Class 12 Sample Paper 2023 Solutions English

Class 12 Sample Paper 2023 Solution

Practice Questions- MARKING SCHEME
Session - 2022-23
CLASS-XII
ENGLISH-CORE (301)

Section A: READING SKILLS (20 marks)

Note:
(i) 15-minute prior reading time allotted for Q paper reading.
(ii) The Reading Section focuses on testing a candidate’s ability to comprehend.
(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 The term ‘poor quality medicines’ is considered to be a 'catch-all' because it __________.

A. helps consumers identify medicines that are of bad quality and reject them

B. highlights that authentic medicines contain ingredients that are of high quality

C. indicates that the issue is related to quality and helps authorities to stay vigilant

D. includes medicines that are both fake and fail to meet appropriate quality standards
(1mark)

Value Points Guidance

D. includes medicines that are both fake and fail to ▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
meet appropriate quality standards ▪ There is no partial credit

ii Can microbes that are not directly exposed to poor quality medicines pose a threat to humans?
Support your answer with reference to the text.
(1mark)

Value Points Guidance

Yes, microbes that have developed antimicrobial ▪ Award 1 mark for the complete answer
resistance through direct exposure to poor quality (Response + explanation)
medicines can transfer genetic material to other ▪ There is no partial credit.
microbes that haven't had such an exposure. This
leads to the microbes that are not directly exposed

to poor quality medicines developing antimicrobial
resistance, thereby posing threat to humans.

(Accept any other similar response)

iii In paragraph 6, the writer points out that antimicrobials are easily available over the counter in India
despite rules that forbid this. Based on your understanding of this issue, how can you purchase medicines
responsibly?
(1 Mark)
Value Points Guidance

We can be responsible consumers by choosing to ▪ Award 1 mark for the correct explanation
buy antimicrobials only using a doctor's prescription. with reference to purchasing medicines with
a doctor's prescription.
(Accept any other similar response) ▪ There is no partial credit.
iv Select the option that conveys the meaning of ‘staggering’ used in paragraph 7.

A. shocking

B. damaging

C. detectable

D. unplanned

E. (1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance

A. shocking ▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
▪ There is no partial credit

v Which of these statements is NOT true about poor-quality antimicrobials?

A. They misrepresent the amount of active ingredients that they contain.

B. The effects caused by them can be reversed with appropriate medication.

C. They can pose a serious threat even to people who do not consume them.

D. The germs exposed to them can adapt themselves to become a stronger variant.

E. (1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance

▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
▪ There is no partial credit

B. The effects caused by them can be reversed with
appropriate medication.

vi In 2013, a multinational pharmaceutical company was heavily fined by the USA for falsifying data and
violating safety standards. When the same violations came to the attention of UK authorities, they did not
find it to be serious enough to punish. Based on the passage, mention one fact that explains this situation.
(1 Mark)
Value Points Guidance

different countries have different standards of ▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
quality ▪ There is no partial credit

(Accept any similar response)

vii Will stopping the manufacturing of poor-quality medicines fully resolve the issue of antimicrobial
resistance in low- and middle-income countries? Give a reason to support your view.
(1 Mark)
Value Points Guidance

No, there are multiple factors apart from poor- ▪ Award 1 mark if both response (Yes/No) and
quality medicines that affect low- and middle- justification (with at least two factors) have
income countries. Some of these factors are high been presented.
rates of infections, the overuse and misuse of ▪ Partial credit for addressal of one aspect
antimicrobials and poor sanitation. Only by finding a
solution to these problems too can the issue of
antimicrobial resistance be fully resolved.

(Accept any other valid response)
viii Complete the given sentence with an appropriate inference from the passage:

Effective quality control and regulation of medicines at their point of production alone cannot guarantee
the eradication of poor quality medicines because _____________________________.

(1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance

● there are various steps between the ▪ Award 1 mark for 1 correct answer.
production and distribution of medicines that
might involve transportation across various ▪ There is no partial credit
countries.

● after production, medicines are shipped via
several ports, packaged and repackaged in

various countries before it is sold in the
pharmacy
(Any other similar response)
ix Which of these is the primary purpose of paragraph 5?

A. to give insight into the process of gene transmission in microbes

B. to list the infections that can become difficult to treat in the future

C. to reveal the effects that infections can produce in human bodies

D. to emphasize the serious consequences of antimicrobial resistance

E. (1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance

D. to emphasize the serious consequences of ▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
antimicrobial resistance ▪ There is no partial credit.

x Which of these best describes the central theme of the passage?

A. The origin and evolution of drug-resistant microbes

B. The alarming reality and impact of poor-quality medicines

C. The struggles and benefits of developing high-quality medicines

D. The unique issues and challenges in low- and middle-income countries

(1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance

B. The alarming reality and impact of poor-quality ▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
medicines ▪ There is no partial credit.

II Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.
i Does the following statement agree with the information given in the passage?

It is appropriate that parents withhold their children from accessing social media until they are at least 13
years old.

Select from the following:

True - if the statement agrees with the information
False - if the statement contradicts the information
Not Given - if there is no information on this

(1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance

Not Given ▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer
(the passage neither takes an explicit position ▪ No partial credit
regarding whether children should or should not
access social media nor does it mentions a specific
age for the same)

ii Since today’s children are familiar with the internet from an early age, is it necessary that they are
trained in cyber safety? Support your answer with reference to the text.

(1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance

• Yes
• The NCRB report shows that there is an alarming ▪ Award 1 mark for the complete answer
rise in the rate of cyber crimes against children. (response + explanation)

▪ No partial credit.
(Accept any other similar response)

iii The most likely reason for including point (ii) under 'Social Media Behaviour' is to find out if
respondents __________.

