COMMON EXAMINATION (2023-2024)

CLASS – XII
SUBJECT- ENGLISH CORE 301 [SET 1] ANSWER KEY
Q. ANSWERS MARKS
NO.
PASSAGE – 1 (12 marks)
1. 1. c. They invited chefs, who created sambhar through blending
culinary techniques. 1
2. b. Fermentation aids in nutrient absorption in idlis.
3. a. Both Assertion and Reasoning are true, and Reasoning is 1
the correct explanation of the Assertion. 1
4. b. 2, 4
5. c. Indian restaurants globally feature idli sambhar. 1
6. b. Thanjavur 1
7. b. the spread of culinary traditions by traders 1
8. b. The fusion of diverse regional flavors. 1
9. d. The renowned chef curated a gastronomic masterpiece, 1
intricately blending rare ingredients to create a dining 1
experience that transcended culinary boundaries.
10. False
11. Culinary Fusion-the blending of diverse regional flavors, 1
unique and appealing taste 2
Cultural Unity- the harmonious combination of textures and
tastes, defines the essence of Indian cuisine
Historical Movement of People- movement of South Indian
traders and settlers played a crucial role in popularizing Idli
Sambhar beyond its place of origin (any two)

2. PASSAGE – 2 (10 marks)

1. a. Education broadens people's vision and helps them
comprehend various phenomena in the right context. 1
2. b. The relationship between a ship and its captain 1
3. c. The literacy rate of India reached 94.0% in 2018. 1
4. b. It suggests that orthodox mentality is the main reason for 1
higher drop-out rates among girls, contributing to social and
economic inequalities.
5. a. 1991-2001 1
6. consistent failure in classes leading to a loss of interest in
studying/ Parents also get discouraged / child either engages in 1
a trade to supplement family income
7. failure and dropout in the education system result in negative 1
outcomes for individuals and widen social and economic
inequalities/ personalized learning approaches to address
individual learning needs/ adaptive learning technologies and
tailored teaching methods/ awareness campaigns to change
societal attitudes/ community involvement and support
systems
8. a. Both Assertion and Reasoning are true, and Reasoning is 1
the correct explanation for the Assertion.
9. Stagnation 1

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 10. lack of adequate infrastructure and resources for education. 1

SECTION B : CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS (18 marks)

3. NOTICE (4 marks) 4
Format – 1 Content -2 Accuracy of spelling and grammar -1

→ Drawing attention—students of XI-XII

→ Mentioning the event – Heritage walk, occasion (Chennai
Birthday) Guide name.
→ Giving details -Date, Time, Venue
→ Line with reference to the undersigned

OR
NOTICE
→ Drawing attention of students
→ Mentioning the event- Community drive(Food Drive and
Distribution / Environmental Sustainability Initiative / Community
Garden / Fundraising Campaign / Community Clean-up Events/ pre-
loved clothe donation etc. ) (any one )
→ Giving details -Date, Time, Venue
→ Call for volunteers, participants
→ Line with reference to the undersigned

4. INVITATION (formal letter type) (4 marks) 4

Format – 1 Content -2 Accuracy of spelling and grammar -1

Sender’s address, Date, Receiver’s address, Subject and Salutation/

Salutation and Subject, Letter, Complimentary close (Yours
sincerely)
Value points
• Thanking for invitation
• Event, date, time, venue
• Acceptance line
OR
INVITATION (card type)
→ 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 (Eco Club, Alpha Public School)
→ Formal standard expression-cordial
→ Purpose of invitation (Green Day, talks by eminent person, tree
plantation)
→ Date /time of event

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 → Venue (address)
→ Name of special guest (if any)
→ RSVP
→ Contact detail/ number
5. FORMAL LETTER (5 marks)
APPLICATION FOR JOB WITH BIODATA

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
(Yours sincerely)

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
OR
FORMAL LETTER - LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Value points
• Environmental Degradation , excessive water usage, pollution,
and the generation of textile waste.
• Textile Waste and Landfills, Leads to discarded clothing,
contributing to overflowing landfills and environmental
pollution.
• Exploitative Labor Practices, relies on low-cost labor in
developing countries, leading to poor working conditions, low
wages, and exploitation of workers.
• Short Product Lifespan, encourages a culture of disposability,
short-term use, leading to a high turnover of garments.
• Chemical Usage in Production, including dyes and finishing
agents, which can have adverse effects on both workers and
the environment.
• Carbon Footprint, supply chain of fast fashion, including
transportation and production processes, contributes
significantly to carbon emissions and climate change.
• Pressure on Natural Resources, immense pressure on natural
resources like water, land, and raw materials.

