KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA SANGATHAN, MUMBAI REGION

PREBOARD EXAMINATION (2023-24)

ENGLISH CORE (Code No. 301)
CLASS-XII
Marking Scheme

SECTION A: READING SKILLS (22 marks)

1. Literary Passage 12 m
i C. Only I, IV, and V 1
[The descriptions in I, IV, and V exemplify the given statement asthey No partial credit
show Gods as flawed and behaving like a human being might. ]

ii D. 'How dare he play better than me? I am supposed to be the bestin the 1
world.' No partial credit
[The passage mentions that Apollo felt jealous and insecure after hearing
Marsyas play. Therefore, he is likely to say something thatshows how
offended he is about not being the best musician in theworld.]

iii C. to highlight the point that the Greek Gods are more human-likein 1
nature No partial credit
[The author concludes paragraph 1 by making the point that the Greek
Gods were 'flawed' and would not act like 'Gods' sometimes,or that they
would behave like a human being would. This option best captures why
the author begins the passage with Apollo's story.]

iv ♦ It is ironic as he is the god of 2

'healing' and he
brought about destruction; 2 marks for
♦ The god of healing acted on an impulse that shows that he identifyingwhat
himself needed healing; makes the
♦ The behaviour of the god is unexpected as he is supposed to show situationironic.
behaviours that would 'heal' mortals. - No partial
credit.
v ♦ It means to be immune. 1
♦ It means to be protected against harm or damage. Give 1 mark for
♦ It means to be safe. the correct
♦ It means to be indestructible. deduction of the
♦ It means to not be vulnerable. meaning.
- No partial credit.
♦ Accept any one answer, or any other variations of the givenresponses.
vi ♦ they are more beautiful and grander (2)
♦ they are stronger and taller
♦ they have magical blood, Ichor 1 mark for 1point.
♦ they are more intelligent
♦ they are immortal
♦ they can transport themselves anywhere with a thought

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 ♦ can be invisible at will or take any form they desire
♦ wear robes of finer texture
♦ have temples erected to them,
♦ have creatures sacrificed in their name
♦ they were given rich gifts

♦ Accept any two points.

vii ♦ vengeful/revengeful 1
♦ egotistical/egoistic 1 mark for a
♦ conceited relevant
characteristic.
Accept any other relevant inference. - No partial credit.
viii B. a pandemic that has been caused by a contagious virus [Ichor, as 1
described in the passage, never causes disease. Therefore, someoneborn No partial credit
of Ichor and having it flow through their veins would also notcontract any
disease. A pandemic caused by a contagious virus would, therefore, be a
situation that such a creature would be able to survive successfully.]

Explanation: 2
♦ He is referring to the ugly consequences of our actions when react 1 mark for the
ix based on an impulse or out of jealousy, insecurity, etc. correct
♦ He is referring to those actions that we do to others with the explanation.
intention of causing harm, destruction, or taking revenge. 1 mark for a
♦ These are those situations that we may regret but have no way of relevantexample.
reversing as they have dire consequences.
♦ It means starting from a place where we are put on a pedestal andfalling
to a level where we are looked down upon.

(any one)

Example:
♦ A person breaks a friendship between two people because they
feel jealous of how close the friends are. The person is shunned, asa
result.
♦ One commits a serious crime, like theft or destruction, becauseone
wants to take revenge on someone. One may go to jail, as a result.
♦ We agree to cause harm to someone else because a loved one asks
this of us. As a result, we destroy someone's life who did noharm to us.

Accept any other valid response.

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2. Case-Based Factual Passage 10 m
i ♦ least 1
♦ minimum 1 mark for a
smallest relevant
answer.
No partial credit.

ii D. 'Sorry, I don't have access to your data.' 1

[Paragraph 1 clearly states that ChatGPT gives human-like responses, No partial credit
does not collect personal information, and often gives disclaimers if it
cannot answer a prompt appropriately. Since the question states that it is
the 'first' question asked by the user, we canassume that no other details
have been shared before. Therefore, THIS option correctly displays a
response that applies all three features of ChatGPT.]