A. are truthful about their personal details being shared

B. check whether people like to stay connected virtually

C. are at the risk of their shared personal details being misused

D. check whether privacy settings on social media are user-friendly

E. (1 Mark)

Value Point Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer.

C. are at the risk of their shared personal details ▪ No partial credit
being misused

iv Based on your inference from the passage, compete the sentence below.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has recently launched a program under which 60,000
women were trained in digital literacy and online safety across India.

We may say this is essential because __________.

(1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance

the study showed that women were victims of these
crimes more than men ▪ Award 1 mark for the complete answer
▪ No partial credit.
(Accept any other similar response)

v Why does the passage refer to the NCRB data in paragraph 1?

A. to convey the relevance of raising cyber security awareness

B. to highlight the role of the bureau in promoting cyber security

C. to show that only a small percentage of cyber criminals are convicted

D. to indicate that the rate of cyber crimes decreased between 2019 and 2020

E. (1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance

A. to convey the relevance of raising cyber security ▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
awareness

▪ No partial credit.

vi The current study attempts to find out whether the participants have knowledge of the Information
Technology Act because it can help them understand the __________.

A. ethical and safe practices to combat cybercrimes

B. cybercrimes registered and their current status

C. trends in cybercrimes and their social impact

D. rules and penalties relating to cybercrimes

E. (1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance

D. rules and penalties relating to cybercrimes ▪ Award 1 mark for the complete answer
▪ No partial credit
vii Considering the background of the people who participated in the study, why do their responses to
points (iii), (iv) and (v) under ‘Cybercrime’ raise concerns?
(1 Mark)
Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
This raises concern because despite being highly ▪ No partial credit
educated, the respondents lack the knowledge of the
legal framework for combating cyber crimes/ since
they are prospective teachers, their lack of
knowledge of the legal framework will reduce the
possibility of them being able to help the younger
generation to handle cybercrimes/ shows that the
poorly educated masses may find it even more
difficult to combat cybercrimes

(Accept any one or similar response)

viii Paragraph 2 makes it clear that the best way to ensure cyber safety is to remain __________.

A. unified

B. cautious

C. optimistic

D. persistent

E. (1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the complete answer
B. cautious ▪ No partial credit

ix Complete the sentence appropriately in one/two words.

In the table given, the responses to point (ii) under 'Cybercrime' show that people may feel __________
about reporting crimes to the concerned authorities.

(1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance
hesitant/less confident/anxious/ apprehensive ▪ Award 1 mark for the complete answer
▪ No partial credit

(Accept any similar response)

x Based on the reading of the text, state an argument to challenge the given statement.

If people interact through social media only with others who are personally known to them, they need
not worry about being victims of cybercrimes.

(1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the complete answer
I disagree because the study showed that in many ▪ No partial credit
cases, friends, family members or even partners are
found to be guilty of the crimes reported.

III SECTION B: CREATIVE WRITING
1. NOTICE
1. Format – 1 Content -2 Organisation of ideas -1 Accuracy -1

FORMAT 1 mark

Box, NOTICE (centre), name of issuing authority- organisation/ agency (centre), date of issue
(aligned left), authorisation name, designation & signature (bottom left)

NOTE - Full credit if all are 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
(As listed in value points) - ½ mark *4=2 marks
ORGANISATION OF IDEAS 1 mark
1 mark - Consistent to frequent display of the listed parameters.

• Highly effective style capable of conveying the ideas convincingly with appropriate layout of a
notice viz. opening line to indicate the target audience, details/ information to be shared, a
mention of last date (if the Q lends itself to it), a line about contacting the undersigned etc.

• Carefully structured content with organised information presented cohesively in an aligned
manner.

• Highly effective register (formal tone, tense, and vocabulary), relevant, lucid and appropriate
sentences for conveying the idea/s precisely and effectively.

½ mark – Limited display of listed parameters.

• Inconsistent style, expression sometimes awkward, layout of the notice, barely accurate.

• Poor sequencing of ideas; often sporadically clear and related to the given topic in an attempt
to maintain a general overall cohesion. Displays disjointed portions, exhibiting a lack of
coherence of ideas.

• Range of vocabulary is limited but manages to convey, largely, the overall meaning and the
purpose of the writing.

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

A You are Anusha Raj, the President of the Social Science club in your school. Your club is

organising a visit to a local handloom centre. Draft a notice in about 50 words, for the school
notice board, addressing students of classes X-XII, informing them about this event and

encouraging them to participate in it and buy handloom goods. Mention how the visit can boost
the morale of the local weavers.

Value Points

• Correct format (as listed above)
• Drawing attention - students of X-XII
• Mentioning the event
• Giving details - D, T, V
• Sharing how the visit can encourage local weavers and how students can get involved
• Line with reference to the undersigned
OR
B
As the President of the school photography club, draft a notice in not more than 50 words for
the school notice board, informing the students of classes X-XII about the theme of the
upcoming photography competition. Mention when and how students can submit their entries.
You are Dhruv Prasad.

Value Points

• Correct format (as listed above)
• Drawing attention - students of X-XII
• Mentioning the event
• Giving details - date and how to make the submission
• Sharing the theme of the competition
• Line with reference to the undersigned

2.
INVITATION

Format - 1 Content - 2 Organisation of ideas - 1 Accuracy - 1

2.A FEATURES

Letter type - Formal reply

• Acknowledge the invitation, express gratefulness
• Express thanks in third person (if someone else is replying for the invited / first person – if the
person invited is replying themselves)
• Mention acceptance
• Use formal and polite language

Layout usually pertains to the format of a formal letter.

