CBSE Class 10 Sample Paper 2023 Solutions for English

MARKING SCHEME -Class X
(2022-23)
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (Code No. 184)

Section A: READING SKILLS (20 marks)
Note:
(i) 15-minute prior reading time allotted for Q-paper reading.
i) (ii) The Reading Section focuses on testing a candidate’s ability to comprehend.
ii) (iii) Marks to be awarded only if the response reveals structure or semblance of coherent thought
rather than a transcribed chunk/exact line/s from the passage in an attempt to pass off as a response.

I. Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below. 10 marks
i.Why does the writer say that mountains inspire ‘awe’ in humans?

A. They present us with opportunities for exciting sports.
B. They evoke the wish in us, to master them.
C. They inspire in us, deeds of valour.
D. They representpeace and calm, to us.
(1 mark)
Value Points Guidance
B.They evoke the wish in us, to master them.  Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
 There is no partial credit

ii.Select the option that corresponds to the following relation below:

The more incredible the mountains—the greater the thrill (Paragraph 1)

A. The higher the stamina—the lower the food intake
B. The more you laugh—the lesser your illness
C. The smaller the car—the bigger the advantage
D. The heavier the luggage—the higher the penalty
(1 mark)
Value Points Guidance
D.The heavier the luggage—the higher the penalty  Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
 There is no partial credit

iii.Select the option that displays what the writer projects, with reference to the following:

So, mountain climbing is undoubtedly one of the most popular adventure sports
(Paragraph 1)

A. doubt
B. caution
C. conviction
D. denial

(1 mark)
Value Points Guidance
C. conviction  Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
 There is no partial credit

iv.Complete the following with a phrase from paragraph 1.

Opinion Reason
____________ Best experienced rather than described

(1 mark)
Value Points Guidance
hard to put in words  Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
 There is no partial credit

v.The writer compares training to penance in the line --Then comes the penance of the rigorous
training.(Paragraph 2)
State 1 point of similarity between training and penance.
(1 mark)
Value Points Guidance
very difficult / requires perseverance  Award 1 mark for the correct answer
(Any other relevant)  No partial credit

vi.Based on your reading of the text, list 2 reasons why the writer says that “mountaineering is not a sport
that can be embraced without preparation”. (Paragraph 2)
1) ______________________
2)______________________
(1 mark)
Value Points Guidance
(Any 2)  Award 1 mark for 2 correct/
 Because mountaineering includes difficulties relevantpoints
likehaving to walk on icy sheets that cannot be  Award ½ mark for 1 correct/
accomplished without proper preparation of relevantpoints
equipment
 Because mountaineering includes dealing with
several Health hazards that cannot be managed
without preparation.
 Because managing unpredictable weather is
essential in mountaineering and cannot be
accomplished without being prepared with specific
training
 Because mountaineering presents the risk of fatality
due to faulty decision-making and cannot be
addressed without being prepared by
accompanying/ engaging experienced climbers
(Any other relevant/ correct from text)

vii.What connect does the writer draw out between unpredictable weather and setting up of camps?
(Paragraph 3)
. (1 mark)
Value Points Guidance
If the weather is unpredictable, it makes it difficult to  Award 1 mark for the complete
decide when to set up camp as mountaineers would prefer explanation
to climb when its sunny and camp when it’s snowing.  Award ½ mark for a partial but correct

explanation

viii.The writer says, “A true mountaineer may challenge the mountain, yet is always respectful to the
powerful forces of nature.” (Paragraph 3)

Select the reason the mountaineer is respectful to the forces of nature, up in the mountains.

A. survival
B. experience
C. tradition
D. directive
(1 mark)
Value Points Guidance
A. survival  Award 1 mark for the correct answer
 No partial credit

ix.Supply 1 point to justify the following:
While mountainclimbing, an impulsive mountaineer is either disaster-prone or as good as dead.
(1 mark)
Value Points Guidance
Survival is key in mountain climbing and it can be done with  Award 1 mark for relevant justification
meticulously planning / careful decision-making/ careful  No partial credit
application of training (any one or more)
It has no room for rash or impulsive decisions/ actions—
these would lead to accidents or fatalities.

x.Evaluate the INAPPROPRIATE reason for the feeling of exhilaration on reaching a summit,
that the mountain climbers experience.

A. Achievement of a seemingly impossible feat
B. Spectacular panoramic view
C. Application of the inculcated survival instincts
D. Opportunity to use sophisticated mountaineering equipment
(1 mark)
Value Points Guidance
D.Opportunity to use sophisticated mountaineering  Award 1 mark for relevant justification
equipment  No partial credit

II. Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.

i.Infer one reason for the following, based on information in paragraph 1.
The rate of tourism in the North-East of India puzzles tourism officials.

Value Points Guidance
This is so because these states are lesser explored as  Award 1 mark for the complete
compared to the rest of the country, in spite of having lots answer.
to offer.  No partial credit

ii.Select the appropriate options to fill in the blanks.

