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.
(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
(a) In the passage, the author talks about a well-deserved rest for the textbooks. Describe one point that
shows the author's attitude towards textbooks.
(1 mark)

Value Points Guidance

He is concerned about the continued use of textbooks as a ▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
primary source of learning. ▪ There is no partial credit

(b) Based on the passage, following developments took place in the education field.

1. The process of learning took place without the use of textbooks.

2. The invention of computers and digital books reduced the dependency on physical books.
3. The creation of adaptive and interactive learning tools contributed to the way learning took place.
4. The introduction and circulation of textbook turned them into a commonly used medium of learning.

Which of these arranges the developments in the order of their occurrence?

(i) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(ii) 1, 4, 2 and 3
(iii) 2, 1, 3 and 4
(iv) 3, 1, 2 and 4

(1 mark)
Value Points Guidance
(ii) 1, 4, 2 and 3 ▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
▪ There is no partial credit

(c) What is the meaning of 'diagnostic analysis' as used in paragraph ?

(1 mark)

Value Points Guidance

▪ An evaluation of the learners' capabilities ▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
▪ There is no partial credit
(d) Select the option that can weaken the author's case for a complete shift to computer learning in
paragraph 4.
(i) Sharp increase in the creation of e-textbooks.
(ii) A rising dependency on using technology as a medium of learning.
(iii) Scholarly articles comparing the effectiveness of online learning with that of textbooks.
(iv) The development of e-textbooks with activities that require active participation from readers.
(1 mark)
Value Points Guidance
(iv) The development of e-textbooks with activities that ▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer.
require active participation from readers. ▪ There is no partial credit

e) Suppose the students have to learn about the water cycle. According to the author, a student will BEST
learn about the water cycle while…………..
(1 mark)

Value Points Guidance

▪ creating a miniature model of it. ▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer
▪ No partial credit

(f) Which of these sentences CORRECTLY uses the phrase 'rocket propelled as used in paragraph 6?
(i) Sean is lucky to have a friend who talks to him in a rocket-propelled way
(ii) Anika screamed out of fear and ran out of her house in a rocket-propelled manner
(iii) Regular practice and a good coach gave the batsman a rocket-propelled rise in his career
(iv) The TV was buzzing with the news of severe damage caused by a rocket-propelled explosion.

Value Points Guidance

(iii) Regular practice and a good coach gave the batsman a ▪ Award 1 mark for correct
rocket-propelled rise in his career answer
▪ No partial credit

(g) Select the option that best describes the passage

(i) Harry Keller's piece gives an account of the origin of textbooks.
(ii) Harry Keller's essay provides a boost to the field of education technology.
(iii) Harry Keller's commentary on the popularity of computers is a must-read.
(iv) Harry Keller's observations on the changes in learning patterns are brilliant.

(1 mark)
Value Points Guidance
(ii) Harry Keller's essay provides a boost to the field ▪ Award 1 mark for the correct
of education technology. answer
 (h) Select the option from the passage that does NOT qualify as a fact.

(i) Today, textbooks have a lot of colourful images and engaging questions sprinkled about
(paragraph 1)
(ii) The word 'textbook' originated in the 1720s, almost 300 years ago. (paragraph 2)
(iii) But here we are, 70 years later, with plenty of textbooks visible, (paragraph 3)
(iv)The really big change will come when students can jump into online situations that are more like
real life. (paragraph 7)
(1 mark)

Value Points Guidance

(iv)The really big change will come when students ▪ Award 1 mark for the correct answer
can jump into online situations that are more like ▪ No partial credit
real life. (paragraph 7)
(i) Based on the text given, we can say that the author is…….

Value Points Guidance

▪ proposing an argument and making a case for it. ▪ Award 1 mark for relevant justification
▪ No partial credit

(j)We have seen film loops, overhead projectors and a myriad of other technological innovations in
classrooms. In other words, we can say that the author has seen film loops, projectors and ………....
technological innovations in classrooms.