iii ♦ No, using only ChatGPT would not be useful. 2

♦ Justification: ChatGPT only has information till September 2021. 1 mark for
♦ ChatGPT cannot browse the internet for information. clearly
stating 'no'.
1 mark for
justifying the
answer.
iv C. a college graduate who is studying in a 2-year Master's course [The 1
passage states that more medical trainees and students as wellas research No partial credit
students of the survey have used ChatGPT. This meansthat the profile of
a student is most likely to be a part of the 40% ofusers who have used
ChatGPT.]
v D. It had 59 respondents who were from the medical field includingthose 1
who study medicine. No partial credit
[The passage states that a total of 59 respondents of the survey were
individuals from the medical field. The passage also states that medical
trainees and students have used ChatGPT. Therefore, we can infer that
the 59 respondents from the medical field includestudents.]

vi ♦ Reason 1: students might use ChatGPT to do homework withoutusing 2

their own mind
♦ Reason 2: no way for teachers to check for plagiarism easily
♦ Reason 3: ChatGPT summarises information, which is a key skill

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 for students to learn. Therefore, they should be encouraged to browse
and collate information themselves, rather than havingChatGPT do so
for them.

Accept any one relevant reason.

vii ♦ Detail 1: The last paragraph states that the application of 1

ChatGPT needs to be examined. No partial
♦ Detail 2: The last paragraph states that we need to consider its credit
negative impact before institutions start using it.
♦ Detail 3: The summary table's statement 'I don't know; it is tooearly to
make a statement' has a majority selection for Educationand Healthcare.

Accept any one detail.

viii ♦ TRUE 1
No partial
(259 respondents selected the statement, 'Yes, as long as its use is credit
transparently disclosed.' This is more than half of the 420 participants of
the survey.)

SECTION B: CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS (18 marks)

Note: All names and addresses of places and organisations used are fictitious.
3. NOTICE: 4 marks

♦ Format [1 mark]
♦ Content [2 marks]
♦ Accuracy of spelling and grammar [1 mark]

Name of Organisation
(centre aligned)
NOTICE
(centre aligned)

Date
Heading
(centre aligned)

[details]
Name
Designation

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A • Correct format (as listed)
• Draws attention of volunteers
• Mentions the event
• Gives details — date, time, venue
• how it would benefit and urging them to participate in the drive
• Adds line with reference to the undersigned
B » Correct format (as listed)
» Draws attention of the residents/ members
» Mentions the event
» Gives details of meeting — date, time, venue
» Invites people to attend
» Adds line with reference to the undersigned
4. INVITATION: 4marks
♦ Format [1 mark]
♦ Content [2 marks]
♦ Accuracy of spelling and grammar [1 mark]

A. Formal Letter of Invitation

• Format of formal letter
• Necessary details- about the event, date ,venue etc
• Soliciting a line in reply

B. Card type formal invite

» uses a single sentence presentation in third-person/skips end line punctuation

» uses the simple present tense
» answers the questions: who, whom, when, where, what time, for what
» includes name and address of the organiser/host and name(s) of special invitees (if any)
» avoids adding signatures
Layout mostly pertains to the following —
» name of host(s)
» standard formal and cordial expression
» purpose of invitation
» date & time of event
» venue (address)
» name of special guest(s) (if any)
» RSVP

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5. FORMAL LETTER: 5marks

♦ Format [1 mark]
♦ Content [2 marks]
♦ Organisation [1 mark]
♦ Accuracy of spelling and grammar [1 mark]
A. • Cover 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 as per requirements
References
Any other relevant information

B. → some issues are: population of dogs, attacking kids and old

people. Serious injuries, aggressive, fatal injuries, no control on
the pack of dogs
→ some suggestions are: regular monitoring by
municipalities/authorities. vaccination/sterilization of dogs,
immediate doctor help etc. or any valid suggestions

6. Any one: 5 marks

A. ARTICLE WRITING :

• Format [1 mark] Headline and Byline

• Content [2 marks]
• Organisation [1 mark]
• Accuracy of spelling and grammar [1 mark]
Title (illustrate thematic content, eye-catching)
Byline (Name/designation of the writer)
Intro para (relevant topic sentence + expansion)
Topic development paras (discussion of various aspects of the topic — causes, effects, etc. presented
with strong evidence)
Concluding para (writer's opinion/comments + recommendations or solutions + hope/call for
action/warning)

B. REPORT WRITING

♦ Format [1 mark]