2.B FEATURES

Card type-formal invite

• a single sentence presentation in third person/end line punctuations skipped
• Use the simple present tense
• answers the questions who, whom, when, where, what time and for what
• includes name and address of the organiser/host and name/s of special invitees (if any)
• No signatures

Layout usually pertains to the following:

● Name of host/s

● Formal standard expression-cordial

● Purpose of invitation

● Date/time of event

● Venue (address)

● Name of special guest (if any)

● RSVP

● Contact detail/number

FORMAT 1 mark

• Reply to formal invite - Letter type

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.

CONTENT 2 marks

(As listed in value points) - ½ mark *4=2 marks

ORGANISATION OF IDEAS 1 mark

1 mark - Consistent to frequent display of the listed parameters.

• Highly effective style capable of conveying the ideas convincingly with appropriate layout
[Reply to formal invite - Letter type] & [Formal invite to many - Card type]
• Carefully structured content with organised information presented cohesively in an aligned
manner.
• Highly effective register (formal tone, tense, and vocabulary), relevant, lucid and appropriate
sentences for conveying the idea/s precisely and effectively.

½ mark – Limited display of listed parameters.

• Inconsistent style, expression sometimes awkward, layout, barely accurate.
• Poor sequencing of ideas; often sporadically clear and related to the given topic in an attempt
to maintain a general overall cohesion. Displays disjointed portions, exhibiting a lack of
coherence of ideas.
• Range of vocabulary is limited but manages to convey, largely, the overall meaning and the
purpose of the writing.

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

A You are Amrutha Sudhan, a famous Indian entrepreneur. You have received an invitation from
the Director, the Givinity Foundation, Telangana, to be a speaker at an international conference
titled ‘Responsible Leadership and Community Empowerment’ that will be conducted on 05
August, 2023 at 3 p.m. in Hampshire Plaza, Hyderabad. Respond to accept the invitation in
about 50 words.

VALUE POINTS

• Reference to invitation
• Acceptance of invitation

• Confirmation of date, time and venue
• Comment on looking forward to attending (if at all)

OR
B Your mother, Pamir Roy, is going to set up an indoor plant store in Matrix mall, Guwahati,
Assam. Draft an invitation in about 50 words, which she can use to invite her friends and family
to the inaugural event of the business that will take place in the mall.

VALUE POINTS

Refer to FEATURES, listed above.
3.
LETTER

Format – 1 Content -2 Organisation of ideas -1 Accuracy - 1

FORMAT 1 mark
Sender’s address, Date, Receiver’s address, Subject and Salutation/ Salutation and Subject,
Letter, Complimentary close (largely accepted – Yours truly for letter to editor & in business
circuits -Yours sincerely)
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 not incorporated
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 the ideas convincingly with appropriate layout of a
formal letter viz. addresses, salutation, subscription, and ending.
• Carefully structured content with organised paragraphing presented cohesively.
• Highly effective register (formal tone, tense, and vocabulary), relevant and appropriate
sentences for conveying the ideas precisely and effectively.

½ mark – Limited display of listed parameters

• Inconsistent style, expression sometimes awkward, layout barely accurate.
• Poor sequencing of ideas; often sporadically clear and related to the given topic in an attempt
to maintain a general overall cohesion. Displays disjointed portions, exhibiting a lack of
coherence of ideas.
• Range of vocabulary is limited but manages to convey, largely, the overall meaning and the
purpose of the writing. 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.
A Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a group of developmental disabilities that can affect a 5
person’s ability to communicate and interact socially. It is reported that every 1 in 100 children
below 10 years has autism in India. You are Thara George, a speech therapist experienced in
treating children with special needs. From your experience, you feel that Indian parents in
general tend to keep such children away from the normal social structure and are hesitant to
get the needed professional help. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily in about 120-
150 words, helping the parents to understand strengths of autistic children and encouraging
them to help the children reach their full potential by seeking speech therapy. Use the given
cues along with your own ideas to compose this letter.

VALUE POINTS

Opinion — Autism is prevalent in India (reference to statistics). Many Indian parents of autistic
children are reluctant to give them the needed social exposure to students and to take the
needed professional help
• Strengths of autistic children(reference - cues)
• Advantages of speech therapy (reference - cues)
• Encouragement to recognize the amazing potential of autistic children and suggesting how
they can be assisted by speech therapies and professional help to overcome challenges that
they are facing

OR
B
You are Thara George, an experienced speech therapist working in a reputed private hospital in
Ernakulam, Kerala. You saw the given advertisement in the newspaper and wish to apply for the
position advertised.

Write a letter to PK Neurosciences Research Institute Pvt Ltd along with your bio-data,
expressing your interest in the position vacant.

VALUE POINTS

Content

Covering Letter
• Reference to the advertisement
• Conveying suitability for the position-Speech Therapist (as advertised)
• Submission of application

Bio-data as separate enclosure
• Profile of self
• Educational qualifications (include advertised requirements)
• Work experience/s (if relevant)- include as it is a senior post
• References
Any other relevant information

4. ARTICLE / REPORT
Format – 1 Content -2 Organisation of ideas -1 Accuracy 1
Article: Assessment Parameters
Format
• Title and By line

Organisation and Content

FORMAT 1 mark
NOTE-full credit if both aspects included. Partial credit (½ mark) if one aspect is missing or
erroneous. No credit if
both aspects are missing or erroneous

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 not incorporated
• 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 the ideas convincingly with appropriate layout
• Carefully structured content with organised paragraphing presented cohesively.
• Highly effective register (formal tone, tense, and vocabulary), relevant and appropriate

sentences for conveying the ideas precisely and effectively.

½ mark – Limited display of listed parameters.

