CBSE Class 12 English Core Question Paper 2020 Set 1-4-1 Solutions

Set-1, Code No.-1/4/1 2020

Strictly Confidential: (For Internal and Restricted use only)
Senior School Certificate Examination-2020
Marking Scheme – ENGLISH CORE
(SUBJECT CODE : 301) (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. Evaluation is a 10-12 days mission for all of us. Hence, it is
necessary that you put in your best efforts in 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, these may be assessed for
their correctness and marks be awarded to them.

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 the
answer is correct and no marks are awarded. This is the 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 be then totalled up and written in the left-hand side
margin and encircled. This must be followed strictly.

6. If a question does not have any parts, marks must be awarded in the left hand margin and
encircled. This must 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 are 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.

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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 in other
subjects (details are given in the spot guidelines).

11. Ensure that you don’t 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 for 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 grand total.
 Marks in words and figure not tallying.
 Wrong transfer of marks from the answer book to the 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 an
incorrect answer.)
 Half or a part of the 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 (X) and awarded zero (0) Marks.

13. 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 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 totalled 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.

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1/4/1 SUGGESTED VALUE POINTS 2020
SECTION A: READING
COMPREHENSION PASSAGE

NOTE: No mark(s) should be deducted for mistakes in usage and
1 grammar, spelling, or word limit. Full marks may be awarded if a student 12 marks
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.
1.1 MCQ (Any Five)
(a) The first Green corridor in India was created in
Ans.(a) (ii) Chennai 1 mark
(b) The organisation which is framing a proposal to airlift cadaver organs is
Ans.(b) (iii) National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation 1 mark
(c) The onerous task that the author is talking about in para 1 is
Ans.(c) (iii) to carry the harvested organ in the shortest possible time 1 mark
(d) Most of the people do not go for heart transplant as
Ans.(d) (iv) the cost is prohibitive 1 mark
(e) Most States refer organ transplant cases to big hospitals because
Ans.(e) (i) they don’t have well-trained experts 1 mark
(f) Heart retrieved from a body is alive only for _____ hours.
Ans.(f) (iii) four 1 mark

1.2 Answer briefly
(a) What is a ‘green corridor’?
traditional method of transferring/transporting organs by road / a short route
Ans.(a) cleared and cordoned off by the traffic police / a route for the smooth and steady 1 mark
transportation of the harvested organs
(b) Why is smooth transportation of the retrieved organ necessary?
A harvested / retrieved organ has a short life / organs have a very short
Ans.(b) 1 mark
preservation time
What opinion do you form of the Chennai Police with regard to the
(c)
transportation of a harvested heart?
proved to be very efficient/ helpful / caring / responsible / quick / prompt / any
Ans.(c) 1 mark
other relevant point
(d) What does the author mean by ‘a few golden hours’?
The few hours during which, the harvested organ is alive / the time the harvested
Ans.(d) organ is to be transported and transplanted / short preservation time of the 1 mark
harvested organ
(e) How much does a heart transplant cost a patient in a private hospital?
Ans.(e) 15-20 lakhs 1 mark

1.3 Pick the words from the passage which mean the same
(a) Save (para 1)
Ans.(a) preserve 1 mark
(b) Achieved/carried out (para 3)
Ans.(b) accomplished 1 mark

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2 NOTE MAKING
Note: 8 marks
 If a student has attempted only summary or only notes, due credit
should be given
 1 mark allotted for the title is to be given , even if a student has
written the title either in Q2(a) or Q2 (b)
 Content must be divided into headings and sub-headings
The notes provided below are only guidelines. Any other title, main points
and sub-points may be accepted if they are indicative of the candidate’s
understanding of the given passage, and the notes include the main points,
with suitable and recognizable abbreviations. Complete sentences are not to
be accepted as notes.
Numbering of points may be indicated in different ways, as long as a
consistent pattern is followed.
(a) NOTE-MAKING 4 marks
Distribution of Marks
Title 1 mark
Content (minimum 3 headings and sub-headings, with proper indentation and 2 marks
notes) 1 mark
Abbreviations/Symbols (with/without key )

Suggested notes:

Title: Advantages and Disadvantages of Watching Television/ How
Television affects lives/ Any other relevant title

1. Benefits
1.1 increases know.
1.1.1 of outside world
1.1.2 science
1.1.3 medicine
1.1.4 diff. arts
1.2 recreation for old ppl. & patients
1.3 informal lang. practice
1.4 increases vocab. & helps practise listening

2. Disadvantages
2.1 ppl. watch for 6 hrs. or more
2.2 students stare at screen for hrs.
2.3 negative influence
2.4 effect on human brain
2.4.1 poor conc.