From paragraph 1 we can infer that the _____________ and _________________ of the North-Eastern

states aid attracting the ‘money rich and time poor’ tourists.

1. distinctiveness
2. conventionality
3. diversity
4. uniformity
5. modernity

A. 1 & 3
B. 2 &4
C. 2 & 5
D. 1 & 4
(1 mark)
Value Points Guidance
A.1&3.  Award 1 mark for correctresponse
 No partial credit
iii.Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/ phrase from paragraph 1:
aroma: cooking:: _________: painting

(Clue:Just like aroma is integral to cooking, similarly ___________ is/ are integral to painting)
(1 mark)
Value Points Guidance
hues and shades  Award 1 mark for correctresponse
 No partial credit

iv.Select the correct option to complete the sentence.

Travellers advocating the ‘experience economy’ seek a holiday package with ______________

A. grand facilities, expensive hotels and excellent services to pamper them.
B. a wholesome experience within the budget they have planned for.
C. places and cities to buy things from and opportunities spend money.
D. minimal services, hostel accommodation and many days of touring.
(1 mark)
Value Points Guidance
B. a wholesome experience within the budget they have  Award 1 mark for correctresponse
planned for.  No partial credit

v.Select the chart that appropriately represents the trend of foreign tourist travels in the North-East, from
2011-2014, as per paragraph 2.

A. Option 1
B. Option 2

C. Option 3
D. Option 4

For the Visually Impaired Candidates
Describe the trend of foreign tourist travels in the North-East, from 2011-2014 in ONE word, as
per paragraph 2.
(1 mark)
Value Points Guidance
B. Option 2  Award 1 mark for correct response
 No partial credit
For the visually impaired candidates
rising/ growing/ increasing (any other relevant, correct)

vi.Fill in the blank by selecting the correct option.

The study of tourist travel statistics in the North-East, from 2005 to 2014 showed ____________ results.

A. expected
B. encouraging
C. inconsistent
D. questionable
(1 mark)
Value Points Guidance
B.encouraging  Award 1 mark for correctresponse
 No partial credit

vii.Substitute the word ‘witnessed’ with ONE WORD similar in meaning, in the followingsentence from
paragraph 2:

Foreign tourist arrivals inthe North-East witnessed a growth of...

(1 mark)
Value Points Guidance
observed/ recorded/ showed/ displayed  Award 1 mark for correct response
(Any other similar relevant)  No partial credit

viii.List any 2 examples of ‘tourist facilities’as referred to, in Paragraph 3.
(1 mark)
Value Points Guidance
(Any 2)  Award 1 mark for 2 relevant examples
Accommodation—hotels, hostels, camps  Award ½ mark for 1 relevant example
Recreation—Parks, Gardens, Museums, Shopping areas
Essential- eating outlets, toilets, water points, kiosks for
maps / currency exchange (if needed), certified travel guide
availability
Transport-dedicated shuttle service, sight-seeing buses,
cards or passes, car hiring stations
Digital upgrades –WiFi availability, websites, ticketing,
forums
(Any other relevant)

ixList one reason why the researchers recommend that the formulation of a tourism strategy in the North-
Eastern States of India be sustainable.
(1 mark)
Value Points Guidance
(Any one)  Award 1 mark for relevant and correct
 To create socio-economic benefits for the local answer
community  No partial credit
 To reduce the negative impacts caused on the
destination/s
 To ensure protection of culture and heritage/ To
ensure minimal intervention in the cultural aspects
 To protect natural wildlife and resources
(Any other relevant)

x.Select the option that titles paragraphs 1-3 appropriately, with reference to information in the text.

(1 mark)
Value Points Guidance
B.  Award 1 mark for complete answer
 No partial credit

III SECTION B – GRAMMAR
i. B. blew up

ii. that he does not stay in a good mood.
(Addition of sometimes/time to time acceptable)

iii. C. will

iv. C. the/a

v. D. washed

vi. seek

vii. it isanyone who shows kindness and compassion to
others  Award 1 mark for complete answer
 No partial credit
viii. error correction
Balancing Balance

ix. Tariq asked Sunil if/whether he had enjoyed
travelling by sea.

x. D. CAN

xi. A. keep asking till one does.

xii. error correction
all each

IVSECTION B – CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS
1. LETTER
Format – 1 Content -2 Organisation of ideas -1 Accuracy 1
Format
Sender’s address, Date, Receiver’s address, Subject and Salutation/ Salutation and Subject,Letter,
Complimentary close (largely accepted -Yours truly– editor&Yours sincerely- formal /business)

FORMAT – 1 mark
NOTE-full credit if all aspects included. Partial credit (½ mark) if one-two aspects are missing. No credit if more than
two aspects are missing.
NOTE FOR GIVEN DESCRIPTORS---Dedicated marks at a level are to be awarded only if ALL descriptors match. If one
or more descriptors do not match, the marks are awarded at a level lower.