• Inconsistent style, expression sometimes awkward, layout, barely accurate.
• Poor sequencing of ideas; often sporadically clear and related to the given topic in an attempt
to maintain a general overall cohesion. Displays disjointed portions, exhibiting a lack of
coherence of ideas.
• Range of vocabulary is limited but manages to convey, largely, the overall meaning and the
purpose of
the writing. 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.
• Freque nt errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar, impeding communication.
OR
Report: Assessment Parameters
Format
• Headline & By line
• Reporting place and date
• Paragraphing organisation (Introductory paragraph + one or two body paragraphs
including event details + Concluding paragraph inclusive of witness accounts)

Organisation and Content

FORMAT 1 mark
NOTE - full credit if all aspects included. Partial credit (½ mark) if any one aspect is
missing or erroneous. No credit if more than one aspect is missing or erroneous.

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 not incorporated
• Limited awareness of task development

ORGANISATION OF IDEAS marks 1
1 mark - Consistent to frequent display of the listed parameters
• Highly effective style capable of conveying the ideas convincingly with appropriate
layout of a newspaper
report viz. headline and by-line, place, date.
• Carefully structured content with organised paragraphing presented cohesively.
• Highly effective register (formal tone, tense, and vocabulary), relevant and
appropriate sentences for conveying the ideas precisely and effectively.

½ mark – Limited display of listed parameters
• Inconsistent style, expression sometimes awkward, layout of the newspaper report
barely accurate.
• Poor sequencing of ideas; often sporadically clear and related to the given topic in
an attempt to maintain a general overall cohesion. Displays disjointed portions,
exhibiting a lack of coherence of ideas.
• Range of vocabulary is limited but manages to convey, largely, the overall meaning
and the purpose of the writing. 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

A
A study revealed that the lives of up to 59% of people who suffered from an injury could have

been saved if the victims had been given some type of simple first aid. As a columnist for a
health magazine, draft an article in about 120-150 words, on the importance of the general
public having basic life-saving skills. Discuss the advantages of first aid knowledge and

encourage people to acquire the needed training for it. Support your ideas with the cues given
below.

VALUE POINTS

• Explain the serious consequences of not having basic first aid knowledge - include relevant
points from the question
• Describe the advantages of knowing first-aid (any three)
* Mention the positive impacts of knowing first-aid
* Mention how knowing first-aid can make a real difference
• Provide suggestions for helping people learn first-aid (any one)
* Attending first-aid training programs offered by various institutes/organisations (e.g. training
offered by Indian Red Cross Society)
* Organising first-aid training programs in schools and workplaces

OR
B Globally, the lack of basic first aid knowledge was found to be endangering many lives. A free
one-day course to teach people basic first aid was organised by ‘Lend a hand’, an NGO in
Calicut, Kerala as a part of the World First-Aid Day, 2022. You were asked to cover this event as
the correspondent of a local daily. Write a report covering this event in about 120-150 words.
Support your ideas with outline cues given below, to craft your newspaper report.

VALUE POINTS
• Reason why the one-day course was organised—by whom? When? Who attended?

• Event details –(refer to cues)
• Conclude including witness/participant account/s

SECTION C
IV Read the given extracts to attempt the questions with reference to context.
1 Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given.
1.A

Those who prepare green wars,
wars with gas, wars with fire,
victory with no survivors,
would put on clean clothes
and walk about with their
brothers
in the shade, doing nothing.
What I want should not be
confused
with total inactivity.

(Keeping Quiet)
i Which of these uses the same poetic device as used in the third line of the extract?

A. The boy ran at lightning speed.

B. The little joys of life are necessary.

C. The absence of his presence was felt.

D. The hooter buzzed when the shooter shot.

(1 Mark)

E.

Guidance
Value Points ▪ Award 1 mark for the complete answer
▪ No partial credit
C. The absence of his presence was felt.

ii From the extract, identify the line or phrase that suggests the following:

Humans are involved in the exploitation of natural resources.
1
Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the complete answer
Those who prepare green wars / green wars ▪ No partial credit

iii Based on the extract, which of these best describes the poet?

(i) prudent

(ii) spiritual
(iii) visionary
(iv) methodical

A. (i) and (ii)

B. (i) and (iii)

C. (ii) and (iv)

D. (ii), (iii) and (iv)

E. (1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the complete answer
B. (i) and (iii) ▪ No partial credit

iv Complete the sentence appropriately in no more than TWO words.

When the poet says that people who participate in wars 'would put on clean clothes' he means that they
should __________.
(1 Mark)
Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the complete answer
start afresh /become non-violent / adopt peace ▪ No partial credit

(Accept any other similar response)
v Based on the extract, select the correct option with reference to (1) and (2).

(1) Not every win is a triumph.
(2) Self reflection is crucial to evolution.

A. (1) is the result of (2)

B. Both (1) and (2) are true

C. Both (1) and (2) are false

D. (1) is a hypothesis based on (2)
(1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the complete answer

B. Both (1) and (2) are true ▪ No partial credit

vi Which of these is an appropriate title for the extract?

A. Standing in Solitude

B. Looking for Prosperity

C. The Desire for Renewal

D. The Road to Uncertainty

E. (1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the complete answer
C. The Desire for Renewal. ▪ No partial credit

OR

1.B

‘Gainst the hot season; the mid forest brake,
Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms;
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read;
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.
i Based on the extract, complete the following analogy:

have heard: alliteration :: ...................................: oxymoron
(1 Mark)
Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the complete answer
mighty dead ▪ No partial credit
ii Which of these best indicates the phrase 'mid forest brake'?

A. hidden pond

B. mass of shrubs

C. canopy of trees

D. sparkling stream

E. (1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the complete answer
B. mass of shrubs ▪ No partial credit

iii According to the extract, which of these bring joy to human life?

(i) shady trees
(ii) delightful drinks
(iii) fragrant flowers
(iv) changing seasons
(v) enchanting stories

A. (i) and (iii)

B. (iii) and (v)

C. (i), (iv) and (v)

D. (ii), (iii) and (iv)

E. (1 Mark)
Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the complete answer
B. (iii) and (v) ▪ No partial credit

vi Complete the given sentence appropriately.