Value Points Guidance

● various/ innumerable ▪ Award 1 mark for relevant answer
▪ No partial credit

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

(a) Select the most appropriate option in reference to the following statements.

1. Roads are killers for animals.

2 Both birds and mammals are killed on roads.
3. Species most killed are necessarily the endangered ones.

(i) 1 is correct and 2 is false.

(ii) 2 is correct and 3 is false.
(iii) Both 1 and 2 are correct.
(iv) 3 is correct and 1 is false.

Value Points Guidance

(iii) Both 1 and 2 are correct. ▪ Award 1 mark for the correct
answer.
▪ No partial credit
(b) Synonym of 'vulnerable' is …………….
 Value Points Guidance
endangered / unprotected ▪ Award 1 mark for correct response
▪ No partial credit
(e) Study the following statements and choose the correct option.

1 Roads have covered 50% of land in Europe.

2. Road traffic causes a great risk to wildlife.
3. Some species can survive all kinds of traffic on roads.

(i) 1 is correct and 2 is false.

(ii) 2 is correct and 3 is false.

(iii) Both 1 and 2 are correct.

(iv) 3 is correct and 1 is false

(1 mark)
Value Points Guidance
(ii) 2 is correct and 3 is false. ▪ Award 1 mark for correct response
▪ No partial credit

(d) What is the message of the given passage?

(1 mark)

Value Points Guidance

While planning roads we should consider the species at risk. ▪ Award 1 mark for correct response
▪ No partial credit

(e) Which of the following given points is the correct statement?

(i) More mammals than birds are killed on the roads

(ii) Small animals generally keep away from roads.
(iii) Number of road kills depends upon the population density of small animals.
(iv) Animals that come out only at night are saved.
 Value Points Guidance
(iii) Number of road kills depends upon the population ▪ Award 1 mark for correct response
density of small animals. ▪ No partial credit
(f)A place of significant activity is called………….(paragraph 4)

(1 mark)
Value Points Guidance
The answer is in paragraph 5 ▪ Award 1 mark for correct response
hotspots ▪ No partial credit

(g) Select the correct option for the following statements.

1 The surveys ranked the road kill rate of birds and mammals.
2. The finding puts grouse and squirrels at great risk

(i) 1 is an assertion and 2 is the response

(ii) 2 is an assertion and 1 is the response

(iii) Both 1 and 2 are false

(iv) Both 1 and 2 are unrelated to each other

(1 mark)
Value Points Guidance
(i) 1 is an assertion and 2 is the ▪ Award 1 mark for correct response
response ▪ No partial credit

(h) Hazel grouse and ground squirrel are classified as species of the least concern.

The above mentioned statement is ………….

(1 mark)
Value Points Guidance
▪ ironical ▪ Award 1 mark for correct response
▪ No partial credit
(i) The title of the study should be

(i) Birds and mammals survey

(ii) Road-kills
(iii) Road density in Europe
(iv) Need for conservation

(1 mark)
Value Points Guidance
(ii) Road-kills ▪ Award 1 mark for correct answer
▪ No partial credit

(j) The purpose of the study is …………………..

(1 mark)

Value Points Guidance

to see who is more at risk on the roads. ▪ Award 1 mark for complete answer
▪ No partial credit
III SECTION B – GRAMMAR
a. (iv) works

b. had been towed away as he had parked it in the no

parking zone.

c. (i) come

d. (i) has - had been

e. (ii) who

f. attention

g. she would show it to her.

▪ Award 1 mark for complete answer
▪ No partial credit
h. error correction
banning banned

i. Leela asked Abhinav if he had completed his

homework.

j. (iv) Don’t
 k. Ravi: What a cold day it is!
Shekhar: I don’t mind the cold weather. It is the
summer that bothers me.
l. error correction
our your

IV SECTION 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 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 idea 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.