CONTENT – 2 marks
2 marks
 All points included
 Well-developed with sustained clarity
1½ marks
 Almost all points incorporated
 Reasonably well-developed
1 mark
 Some points incorporated
 Fair attempt at developing ideas with some impact on clarity of response
½ mark
 Most of the points of the given task notincorporated
 Limited awareness of task development
ORGANISATION OF IDEAS -1 mark
1 mark-- Consistent to frequent display of the listed parameters.
 Highly effective style capable of conveying theideas convincingly with appropriate layout of a formal
letter viz. addresses, salutation, subscription, and ending
 Carefullystructuredcontentwithorganised paragraphingpresentedcohesively.
 Highly effective register (formal tone, tense, and vocabulary), relevant and appropriate sentences
forconveyingtheideaspreciselyandeffectively.

½ mark – Limited display of listed parameters.
 Inconsistent style, expression sometimes awkward, layout barelyaccurate.
 Poor sequencing of ideas; often sporadically clear and related to the given topic in an attempt to
maintain a general overallcohesion. Displays disjointed portions, exhibiting a lack of coherence of
ideas.
 Range of vocabulary is limited but manages to convey, largely, the overall meaning
andthepurposeofthewriting. Large portion of vocabulary copied from question.
ACCURACY -1 mark
1 mark
 Spelling, punctuation and grammar consistently/largely accurate, with occasional minor errors, that
do not impede communication.
½ mark

 Spelling, punctuation and grammar display some errors spread across, causing minor impediments
to the message communicated.
No credit
 Frequent errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar, impeding communication.

1.A
You are Sunidhi Prakash, the Vice Captain of Brilliant Vidyalaya, Barra, Kanpur. You have recently noticed
several posters around your school premises conveying a hazardous message:
Lose weight in just a month!
“A WONDER DIET comes to your rescue …
A privilege available for only a few!”

Write a letter to the Editor of The DWA, in not more than 120 words, drawing attention towards harm
caused by such advertising. Propose the implementation of “Wholesome Lunch Month’ in schools as an
idea to address such practices, mention the advantages and share suggestions to foster healthy eating
routines and develop positive body image among youngsters.

Example- fully solved
1.A
Brilliant Vidyalaya, Barra
Kanpur

29 August 2022

The Editor
The DWA
K-21, Anjana Pura
Kanpur

Subject: Need for Promoting Healthy Eating Routines

Dear Madam

This is with reference to posters bearing the message of ‘crash diet’ being posted around our school
premises. Such posters impact the youngsters negatively and can be hazardous for their self-esteem.

I would like to propose the idea of implementing “Wholesome Lunch Month’ for all school students to
counter the implications of such misleading advertisements. This initiative is sure to encourage all students
to bring nutritious and healthy lunch daily and develop healthy eating routines. To ensure that this project
gains strength, schools may organize puppet shows, street plays, Ted Talks (by Nutritionist/ Psychologist),
encompassing the theme, to foster healthy eating routines and a positive body image.

I hope that the publishing of my letter in the columns of your renowned Daily, helps spread awareness and
promotes a healthy lifestyle among students.

Yours truly

Sunidhi Prakash
Vice-Captain

(Content-132 words)

OR
1.B
You are Zac Skaria, a resident of # 412, Magna Greens Apartments, Gandhi Marg, Jonpara, Mumbai. Three
students of grade 10 from your residential complex have rescued and rehabilitated a few old beggars from
the neighbourhood. You think that their work deserves appreciation and recognition. Write a letter to the
President of the RWA, seeking recommendation for these youth, to be nominated for ‘Serving Citizens’
Award’.Suggest other ways such acts of kindness could be recognised and awarded in the future.

Example -fully solved
# 421, Magna Greens Apartments
Gandhi Marg, Jonpara
Mumbai

19July 2022

The President
RWA,Magna Greens Apartments
42, Gandhi Marg, Jonpara
Mumbai

Subject: Seeking Recommendation for ‘Serving Citizens’ Award’ Nominations.

Dear Sir

This is with reference to the empathetic social service done by Miss Jiya, Mas Adwait and Master Pranit
(residents of our complex), in rescuing and rehabilitating a few old beggars from our neighbourhood.
These students ensured that the beggars were rehabilitated at ‘Seva Sadan’- an NGO which takes care of
the needy of our city.

This selfless initiative carried out with dedication and responsibility, deserves due recognition. I,
therefore, request you to issue a letter of recommendation for these students to be nominated for
‘Serving Citizens’ Award’ organised by the local Municipal Corporation.

I would also like to submit that the RWA set up a special committee that looks into such acts in the future.
This would aid dedicated attention and appropriate screening of nominations. Arrangement of academic
sponsorships for such children would also be an encouraging gesture.

