Page 1
Strictly Confidential: (For Internal and Restricted use only)
Secondary School Examination
March 2020
Marking Scheme –: English Language and Literature (184)
(PAPER CODE: Set- 2/3/3)
You are aware that evaluation is the most important process in the actual and correct assessment of the
candidates. A small mistake in evaluation may lead to serious problems which may affect the future of the
candidates, education system and teaching profession. To avoid mistakes, it is requested that before starting
evaluation, you must read and understand the spot evaluation guidelines carefully. Evaluation is a 10-12
days’ mission for all of us. Hence, it is necessary that you put in your best efforts in this process.
Evaluation is to be done as per instructions provided in the Marking Scheme. It should not be
done according to one’s own interpretation or any other consideration. Marking Scheme should be
strictly adhered to and religiously followed. However, while evaluating, answers which are based on
latest information or knowledge and/or are innovative, they may be assessed for their correctness
otherwise and marks be awarded to them. (In class X, while evaluating two competency base
questions, please try to understand given answer and even if answer is not from marking scheme but
correct competency is enumerated by the candidate, marks should be awarded.
The Board permits candidate to obtain photocopy of the Answer Book on request in an RTI
application and also separately as a part of the re-evaluation process on payment of the processing
charges.
Instructions for Head Examiners/ Additional Head Examiners/Examiners:
1. The Head-Examiner must go through the first five answer books evaluated by each evaluator on the first day,
to ensure that evaluation has been carried out as per the instructions given in the Marking Scheme. The
remaining answer books meant for evaluation shall be given only after ensuring that there is no significant
variation in the marking of individual evaluators.
2. The Examiners should acquaint themselves with the guidelines given in the Guidelines for spot Evaluation
before starting the actual evaluation.
3. Every Examiner shall also ensure that all the answers are evaluated, marks carried over to the title page,
correctly totaled and written in figures and words.
4. Any unassessed portion, non-carrying over of marks to the title page, or totaling error detected by the
candidate shall damage the prestige of all the personnel engaged in the evaluation work as also of the Board.
Hence, in order to uphold the prestige of all concerned, it is again reiterated that the instructions be followed
meticulously and judiciously.
Do’s:
1. The marking scheme carries only suggested value points for the answers.
2. These are only guidelines and do not constitute the complete answers.
3. The students can have their own expression and if the expression is correct, the marks be awarded
accordingly.
4. While evaluating the answer scripts if the answer is found to be totally incorrect, (X) should be marked on the
incorrect answer and awarded zero (0) Marks.
5. Evaluators will mark (√) wherever answer is correct. For wrong answer “X” be marked. Evaluators will not put
right kind of mark while evaluating which gives an impression that answer is correct and no marks are
awarded. This is the most common mistake which evaluators commit.
6. If a question has parts, please award marks on the right-hand side for each part. Marks awarded for different
parts of the question should then be totaled and written in the left-hand margin and encircled. This may be
followed strictly.
7. If a question does not have any parts, marks must be awarded in the left hand margin and encircled. This
may also be followed strictly.
8. If a candidate has attempted any extra question or part, marks obtained in the best question/part should be
retained and the other answer should be scored out.
9. Short type answers asking for 2 features / characteristics / points: If there is a candidate who writes 2 points
as directed and that too correctly, whereas the other lists 5 points of which first is correct, second is incorrect,
the third correct and remaining incorrect, if the suggested value points are there in a 2 mark question he / she
should be awarded the due marks.
Page 2
Page |2
10. In the marking scheme, a slash (/) indicates alternative answers; any one such answer is counted as correct.
11. Candidates should not be penalized if they do not follow the order of the sections / questions while
answering.
12. Q.1, Q.2 and Q.8 are meant to test the comprehension of the candidates and not the ability of expression.
Full credit should be given for the correct value points, even if the answer is not given in a full sentence.
13. If a student has attempted an extra question, answer to the question deserving more marks should be
retained and the other answer scored out.
14. No marks to be deducted for the cumulative effect of an error. It should be penalized only once.
15. A full scale of marks 1-80 has to be used. Please do not hesitate to award full marks if the answer deserves
it.
16. Every examiner has to necessarily do evaluation work for full working hours i.e. 8 hours every day and
evaluate 20 answer books per day in main subjects and 25 answer books per day in other subjects (Details
are given in Spot Guidelines)
Don’t’s
1. Ensure that you do not make the following common types of errors committed by the Examiner in the past: -
Leaving answer or part thereof unassessed in an answer book.