When the poet mentions 'an endless fountain of immortal drink', he refers to __________.
(1 Mark)
Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the complete answer
the eternal joy that beautiful things give / the ▪ No partial credit
everlasting joy things of beauty bring
(Accept any other similar response)
v Based on the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below.

(1) Beautiful things are blessings from the divine.
(2) Beauty is an outcome of imagination.

A. Only (1) can be inferred from the extract.

B. Only (2) can be inferred from the extract.

C. Both (1) and (2) can be inferred from the extract.

D. Neither (1) nor (2) can be inferred from the extract.
(1 Mark)

E.

Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the complete answer
A. Only (1) can be inferred from the extract. ▪ No partial credit
vi Which of these best describes the tone of the poet in the given extract?

A. nostalgic

B. generous

C. passionate

D. contemplative

E. (1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the complete answer
D. contemplative ▪ No partial credit

2
Attempt ANY ONE of the two extracts given.

2.A

The dewan himself drove the car straight to the forest where the Maharaja was hunting. When they
reached the forest the tiger launched its satyagraha and refused to get out of the car. The dewan was
thoroughly exhausted in his efforts to haul the beast out of the car and push it down to the ground. On
the following day, the same old tiger wandered into the Maharaja’s presence and stood as if in humble
supplication, “Master, what do you command of me?’’ It was with boundless joy that the Maharaja took
careful aim at the beast. The tiger fell in a crumpled heap.
i According to the extract, how is the author's portrayal of the tiger different from real life?
(1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the complete answer
The author shows the dewan dragging the tiger out ▪ No partial credit

of the car. He pushes it down like a harmless being
which is strikingly different from real life where

tigers are dangerous / the author treats the tiger as if
it is human and portrays it to be submissive, which is
entirely the opposite of its ferocious nature / the
author suggests that the tiger is talking which is
impossible in real life.

(Accept any other valid interpretation supported by
the text)

ii Which of these best describes the Maharaja and the Dewan, based on the extract?

A. Dewan: gullible; Maharaja: narcissistic

B. Dewan: conscientious; Maharaja: cruel

C. Dewan: submissive; Maharaja: perceptive

D. Dewan: unremarkable; Maharaja: unrealistic

E. (1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the complete answer
B. Dewan: conscientious; Maharaja: cruel ▪ No partial credit

iii Which of these can be best used as a title for this extract?

A. The Big Cat

B. The Shrewd King

C. The Tiger's Legacy

D. The Perils of Kingship

E. (1 Mark)
Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the complete answer
A. The Big Cat ▪ No partial credit
iv In one sentence, explain what the author means when he says that 'the tiger launched its satyagraha'.
(1 Mark)
Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the complete answer
When he says that 'the tiger launched its ▪ No partial credit
satyagraha', the author means that the tiger

protested non-violently/passively.

OR
2.B
I cried aloud, shaking my head all the while until I felt the cold blades of the scissors against my neck, and
heard them gnaw off one of my thick braids. Then I lost my spirit. Since the day I was taken from my
mother I had suffered extreme indignities. People had stared at me. I had been tossed about in the air like
a wooden puppet. And now my long hair was shingled like a coward’s! In my anguish I moaned for my
mother, but no one came to comfort me. Not a soul reasoned quietly with me, as my own mother used to
do; for now I was only one of many little animals driven by a herder.
i Complete the sentence appropriately, with reference to the extract.

The writer refers to herself as a 'wooden puppet' because __________.
(1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the complete answer
she is being controlled by others / she is at the mercy ▪ No partial credit
of the people who took her away from her mother /
she cannot live her life as she would like / she has
lost her own voice

(Accept any other similar response)
ii Which of these best describes the change in the author's attitude from the beginning to end of the
extract?

A. hostility followed by guilt

B. misery followed by apathy

C. rebellion followed by despair

D. denial followed by vengeance

E. (1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
C. rebellion followed by despair ▪ There is no partial credit.
ii Which of these can be best used as a title for this extract?

A. The Sea of Turmoil

B. The Price of Freedom

C. The Burden of Beauty

D. The Road Towards Maturity

(1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
A. The Sea of Turmoil ▪ There is no partial credit.
iv In one sentence, state why the writer uses the phrase 'gnaw off' while referring to her hair being cut?
(1 Mark)
Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
to indicate the violent nature of the act / to ▪ There is no partial credit.
demonstrate the unpleasant nature of the
experience / to show that the haircut was done in an
unsophisticated manner

3 Attempt ANY ONE of the two extracts given.
3.A
The Champaran episode was a turning-point in Gandhi’s life. ‘‘What I did,” he explained, “was a very
ordinary thing. I declared that the British could not order me about in my own country.” But Champaran
did not begin as an act of defiance. It grew out of an attempt to alleviate the distress of large numbers of
poor peasants. This was the typical Gandhi pattern — his politics were intertwined with the practical, day-
to-day problems of the millions. His was not a loyalty to abstractions; it was a loyalty to living, human
beings. In everything Gandhi did, moreover, he tried to mould a new free Indian who could stand on his
own feet...
i In the extract, the phrase 'loyalty to abstractions' refers to a strong commitment to __________.

A. selected groups

B. simple pleasures

C. certain ideologies

D. governmental authorities

E. (1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
C. certain ideologies ▪ There is no partial credit.

ii Select a suitable word from the extract to complete the following analogy:

change: transform :: relieve: __________.

(1 Mark)
Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
alleviate ▪ There is no partial credit.

iii Select the correct option to fill in the blank.

The primary motive of Gandhi's actions was to _________.

A. make Indians self-reliant

B. eradicate peasant poverty

C. unite the people of Champaran

D. expose the incompetence of the British

E. (1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
A. make Indians self-reliant ▪ There is no partial credit.

iv
Which of these best describes the primary purpose of the extract?