I entreat you address this at your earliest convenience and issue the recommendation letters.

Yours sincerely
Zac Skaria

(Content-152 words)

ANALYTICAL PARAGRAPH WRITING
Content -2 Organisation of ideas -2 Accuracy 1
NOTE FOR GIVEN DESCRIPTORS---Dedicated marks at a level are to be awarded only if ALL descriptors match. If one
or more descriptors do not match, the marks are awarded at a level lower.
CONTENT – 2 marks
2 marks
 All points included
 Well-developed with sustained clarity
1½ marks

 Almost all points incorporated
 Reasonably well-developed
1 mark
 Some points incorporated
 Fair attempt at developing ideas with some impact on clarity of response
½ mark
 Most of the points of the given task notincorporated
 Limited awareness of task development
ORGANISATION OF IDEAS -2 marks
2 marks
 Highly effective style capable of conveying theideas convincingly
 Carefullystructuredcontentwithan organised single paragraph,presentedcohesively.
 Highly effective register (formal tone and vocabulary), relevant and appropriate sentences
forconveyingtheideaspreciselyandeffectively.

1 ½ marks
 Frequent clarity of expression most of the times.
 Ideas generally well sequenced and related to the given topicmaintainingoverallcohesionofideas.
 Range of vocabulary is mostly relevant and conveys the overall meaning andthepurposeofthewriting.

1 mark
 Inconsistent style, expression sometimes awkward.
 Sequencing of ideas is somewhat clear and related to the given topic attempting to maintain a
general overallcohesion.
 Range of vocabulary is limited but manages to convey the overall meaning andthepurposeofthewriting.

½ mark
 Expression unclear.
 Poor sequencing of ideas but ideas related to the given topic in
adisjointedmannerexhibitingalackofcoherenceofideas.
 Verylimitedvocabularyorcopyingfromthequestion.

ACCURACY-1 mark
1 mark
 Spelling, punctuation and grammar consistently/largely accurate, with occasional minor errors, that
do not impede communication.
½ mark
 Spelling, punctuation and grammar display some errors spread across, causing minor impediments
to the message communicated.
No credit
 Frequent errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar, impeding communication.

2.A
Gurmeet Kaur is an aspiring candidate for a public- funded engineering college in the suburbs.
She belongs to a nearby village, has minimal technological skills and exposure, has the required cut-off
percentage and is looking for a complete or partial scholarship.
Write a paragraph in about 100-120 words analysing her SWOT notes to support your stand on whether she
should /not join the college.

STRENGTH WEAKNESS
 Strong Curriculum  Lack of diversity
 Quality faculty  Students’ behavioural problems
 Vibrant Activity Clubs  No hostel facility
 Green location  Slow repair and maintenance work
 Close proximity to residential areas  Underutilization of IT Services
 Lack of targeted advertisements to
out-state students
OPPORTUNITIES THREAT
 Practice based research  Lack of publicity in areas of excellence
 Partnership with professional  Public perception towards funded
organisations colleges
 Strong alumni  Declining students’ interest towards
 Acclaimed Student Exchange technical subjects
Programme with European countries  Low employee morale due to budget
cuts
Example - fully solved

In support of the decision:
The given information illustrates the options Gurmeet would weigh in order to take the right decision about
her admission in a public-funded engineering college. With availability of strong curriculum, quality faculty
and vibrant Activity Clubs, she will be assured of an enriching educational journey. Though hostel facility is
unavailable, she may take up accommodation in the suburbs or choose to travel daily from her village. Good
opportunities of practice-based research, partnership with professional companies and international
students exchange program will enhance her professional and interpersonal skills. Hard work, responsible
behaviour and prudent decision-making could help Gurmeet thrive in the college even though it has a rigid
and conventional culture.The strengths and opportunities work in favour of Gurmeet. Taking this
opportunity will allow her to mend the incorrect public perception towards public-funded colleges and
students’ outlook towards technical subjects. (129 words)

Against the decision:
The given information indicates Gurmeet’s dilemma about seeking admission in a public- funded college.
Though equipped with a strong curriculum, engaging activity clubs and an able faculty, the college lacks
diversity and good conduct among the students,giving rise to concerns of safe environment for a novice like
Gurmeet. Underutilization of IT services will be further detrimental to the progress of Gurmeet’s
educational journey and add to extra costs related to research work. If she does not qualify for a complete
or partial scholarship, arrangement of own accommodation and additional expense of students exchange
programme will increase her expenditure, too. Such a college environmentmay dampen her endeavouring
spirit. The weakness and threats outweigh the strengths, in case of Gurmeet. So, it is recommended that
Gurmeet does not apply for admission to the said college. (139 words)

OR
2.B

Read the following excerpt from an online post of a website on educational practices.