Giving more marks for an answer than assigned to it.
Wrong transfer of marks from the inside pages of the answer book to the title page.
Wrong question wise totaling on the title page.
Wrong totaling of marks of the two columns on the title page.
Wrong grand total.
Marks in words and figures not tallying.
Wrong transfer of marks from the answer book to online award list.
Answers marked as correct, but marks not awarded. (Ensure that the right tick mark is correctly and
clearly indicated. It should merely be a line. Same is with the X for incorrect answer.)
Half or a part of answer marked correct and the rest as wrong, but no marks awarded.
Signature of Subject Experts in all Sets
Signature of Overall Monitoring & finalization/Standardization etc. as per CBSE
Guidelines in all Sets
Page 3
Page |3
Secondary School Examination
March 2020
Marking Scheme – : English Language and Literature(184)
(PAPER CODE : Set- 2/3/3)
Section-A (Reading) (20 Marks)
1. Objective: To comprehend the passage 1 x 8=8 Marks
To identify the main points from the text
Marking: 8 marks - 1 mark for each correct answer.
No penalty for spelling, punctuation or grammatical mistakes
Read the following passage carefully.
1.1 On the basis of your reading of the above passage, answer the following questions.
(a) The Dancing Girl belongs to
Ans. (i) Mohenjo-daro.
(b) In the museum she’s kept among
Ans (iii) terracotta animals.
(c) Which information is not given in the passage?
Ans (iv) She cannot be rediscovered as she’s bronze.
(d) ‘Great Art’ has power because
Ans (i) it appeals to us despite a passage of time
(e) The jewellery she wears
Ans (iv) Neither (i) nor (ii) is correct.
(f) She reminds us
Ans (ii) why museums in our country are exciting.
(g) The synonym of the word ‘‘among’’ in paragraph 1 is ____
Ans amid.
(h) The size of the dancing girl is equal to the length of the human palm. (True/False)
Ans True
2. Objective: To comprehend the passage
To identify the main points from the text
Marking:-2 marks each
No penalty for spelling, punctuation or grammatical mistakes
Read the following passage carefully.
2.1 On the basis of your reading of the above passage, answer the following questions in
30 – 40 words each: 2 x 4=8 Marks
Page 4
Page |4
(a) Write one advantage and one disadvantage of allowing every family member to be a part
of the decision-making process.
Ans. Advantage: every member of the family has a say in every decision / voice their
opinion / promotes a sense of togetherness and bonding. (any one)
Disadvantage: there is chaos / feelings injured / grumbling members / tempers rise
(any one).
(b) In today’s world, what are parents asking their kids?
Ans. to take decisions at a very early age / the cuisine they prefer / the movie that they
want to see / the holiday they wish to go on / the subjects they wish to study (any two).
(c) Which two pieces of advice does the writer give to the parents?
Ans. listen to children and their silences / ensure that you keep some time aside for
them / insist that they share their stories with you /step into their world / spend at least
half an hour of quality time with children (any two).
(d) The passage supports the parents. How far do you agree with the author’s views?
Support your view with a reason.
