SET A

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA SANGATHAN, JAIPUR REGION

FIRST PRE-BOARD EXAMINATION (2023-24)
ENGLISH – CORE (301)
CLASS-XII
MARKING SCHEME
Time allowed: 3 Hrs. Maximum Marks: 80
I Section A: READING SKILLS (22 marks) Marks
I Passage 1 (Reading -based questions) 12
i (b) drawback 1
ii (c) Wads 1
iii (c) lose 1
iv (c) Demonetization and launching its own app BHIM for making cashless 1
transaction
v The ease of conducting financial transaction and to manage expenses in 2
travelling
vi demonetization 1
vii Risk of identity theft and becoming a victim to online fraud 2
viii The ease of conducting financial transaction 1
ix The convenience of net-baking, m-banking, card or mobile wallet 2

II. Case-based factual passage 10 m

i Some possible ways: (Any 2/ relevant) 2
▪ Help travel companies to tailor their services to meet the preferences and
expectations of young adult travelers, leading to increased customer - Full
satisfaction and loyalty. credit 2,
▪ Provide insights for the development of new travel packages and to two
itineraries that cater to the specific needs and interests of young adult relevant
travelers. ways
▪ Enable the tourism industry to better understand the changing preferences -partial
and behaviors of young adult travelers, which can inform future marketing credit 1,
and promotional strategies. to one
▪ Can help policymakers and tourism boards to identify key trends and relevant
areas of growth in the tourism sector, and plan accordingly. way
▪ Allow researchers to gain a better understanding of the motivations and -No ½
travel behaviors of young adults, which can inform academic studies and credit
literature in the field.
▪ Can provide a benchmark for comparison with similar studies conducted in
different regions or countries, helping to identify cross-cultural differences
in travel preferences.
▪ Help young adults themselves to gain a better understanding of their own
travel preferences and motivations, and make more informed travel
decisions in the future.
▪ Can highlight the importance of certain factors in the decision-making
process for young adult travelers, such as budget, safety, and cultural
exploration, which can inform discussions and debates around the future
of the tourism industry.
ii D. Desire for making new friends 1

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iii The top choices in the survey, for traveling solo and in a group suggest that 1
young adult travellers value independence and freedom when traveling alone
and when traveling in a group, they value socializing and making new friends.
iv (b) Nawaz 1
[solo traveller-budget friendly; (a) group traveller- organised transport; (c) group
traveller- high focus on safety and security]
v A. trying new cuisine 1
[ It allows an individual to explore new flavours and ingredients that they may not
have been exposed to before, thus helping them discover more about
themselves by way of likes/ dislikes]
vi ▪ To cater to budget-conscious solo travellers, the industry may need to 2
provide more affordable accommodation options such as hostels and
budget hotels.
▪ For group travellers, the industry may need to focus on offering more luxury
accommodations and experiences that cater to their desire for comfort and
convenience.
vii (Any one) 1
▪ a shared desire for adventure
▪ a willingness to step outside of their comfort zones.
▪ the fact that that young adults in India are becoming more interested in
cultural exchange and global understanding
(Any other relevant)
viii FALSE 1
[The passage is not about solo travel trend but more of solo vs group travel
debate among young adults in India]
SECTION B: CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS (18 marks)
Note : All names and addresses of places and organisations used, are fictitious.
3. NOTICE: Format – 1 Content -2 Accuracy of spelling and grammar -1

A Correct format (as listed)

Drawing attention—students of XI-XII
Mentioning the event
Giving details -Date, Time, Venue
Inviting names for participation (latest by…..)
Line with reference to the undersigned
B Correct format (as listed)

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4. INVITATION & REPLY : Format – 1 Content -2 Accuracy of spelling and

grammar -1
A 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 /hosts
Formal standard expression-cordial
Purpose of invitation
Date /time of event
Venue (address)
Name of special guest (if any)
RSVP
Contact detail/ number
B Letter/Note type-formal reply
Reply (Decline)
Format- of Formal letter/ Note
Content- acknowledgement and thanks for invitation, expressing inability with reason
date, time and venue
(any other relevant points)
5. FORMAL LETTER:
Format – 1 Content -2 Organisation -1 Accuracy of spelling and grammar -1
Format
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)
A Content
Covering Letter
Reference to the advertisement
Conveying suitability for the position
Submission of application ,
Bio data as separate enclosure
Profile of self
Educational Qualifications (include advertised requirements)
Work experience/s (if relevant)- only internship / part-time relevant here
References
Any other relevant information
B Content
• Lack of awareness of the significance of zebra crossings and traffic rules,
ignorance of etiquettes involved, and the lack of enforcement of existing laws
related to road safety.