Kids who appreciate how much effort, time and care goes into growing food will understand how important
farmers are, and why it's important to take care of our Earth. In the world of today, gardening needs to be
given more importance than sports, music and dance in all schoolsbecause it creates environmental
stewards and outdoor learning laboratories that help the child and community for years to come.

Write a paragraph in 100-120 words to analyse the given argument.

You could think about what alternative explanations might weaken the given conclusion and include
rationale / evidence that would strengthen / counter the given argument.

Example - fully solved
Argument FOR the subject of the statement:

In the world of today, gardening needs to be given more importance than sports, music and dance in all
schools. While sports, music and dance contribute towards personal growth, the current times mandate
attention towards an issue that is global ---nature and natural processes. With growing food wastage in
many homes today and the urban young believing that vegetables are grown, harvested at the super
markets, the efforts of the farmers are discredited. Gardening at school will open a world of first-hand
learning experiences of sowing, watering and harvesting processes. Waiting for the saplings to grow will
inculcate sensitivity, patience, empathy, gratitudeand value for one’s hard work. They will feel accountable
for their piece of Mother Earth, resulting in making them efficient and enterprising environmental stewards.
Unlike sports, music or dance, gardening goes beyond just enjoyment to create aware and responsible
citizens of the future. (148 words)

Argument AGAINST the subject of the statement:

Gardening,certainly, should not be given precedence over sports, music and dance in all schools.Gardening
at school requires good planning with hands-on guidance and continued supervision by the teachers.
Students tend to lose interest due to the slow and natural growth progress of plants as well as the
investment of continuous hard work.Small targets or goals would be missing whereas the danger of
destruction of their work due to rains, intrusion of grazing animals or a pest attack is like to set in a feeling
of defeat. It may be noted that sports, music and dance are uplifting activities which display faster results,
are enjoyable and inculcate team spirit, collaboration and confidence. Unlike gardening, setbacks in these
activities can be addressed with some sense of personal control. These activities help students express and
de-stress successfully. So, maintaining their due importance in the school’s co-curriculum is imperative.
(148 words)

SECTION C – LITERATURE
VReference to Context
1.A.
“Hey, a tea garden!” Rajvir cried excitedly.
Pranjol, who had been born and brought up on a plantation, didn’t share Rajvir’s excitement.
“Oh, this is tea country now,” he said. “Assam has the largest concentration of plantations in the world.
You will see enough gardens to last you a lifetime!”
“I have been reading as much as I could about tea,” Rajvir said. “No one really knows who
discovered tea but there are many legends.”

i. C. He had grown up in and around tea gardens.

ii. ...that the cultivation/harvesting (or any similar suitable word) (of tea) is the highest at one place
namely Assam.

iii. frustration / irritation/ exasperation (or any suitable word) compatible with the exclamation mark in
the sentence.

iv. B. Traditional tales

v. B. Jaspreet cried out loud when she saw a white tiger in the sanctuary.
OR
1.B
OMEGA: It shall be done, Sir. Remove vitamins. (Crew takes vitamins from boxes on their belts.) Present
vitamins.
(They hold vitamins out in front of them, stiffly.) Swallow vitamins. (They pop the vitamins into their mouths
and gulp simultaneously. They open their eyes wide, their heads shake, and they put their hands to their
foreheads.)
THINK-TANK: Excellent. Now, decipher that code.
ALL: It shall be done, Sir. (They frown over the book, turning pages.)
OMEGA: (brightly) Aha!
IOTA: (brightly) Oho!
OOP: (bursting into laughter) Ha, ha, ha.
THINK-TANK: What does it say? Tell me this instant. Transcribe, Omega.

i. B. Iota needs to present his opinion firmly.

ii. frown: smile: gloomily: brightly

iii. D. accomplish a specific task.

iv. B. 2 & 4

v.
 Help actors and director gain clarity about the emotions and gestures required while performing /
directing
 Helps with understanding stage setting and movements
(Or any other suitable explanation) (accept any two for full 1 mark)

2.A
The trees inside are moving out into the forest,
the forest that was empty all these days
where no bird could sit
no insect hide
no sun bury its feet in shadow
the forest that was empty all these nights
will be full of trees by morning.

i. ...the sun, which is non-human, is attributed the human feature of having feet.
(Accept any synonyms giving the similar/ correct meaning)

ii. A. emphasis

iii. FALSE

iv. A. Unnatural

v. C. It builds momentum.

OR
2.B
But I can get a hair-dye
And set such colour there,
Brown, or black, or carrot,
That young men in despair
May love me for myself alone
And not my yellow hair.”

i. C. 3, 5 (agitated and argumentative)

ii. Beinghopelessly in love / the uncertainty in love/ Unsurity of the return of their affections

iii. D. Her conviction that she is beautiful inside.

iv. yellow: blonde :: orange /red : carrot (either one can be accepted for full one mark)

v. C. The dessert needs to set for two hours before being served.