A. It highlights Gandhi's intention to use peasants to overthrow colonial power.

B. It points out why the Champaran episode is still relevant in free modern India.

C. It explains the differences between the political strategies of Gandhi and the British.

D. It shows how Gandhi's position in the Champaran struggle reflected his political views.

E. (1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
D. It shows how Gandhi's position in the Champaran ▪ There is no partial credit.
struggle reflected his political views.

v Identify the textual clue that allows the reader to infer Gandhi's view of his own accomplishments (clue:
a word). (1 Mark)
Value Points Guidance

▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
ordinary ▪ There is no partial credit.

vi Complete the sentence with an appropriate explanation, as per the extract.

Gandhi uses the words 'turning point' to refer to the Champaran incident because it __________.
(1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
was Gandhi's first instance of civil ▪ There is no partial credit.
disobedience/helped people realize the importance
of being self-reliant/marked the beginning of the
Indian struggle for Independence

(Accept any one/any other similar response)

OR

3.B
No one can imagine how sad and monotonous life can appear to such a vagabond, who plods along the
road, left to his own meditations. But one day this man had fallen into a line of thought, which really
seemed to him entertaining. He had naturally been thinking of his rattraps when suddenly he was struck
by the idea that the whole world about him — the whole world with its lands and seas, its cities and
villages — was nothing but a big rattrap. It had never existed for any other purpose than to set baits for
people.
i According to the extract, which of these words best describes the man?

A. reflective

B. impulsive

C. indifferent

D. simpleminded

E. (1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
A. reflective ▪ There is no partial credit.

ii Rewrite the given sentence after replacing the underlined phrase with its synonym.

It had never existed for any other purpose than to set baits for people.
(1 Mark)
Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
It had never existed for any other purpose than to ▪ There is no partial credit.
lure people.

[accept - tempt/any other word/phrase with a
similar meaning
iii On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given
below.

(1) The world offers living beings a life full of pleasure.
(2) However, only compassionate people can enjoy those pleasures.

A. (2) has been caused by (1)

B. (2) is a hypothesis based on (1)

C. (1) cannot be inferred from the extract but (2) can be

D. (1) can be inferred from the extract but (2) cannot be

E. (1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
D. (1) can be inferred from the extract but (2) cannot ▪ There is no partial credit.
be
iv In one sentence, rationalise the given statement.

It is challenging for others to be able to understand the despair of a vagabond's life.
(1 Mark)
Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
because most people's experiences are ▪ There is no partial credit.
different from that of the vagabond / people
typically live with others (family, friends,
community) while a vagabond has no one to
call his own and lives alone / because most
people live a predictable and stable life while a
vagabond lives a nomadic life

v Replace the underlined word with its antonym from the extract.

The man who thought that the world was a rattrap lived a life that was interesting.

(1 Mark)
Guidance
Value Points ▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
monotonous ▪ There is no partial credit.
vi The mood of the extract can be best described as __________.

A. cautious

B. malicious

C. melancholic

D. apprehensive

E. (1 Mark)

Value Points Guidance
▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
A. cautious ▪ There is no partial credit.

V Answer ANY FIVE of the following in about 40-50 words each.

i 'A smile does not always indicate happiness.'
Does My Mother at Sixty-Six reflect this statement? Justify your response with an example from the
poem.

Value Points Guidance

• Yes, the poem reflects this statement. Content

• This can be observed when the poet becomes • Award 1 mark for opinion on the given statement
painfully aware of the possibility of losing her ageing and its justification based on the poem.
mother and chooses to hide it behind her smile / she • Award ½ mark for an opinion only.
hides the fear of losing her mother behind her smile
to show her mother a happy face. Expression

• 1 mark when opinion and justification are
included

• Answer organised effectively

• The language usage needs to display inference
(based on …. 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 What does the description of Mukesh's family in Lost Spring reveal about gender roles?

Value Points Guidance

• reveals patriarchy and inequality in the treatment Content
of men and women
• Award 1 mark for 2 valid inferences with reasons.
• that women are still assigned stereotypical gender
roles such as being in charge of household chores • Award ½ mark for 1 valid inference with a reason.
and care-giving, as seen with Mukesh's sister-in-law
Expression
• that women need to respect the older men in the
family by covering their faces 1 mark when both given aspects are included

(Accept any other similar response) • Answer organised effectively

• The language usage needs to display inference

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).

iii What does Asokamitran's narrative in Poets and Pancakes demonstrate about Subbu?
Value Points Guidance

(Any two) Content

• He was a hardworking man because there were no • Award 1 mark for giving any two qualities with
properly established studios and film companies explanation.
when he started out.
• Award ½ mark for mentioning the qualities only.
• He was imaginative because he could come up with
numerous innovative ways of performing the same Expression
scene.
1 mark when both given aspects are included
• He was immensely helpful to his friends and
acquaintances. • Answer organised effectively

• He was a celebrated poet who chose to dedicate • The language usage needs to be relevant and
his poetry to the masses. coherent

(Accept any other valid response) 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)
iv 'It is only when we are fearless that we begin to create.'