3. Impact
3.1 feels life not very exciting
3.2 TV more real, life seems boring
3.3 depression when can’t solve problems

4. Violence shown on TV
4.1 Children become violent
4.2 killings seem normal
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Abbreviations: (minimum 4)
1. ppl. – people
2. know. – knowledge
3. & – and
4. diff. – different
5. vocab. – vocabulary
6. lang. - language
7. hrs. – hours
8. conc. – concentration
9. TV - Television

(b) Summary 4 marks
The summary should include all the important points given in the notes.
Content 2 marks
Expression 2 marks

SECTION B:
WRITING SKILLS
NOTE: The objective of the section on Writing Skills is to test a candidate’s
writing ability. Hence, expression assumes as much importance as the
content of the answer.

3 ADVERTISEMENT 4 marks
Format
1 mark
 Heading
2 marks
Content
Expression 1 mark

At Rohini, in Delhi you have a three-bedroom flat with all modern amenities.
It is fully air-conditioned and has power backup. For the sale of this flat
draft a suitable advertisement in not more than 50 words to be published in
a local daily. Give all the necessary details. Your contact number is
9911223344.

Suggested value points:
 details of the flat
 location, number of rooms, covered area, direction facing, how old
 expected price
 contact no. / email id

(any other relevant details)
(due credit should be given to economy of words)

OR

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3 POSTER 4 marks

Format 1 mark
Content 2 marks
Expression 1 mark
You are Secretary, Social Service League of your school. Design a poster to
be displayed in your colony and in a local hospital premises inspiring people
to make a pledge to donate eyes and other organs of their bodies.

Format : Heading

 relevant and catchy heading / slogan
 benefits of organ donation
 improves / saves / prolongs life of the ailing person
 where to contact
 contact number
 issuing agency / organisation
(any other relevant point)

Expression – Creativity, grammatical accuracy, spelling, presentation

No marks should be deducted in the absence of issuing authority

4 LETTER WRITING 6 marks
Note: - 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 traditional and the new format is permitted.
Mixing of the formats is not permitted

Format
1. sender's address
2. date
3. receiver's address
1 mark
4. subject /heading
5. salutation
6. closing

3 marks
Content
Expression
Grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and spelling 1 mark
2 marks
Coherence and relevance of ideas and style 1 mark

You are Tapas/Tapasya of A-150, Mount Road, Chennai. You have seen an
advertisement in the newspaper, ‘The Chennai Times’ for the post of
Manager (Accounts) in Sundaram Westside, Chennai. Apply for the post
4 with your complete biodata. (120-150 words) 6 marks

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Suggested Value Points
- reference to the advertisement
- your suitability for the job
- a sentence in praise of the firm (optional)
- request for an interview
- bio-data (may be part of the application or given separately)

(any other relevant point)

OR
Write a letter to the Editor, ‘ The Indian Times’, Jaipur highlighting the 6 marks
need to tap the sports talent at a young age by sports teachers, coaches etc.
so that it does not go unrecognized. Thus we shall have a large pool of young
talented sports persons who can be groomed. You are Poorva/Paras 78,
Inderpuri, Jaipur. (120-150 words)

- talent / promise shown by young athletes
4
- yet achievements not enough for a country of our size and population
- what should be done?
- at school level ; at district level ; at state level ; spotting of talent;
encouragement and coaching; financial help; sports hostels (these are
indicative hints, the candidates can give their own proposal also)

(any other relevant point)

5 DEBATE 10 marks
NOTE
- In case of the stand taken by the candidate / examinee, if the
arguments presented are contradictory to the stand taken, deduct
only half a mark.
- Students’ views to be expressed either for’ or ‘against the motion
and not a mixed response.
- No title is required.
In case a candidate gives a title, no mark to be awarded to it and if a
candidate does NOT give a title, no mark to be deducted, either.
Format - opening address taking a stand for or against the topic with
appropriate closure 1 mark

Content
5 marks
Expression
Grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and spelling 2 marks
4 marks
Coherence and relevance of ideas and style 2 marks

“No detention Policy for classes sixth to eight is academically very unsound.”
Write a debate in 150-200 words either for or against the motion.