VI Answer ANY FOUR of the following in about 40-50 words each. 4 *3=12
i. Validate the given statement with reference to baby seagull’s fear.
‘Fear doesn’t exist anywhere else other than one’s mind.’
(His First Flight- Two Stories about Flying)
Value Points Guidance
 The baby seagull could not take his first flight as he
was scared that his wings will not support his body Content -
weight Award 2 marks for inclusion of any one
 Saw his family fly –Yet, the fear of falling down impact with explanation.
gripped his mind—it overpowered any sense of Award 1mark if the impact is listed without
assurance or example explanation.
Result—was too scared to even try No credit of ½ mark

Expression –
1 mark when both given aspects are
included.
 Answer organised effectively
 usage of words for effect-cause (due to,
as a result, owing to, therefore etc.)
½ mark when either aspect is missing

Deduct ½ mark from the overall score if the
error density is high (more than a total of 2
spellings and/or grammatical errors).

ii. Explain why the poet personally holds the conviction that the world will primarily end in fire?
(The Fire and Ice)
Value Points Guidance
 He was a victim of the fiery aspect of desire. Content -

 By his own admission, (From what I’ve tasted ……) Award 2 marks for the valid reference with
he had experienced its destructive effects in his life. analysis
1 mark if only reference is stated
No credit of ½ mark

Expression –
1 mark when both given aspects are included
 Answer organised effectively
 The language usage needs to display a
rationale and presentation of textual
evidence
½ mark when either aspect is missing

Deduct ½ mark from the overall score if the
error density is high (more than a total of 2
spellings and/or grammatical errors).

iii. Valli’s unique maiden bus ride experience could be possible because she belonged to a small village. Do
you agree? Why? /Why not? (2 reasons)
(Madam Rides a Bus)
Value Points Guidance

Agree: Content -
 A bus ride seemed like a fascinating means of Award 2marks for 2 valid points and
recreation and adventure ---unlike cities and bigger explanation
towns Award 1mark for 1 valid point and
 She could travel alone safely –unfortunately, not explanation
recommended in larger townships or cities No credit of ½ mark
 There was only one bus that Valli observed several
times – cities have varied means of transport that Expression –
might seem mor adventurous 1 mark when
 Answer organised effectively
Disagree:  The language usage needs to display
 Fascination for riding a bus or an automobile can reasons.
exist in children of Valli’s age even in big cities. ½ mark when either is missing
 Travelling unnoticed is easier in large cities than in
small towns or villages due to familiarity Deduct ½ mark from the overall score if the
 Cities would offer more opportunities for a bus ride error density is high (more than a total of 2
due to availability and frequency of several buses spellings and/or grammatical errors).
on the same route.

iv. Give one reason why ‘The TaleofCustardtheDragon’ is more a fable than a ballad.

Value Points Guidance
 Fable is fictitious narrative usually with animals, birds Content -
etc as characters and shares a strong message Award 2 marks for stating the reason with
whereas a ballad is narrative verse that can be silly or valid textual evidence.
heroic. Award 1 mark for either
 The TaleofCustardtheDragon includes animals, is surely No credit of ½ mark
fictitious and shares a meaningful message.
Hence, better qualifies as a fable. Expression –
1 mark when both given aspects are included

 Answer organised effectively
 The language usage needs to display
rationalisation (since... therefore...)
½ mark when either aspect is missing

Deduct ½ mark from the overall score if the
error density is high (more than a total of 2
spellings and/or grammatical errors).

v. How can we say that Natalya was continuously successful in maintaining an upper hand during her
arguments with Lomov? (Any one example)
(The Proposal)
Value Points Guidance
Upper hand –
 She was able to answer every query and present an Content -
argument defeating the one presented by Lomov. Award 2 mark for 2 valid points.
Arguments-- Award 1mark for 1 valid point.
 Argument about ownership of Oxen meadows – No credit of ½ mark
Natalya argued that it is a matter of principle and not
greed. Expression –
 She showed conviction and belief while arguing. 1 mark when both given aspects are included
OR  Answer organised effectively
 Argument about dogs – Natalya argued that her dog  The language usage needs to display
was cheaper, was of better breed and could run faster. justification (therefore...evidence
 Never lost cool while presenting her arguments. shows that... etc.)
½ mark when either aspect is missing

Deduct ½ mark from the overall score if the
error density is high (more than a total of 2
spellings and grammatical errors).

VII Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40-50 words each. 2*3=6
i. Dr. Herriot (The Triumph of Surgery) knew his patients, as well as their owners, really well. Discuss.