1.A
You are Akriti of class X living at 24 Mall Road, Chennai. You have noticed the negative impact of friendships
these days is increasing. Though, there are positive aspects of friendships also. Influence of friends can have
both positive and negative impact on the students. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily discussing
how we can make it more positive and productive.

Example- fully solved

1.A
24 Mall Road
Chennai

14 June 20xx

The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi

Subject : Influence of Friends

Sir

Through the columns of your newspaper, I would like to highlight the importance of friends in the life of
a student. We are all aware that friendship is a valuable relationship. It is a form of companionship which
establishes bonding between two friends. It helps them in reducing stress as friends share problems with
each other. Friendship boosts happiness. It is well said that joy is doubled and sorrow is halved if we share
them with someone. But friendship can also prove to be bad as friends can have a negative impact also.
Children develop vices in each other’s company. Sometimes peer pressure also leads to some bad habits.
Children must realise the importance of learning from each other, they should make use of their time in a
productive way. They can encourage each other and can be supportive. I request you to publish this
letter in your newspaper so that children learn how to make friendship positive and productive and at the
same time learn how to stay away from the negative impact of friends.

Thanking You

Yours sincerely

Arial
 OR
1.B
Write a letter to the municipal authorities about the problem of irregular water supply and the financial
burden arising out of this issue, seeking immediate corrective measures

Example -fully solved

# 21, Trends Apartments
Gandhi Marg, Jonpara
Mumbai
19 July 2022

The Commissioner of Municipal Corporation

Jonpara
Mumbai

Subject: Seeking Recommendation for ‘Serving Citizens’ Award’

Nominations. Dear Sir

I would like to draw the attention of the concerned authorities specially the water supply department
towards the irregular water supply in our locality. It has been 9 days, the people of our locality are facing
difficulties due to the irregular water supply. The actual fixed time of supplying water in our locality is 8am to
9 am in the morning and 4pm to 5pm in the evening. But for these 9 days there is no fixed time. Sometimes
the water comes either in the morning or afternoon, so people face problems before going to the office or
school or college due to insufficient water for bathing and cooking. Otherwise water comes for just half an
hour. During this time many people are not able to store sufficient water and even the pressure of water is
very low and it does not reach properly to the people in upper floors.

I entreat you to take action to rectify the issue and do the needful.

Yours sincerely
Reya

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 not incorporated
✔ Limited awareness of task development
ORGANISATION OF IDEAS -2 marks
2 marks
● Highly effective style capable of conveying the ideas convincingly
● Carefully structured content with an organised single paragraphs, presented cohesively.
● Highly effective register (formal tone and vocabulary), relevant and appropriate sentences for
conveying the idea precisely and effectively.

1 ½ marks
● Frequent clarity of expression most of the time.
● Ideas generally well sequenced and related to the given topic maintaining overall cohesion of ideas.
● Range of vocabulary is mostly relevant and conveys the overall meaning and purpose of the writing.
1 mark
● Inconsistent style, expression sometimes awkward.
● Sequencing of ideas is somewhat clear and related to the given topic attempting to maintain a
general overall cohesion.
● Range of vocabulary is limited but manages to convey the overall meaning and purpose the writing.

½ mark
● Expression unclear.
● Poor sequencing of ideas but ideas related to the given topic
in a disjointed manner exhibiting a lack of coherence of ideas.
● Very Limited Vocabulary Or Copying From The 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.
 2.A
Study the following bar graph depicting major exports from Medland in the current year. Write an analytical
paragraph interpreting the data.

Example - fully solved

Medland's Export Trends

The given bar graph depicts the major exports from Medland in the current and the previous year. The graph
shows the export of Palm oil, guns, cotton goods, iron ore, bananas, peanuts and rice in the current year in
contrast to the previous year.

On thorough examination of the graph, it is evident that the export of palm oil, guns and peanuts has shown a
steady increase in the current year. Whereas iron ore, bananas and rice have shown a decrease in exports. The
graph shows no fluctuation in the export of cotton goods.