Ans. Agree with the author’s view. – parent’s well -meaning advice / empowering their
kids to take their own decision (any other relevant point to be accepted)
Disagree with the author’s views – children question choices and prefer to go with the
flow/ children consult and guide each other (any other relevant point to be accepted)
2.2 On the basis of your reading of the above passage, answer the following: 1x4=4 Marks
Marking: - One mark each
No penalty for spelling, punctuation or grammatical mistakes
(a) The synonym of ‘hurt’ as given in paragraph 2 is __________
Ans. injured
(b) The word which means the same as ‘a style or method of cooking’ in paragraph 4 is
Ans. (i) cuisine
(c) The antonym of ‘agreeable’ as given in paragraph 5 is __________
Ans. conflicting
(d) The antonym of ‘simple’ as given in paragraph 6 is
Ans. (ii). complicated
Page 5
Page |5
Section B
(Writing Skills with Grammar) (30 Marks)
3. Letter
Write a letter to Municipal Commissioner, Agra Municipal Corporation requesting him either
to ensure regular cleaning or to get the bin removed to some other place. 8 Marks
Objective: - To use an appropriate style and format to write a formal/an informal letter
Note: - No marks are to be awarded if only the format is given. Credit should be given
for the candidate's creativity in presenting his/her own ideas
Format - 1 Mark
i. sender's address
ii. date
iii. receiver's address
iv. subject/heading
v. salutation
vi. closing (complimentary close, signature, making proper paragraphs)
vii. enclosures (optional)
Content - 4 Marks
Expression: 3 Marks
- coherence and relevance of ideas and style –1½ marks
- grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and spellings – 1½ marks
Suggested Value Points:
Problem – overflowing of garbage bin near the school gate
Result – stinks and invites a lot of flies during rainy season:
- affects the healthy atmosphere of the school
Solution – bin to be removed to some other place
- appropriate and prompt action by the concerned authorities
(Any other relevant point)
OR
Article
Question: Write an article: crime is reported to be increasing especially in the metropolitan
cities of India. This is a reflection on the law and order situation. You want to create
awareness of it. 8 Marks
Format- 1 Mark
Title– ½ mark and name of the writer – ½ mark
Content - 4 Marks
Expression: 3 Marks
- coherence and relevance of ideas and style –1½ marks
- grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and spellings – 1½ marks
Value points (minimum 4 points)
increased chain and mobile snatching
crime against women and the elderly
theft of vehicles
police force not sufficient in proportion to the population
intensive patrolling needed
Page 6
Page |6
mass media to spread awareness among the masses
(Any other relevant point)
4. Story Writing 10Marks
Ramanand lived in a village. He had no common sense and was often seen doing the
silliest of things. He earned his livelihood by cutting wood. One day…..
Title - 1 Mark
Content - 4 Marks
Expression: 5 Marks
- coherence and relevance of ideas and style –2½ marks
- grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and spellings – 2½ marks
Suggested value points: hints/lines given in the question paper can be used
anywhere in the story
OR
A greedy grocer – mixed stones in pulses and coloured sand in spices………10 Marks.
Title - 1 Mark
Content - 4 Marks
Expression - 5 Marks
-coherence, relevance of ideas -2½ marks
-accuracy, appropriate words and correct spellings -2½ marks
Suggested outline to be developed.
5. Fill in the banks
Objective: To use grammatical items accurately and appropriately
Marking: 1 mark for each correct answer. 1 X 4 = 4 Marks
(a) (iii) called
(b) (ii) to follow
(c) (iv) however
(d) (i) till
6.The following paragraph has not been edited. There is one error in each line. Write the
error along with the correction in your answer-book against the blank number.
Objective: To use grammatical items accurately and appropriately
Marking: 1 mark for each correct answer 1 X 4 = 4 Marks
(½ mark for error identification and ½ mark for correct answer)
Error Correction
An elephant rely on its trunk e.g. rely relies
for it highly developed sense of (a) it its
smell. by raised the trunk up (b) raised raising
in the air as moving it from (c) as and
side and side, it can determine (d) and to
the location of friends
Page 7
Page |7
7. Rearrange the following words and phrase to form meaningful sentences.
Objective: To reorder sense groups into syntactically coherent and complete
sentences
Marking: 1 mark for each correct sentence 1 X 4 = 4 Marks
(a) The Frank family left for Belgium to save themselves.
(b) Miep helped the Franks to move into hiding.
(c) The secret Annexe was in the office of Otto Frank.
(d) Margot and her father spent an entire day in unpacking the boxes.
Section - C
(Literature: Text Books) 30 marks
8.Question: Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
1X4=4Marks
Objective: To test local and global understanding of the literary text
Marking: 1 mark for each correct answer
(a) The invitation was
Ans. (iv) to attend an official dance party
(b)The husband had hoped for his wife’s happy reaction because:
Ans. (i) she rarely got a chance to attend a function
(c) The lady was frustrated because _______.
Ans. she did not have fashionable dress and/or jewellery.
(d) Which word in the passage means the same as whispering?
Ans. murmuring
OR
(a) The poet who wrote these lines was
Ans. (i) Leslie Norris
(b) The animal referred to in the extract is in
Ans. (ii) a zoo
(c) To go around an area at regular times to check that it is safe is called
Ans. Patrolling
(d) The word in the extract opposite in meaning to the word, ‘dull’ is ___
Ans. brilliant
9. Answer any five of the following questions in 30 – 40 words each 2 x 5=10 Marks
Objective: To test local and global comprehension, themes and ideas of the text
Marking: 2 marks for each correct answer (Any five)
Page 8
Page |8
- Content - 1 mark
- Expression – 1 mark
(a) Why was the pilot of Dakota aeroplane frightened again?