Value Points Guidance
 Patients --Dr. Herriot could understand the Content-
problems of his patients (dogs) just be observing-- Award 2 mark for a point each for patients
saw Tricki in the market and understood that the and owners
dog requires help. Award 1mark for extension of either
 Owners--He understood the owner (Mrs. No credit of ½ mark
Pumphrey) well and never spoke any harsh and
advising words on the seriously obese dog- knowing Expression:
fully well that she was responsible for this condition 1 mark when both given aspects are
included
 Answer organised effectively
 The language usage needs to display
stating of inference (based on…I
believe that/…. reveals that…. etc.)
½ mark when either aspect is missing

Deduct ½ mark from the overall score if the
error density is high (more than a total of 2
spellings and grammatical errors).

ii. State any one likely reason the writer of The Midnight Visitorchose to characterise Ausable as short and
fat.

Value Points Guidance
 Ausable-- characterised as short and fat as the Content-
writer wants to draw attention to and emphasise his Award 2 mark for a point supported with
wits and mental ability to handle any grave situation textual evidence
[Ausable was able to successfully plant a story of a non-existent Award 1mark for just textual evidence
balcony and also made the agile and smart Max believe it ---didn’t No credit of ½ mark
require an attractive physique to do this.]
 The writer, perhaps, wanted to give a strong
message that the brain is what counts more than Expression:
brawn/ muscle power OR brain power is far more 1mark when complete explanation is given
potent/effectivethan any other type of power-  Answer organised effectively
muscle/armsetc.  The language usage needs to display
stating of inference (based on…I
believe that/…. reveals that…. etc.)
½ mark when explanation has missing
aspects.

Deduct ½ mark from the overall score if the
error density is high (more than a total of 2
spellings and grammatical errors).

iii. Validate the importance of small, fun learning tasks towards successful careers, in the context of Richard
Ebright in The Making of a Scientist.
Value Points Guidance
 Started the collection and breeding of butterflies as Content”
a fun activity. Award 2 marks for explanation with clear
 Got curious about the gold spots and the secretion textual evidence
from them. Award 1 mark for just textual evidence
 Was able to develop a theory of cell structure and No credit of ½ mark
later DNA because of it.
 Fun learning resulted in a career as a renowned Expression:
successful scientist. 1mark when complete explanation is given
 Answer organised effectively
 The language usage needs to display
action and impact (therefore...
hence...this caused .... etc.)
½ mark when explanation has missing
aspects.

Deduct ½ mark from the overall score if the
error density is high (more than a total of 2
spellings and grammatical errors).

VIII Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100-120 words. 1*6=6
Content 3 Expression 2 Accuracy 1
Curriculum document—Questions to assess creativity, imagination and extrapolation beyond the text and
across the texts. This can be a passage-based question/ or taken from a situation/plot from the texts.
Note-
 Use the given descriptors to mark the LQs. For CONTENT (refer to Value points) and EXPRESSION

 If the response does not justify all points of a level, the response is marked down.

DESCRIPTORS FOR CONTENT (with reference to value points) MARKS
 Sustained, clear, well-developed personal response to the task 3
 Well-developed and justified arguments/evidence provided
 Largely, a reasonably well-developed personal response to the task 2
 Clear justification with arguments/evidence provided
 Fairly competent personal response to the task 1
 Justification with restricted arguments/evidence
 Limited awareness of the task ½
 Limited justification or relevant arguments/evidence

DESCRIPTORS FOR EXPRESSION (Coherence & Cohesion) MARKS

 Carefully structured content with a beginning, middle and end with highly relevant 2
ideas presented cohesively.
 Highly effective vocabulary usage, relevant and appropriate sentences for
conveying the ideas precisely and effectively.

 Ideas generally well sequenced and related to the given topic 1½
maintaining overall cohesion of ideas.
 Range of vocabulary suffices in large parts to convey the overall idea and meaning

 Ideas sequenced fairly well and related to the given topic, sometimes maintaining 1
cohesion of ideas.
 Range of vocabulary is limited and conveys a basic idea of the overall meaning

 Poor sequencing of ideas; though related to the given topic, expressed in a ½
disjointed manner exhibiting a lack of coherence of ideas.
 Very limited expected/ topical vocabulary as per question asked

DESCRIPTORS FOR ACCURACY

 Spelling, punctuation and grammar are almost always or mostly accurate with 1
occasional minor errors which do not impede communication
 Spelling, punctuation and grammar fairly accurate, with some minor errors that ½
mildly impede communication
 A lot of errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar that impede communication. 0

A. Mijbil and the Tiger, both were looked after by humans. Assume they both meet each other in the zoo
and have a conversation about their lifestyle and feelings.
Write this conversation, as per your understanding of Mijbil the Otter and A Tiger in the Zoo.