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 • Social and Cultural Impact, loss of cultural identity as
traditional craftsmanship is overshadowed by mass
production.
• Overconsumption and Impulse Buying, buy more than they
need, promoting overconsumption and fostering a throwaway
culture.
(any three points – other relevant points)

6. ARTICLE WRITING (5 marks)

Format – 1 Content -2 Organisation -1 Accuracy of spelling and
grammar -1

Format
Title & By line
Organisation & Content
Value points
• Introduce digital literacy programs to rural schools, providing
students with access to technology and internet resources.
• Develop a curriculum that recognizes and integrates the
cultural context of rural communities.
• Improvement of school infrastructure in rural areas, ensuring
access to well-equipped classrooms, libraries, and laboratories
• Foster community involvement by establishing partnerships
between schools and local communities. Engage parents and
community members in educational initiatives.
• Implement comprehensive teacher training programs that
address the unique challenges of rural education, offering
ongoing support and professional development opportunities
• Fair distribution of educational resources, including qualified
teachers, updated learning materials, and technology, to rural
schools to bridge the disparity.
OR
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)

→ Reason why the programme was launched

→ organised—by whom? When? Who attended?
→ Event details (refer to question)
→ Conclude including witness/ participant account/s

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7. SECTION C : LITERATURE TEXTBOOK AND SUPPLEMENTARY
READING TEXT (40 marks)
7A - MY MOTHER AT SIXTY SIX (6 marks)
1. a) evening sunset was beautiful
2. a) A specific traumatic incident from the speaker's past. 1
3. c) Transience 1
4. b) the passage of time has blurred the mother's youthful 1
visage. 1
5. a) draw a parallel between physical pain and emotional
distress. 1
6. a) Poignantly nostalgic with a touch of sardonic wit.
OR 1
7B – A THING OF BEAUTY
1. b) Connection to the earthly realm.
2. c) Beauty can be a source of perpetual joy. 1
3. a) A garden or a shaded area. 1
4. b) An individual relying on divine intervention for all 1
challenges. 1
5. sweet dreams, health, and quiet breathing (any one)
6. a) Nurturing connections. 1
1

8. 8A – THE THIRD LEVEL (4 marks)

1. b) It signifies a psychological refuge from the harsh realities 1
of life.
2. a) Contrast the narrator's experiences with those of his 1
grandfather.
3. b) Imaginary 1
4. retreat (any other suitable word) 1
OR
8B – ON THE FACE OF IT
1. b) Mr. Lamb is emphasizing the interconnectedness of all 1
living things.
2. c) Derry emphasizes the difference between them. 1
3. a) Mr. Lamb is indifferent to the taunt and dismisses its 1
importance.
4. b) It emphasizes the theme of physical appearances and 1
societal judgments.

9 9A – INDIGO (6 marks)
1. c) It became intertwined with the practical problems of poor 1
peasants
2. c) A commitment to shaping a self-reliant, free Indian society 1
3. c) It was a fusion of political action with the everyday 1
problems of the masses
4. c) Statement 2 can be deduced from Statement 1. 1
5. Independent /self- dependent / self- reliant (any relevant word) 1
6. d) Compliance 1
OR

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 9B – THE RATTRAP

1. b) As a repayment for her kindness. 1

2. b) It signified his triumphant escape from entrapment after 1
returning the stolen money.
3. d) The peddler acknowledges his mistakes and demonstrates 1
the qualities anticipated of a Captain. (option c may also be
considered)
4. a) Exclamation 1
5. jagged 1
6. …….. from a rat who would have been caught in this world’s 1
rattrap if he had not been raised to captain, because in that
way he got power to clear himself.

10 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).
Answer any FIVE of the following (40-50 words) (10 marks)
a) Franz regretted that he had never learned his lessons properly,
regarded his books as a nuisance but now he began to think of
them as old friends whom he never wanted to part with.
b) Tigers symbolise bravery and freedom, reflect Aunt Jennifer's 2
innermost desire to be fearless and break free from her husband's
oppression, trembling fingers symbolise Aunt Jennifer's plight
under the tyranny of her husband, wedding band symbolises 2
oppression (any two)- any other relevant point
c) Savita is preoccupied in making bangles without any dreams or
aspirations. She leads a mechanical life, devoid of any ambitions
and is unaware of all the luxuries available beyond her hard life.
She can be seen as a symbolic representation of the resilience of 2
the human spirit, particularly the innocence that poverty has not
yet managed to erode. Her efficiency represents the adaptability
required to navigate difficult circumstances. (any two)
d) The Endless Fountain is a metaphorical concept of beauty that
brings joy and happiness to people who experience it. It is not a
physical fountain, but rather a representation of the eternal
beauty that exists in nature and art. 2
e) Sophie and Jansie represent contrasting outlooks on life. Jansie
is grounded and practical, aware of life's challenges. In contrast,
Sophie is portrayed as a dreamer, aspiring to grand and
sophisticated endeavors despite their impracticality. Jansie 2
advises her to be sensible, but Sophie remains committed to her
romantic dreams, highlighting the stark difference in their
thinking and temperaments. (any two)