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• Increased risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities, disruption of traffic flow,

damage to public property, legal penalties and fines, and revocation of driving
licenses.
• Public campaigns, educational programs in schools, colleges, and other public
places, informative pamphlets, posters, and videos on traffic rules and
etiquettes, and highlighting the consequences of not following traffic rules and
respect for zebra crossings.
• Imposing penalties and fines for those who violate traffic rules and do not
respect zebra crossings, attending road safety awareness classes, and
revoking driving licenses if necessary. Strengthening traffic police and providing
them with the necessary resources and technology to monitor and enforce
traffic laws.
6. ARTICLE WRITING / REPORT WRITING:
Format – 1 Content -2 Organisation -1 Accuracy of spelling and grammar -1
Article Writing
Format
• Title & By line
Organisation & Content:

A • Opportunities for handloom industry

• sensitise the youth towards Khadi, ‘Vocal for Local’
• make them aware about benefits of these to our economy, ecology
• women empowerment
• to encourage the public at large & youth in particular to buy Khadi & local
products and inculcate in them pride for local products

B Report Writing

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)

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Organisation & Content:

• Reason why the programme was launched
• Host State & Guest State
• No. of participants
• Dates, Time, Venue
• organised—by whom? When? Who attended? (Names of VIP/ Dignitaries
Attended)
• Event details:
Cultural Presentations Language Learning• Sessions Shraamdan• Interactive
Activities• Presentations• Traditional Sports• & Games Quiz Competitions on•
EBSB Rally• Group Discussions• Lecture Sessions• Sharing of Experience•
& Feedback Field Visits to places• of Historical & Educational Importance
Training about First• Aid
• Conclude including witness/ participant account/s

SECTION C : LITERATURE TEXTBOOK AND SUPPLEMENTARY READING TEXT (40 marks)

7 Poetry
No partial credit of ½ , unless indicated.
A) i C. The immortality of art and literature. 1

ii Oxymoron/ Irony 1
iii ...just as a fountain constantly pours forth water, the tales of the mighty dead 1
pour forth endless inspiration and wisdom for the living.
iv Imagery 1
v Because their acts of goodness outlive their death/ their thoughts and guiding 1
values make us believe that life can be made beautiful by our actions, love
and compassion for others
vi In the beginning the poet is hopeless about humanity since people have 1
grown insensitive. But towards the end of the poem, he feels inspired again by
the lovely and inspiring acts of goodness by many great people.
B) i b. Age has fogged mother’s youthful appearance 1
ii It suggests a contrast between the speaker's internal emotional response and 1
her outward behaviour.
iii d. Describe a longing one has been aware of 1
iv FALSE [the poem’s line holds a simile/metaphor whereas the other line is an 1
example of alliteration - w sound]
v b. 2,3 1
vi ...the speaker is trying to hold back her emotions and remain composed,
despite the pain she feels at parting from her mother
8 Prose-Vistas
No partial credit of ½ , unless indicated.
A) i b) An expedition 1

ii (Any one) 1
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▪ ...because the writer presents information in a straightforward and

objective manner
▪ ...because the writer applies a third-person point of view and avoids the
use of personal opinion or emotional language
...because the writer uses a logical structure to present their argument
iii • Because they didn’t give back to the society anything they learnt 1
• They went there just to have fun, never to learn
iv Because students are ready to absorb, learn, and most importantly, act. 1
B) i c) My alarm clock yells at me every morning until I get out of bed. 1
ii a) 2,3and 6 1
iii d) He has this tiny little tumour on the brain 1
iv Maharaja thought it was the 100th tiger he was killing. He would become 1
immortal then.
9 Prose -Flamingo
No partial credit of ½ , unless indicated.
A) i (Any two) 1
▪ the sounds of the opening and closing of desks
▪ the loud lessons repeated in unison
▪ the teacher's ruler rapping on the table
ii A. The classmates have started the lesson. 1
iii ...the school was unusually quiet and still, as if it were a day of rest / holiday/ 1
school off, rather than a bustling school day
iv The protagonist seems to have a plan for how to sneak into class without 1
being noticed, suggesting that they may have been in similar situations
before. [The protagonist states: "I had counted on the commotion to get
to my desk
without being seen," which implies that they have been late before and have
developed a strategy for avoiding punishment.]
v The strictness and severity of M. Hamel's discipline 1
vi No, Franz would find that the teacher wouldn’t scold him even though he is 1
late.
B) i c) self-pity 1
ii a) It was all the peddler had that he could give away, and represented his 1
turn to honesty
iii c)1 & 3 1
iv Worldly temptation of Greed 1
v • She didn’t allow her father to punish him even after it was discovered 1
he was not ironmasters old friend.
• She gave her shelter and food
vi Because he had found the control of his life finally/ He decided not to 1
become a prey again to the trap of greed and stealing.
10 Answer any FIVE of the six following questions in 40-50 words each. 5x2=10

