Di na to
Di na to
Di na to
ENGLISH (Core)
General Instructions :
Read the following instructions very carefully and strictly follow them :
(i) This question paper has 13 questions. All questions are compulsory.
(ii) This question paper contains three sections Section A : Reading Skills,
Section B : Creative Writing Skills and Section C : Literature.
(iii) Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the
correct question number and part thereof in your answer sheet.
(iv) Separate instructions are given with each question/part, wherever necessary.
(v) Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.
(2) Unconditional love : Dogs are known for their loyalty and love for their
grudges against us. No matter how flawed or imperfect we may be, our
dogs will always love us unconditionally. This kind of unwavering
support and affection can be incredibly comforting for young adults
struggling to find their place in the world.
(6) Improve responsibility and self-care : Owning a dog also comes with a
great deal of responsibility and self-care. Dogs require regular feeding,
grooming, exercise, and attention, which can be a great way for young
adults to develop a sense of responsibility and self-discipline.
Additionally, having a dog as a companion can encourage young adults
to take better care of themselves, such as making sure they get enough
sleep, eat healthy, and engage in regular exercise.
(7) For all these reasons and more, dogs make fantastic companions for
(i) What is the significance of owning a dog for a young adult who is
striving for acceptance in society ? 1
(iv) Explain in about 40 words the statement that dogs are great
ice-breakers . 2
(v) Which of the following activities help(s) young adults, owning a dog,
build their sense of responsibility and self-discipline ? 1
(A) walking the dog daily
(B) feeding it regularly
(C) engaging the services of a dog trainer
(D) Both (A) and (B)
1/2/1-2 Page 4
(viii) What does the un onsider finding a
furry friend t efer to ? 1
reported feeling satisfied with their lives, with 87% rating of their
(4) In India, 65% of youth surveyed reported feeling anxious about their
academic performance or workload, while 25% felt lonely. These
figures are especially significant given how important family support
is for young people s overall contentment.
(i) What are the two findings that the survey mentioned in paragraph 1
reveals ? Answer in about 40 words. 2
(iv) Which of the following factors, with reference to the given passage,
does not play a substantial role in the well-being of Indian youth ? 1
(v) State whether True or False, with reference to the given passage :
(vi) What are the top choices which are of maximum value to today s
youth ? 1
I. Collectivism
Options :
(A) I and II
(C) I and IV
(D) II and IV
1/2/1-2 Page 7 P.T.O.
(vii) The mental health of today s youth can be managed by resources
like __________ and __________. 1
(viii) Write the following sources that provide happiness to today s youth
in descending order : 1
(a) purposefulness
(d) stress
SECTION B
(a) You are the President of the Cultural Club of Marigold Public
School, Vir Nagar. As part of the Annual Community Service Week,
you are planning to put up a cultural performance in Ahista , a
senior citizens home. Draft a notice for the school notice board
inviting participation by the students. Invent necessary details.
OR
1/2/1-2 Page 8
4. Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in about 50 words. 4
(a) You are the Secretary of the Civil Medical Doctors Association,
Sheesh Nagar. On the occasion of World Health Day, you are
arranging a workshop on Drug Free Pain Management and
Reversal. Draft a formal letter of invitation to be sent to all the
members to attend the workshop. Request them to be punctual.
Invent relevant details.
OR
(b) You are Shri E.A.S. Prasad, a well known local cricketer. You have
been invited as a chief guest for an inter-school cricket championship
in K.P.S School, Mahabagh. Create an appropriate formal letter of
acceptance.
5. Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in 120 150 words. 5
(a) You are Priti/Pramod Vats, a resident of 317, Rajdhani Enclave,
Rajbagh. You saw the given advertisement in the newspaper and
wished to apply for the same. Write a letter to the Personnel
Manager along with your bio-data, expressing your interest in the
advertised post.
Whom do we need
Graduates, comfortable in English and Hindi,
good interpersonal skills.