On the whole, Medland exported slightly less this year than last year. Concerning foodstuffs, it exported
slightly more palm oil this year than the last year. It exported fewer bananas this year than last year. It
exported far more peanuts this year than last year. It exported a little less rice this year than last year. It
exported slightly more cocos this year than last year. With regard to non-edible goods Medland exported far
more guns this year than last year. It exported almost the same amount of cotton goods this year as last year.
It exported much less iron ore this year than last year.

OR
2.B
 A survey was conducted in a town where the views of people were collected on cigarette smoking.
Given below is a pie chart showing the results of the survey. Write an analytical paragraph
interpreting the data.

Example - fully solved

The above pie chart shows the result of the views of people on a survey that was conducted- whether
smoking should be banned or not.

There were only a few people i.e., 5% who were of the view that no restrictions should be imposed on
cigarette smoking. Almost one fifth, 20% of the people opined that it should be banned at all public places so
that passive smoking can also be taken care of. As many as 30% of people were of the view that cigarette
smoking should be banned but only at shopping malls or big stores. But there was another 45% of opinion
i.e., majority of the people showed an interest in imposing a blanket ban on cigarettes, as it is hazardous to
health.

Overall, people are aware that smoking is injurious to health so it should be banned but everyone has
different views.

SECTION C – LITERATURE
VReference to Context
1.A.
"Marriage gifts are meaningless without the sweet bread known as the 'bol' just as a party
or a feast loses its charm without bread. Not enough can be said to show how important a
baker can be for a village the lady of the house must prepare sandwiches on the occasion
of her daughter's engagement Cakes and 'bol' are a must for Christmas as well as other
festivals Thus, the presence of the baker in the village is absolutely essential"

a. (iii) Option 1,2 and 4

 b. The lady of the house must prepare sandwiches

c. absolutely

d. (iii) Bol and cakes

e. (i) Air and water are essential for human life.

OR
1.B
Anil was watching a wrestling match when I approached him. He was about 25, a tall, lean fellow and he
looked easy going, kind and simple enough for my purpose. I hadn't had much luck of late and thought I
might be able to get into the young man's confidence.

"You look a bit of a wrestler yourself." I said A little flattery helps in making friends

a. (iii) was looking for simple people to dupe

b. Everyone loves flattery and they take instantly to that person.

c. (ii) been successful in duping people lately

d. (iv) He wanted to be able to spend quality time with him.

e. Anil appeared carefree and sincere.

2.A
My head is full of whispers
which tomorrow will be silent
Listen, The glass is breaking.
The trees are stumbling forward
into the night Winds rush to meet them.
The moon is broken like a mirror
its pieces flash now in the crown
of the tallest oak
a. Adrienne Rich

b. (i) topmost branch

c. like a mirror
 d. (iii) trees

e. flash

OR
2.B
“Ink trickled down to the bottom of the household,
And little mouse Blink strategically mouseholed.
But up jumped Custard, snorting like an engine,
Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon,
With a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm,
He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm”

a. (iii) 2 and 3

b. To emphasise the might and boldness of Custard.

c. (ii) Students trickled into the classroom as the teacher entered.

d. shocked/ petrified/ appalled

e. (iv) …. trickled down the bottom.

VI Answer ANY FOUR of the following in about 40-50 words each. 4 *3=12
(a) How is the Coorgi tradition of courage and bravery recognized in modern India'

Value Points Guidance

● The Coorgi tradition of courage and bravery has been
recognised by awarding the Coorg Regiment of the Content -
army with the most number of gallantry awards. Award 2 marks for inclusion of any one impact
with explanation.
● The Corgis are the only Indian citizens allowed to Award 1mark if the impact is listed without
carry firearms without a licence. explanation.
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).
b) How can we say that Natalya and Lomox were not a compatible couple yet they decide to spend their life
with each other"