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 f) Frost contrasts urban and rural money, emphasizing the unequal
distribution of wealth. Urban money is portrayed as dynamic,
associated with the fast-paced city life, while rural money is
depicted as more static, influencing a smaller, localized 2
economy at a different pace/ distinction reflects broader
economic disparities / the way it is earned and spent in the city
differs from how it is earned and spent in the country. (any
relevant point)
11 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).
Answer any TWO in 40-50 words each. (4 marks)
a) Sam wrote that he had discovered the Third level and had 2
reached Galesburg. He found Galesburg peaceful and friendly.
He advised Charley to keep looking for the third level and reach
Galesburg.
b) The landlord's man asked Bama's brother on which street he 2
lived in order to find out his caste. During those times, when
untouchability was prevalent, each caste lived in a particular
street and by enquiring about the street where one lived, helped
to determine his caste.
c) South Seas islands are isolated and far away. The islands are
depicted as being remote and distant from the conflict and 2
turmoil of war/ they are the stepping stones to the future for
Japan.
(any other relevant point)
12. 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
accurate
→ No credit for error density causing impediment in understanding

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 Answer ONE of the following in 120-150 words. (5 marks)
12 a – LOST SPRING
o specific traditions and lineage contribute to the perpetuation
of extreme poverty, especially among marginalized
communities, stifling the aspirations of numerous children.
o poverty becomes a cyclical and inherited burden.
o societal norms and economic circumstances trap children in a
cycle of poverty.
o Traditions and lineage often dictate one's occupation, limiting
access to education and opportunities for social mobility.
o promote educational initiatives to break the cycle of poverty
o accessible and quality education, children can gain the skills
o Introduce skill development programs that align with modern
industries
o awareness campaigns to challenge societal norms
o Advocate for government policies and support systems
o Facilitate community-driven initiatives that empower
individuals
o social entrepreneurship and sustainable development projects
OR
12 b – POETS AND PANCAKES
• Subbu was an extremely loyal employee who identified
himself completely with his principal and turned his entire
creativity to his principal's advantage.
• He was also a highly versatile and creative person who could
be inspired to come up with numerous alternatives when given
a problem to solve.
• He had the ability to work well with others and was tailor-
made for the film industry. These qualities made him an
invaluable asset to the Gemini Studios during its golden years.
• His commitment to the craft, the people, and the industry itself
contributes to his success.
• His ability to bring fresh and innovative ideas to the table,
whether in scriptwriting or filmmaking
• Subbu's understanding of the industry's inner workings, its
challenges, and its opportunities positions him for success.
(any other relevant point)
13. 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

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→ 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
Answer ONE of the following in about 120-150 words. (5 marks)
13 a – THE TIGER KING
• considered unethical as it involves attempting to influence
someone's decision or action through the exchange of money
or favors.
• reflects the corrupt and morally questionable practices that
were prevalent during the colonial period.
• Tiger King's actions are reprehensible, as he is attempting to
use financial inducements to achieve a personal goal
• undermines the principles of fairness and justice
• story serves as a satirical commentary on the excesses of
power and the absurdities of the pursuit of status and
recognition.
• Tiger King's actions highlight the absurdity of his obsession
with titles and trophies
• sheds light on the folly of unchecked ambition and the moral
compromises individuals may make in the pursuit of personal
gain.
13 b - JOURNEY TO THE END OF THE EARTH
• Gondwana was a supercontinent that existed from the
Neoproterozoic to the Cenozoic eras, incorporating several
present-day continents, including Antarctica. It formed
through the amalgamation of various landmasses.
• Gondwana gradually disintegrated due to tectonic plate
movements.
• Antarctica was once part of Gondwana. As Gondwana
fragmented, Antarctica moved southward to its current polar
position.
• movement of Antarctica towards the South Pole resulted in its
exposure to extremely cold conditions. Over time, it became a
frozen, inhospitable landmass.
• Antarctica underwent glaciation, with ice sheets covering
much of its surface.
• Antarctica's isolation and polar position contributed to the
development of its harsh climate
(any other relevant point)

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