Does this statement hold true in the case of the poem, Aunt Jennifer's Tigers? Support your stance with
evidence from the text.
Value Points Guidance

• no, this statement does not hold true with respect Content
to the poem
• Award 1 mark for no and a justification
• even though Aunt Jennifer was fearful of her
husband, which is indicated by her 'fluttering hands' • Award ½ mark for no without a justification
/ was burdened by her marriage to him, which is
indicated by the weight of her wedding band, she Expression
channelled that fear/burden into creating her art.
Her fear did not stop her from creating her art. 1 mark when both given aspects are included

• Answer organised effectively

• The language usage needs to display text-to-
world connection / cause-effect relationship

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).

v In Deep Water, which qualities of the swimming instructor played a role in helping Douglas overcome
his fear?
Value Points Guidance

• The instructor's ability to empathise with Douglas Content
and understand his fear led him to put a belt around
Douglas to teach him to swim. This gave Douglas • Award 1 mark for 2 valid points giving qualities
confidence. with reasons

• The instructor's patience was key as day after day, • Award ½ mark for 1 quality with a reason
he held on to the rope and walked the length of the
pool to help Douglas swim. Expression

1 mark when both given aspects are included

• Answer organised effectively

• The language usage needs to display

rationalisation

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).
vi State any two characteristics that can be inferred about the people from the countryside in The
Roadside Stand.

Value Points Guidance

• The people from the countryside wait endlessly for Content
the kindness of the people from the city, as shown
by the poet. This demonstrates their patience/ • Award 1 mark for 2 characteristics
persistence.
• Award ½ mark for 1 characteristic
• They have a desire to live an ideal/a perfect/ a
happy life like it is shown in the movies, which shows Expression
that they are hopeful/optimistic.
1 mark when both given aspects are included
(Accept any other valid response)
• Answer organised effectively

• The language used needs to display inference

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)

VI Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40-50 words each.

i In The Enemy, Hana's thoughts and actions regarding Tom were in discord. Support this statement with
examples from the text.

Value Points Guidance

• Hana mentions that the kindest thing that they Content
could do for Tom would be to put him back in the
sea and yet, she takes him back inside the house • Award 1 mark for 2 valid points giving reasons.
with Sadao.
•Award ½ mark for 1 valid point.

• When Sadao decides to operate upon him, she
stops him from trying to save Tom. Yet, when he asks Expression

her to help give him anesthesia, she does, even
though she retches at the sight of blood. •1 mark when both given aspects are included

(Accept any other valid interpretation supported by • Answer organised effectively
the text.)
• The language usage needs to display reasoning
(Hana's actions show ...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 In On the Face of It, Mr Lamb told Derry about his tin leg and how kids called him 'Lamey Lamb'. Why do
you think Mr Lamb shared these details? State two reasons to support your answer.
Value Points Guidance

• Mr Lamb intended to show Derry that it is okay to Content
be imperfect.
• Award 1 mark for 2 valid points giving reasons.
• He wanted to show Derry that he is not alone.
• Award ½ mark for 1 valid point.
• He wanted to show Derry that he should not be
afraid of what people think of him/say to him/say Expression
about him.
1 mark when both given aspects are included
(Accept any two of the above points)
• Answer organised effectively

• The language usage needs to display reasoning
(Mr Lamb's words are intended to...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).

iii Identify Tishani Doshi's writing style in Journey to the End of the Earth and state two aspects that
characterise it using examples from the text.

Value Points Guidance

• Descriptive style Content

• She uses precise factual details in her writing / she • Award 1 mark for an accurate identification of the
pays close attention to detail such as the name of writing style and two textual examples supporting it

the vessel, the number of hours that took her to
reach Antarctica, the number of time zones / the • Award ½ mark for identification without textual
number of checkpoints / geological/historical facts to examples
build her narrative / she divides her writing into
three coherent parts, each with its individual Expression
heading for clarity
1 mark when both given aspects are included
• She uses her words to create vivid word-pictures/
she uses visual imagery to compare ice-clad • Answer organised effectively
Antarctica to an endless stretch of 'stark whiteness',
giving the reader a mental image of the place / she • The language usage needs to elaboration and
uses similes to bring the experience to life, saying reasoning
that going to Antarctica 'is like walking into a giant
ping-pong ball'. ½ mark when either aspect is missing

(Accept any other valid response) • 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 ONE of the following in about 120-150 words. 1*5=5
Syllabus document--Questions can be based on incident/theme / passage / extract/ event as reference
points to assess extrapolation beyond and across the text. The question will elicit analytical and
evaluative response from student.
Content 2 Expression 2 Accuracy 1
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 2 Marks
• Well-developed and justified arguments/evidence for the characters
• Largely, a reasonably well-developed personal response to the task 1 ½ Marks
• Clear justification with arguments/evidence for the characters
• Fairly competent personal response to the task 1 Mark
• Clear justification with restricted arguments/evidence for the characters
• Limited awareness of the task ½ Mark
• Limited justification or relevant arguments/evidence for the characters
DESCRIPTORS FOR EXPRESSION (Coherence & Cohesion)
• Carefully structured content with a beginning, middle and end with highly
relevant ideas presented cohesively. 2 Marks
• 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 maintaining 1 ½ Marks

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 1 Mark
maintaining 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 Mark
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 consistently/largely accurate, with 1 Mark
occasional minor errors, that do not impede communication.
• Spelling, punctuation and grammar display some errors spread across, causing ½ Mark
minor impediments to the message communicated.

No credit 0 Marks
• Frequent errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar, impeding
communication.
i Franz from The Last Lesson and the peddler from The Rattrap demonstrate the importance of learning
from our mistakes to evolve into better people. Imagine that Shubhangi, your friend, feels as if she has
made a mistake by not taking her academics seriously. Write an essay to Shubhangi in 120–150 words
discussing instances from the two texts to give her an insight into the human tendency to make mistakes
and learn from them.

You may begin like this:
Shubhangi, all of us have made mistakes at one point or another in our lives. After all, to err is
human...........
Value Points

• Mistakes are common - all of us, whether old or young, may make numerous mistakes. For example,
little Franz is careless, indisciplined and unpunctual while the vagabond, who is much older than Franz,
remains greedy and chooses to engage in petty thievery.