Value Points Guidance

● They don’t make an ideal couple. They start bickering Content -
about small things. E.g. They argue over the Oxen
meadows and dogs.
● When Natalya came to know about why Lomov had
come, she wanted him back.
● They still married each other in spite of their flaws.
 Award 2 marks for the valid reference with
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).
c) The yellow hair is a symbol in the poem Briefly support the statement with reference to the poem “For
Anne Gregory"

Value Points Guidance

● In some countries, yellow or blonde hair is Content -

considered appealing in contrast to dark hair. Award 2marks for 2 valid points and
● Girls with lighter hair colour are portrayed as explanation
beautiful in movies and stories. Award 1 mark for 1 valid point and
● So the yellow hair of Anne Gregory in the poem explanation
emphasises her beautiful outlook. No credit of ½ mark

Expression –
1 mark when
✔ Answer organised effectively
✔ The language usage needs to display
reasons.
½ mark when either 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).

(d) How does the boy sense first responsibility?

Value Points Guidance

● This was his lesson in facing sensing first Content -
responsibility. Award 2 marks for stating the reason with
● Loses something and learns to cope with the loss- valid textual evidence.
learns the nature of loss. Award 1 mark for either
● He would be more careful not to lose anything in the No credit of ½ mark
future.
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).

(e) How did Kisa Gautami realize that life and death is a normal process?

Value Points Guidance

● She was asked to bring a handful of mustards from a
house where there has not been any death. Content -
Award 2 mark for 2 valid points.
● But after roaming to each and every house she could Award 1 mark for 1 valid point.
not get any mustard. No credit of 1⁄2 mark

● This incident made her realise that death comes to Expression –

everyone. Death is universal. 1 mark when both given aspects are included
✔ Answer organised effectively
✔ The language usage needs to display
justification (therefore...evidence
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
(a) How did Griffin find himself invisible but naked in the chill January air for the second time? Footprints
without Feet)

Value Points Guidance

● As he had overslept in the big London store, when
the store opened in the morning the store
assistants came in. Griffin panicked and ran, chased
by the assistants.
● He had to take off his newly found clothes to
become invisible and escape, so he found himself
invisible but naked in the chilly January air for the
second time.
Content-
Award 2 mark for 2 valid points.
Award 1 mark for 1 valid point.
No credit of ½ mark
Expression:
1 mark when both given aspects are
included
✔ Answer organised effectively
✔ The language usage needs to display
stating 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).
(b) How did Ebright's mother help him in becoming a scientist"

Value Points Guidance

● His mother helped him by writing a letter to Dr.
Urquhart and allowing Ebright to attach light
adhesive tags to the wings of the monarchs to be
sent to the doctor.
● She was the one who gave him the book which
fueled his interest in science.
● She always kept him company, encouraged him
in his interest in learning and provided him with
telescopes, microscopes, cameras and so on.
Content-
Award 2 mark for a point supported with
textual evidence
Award 1 mark for just textual evidence
No credit of ½ mark
Expression:
1 mark when complete explanation is given
✔ Answer organised effectively
✔ The language usage needs to display
stating 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).

(c) Was Tricki suffering from any ailment in reality? If not, then what made him inactive and lethargic?

Value Points Guidance

● No, Tricki was not really sick. It was his greed
for food and the love of his mistress that made
him sick.
● Mrs Pumphrey indulged in all of Tricki’s
desires. That is what made him inactive and
lethargic.
Content”
Award 2 marks for explanation with clear
textual evidence
Award 1 mark for just textual evidence
No credit of ½ mark
Expression:
1 mark 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 1½

topic 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 1
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 ½

a 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 1

with occasional minor errors which do not impede communication
● Spelling, punctuation and grammar fairly accurate, with some minor errors ½
that mildly impede communication
● A lot of errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar that impede communication. 0

A. In the lesson "A Letter to God". Lencho called the post-office employees a bunch of crooks and in the
poem "Amanda". Amanda was tired off the nagging behaviour of her parentsAssume they both meet each
other in the post office and have a conversation with each other complaining about others misbehaves.
You may begin like this:

Amanda: What happened? Why is that man calling you people a bunch of crooks"
Post office employees: Nothing Ma'am He himself is trapped. though is a simple, naive and a hard-working
farmer

Value Points
 Lencho:
● Thought God could not deny him- unwavering faith in God
● Ironically no trust in humans- They helped him.
● though he was hardworking he was naive

Amanda:
● Inventive young lady who feels pressured by parents and circumstances.
● has a hard time following rules and has incorrigible habits
● Has internal liveliness - an artistic soul
 (Accept any other relevant point stemming from textual inference/s)

OR
B. Custard cry for a nice, safe cage. The dragon was called a 'cowardly dragon' From the poem The Tale of
Custard the Dragon
“The whole class was quaking in its boots” From the Diary of Anne Frank

If you had to use the conclusion from the above given lines, what would you conclude? Give your necessary
advice

Value Points
'cowardly dragon'
● Custard cried for a nice, safe cage because it was a coward. It is called a ‘cowardly dragon’ because
everybody else in the house was brave.
● Belinda was as brave as a barrel of bears. Ink and Blink are described as so brave that they could
chase lions down the stairs and Mustard was as brave as a tiger in rage.
● Compared to them, Custard cried asking for a nice and safe cage, which is why it is called a coward.

“The whole class was quaking in its boots”

● Anne's entire class was anxious and nervous since their teachers were having a meeting. There they
were to decide who would be promoted to the next class and who would be detained. So, her entire
class was quaking in its boots.
In both cases the characters involved exhibit a level of cowardice and anxiousness

(Accept any other relevant point stemming from textual inference/s)

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 1½

topic 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 1
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 ½

a 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 1

with occasional minor errors which do not impede communication
● Spelling, punctuation and grammar fairly accurate, with some minor errors ½
that mildly impede communication
● A lot of errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar that impede communication. 0

(A) How does Think Tank compare the Martians with the people on the Earth? What guesses are made by
him about the books found on Earth? (The Book That Saved the Earth)

Value Points
● Think Tank feels that Martians are more beautiful than the people on the Earth.
● The Earthlings have a smaller head when compared to the Martians who have a great and mighty
balloon brain which has made them more clever and intelligent than the Earthlings.
● Think Tank makes guesses that the books are a kind of crude refreshment stand and calls it a
sandwich, or a communication satellite.
● On Noodle’s suggestion, chemical vitamins are taken which enable Omega to transcribe the code of
nursery rhymes on Mistress Mary, Humpty-Dumpty and The Cat and the Fiddle.
● All the poems make Think Tank come to the conclusion that Earthlings have a high level of civilization
and that they have been targeted by them and so decide to escape from Mars.

OR
(B) Ostentation and vanity often land people in trouble. Matilda is an apt example of this Justify.

Value Points
Ostentation and Vanity often land people in trouble:-
● Matilda is an apt example for this. She was pretty and beautiful but was subjected to a life of misery.
● She often dreamt of delicacies and luxuries, elegant dinners and exquisite food served in marvellous
dishes. She also wanted beautiful dresses and jewels for herself.
● When her husband got an invitation for a ball party, she refused to go because she did not have a
pretty dress to wear and beautiful jewels to adorn herself.
● Finally, she accepted to go as she purchased a pretty dress for herself and borrowed jewels from her
friend Mme Forestier. She went to the party, enjoyed and had a good time but it turned out to be a
worst nightmare for her as she lost the necklace.
● The Loisels spent ten years of their life repaying the amount by lending rooms of the attic, working
extra hours and doing household chores all by themselves in which time Mrs. Loisel had started
looking like an old and haggard woman.
● At the end, they came to know that the loan that they had taken for the necklace of 36000 francs was
worth only 500 francs. Matilda could have avoided this if she would have lived within her means and
controlled her desires.