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In Favour
- leads to lack of responsibility / seriousness
- students become disinterested and distracted
- foundation not strong
- pressure on the teachers teaching the IX class in which detention starts
- possibility of indiscipline in the school
- lack of interest even among the teachers / parents
(a candidate may give different or even more arguments)
Against
- decrease in number of school dropouts
- improvement in discipline in school and in society
- indiscipline / law and order problem in the society
- loss of financial resources
- helps students who excel in sports or other co-curricular activities
- freedom to grow – individual skill / talent blossoms
- education becomes co-operative not competitive
- assesses children performance through the year instead of one exam result
- reduces mental stress in children and family
(a candidate may give different or even more arguments)
(any other relevant points)

OR

5 SPEECH 10 marks
Note:
- No title is required.
- In case a candidate gives a title, no mark to be awarded to it and if a
candidate does NOT give a title, no mark to be deducted, either

Format - opening address , closing 1 mark
Content 5 marks
Expression
Grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and spelling [2 marks] 4 marks
Coherence and relevance of ideas and style [2 marks]

As per last census, the literacy rate in India was around 74%. In our day-to-
day life, we find people who cannot even read or write. Looking at the
gravity of the situation you decide to deliver a speech in your school morning
assembly on the topic, “Each One, Teach One”. Write your speech in 150-
200 words. You are Vinitha/Bejo.

- introduction
- social, economic, political importance of literacy
- efforts to be made (govt. / public)
- spread awareness through workshop / adopt a student
- role of students
- voluntary service to be introduced
(any four points)

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6 REPORT 10 marks
Format –Title & reporter’s name 1 mark
Content 5 marks
Expression
Grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and spelling [2 marks] 4 marks
Coherence and relevance of ideas and style [2 marks]
A programme on “Swachh Bharat Mission” was organised in your school on
Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday. Posters were prepared and pasted in the
colony near your school. A procession was taken out. School premises and its
surroundings were cleaned by the students. Public was advised to make the
mission successful. Write a report on the programme in 150-200 words. You
are Srinivasan / Latha.

- when, where, what
- posters – preparation and pasting
- procession – number of participants, places visited
- cleaning programme
- public response

Note- past tense should be used

OR

6 ARTICLE 10 marks
Format (Title and Writer’s Name) 1 mark
Content 5 marks
Expression
Grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and spelling [2 marks] 4 marks
Coherence and relevance of ideas and style [2 marks]
The word ‘father’ is synonymous with strict discipline etc. but it is not
completely true. The father fulfils his responsibilities affectionately for the
family. Write an article in 150-200 words on the topic, “Role of father in the
family”. You are Dhruv / Deepa.

Title : Role of Father in the Family

- traditional / old/ stereotypical image of the father / strict disciplinarian
- change with the times / education has made a difference / liberal attitude
- not merely a bread winner
- helps children in studies
- participation in household chores (though not in all cases)
- counselling the children
- emotional support
- more responsible in case of working wives / nuclear families
- any other relevant point

(any four points)

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SECTION C
LITERATURE :TEXT BOOKS
NOTE: The objective of the section on Literature is to test a candidate’s
ability to understand and interpret the prescribed text through short and long
answer type questions. Hence, both content and expression in answers to the
given questions deserve equal importance while awarding marks.

This question has been designed to test the students’ understanding of the
text and their ability to interpret, evaluate and respond to the questions
7 based on the given extract. In other words, it attempts to test their reading 8 marks
comprehension ONLY.

RTC (Prose)
(a)
He couldn’t have addressed ………… what he was saying.
(i) Identify the chapter. Who is ‘he’?
Ans. Poets and Pancakes ; Stephen Spender ½+½mark
(ii) What was ‘he’ in real life?
Ans. an English poet and Editor of an English magazine. ½+½mark
How did the audience react to his speech?
(iii)
Ans. dazed ; no response / silent ½+½mark
(iv) Why was his speech not a success?
Ans. his English accent not understood. 1 mark

RTC (Poetry)
(b)
Driving from my parent’s ……………… that she was as old as she looked…
(i) Where was the poet driving to? Who was sitting beside her?
Ans. to Cochin airport ; her mother ½+½mark
(ii) What did the poet notice about her mother?
Ans. dozing, open mouthed, ashen face (any two) ½+½mark
(iii) Which thought made the poet feel painful?
Ans. the thought of her mother being old / fear of her mother’s death 1 mark
Name the figure of speech used in the expression: ‘her face ashen like that of
(iv)
a corpse’.
Ans. simile 1 mark

Short answer type questions (Any five)