Contact : Director Personnel 10:00 am 5:00 pm
# 9877763240
OR
Reasons
pollution
industrial waste
agricultural runoff
human sewage
Solutions
strict laws
monitoring committees
6. Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in 120 150 words. 5
positively and negatively. Write an article with the help of the given
1/2/1-2 Page 10
Digital Devices and Children
Enhance skills Ill effects of long use
academics physical inactivity
psychomotor poor interpersonal skills
visual intelligence addictive disorders
research aggressive behaviour
lack of concentration
Solutions
adult supervision
strict timings
spread awareness of addiction
OR
Be - Do - Live
WELL.
th th th
6 , 7 , 8 February
10 am 6:30 pm
A Wellness Workshop
sharing common concerns
reducing stress
motivation strategies
joy of living
Theatre in Action
7. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the
given two, (a) or (b) : 6
(iv)
image of __________. 1
1/2/1-2 Page 12
(v) Based on the rhyme scheme in lines 3 and 4, which word would
? 1
(A) stand
(B) wind
(C) bent
(D) tent
OR
8. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the
given two, (a) or (b) : 4
And he is only a common fellow. You see how foolish his face is. But
(The Enemy)
1/2/1-2 Page 14
(i) Complete the sentence appropriately. 1
The dilemma faced by the couple was _________.
(iv)
character trait of Dr. Sadao does it reflect ? 1
OR
(b) Derry : .
Mr. Lamb : No, no. The young lads scrump the apples.
not so young.
Derry : I just. to come in. Into the garden.
(i) Why does Mr. Lamb feel that Derry has not come to steal ? 1
(ii) Cite instances from the extract which show that Mr. Lamb is
trying to put Derry at ease. 1
9. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the
given two, (a) or (b) : 6
their daily bread, a roof over their heads, even if it is a leaking roof.
1/2/1-2 Page 16
(iii) State whether the given statement is True or False with
reference to the extract. 1
The children and their parents have left Dhaka to live in
Seemapuri.
(iv)
rag- 1
(v) even
? 1
OR
(i)
at a lesser amount ? 1
(ii) Complete the sentence with one word : 1
The commission agreed by common consent, or in other words,
they agreed to the settlement ___________.
(iii) Explain the impact on the landlords as a result of the
settlement. 1
1/2/1-2 Page 17 P.T.O.
(iv) Based on the content provided in the extract, select the most
likely option about the behaviour of the landlords. 1
(A) The landlords were sorry for their behaviour.
(B) s
suggestion.
(C) The landlords had to refund the money.
(D) The landlords and the planters became partners in the
Indigo plantation.
(v) What did the peasants realize from the Champaran incident ? 1
___________.
10. Answer any five of the following six questions in 40 50 words each : 5 2=10
(i) t Hamel
began the lesson ? (The Last Lesson)
(iii)
you agree with the statement ? Give reasons. (The Rattrap)
(v) How was there a great deal of national integration in the make-up
department ? (Poets and Pancakes)
1/2/1-2 Page 18
11. Answer any two of the following three questions in 40 50 words each : 2 2=4
(ii) d Zitkala-Sa to
feel this way ? (Memories of Childhood)
(iii) Tishani Doshi considered the program I
Do you agree with her ? Why/Why not ?
(Journey to the End of the Earth)
12. Answer any one of the following two questions in 120 150 words : 5
(a) Last Lesson ealizes the importance of going to school
while Saheb in Lost Spring yearns to go to school. Write a
paragraph exploring the different perspectives of these two young
boys on learning and education.
OR
(b) Write a comparative analysis for your study group focusing on how
the poems Keeping Quiet My Mother at Sixty-six illuminate
the different facets of human introspection and the significance of
quiet reflection in understanding oneself.
13. Answer any one of the following two questions in 120 150 words : 5
(a) Justify the statement, It may take a long time for oppression to be
resisted but the seeds of rebellion are sowed early in life.
(Memories of Childhood)
OR
(b) The story The Tiger King is a satire on the conceit of those in
power. How does the author employ the literary device of dramatic
irony in the story ? (The Tiger King)
1. You are aware that evaluation is the most important process in the actual and correct
assessment of the candidates. A small mistake in evaluation may lead to serious problems
which may affect the future of the candidates, education system and teaching profession. To
avoid mistakes, it is requested that before starting evaluation, you must read and understand
the spot evaluation guidelines carefully.