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♦ Content [2 marks]
♦ Organisation [1 mark]
♦ Accuracy of spelling and grammar [1 mark]

Format and Organisation

» Headline and Byline
» Reporting place and date
» Paragraph organisation (introductory paragraph + one or two Body paragraphs including eventdetails +
Concluding paragraph inclusive of witness accounts)

The report should answer these questions

WHO? name of the event/sponsor/any special guests

WHEN AND WHERE? date, time, venue, place
WHAT AND HOW? purpose of programme and details
WHAT DID THE ATTENDEES THINK?
observations/comments from students
→ Reason why the workshop was conducted
→ organised — by whom? for whom? when?
→ Event details (refer to the cues)
→ Conclude by including witness/participant accounts

SECTION C: LITERATURE TEXTBOOK AND SUPPLEMENTARY READING TEXT (40

marks)
7. Poetry
No partial credit of ½ unless indicated
A)i i) b) invite readers as part of the poem’s larger call to humanity 1mark each for the correct
ii) a) Atwood endorses Neruda’s call to not speak in any language. response
iii) b) To emphasize the hectic activity and chaos that usually
envelops human life.
iv) It refers to keeping still/ keeping quiet/, not speaking in any NO PARTIAL CREDIT
language.
v) Anaphora
vi) Pablo Neruda

B i) a) oppressed 1 mark each for the correct

ii) c) she feels burdened in her marriage. response
iii) b) Option (ii)
iv) a) finger fluttering through the wool
v) Aunt in her lifetime will not be able to free herself from
the burden of her marital life
vi)Adrienne Rich

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8. Prose - Vistas

No partial credit of ½ unless indicated

A) i) (c) 1, 3 and 6 1 mark each for the correct

ii. (d) Option 4 response
iii. c) dismal
iv. (d) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be inferred from the
passage.

1 mark each for the correct

B. i. (d) 1,3 and 4 response
ii. (d) relieved and guilt-free
iii. (b) (i) relishes; (ii) weary; (iii) self-absorbed; (iv) selfish
iv. a) in one’s favour or control

9.
Prose - Flamingo
A) i) d) To know for sure that he had overcome his fear of 1 mark each for correct
drowning in water. response
ii) a) Triggs Island and Stamp Act Island are both
located in Lake Wentworth.
iii) c) prior drowning experiences
iv) b) on a small-scale.
v) a) Addressed it.
vi) Hyperbole

B. i) b) situations that require one to be street smart. 1

ii) catapulted
iii) b) unintentional act.
iv) c) did not gel well with others in the Department.
vi) the actress lacked worldly experience
vi) The professor appeared clumsily for the international
conference.

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10. Answer any FIVE of the six following questions in 40–50 words (5x2=10m)
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 value/ reference points can be drawn upon to structure the desired response:

i. cooked up a story to impress Geoff- Danny favourite of Geoff- Jansie being ‘nosey’
might spread in the neighbourhood
ii. welcomed the peddler- served porridge- tobacco -played cards, shared secrets, allowed to stay-
30 kronors
iii. Upliftment of champaran people- three medicines were available — castor oil, quinine and
Sulphur ointment. Anybody who showed a coated tongue was given a dose of castor oil; anybody
with malaria fever received quinine plus castor oil; anybody with skin eruptions received
ointment plus castor oil

iv. car to stop at their roadside stand- It raises their hopes that the city-folk have stopped there to buy
something from their roadside stand - some city money will come into their hands. longing for
city people to stop and buy things from shop.

v. The chief make-up man - made the chief actors and actresses ugly, his senior assistant - the
'second' hero and heroine, the junior assistant- the main comedian, and so forth.
The players who played the crowd were the responsibility of the office boy.

vi. childhood fear is that she would lose her mother to the cruel hands of death -would be separated
from her forever. she knows her mother will be scourged by age and time.