Only five better answered questions to be awarded marks if more than five
are attempted.
8 10 marks
Distribution of marks:
Content: 1 mark
Expression : 1 mark
(deduct ½ a mark for two or more grammatical/spelling mistakes)
What explanation did the children offer the writer for not wearing
(a)
footwear? Did she agree to it? (Lost Spring)
Ans. mother didn’t bring them down from the shelf; not used to wearing shoes because 2 marks

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even if she did he would throw them off ; did not agree.
How did Douglas’ experience at the beach in California affect him? (Deep
(b)
Water)
buried in water ; breath gone ; frightened of water ; terror in his heart ; phobia for
Ans. 2 marks
water (any two)
(c) Why has Raj Kumar Shukla been described as being resolute? (Indigo)
dogged determination / persuasion / did not give up / followed Gandhi wherever
Ans. 2 marks
he went (any two)
(d) How will “Keeping Quiet” protect our environment?
all activity (against nature) will stop ; no whale hunting ; no salt making ; no
Ans. green wars / wars against environment ; no wars using gas or fire (guns); peace 2 marks
will prevail (any two)
(e) How did Charley ‘reach’ the third level of the Grand Central Station?
walked down to the second level – doorway down, followed the steps / stairs, lost
Ans. 2 marks
his way, kept on walking, reached the third level
(f) What is common between Derry and Mr. Lamb?
both suffer from disabilities – Derry: acid burnt face, Lamb: a tin leg, real one got
Ans. 2 marks
blown off.
(g) Why was Dr. Sadao not arrested on the charge of harbouring an enemy?
informed the General about the P.O.W.; the General did not inform the police ;
Ans. required the services of Dr. Sadao in case he had to be operated as Dr. Sadao was 2 marks
an expert surgeon.

Q9 & 10 : These questions have been set to test the students’
understanding of the text and their ability to interpret, evaluate and respond
to the issues raised therein. Hence no particular answer can be accepted as
the only correct answer. All presentations may be accepted as equally
correct provided they have been duly supported by the facts drawn from the
text. The important thing is that the student should be able to justify his or
her viewpoint.
Distribution of marks:
Content: 3 marks
Expression : 3 marks
Grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and spelling [1½ marks]
Coherence and relevance of ideas and style [1½ marks]

Why did the Crofter repose confidence in the peddler? How did the peddler 6 marks
9.
feel after betraying the crofter?

- the crofter felt lonely ; craved for human company ; wanted to talk ;
willingly told the peddler about the money he had saved
Ans. - the peddler stole the money and ran away to the forest, avoiding the main 6 marks
road, got lost and reached the same spot again and again, realised he was
caught in a rat trap with the stolen money as bait; didn’t know how to
come out of it
(any other relevant point)

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OR

Educating children is the responsibility of society. Justify the statement in
view of “The Last Lesson”.

- teachers and parents have to play an important role in educating children ;
should create atmosphere conducive to learning
- M. Hamel blamed parents for their lack of interest in their children’s education ;
blamed parents for putting them to work on a farm etc. to earn a little more
money
Ans. - M. Hamel also blamed himself – asked them to run errands for himself – 6 marks
watering his plants etc. ; also gave them a holiday whenever he wanted to go
fishing
- students too had their share of blame – they should have been serious about
their studies
(any other relevant point)
(any three points)

Answer the following question in 120-150 words 6 marks
10
Distribution of marks:
Content: 3 marks
Expression : 3 marks
Grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and spelling [1½ marks]
Coherence and relevance of ideas and style [1½ marks]

What was the prediction of the astrologers regarding the ultimate fate of the
Tiger King? How did it come to be true? Describe with reference to the
story.

- one day the Tiger King would die – death would come from the hundredth
tiger
- the prediction forced / prompted / compelled the King to go on a tiger
killing spree / to kill one hundred tigers, his target.
Ans. - the hundredth tiger – a crude wooden tiger – which he presented to his 6 marks
son on his birthday proved to be the reason of his death ; a sliver of wood
from the wooden tiger pierced his hand ; infection spread all over his
hand; caused his premature death.
(any other relevant point)
(any three points)

OR

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What are phytoplankton? How are they important to our ecosystem?
(Journey to the End of the Earth).

- Phytoplankton microscopic plants ; single celled ; use the sun’s energy to
assimilate carbon ; synthesise organic compounds during the process of
photosynthesis
- further depletion of ozone layer will affect the activity of these plants
Ans. which will affect marine animals and birds of the region and the global 6 marks
carbon cycle
- Phytoplankton are grasses of the sea ; they nourish and sustain the entire
southern ocean’s food chain
(any other relevant point)
(any three points)

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