2. “Evaluation policy is a confidential policy as it is related to the confidentiality of the
examinations conducted, evaluation done and several other aspects. Its leakage to public
in any manner could lead to derailment of the examination system and affect the life and
future of millions of candidates. Sharing this policy/document to anyone, publishing in
any magazine and printing in News Paper/Website etc may invite action under various
rules of the Board and IPC.”
3. 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 the latest information or knowledge and / or are innovative, may be
assessed for their correctness otherwise, and due marks may be awarded to them. In
Competency based questions, please try to understand the given answer and even if
reply is not from marking scheme but correct competency is shown by the candidate,
due marks should be awarded.
4. The Marking Scheme carries only suggested value points for the answers. These are in the
nature of Guidelines only and do not constitute the complete answer. The students can have
their own expression and if the expression is correct, then due marks should be awarded
accordingly.
5. 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. If there is any variation, the same should be zeroed after deliberation
and discussion. 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.
6. Evaluators will mark ( √ ) wherever answer is correct. For wrong answer ‘X” be marked.
Evaluators will not put ( √ ) while evaluating a wrong answer which gives an impression that
answer is correct and no marks are awarded. This is the most common mistake which
evaluators are committing.
7. 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 totalled up and written in the left-
hand margin and encircled. This must be followed strictly.
8. If a question does not have any parts, marks must be awarded in the left-hand margin and
encircled. This must be followed strictly.
9. If a student has attempted an extra question, answer of the question deserving more marks
should be retained and the other answer scored out with a note “Extra Question”.
10. If more than one option is mentioned in the answer of multiple choice questions, then no
marks to be awarded.
11. No marks to be deducted for the cumulative effect of an error. It should be penalized only
once.
12. A full scale of marks (0-80 marks) as given in Question Paper has to be used. Please do not
hesitate to award full marks if the answer deserves it.
13. 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).
14. 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 totalling of marks awarded on an answer.
• Wrong transfer of marks from the inside pages of the answer book to the title page.
• Wrong question wise totalling on the title page.
• Wrong totalling of marks of the two columns on the title page.
• Wrong grand total.
• Marks in words and figures not tallying / not same.
• 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 not 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.
15. While evaluating the answer books if the answer is found to be totally incorrect, it should be
marked as cross (X) and awarded zero (0) Marks. ‘Zero’ should be mentioned both in figures
and words.
16. Any unassessed portion, non-carrying over of marks to the title page, or totalling error
detected by the candidate shall damage the prestige of all the personnel engaged in the
evaluation work as also of the Board. Hence, in order to uphold the prestige of all concerned,
it is again reiterated that the instructions should be followed meticulously and judiciously.
17. The Examiners should acquaint themselves with the guidelines given in the “Guidelines for
Spot Evaluation” before starting the actual evaluation.
18. Every Examiner shall also ensure that all the answers are evaluated, marks carried over to the
title page, correctly totalled and written in figures and words.
19. The candidates are entitled to obtain photocopy of the Answer Book on request on payment of
the prescribed processing fee. All Examiners / Additional Head Examiners / Head Examiners
are once again reminded that they must ensure that evaluation is carried out strictly as per
Value Points for each answer as given in the Marking Scheme.
MARKING SCHEME
Senior Secondary School Examination, 2024
ENGLISH CORE (Subject Code–301)
[ Question Paper Code : 1/2/1 ]
Maximum Marks : 80
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS:
1. The answers given below are suggestive. Credit should be given for any relevant point which
is not included in the value points listed below. However, any independent interpretation
should be discussed with the HE before awarding marks.
2. No marks shall be deducted for exceeding the word-limit.
3. If a spelling error is recurring, it should be penalized only once.
(any two)
(iii) Share evidence from the text, in approximately 40 words, to support the view
that dogs provide a sense of calm and comfort to those struggling with mental
health issues.
Ans. - ability to sense their owner’s emotions can be incredibly calming 2
- having a dog as a companion can be a life changing experience
- their presence is calming for the owner
- support them to deal with anxiety and depression
(any two)
(iv) Explain in about 40 words the statement that dogs are great ice-breakers .
