the football match yesterday.
In the morning: Our school starts at 8-00 in the morning.
Every Friday: We have our review meeting Every Friday.
Early: I must start early tomorrow to Catch the first flight.
Last week: Last week they went out for a picnic.
This week: We are having our meeting this week:
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(h) Rubrics for marking item no 8: Writing a CV
CATEGORY 4 3 2 1
Career Detailed Detailed A few Objectives are
objectives objectives objectives objectives were not clear.
written with no written with written with
errors. few errors. few errors.
6 4 3 2
Other All expected Some expected Few expected Information
information information is information is information is and format
and format provided in a provided in a provided in a seem
clear format. clear format. clear format. inconsistent.
CATEGORY 4 3 2 1
Title, topic The title, topic . Title is ok but One of these is
sentence, and sentence, and the topic missing (title,
concluding concluding The title is ok sentence and topic sentence,
sentence sentence are but the topic concluding concluding
written properly sentence and sentence are sentence)
concluding not clear with
sentence are not their purposes,
clear with their and the text
purposes. contains errors.
6 4 3 2
Body Ideas are Ideas are Ideas are The paragraph
expressed in a expressed in a somewhat seems to be a
clear and pretty clear organized but collection of
organized manner but the are not very unrelated
fashion. It is organization clear. It takes sentences. It is
easy to figure could have been more than one very difficult
out what it is better. reading to to figure out
about. Cohesive Cohesive figure out what what it is
devices are used devices are it is about. about.
properly. used properly.
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Rubrics for marking item no 10: Writing a formal letter
CATEGORY 4 3 2 1
Salutation, Salutation and Salutation and Salutation and Salutation and
Closing, and closing and the closing and the closing and the closing and the
Format use of formal use of formal use of formal use of formal
tone, and tone, and proper tone, and proper tone, and
proper format. format. (have 1 format. (have 2 proper format.
(have no error) errors) (have more
errors) than 2 errors)
6 4 3 2
Body Ideas are Ideas are Ideas are The letter
expressed in a expressed in a somewhat seems to be a
clear and pretty clear organized, but collection of
organized manner but the were not very unrelated
fashion. It is organization clear. It takes sentences. It is
easy to figure could have been more than one very difficult to
out what the better. reading to figure figure out what
letter is about. out what the the letter is
letter is about. about.
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