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Content -1
Full credit for appropriate inclusion of all content asked for
Partial credit ½ for relevant but incomplete content
Expression – 1
Full credit for effective organisation
Partial credit ½ for some semblance of organisation of ideas
Deduct ½ mark from the overall score if the error density is high (more than a total of 2
spellings and/or grammatical errors).
The given detailed reference points can be drawn upon to structure the desired response:
i • Lawyers were charging high fee from the poor peasants
• They were localites from Bihar, still they were deserting the peasants; while
Gandhi was committed to their cause of justice though he didn’t belong to Bihar.
ii The haunting fear of water followed Douglas everywhere in the following way:
• He rowed in canoes, trout fishing. NOW HE COULD’NT.
• Fear ruined his fishing trips.
• It deprived him of the joy of canoeing, boating, and swimming.
.
iii
▪ creates a sense of isolation and desolation, emphasizing the loneliness and
despair that the peddler experiences
▪ the harsh winter conditions and the barren landscape add to the overall tone of
melancholy and hopelessness
▪ the forest also represents the metaphorical wilderness of the human soul,
highlighting the struggles and temptations that people face in their journey
through life
iv Because:
• She was struggling hard to weave the art piece
• The terror of her husband had made her weak in spirits
v He means that:
• He has started writing Novels (with story-like FICTION) too
• He has realized that only Academic essays are not going to reach the masses.
vi Subbu was the No.2 in the Studios. He is a good actor, poet, writer and very helpful
to everybody.
He has 14 solutions to a problem.
Always available, can handle camera, lights etc,
Has an ability to write script even.
11 Answer any TWO of the following questions in 40-50 words each. (2x2=4)
Content -1 Expression – 1
The given detailed reference points can be drawn upon to structure the desired response.
i Yes, when someone is oppressed, more resistance is bound to come from
him/her.
Bama understood it late. But she understood it well that only education can break
the barriers of caste and race and class.
ii • Because Derry realizes Mr Lamb’s acceptance of him was unconditional and
total
• Lamb was different from others/ he never judged Derry by his looks
• Lamb gave him radiant and positive energy which Derry would need to reach
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somewhere in life

iii Sadao, and Hana, believes as a doctor, he cannot avoid being a human being first,
then a fierce patriot.
We too need to give priority to our larger and deeper roles as human beings,
whenever we are in a dilemma.
One should not avoid inner callings, while attending to society’s demands on us.

12. Answer ONE of the two following questions, in about 120-150 words. 5
Content -2 Expression – 2 Accuracy-1
A.
Roadside stand sellers hope in vain…. No city passer-by stops to buy things from
them…so heart-broken these villagers become their sorrow speaks; the poet is
dejected watching their pathetic state.
Poet wants politicians to work on policies to uplift them; bring them into mainstream of
society; but they make hollow, false promises; tall claims of giving them benefits after
coming to power; but they turn coats; are greedy good-doers’ beneficent beasts of prey
In hopeless despair, poet suggests to get this suffering lot out of his sight by killing
them; OR treat his own conflict of emotions.
Poet’s suggestions should be worked upon.
B. Saheb-e-alam drops his way-faring work of rag-picking- probably he doesn’t earn much
here; picks up a tea-stall to work; he is unhappy now; he doesn’t realize he is missing
‘studies’ only studies can make him happy; he might fall into the hands of oppressors if
he doesn’t become aware of his rights as a child. Studies will help him know that
children are not be exploited as labourers.
Same is the emotional turmoil of Mukesh. He too feels stifled at the bangle-making
factory. Not happy, wants to become a motor mechanic; wants to fly high; he too is not
aware that only studies can liberate him---give him wings. Then the factory-owners
won’t take advantage of his ignorance; police and bureaucrats would be falling in line
with the law.
Both may have courage to deny and resent their age-old convention of rag-picking and
bangle-making, But, it’s unlikely they will ever rise high in society and break the caste
barrier, until they have a sharp rational mind on their side.
Just filibuster and ranting and raving will only create more frustration in them.
A calm and thinking head is just as important as a heart throbbing with ambition!
13. Answer ONE of the two following questions, in about 120-150 words. 5
Content -2 Expression – 2 Accuracy-1
A Charley was clearly an escapist. Or why would he find new pathways and corridors
and tunnels every other day at the NY railway station. He must have visited the Third
level in his mind- seems like a hallucination- or a mental construct of his dreams—
possibly was frustrated with the workaday humdrum routine of his tasteless life –
wanted some place where all the push-and grind vanishes – desperately in need of a
break.
Suddenly enters another Frustrated psychiatrist, Sam. His rational mind rejected the
possibility of a place called “Galesburg”—but sub-consciously desiring for the same.
Though a far-away mirage to even accept its existence, idea of a stress-free,
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slumberous town free of modern life shrill and sting fascinated him in his own “waking
dream” --- Charley gave shape to his remote, inexpressible fancies--- he must have
visited with more determined a mind to escape too.
Charley’s wandering mind would sure look for the “Third Level” …a medium to travel
to the enchanted Galesburg.
The story only brings the grinding turmoil of the modern city –which knows no rest,..
but a never-ending wild-goose chase!
(Any other relevant point)
(At least 3 value-points needed)
OR
B
Both fight hard to resist the oppression by the society.
Zitkala fought back to become a celebrated writer, to awaken other women, though
she couldn’t save her hair from being cut.
Bama could have accepted her reality as an ‘untouchable’, but she wielded her pen,
and studied hard – grew up to become a writer.
(At least 3 value points needed)
(any other relevant point)

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