Ans. - dogs have a way of bringing people together 2
- a great way to connect with others and form new friendships
(v) Which of the following activities help(s) young adults, owning a dog, build
their sense of responsibility and self-discipline ?
(A) walking the dog daily
(B) feeding it regularly
(C) engaging the services of a dog trainer
(D) Both (A) and (B)
Ans. (D) Both (A) and (B) 1
(vi) What does this article aim to do ?
(A) Explain the benefits of owning a dog.
(B) Provide advice on how to get a dog.
(C) Discuss how to take proper care of a dog.
(D) Describe the experiences of dog owners.
Ans. (A) Explain the benefits of owning a dog. 1
(vii) Select the option that is similar in meaning to the phrase ‘take on the world’.
(A) travel the world
(B) accept a responsibility
(C) to be pessimistic
(D) have a global outlook
Ans. (B) accept a responsibility 1
(viii) What does the underlined part in the sentence “consider finding a furry friend
to take on the world with you” refer to?
Ans. dog / pet / companion / any hairy animal which gives companionship 1
(ix) What is the tone of the article ?
XII_301_1/2/1_English Core # Page-4
Series SRQP2/2 SET - 1
(1/2/1)
SECTION B 18
marks
Creative Writing Skills
OBJECTIVE:
• To test the ability to think logically and express clearly.
• To use a style appropriate to the given situation.
• To plan, organize and present ideas coherently.
Q.3 Attempt any one of the two,(a) and (b), in about 50 words : 4
marks
NOTICE WRITING
Distribution of marks
Format -1 Content – 2
Expression: Grammar & Spelling – ½ Coherence of Ideas- ½
XII_301_1/2/1_English Core # Page-6
Series SRQP2/2 SET - 1
(1/2/1)
Q.5 You are Priti/Pramod Vats, a resident of 317, Rajdhani Enclave, Rajbagh.
(a) You saw the given advertisement in the newspaper and wished to apply for
the same. Write a letter to the Personnel Manager along with your bio-data,
expressing your interest in the advertised post.
Reasons
• pollution
• industrial waste
• agricultural runoff
• human sewage
Solutions
• strict laws
• monitoring committees
• waste handling process
• educate the masses
Q. 6 Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in 120 - 150 words. 5
marks
ARTICLE WRITING
Distribution of marks
Format -1 Content – 3
Expression (Grammar & Spelling) – ½ Coherence of ideas - ½
FORMAT – Title and byline
Q.6 With rapid digitalization, students have started depending on digital devices
(a) for entertainment. This has impacted their lives, both positively and
negatively. Write an article with the help of the given cues and your own
ideas, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of using digital devices.
You are Rohini / Rohit.
Solutions
- adult supervision
- strict timings
- spread awareness of addiction
Distribution of marks
Format -1 Content – 3
Expression (Grammar & Spelling) – ½ Coherence of ideas - ½
FORMAT – Title and byline
Q.6 The student counselling department in your school put up the following poster
(b) regarding an event in the community centre.
Be - Do - Live
WELL.
6th, 7th, 8th February
10 am 6:30 pm
A Wellness Workshop
- sharing common concerns
- reducing stress
- motivation strategies
- joy of living
Theatre in Action
As Rita / Rahul, student editor, write a report on the above workshop for the
school magazine.
SECTION C 40
Literature Marks
NOTE: The objective of this section is to test a candidate’s ability to
understand and interpret the prescribed text through short & long answer
type questions. Long answer type questions have been set to test the
students’ understanding of the text and their ability to interpret, evaluate &
respond to the issues raised therein. Hence, no particular answer can be
accepted as the only correct answer. All presentations may be accepted
as correct with consultation of the HE, if they have been duly supported by
the facts drawn from the text. The student should be able to justify his / her
viewpoint.
In the Inter textual questions reference to both the texts must be included.
Q.7 Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given
two, (a) or (b) :
Q.7 Aunt Jennifer s fingers fluttering through her wool 6x1=
(a) Find even the ivory needle hard to pull. 6
marks
The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer s hand.
(Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)
(i) Which of the following themes is best represented in the given extract ?