You may begin like this
Tiger: Thanks for visiting me, though I don’t usually like visitors.
Mijbil: Oh? I would love visitors, I think.
Value Points

Mijbil-
 Happy about his life with his owner as a pet—perhaps would be scared to be out in the wild –
wouldn’t know how to survive

 Gets to play/go for walks
 Enjoys meals and company of the owner – exists peacefully in the company of his owner
Tiger
 Unhappy in captivity-- blames humans for caging him—wished they’d know the value of peaceful co-
existence
 Longing to be free and in natural habitat –perhaps wouldn’t wish to be tamed as a pet
 Gets disturbed by the human activity

(Accept any other relevant point stemming from textual inference/s)
OR
B. “Not from weeping nor from grieving will anyone obtain peace of mind’.
If you had to use the message of the given quote from the Buddha’s sermon (The Sermon at Benares) to
help the boy cope with the loss of his ball and what it signifies (The Ball Poem), what would you include in
your advice?
Also, evaluate why it might be difficult for him to understand the notion.
Value Points
The learning from the referenced quote of Buddha--
 the loss of irreplaceable things brings grief and sorrows.
 learning to stay calm and understanding the perishable/mortal nature of things helps in living life
normally and forgetting loss

To help the boy cope with the loss --- that loss is an important part of life –important to learn
fromexperience –adapt and move on.

Difficult for the boy to understand the notion---
The boy is too young to understand the depth of these words-- is alone in his loss ---has no one to explain
and must learn from his experience painstakingly--requires time to cope ---easy to feel disheartened at that
age

IX Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100-120 words. 1*6=6
Content 3 Expression 2 Accuracy 1
Curriculum document--Questions on theme or plot involving interpretation, extrapolation beyond the text
and inference or character sketch.
Note-
 Use the given descriptors to mark the LQs. For CONTENT (refer to Value points) and EXPRESSION
 If the response does not justify all points of a level, the response is marked down.

DESCRIPTORS FOR CONTENT (with reference to value points) MARKS
 Sustained, clear, well-developed personal response to the task 3
 Well-developed and justified arguments/evidence provided
 Largely, a reasonably well-developed personal response to the task 2
 Clear justification with arguments/evidence provided
 Fairly competent personal response to the task 1
 Justification with restricted arguments/evidence
 Limited awareness of the task ½
 Limited justification or relevant arguments/evidence

DESCRIPTORS FOR EXPRESSION (Coherence & Cohesion) MARKS

 Carefully structured content with a beginning, middle and end with highly relevant 2
ideas presented cohesively.
 Highly effective vocabulary usage, relevant and appropriate sentences for

conveying the ideas precisely and effectively.

 Ideas generally well sequenced and related to the given topic 1½
maintaining overall cohesion of ideas.
 Range of vocabulary suffices in large parts to convey the overall idea and meaning

 Ideas sequenced fairly well and related to the given topic, sometimes maintaining 1
cohesion of ideas.
 Range of vocabulary is limited and conveys a basic idea of the overall meaning

 Poor sequencing of ideas; though related to the given topic, expressed in a ½
disjointed manner exhibiting a lack of coherence of ideas.
 Very limited expected/ topical vocabulary as per question asked

DESCRIPTORS FOR ACCURACY

 Spelling, punctuation and grammar are almost always or mostly accurate with 1
occasional minor errors which do not impede communication
 Spelling, punctuation and grammar fairly accurate, with some minor errors that ½
mildly impede communication
 A lot of errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar that impede communication. 0

A.Fiction writers prefer creating grey characters rather than black and white. Analyse this in detail, with
reference to both the characters of The Thief’s Story.
Value Points
Introductory –
Both characters in the story—neither completely black (negative) or white (ideal)—have redeeming
qualities as well as those that need improvement—story reveals both their personas as grey.

Hari Singh
• Thief—artful - too smart for his age - fooled his victims and police --Wasn’t ashamed in lying and stealing
–made no efforts to confess that he had given in to the temptation of stealing the notes
However,
• Changed due to love, affection and Anil’s trust
The character of Hari Singh—not a flat character who is either black or white.

Anil
 While we can admire Anil for his qualities --helpful and simple --easily trusting --forgave the thief --
never uttered a word despite knowledge of the theft
However,
 Not perfect--casual about money --ignored Hari Singh’s pilfering
The character of Hari Singh—not a flat character who is either black or white.

Conclusion—Grey characters present a challenge to the readers, allow a sense of unpredictability and
present a moral challenge. Hari Singh and Anil are created as grey characters.
OR
B. ‘Honour among thieves’ is considered a popular code.
Examine A Question of Trust as a story woven around this code.

Value Points

Honour among thieves---It is believed that thieves never double cross each other/ commit crimes against
each other—would be inclined to help rather than betray each other

The protagonist, Horace Danby
 was careful and meticulous in his theft which he conducted once a year
 didn’t anticipate the role of the lady in red
The Lady in red
 made a fool of him -- in spite of being a thief herself, she did not follow the code of honour normally
existing between two thieves

This resulted in Horace Danby going to prison for the first time in his life---he felt betrayed