Ans. insufficient fuel to reach the destination / a frightening prospect / fuel to fly for
five to ten minutes more (Any two)
(Any other relevant point)
(b) Rajvir was very fond of reading detective stories. Why did he not like to read them
during his journey?
Ans. The view outside the train was magnificent – wooded hills, sea of tea bushes etc./
Rajvir keen on looking at the beautiful scenery / never seen so much greenery
before (Any two)
(Any other relevant point)
(c) How did Custard accept his cowardice and others’ bravery?
Ans. Custard- really humble/ after killing the pirate he accepted that Ink and Blink were
braver than him / cried for a nice safe cage (Any two)
(Any other relevant point)
(d) What purpose did the ‘balcony’ serve in the story, ‘The Midnight Visitor’?
Ans. Max believed Ausable that there was a balcony/ jumped when Ausable said the
police had come / ‘balcony’ used as a means to get rid of Max (Any two)
(Any other relevant point)
(e) How did Mrs. Pumphrey spoil Tricki?
Ans. over pampered him by overfeeding / could not refuse Tricki delicious and
favourite food / made him overweight and inactive / fondness and care were in excess
(Any two)
(Any other relevant point)
(f) Why is Mme Loisel always unhappy?
Ans. overambitious lady / dissatisfied with poverty / disappointed as she was married
to a mere clerk / craved for a luxurious life / wanted to enjoy exquisite food served in
marvellous dishes (Any two)
(Any other relevant point)
10. How did Miss Mason try to teach her students a lesson in code of conduct while dealing
with other students? (The Hundred Dresses) 8 Marks
Objective: To test local and global comprehension, themes and ideas in the text.
Marking: Content- 4 marks
Fluency-2 marks
Grammatical Accuracy- 2 marks
Page 9
Page |9
Value points: (Minimum four points)
Ms. Mason – a teacher, received a letter from Wanda’s father
Wanda left the school – family was moving to big city as Wanda was teased
by other students
Ms. Mason - appealed to the emotional side of students,
none of the students in room thirteen would purposely and deliberately hurt
anyone’s feelings,
not make fun of anyone consciously,
if done, it was a thoughtless gesture,
an unfortunate and sad thing to happen,
encouraged students to think about it
(Any other relevant point)
OR
How does Carolyn Wells use humour to tell or identify ‘Wild Animals’? 8 Marks
Objective: To test local and global comprehension, themes and ideas in the text.
Marking: Content- 4 marks
Fluency-2 marks
Grammatical Accuracy- 2 marks
Value points: (Minimum four points)
humorous description of wild animals
funny description of their traits
a novel humorous way of using language
bengal tiger is never ‘noble’ in his heart
leopard kills his prey in a moment, crying won’t save him
bear’s hug is never loving
hyena never smiles happily
chameleon can never be true
funny ideas to make poem interesting
(Any other relevant point)
11. How would you asses Griffin as a scientist? 8 marks
Objective: To test knowledge and appreciation of the text.
Marking: Content- 4 marks
Fluency- 2 marks
Grammatical Accuracy- 2 marks
Value points: (Minimum four points)
Griffin – a brilliant scientist – discovered drugs which could make a person
invisible by swallowing a medicine
Misused the invention for his selfish interest
Set fire to the house of landlord
Robbed the owner
Stole things from theatrical company and ran away
Page 10
P a g e | 10
Stole clergyman’s money, threatened the landlady
Fought with Mr. Jaffers, the constable
Griffin – could be a respectable scientist but dies naked on the road because
of his deeds
(Any other relevant point)
OR
Having stolen Anil’s money what did Hari Singh do? 8 marks
Objective: To test knowledge and appreciation of the text.
Marking: Content- 4 marks
Fluency- 2 marks
Grammatical Accuracy- 2 marks
Value points: (Minimum four points)
quietly stole Anil’s money
ran to the railway station, wanted to catch the train but missed it
walked to a park and sat down on a beach
felt a prick in his conscience
felt sad he robbed such a trusting person
wanted to learn and write whole sentences from anil
a change in the thief’s heart
got up and walked back to anil’s room
quietly put up the stolen money back under the mattress
(Any other relevant point)
**********