XII_301_1/2/1_English Core # Page-12
Series SRQP2/2 SET - 1
(1/2/1)
(i) Which of the following themes is best represented in the given extract ?
(A) The beautiful things in nature
(B) Things that cause unhappiness
(C) The immortality of human beings
(D) The early morning fragrance of flowers
Ans. (B) Things that cause unhappiness 1
(ii) State whether the given statement is True or False, with reference to the
extract. The paths we follow are often not worthy of our noble nature.
Ans. True 1
(iii) Complete the following sentence appropriately :
We wreathe for ourselves a flowery band every morrow because __________.
Ans. pleasant memories connect us to the earth 1
(iv) The use of the word ‘dearth’ creates a powerful image of __________.
Ans. lack of nobility / lack of virtues / scarcity of good natured people 1
(v) Based on the rhyme scheme in lines 4 and 5, which of the following word will
rhyme with ‘days’ and ‘ways’ ?
(A) craze
(B) pays
(C) haste
(D) waste
Ans. (B) pays 1
(vi) The lack of punctuation at the end of line 3 in the extract is to :
(A) create a sense of continuity and flow that connects it with the fourth line.
(B) encourage the reader to understand grammar.
(C) forewarn the reader of gloomy days ahead.
(D) keep us connected to this earth.
Ans. (A) create a sense of continuity and flow that connects it with the fourth line. 1
Q.8 Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given
two, (a) or (b) :
Q.8 “If I am able, are you? Sadao asked. 4x1=
(a) “No”, Hana said, “But if you can do it alone…” 4
marks
Sadao hesitated again, “The strange thing is,” he said, “that if the man were
whole I could turn him over to the police without difficulty. I care nothing for
him. He is my enemy. All Americans are my enemy. And he is only a common
fellow. You see how foolish his face is. But since he is wounded…”
(The Enemy)
(i) Complete the sentence appropriately.
XII_301_1/2/1_English Core # Page-14
Series SRQP2/2 SET - 1
(1/2/1)
Q.9 Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given
two, (a) or (b) :
(a) “Children grow up in them, becoming partners in survival. And survival in 6 x 1 =
Seemapuri means rag-picking. Through the years, it has acquired the 6
proportions of a fine art. Garbage to them is gold. It is their daily bread, a marks
roof over their heads, even if it is a leaking roof. But for a child it is even
more.”
(Lost Spring)
(i) Complete the sentence appropriately.
Children become partners in survival suggests that ________.
Ans. they help their parents in earning a livelihood / money 1
(ii) Rag-picking has acquired the proportion of a fine art means :
(A) artistic bend of mind is required.
(B) it has proportionately displaced art.
(C) it has become a highly skilful activity.
(D) it has discovered pieces of art.
Ans. (C) it has become a highly skilful activity. 1
(iii) State whether the given statement is True or False with reference to the
extract.
The children and their parents have left Dhaka to live in Seemapuri.
Ans. True / False 1
(iv) Why does the author say ‘survival in Seemapuri means rag-picking’?
Ans. essential means of living / it is their daily bread / only option to live / roof over 1
their heads / means of survival
(v) What does the phrase “for a child it is even more” reveal about the children’s
dreams?
Ans. aspiring to get something precious / full of mystery 1
(vi) Which of the following headlines suggests the central idea of the extract ?
(A) Seemapuri, A Pot of Gold
(B) Rag-picking - Different Perspectives
(C) Art in Delhi and in Seemapuri
(D) Saheb-e-Alam in Seemapuri
Ans. (B) Rag-picking - Different Perspectives 1
OR
XII_301_1/2/1_English Core # Page-16
Series SRQP2/2 SET - 1
(1/2/1)
(any one)
(any other relevant point)
(iv) Bring out the contrast between Jansie and Sophie in the story ‘Going Places’.
(Going Places)
Ans. Suggested value points:-
Jansie –
- pragmatic
- practical minded ½+½
- knows her limitation +1
- level headed
- uses reason
(any one)
Sophie-
- day dreamer
- romanticizing her adolescence
- imaginative
- infatuated
- hero worshipping
(any one)
- felt their people should not do petty errands for these fellows