• If not corrected in time, our mistakes bring our growth to a standstill. As in the case of Franz, since he
does not take Mr Hamel’s classes seriously, he is unable to learn French despite being present in the
classroom. The man with the rattrap, on the other hand, is not satisfied by people’s kindness to him.
Instead, he steals from compassionate people like the old crofter who shared his meal with him and gave
him a place to rest, without any remorse. He also greedily pretends to be the master blacksmith’s long-
lost acquaintance, hoping for money from the blacksmith.

• However, when they are confronted with their respective situations, they realise their mistakes. Franz
attends the last lesson only to realise that he had lost the only opportunity to learn his mother tongue
while the vagabond who pretended to be Captain Von Stahle was taken aback by the goodness of Edla.

• Upon this realisation, Franz is filled with remorse and tries his best to recite the lesson. He is unable to
do so and feels guilty, so he listens to the remaining part of the lesson with rapt attention. Similarly,

inspired by Edla’s kindness to him, the rattrap man returns the stolen money.

• Both of these characters thus realise their mistakes and take initiative to fix them. They make the choice
to evolve into better people by learning from their mistakes, something that makes a difference in their
lives.

(Any 4 points to be included) (Accept associated relevant points)

OR
ii 'The cry of not having money to do anything except carry on the business of making bangles, not even
enough to eat, rings in every home.'
(The Lost Spring)

'...far from the city we make our roadside stand and ask for some city money to feel in hand'.
(A Roadside Stand)

Create a conversation between a bangle maker and the owner of a roadside stand with reference to the
above extracts.

You may begin the conversation like this:
Owner of a roadside stand: Your bangles are pretty. Tell me about your experience in this business.

Value Points

• The bangle maker from Firozabad shares how bangle makers cannot do anything else but make bangles.
This job does not pay them enough. The lack of money prevents them from getting educated. This in turn
makes it hard for them to find other jobs, thereby allowing for the vicious cycle of poverty to continue.

• The owner of the roadside stand shares how they wait all day for city people to stop by and buy
something from them so that they can earn a little money.

• Both of them are plagued by poverty and are unable to make ends meet.

• While the bangle makers of Firozabad are afraid that the police, bureaucrats and the sahukars will
punish them for forming a collective to assert their rights, the people of the countryside are misled by the
promises of the government and other agencies who pretend to help them.

• There seems to be no solution to help the bangle makers or the owners of roadside stands to improve
their financial positions.

(Any 4 points to be included) (Accept any other similar response)

VIII Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120-150 words. 1*5=5

Syllabus document--Questions to assess global comprehension and extrapolation beyond the text.
Questions to provide evaluative and analytical responses using incidents, events, themes as reference
points.

Content 2 Expression 2 Accuracy 1

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 2 Marks
• Well-developed and justified arguments/evidence for the characters

• Largely, a reasonably well-developed personal response to the task 1 ½ Marks
• Clear justification with arguments/evidence for the characters
• Fairly competent personal response to the task 1 Mark
• Clear justification with restricted arguments/evidence for the characters

• Limited awareness of the task ½ Mark
• Limited justification or relevant arguments/evidence for the characters
DESCRIPTORS FOR EXPRESSION (Coherence & Cohesion)
• Carefully structured content with a beginning, middle and end with highly
relevant ideas presented cohesively. 2 Marks
• 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 maintaining 1 ½ Marks
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 1 Mark
maintaining 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 Mark
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 consistently/largely accurate, with 1 Mark
occasional minor errors, that do not impede communication.
• Spelling, punctuation and grammar display some errors spread across, causing ½ Mark
minor impediments to the message communicated.
No credit 0 Marks

• Frequent errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar, impeding
communication.

i. Imagine that a few days after Mr. Lamb's fall from the ladder, Derry writes his thoughts on how his
meeting with Mr Lamb changed his perspective towards life. Think of yourself as Derry and express these
thoughts.

You may begin like this:
A few days ago, I met an extraordinary person....

Value Points

• It was an interaction that stood apart from most interactions of Derry’s life - to talk to someone who is
welcoming and not afraid of him.

• Mr Lamb treated him like a regular human being without expressing any judgement, comments, fear or
sympathy.

• He taught him to believe that he was the same as others despite the burns on his face by explaining
how both flowers and weeds are the same despite their outward appearance.

• He taught him to accept himself.

• He provided an insight into self acceptance and remaining unaffected by people’s comments.

• He encouraged Derry to live life to the fullest.

(Any 4 points to be included.) (Accept associated relevant points)
OR
ii Both the general (The Enemy) and the Maharaja (The Tiger King), deal with death. They are powerful
figures confronted by a similar fate.

You wish to include both of these characters in an upcoming play. As a part of your research essay,
compare and contrast their experiences and their responses to these experiences in 120–150 words.
[Clue: Include the similarities and differences of their circumstances - their way of dealing with things -
their ultimate fate]

Value Points

• Both of them face death, one owing to old age and disease while the other was destined to die at the
hands of the hundredth tiger he came across.

• The general, weak yet hopeful, turned to a doctor to cure him of his illness. Anticipating that he would
die, he went to the extent of keeping Sadao in the country instead of letting him go to the war front like
others. The king challenged death and decided to kill a hundred tigers to ensure his safety.

• In order to protect Sadao from possible arrest because this would leave him without a doctor, the
general offered his personal assassins to murder Tom. The king decided to marry a girl from a royal family

whose kingdom had a healthy tiger population. Thus, both of them took extreme measures for their
safety, albeit differently.

• The king was careless and so self-absorbed that he did not kill the 100th tiger properly, which eventually
led him to be killed by a toy tiger instead. The general behaved similarly because he was so preoccupied
with his illness that he forgot to send the assassins.

• However, this carelessness cost the king his life while the general recovered.
(Any 4 points to be included.) (Accept associated relevant points)