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 11. Answer any TWO of the following three questions in 40–50 words. (2x2=4m)
Content -1
→ Full credit for appropriate inclusion of all content asked for → Partial credit ½ for relevant butincomplete
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).
i.
Tigers will not be killed by anyone else-only maharaja can do the hunting-ironically a celebration
for tigers-good news -delight for tigers – but will be only killed by king.

ii. Keeps his garden open for all- no curtains- house always open for all – full of books- plucking crab
apples- making jelly -honey toffees.
iii. Phytoplankton taken care of - entire food chain - nourish and sustain the entire southern ocean's
food take care of small things - big things will fall into place

12. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words. (5 x1=5)
Content - 2
→ Full credit for sustained, clear, well-developed personal response to the task that appropriatelyjustifies
any arguments
→ Partial credit of 1 ½, 1 and ½ as per the response clarity and relevance
Expression – 2
→ Full credit for effective organisation -structure, relevant vocabulary and effective relay of ideas
→ Partial credit of 1 ½, 1 and ½ as per the level of coherence and cohesion

Accuracy - 1
→ Full credit for none to minimal errors → Partial credit of ½ for spellings and/or grammatical, largely
accurate
→ No credit for error density causing impediment in understanding
A. Suggested response:
Dear Diary,
Today all were present in the class. When I entered, I was surprised to see other villagers like me
had occupied the back benches to show their respect towards M. Hamel who was dressed in his
beautiful green coat, his frilled shirt and the little black silk cap, all embroidered, which he wore
only on special days. He gave his last lesson with utmost devotion and sincerity. The mood was
very sombre and subdued, but everyone including little Franz was attentive and learned the
language like never before. I too had an old primer and spelled the letters with everyone. M.
Hamel praised French as the most beautiful, the clearest and most logical language in the world.
He emphasized the importance of one's mother tongue and how it would always give people a
sense of freedom and belonging even if they are enslaved. He made the people in the classroom
realize for the first time how important French was for them. The “Last Lesson” was not just a
lesson in language and writing, it was the lesson in patriotism and resistance. Although his land is
occupied by Prussian adversaries who have the advantage of superior military strength, he defies
his oppressors using only a French grammar book, a blackboard, and his own voice. Towards the
end of his last French lesson, as the church clock struck twelve and the trumpets of the Prussians
sounded under the window, M. Hamel was completely overwhelmed with emotions. He wrote,
“Vive La France!” on the board. Feeling choked, he was unable to talk further and dismissed the
class by making a gesture towards us with his hand.

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 Suggested response:

B. (Accept any other valid response.)

Comparing and contrasting the women of both chapters- Aunt Jennifer victim of patriarchy-
burdened of her unhappy marital life-unable to attend freedom and strength. - not able to voice
out opinions and wishes. Following the strict rigid system where women are subjugated.

In lost spring- two women- Savita and daughter in law of Mukesh family and victims of poverty-
withdraws behind the broken walls – follow customs and traditions- married early-eyes filled
with smoke.

13. Answer ONE of the following two questions in about 120–150 words. (5marks)
Content - 2
→ Full credit for sustained, clear, well-developed personal response to the task that appropriately
justifies any arguments
→ Partial credit of 1 ½, 1 and ½ as per the response clarity and relevance

Expression – 2
→ Full credit for effective organisation -structure, relevant vocabulary and effective relay of ideas
→ Partial credit of 1 ½, 1 and ½ as per the level of coherence and cohesion

Accuracy - 1
→ Full credit for none to minimal errors → Partial credit of ½ for spellings and/or grammatical, largely
A. SUGGESTED RESPONSE:

Sadao and father strict followers of Japanese culture and tradition- father was orthodox
Japanese-sadao married Japanese girl.-Sadao’s father sent Dr. Sadao to America to study. But at
the same time, he wanted him to come back and serve his people- He cleaved to the “old
Japanese way” of doing things,
his bedroom was outfitted in a traditional Japanese fashion and contained only Japanese-made
furniture and goods.

SUGGESTED RESPONSE:
B.
Two different autobiographical episodes of two women Zitkala Sa and Bama. It deals with their
lives and what hardships they faced and how they became victims of social discrimination.
Bama is a victim of the caste system as she has been born in a dalit community.
Zitkala- Sa is a Native American who finds that the people who have overpowered the natives
are out to destroy their culture.
Both of them rebel against the existing circumstances. They do not bow down to their situations.
They struggle hard to remove the discrimination and other barriers raised by peeple in power.
Their struggle is against oppression, prejudice, dogma, superstition and ignorance. The tool with
which they carry out their struggle is education.
Both Zitkala- Sa and Bama study hard and earn a name for themselves.

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