| Topics | Questions | Marks
[total 80] | Time | Marking Scheme/key Points | Suggestions |
| 1. Composition (300-350 words) | (i) Original Short Story writing | 20 | 3o | - Good plot or storyline is the key.
- The readers must relate to the characters, a key component of a story.
- A good short story must have a proper setting/atmosphere which should be related to the plot.
- The short story must have a clear, logical, and satisfying climax. The climax can convey a moral message.
| - Focus on the importance of writing an original story. You may also provide 1/ 2 dialogues to make your story sound more realistic.
- The plot should be based on a situation that must take a sharp turn at the end. This will add to the spice in the story. Give a logical and interesting ending to your story.
- Correct grammatical constructions and spelling, punctuation, and syntax must be appropriate.
- Utilise the reading time and plan your composition before you start writing.
- Do not forget to revise your composition to make it error-free.
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| (ii) Narrative Essay | - Marks are credited for proper sequence/order of events.
- Narration must have clarity and should be lively, vivid, and realistic.
- Theme and atmosphere are important components.
- Ensure the use of visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile senses to accentuate the composition.
| - You must be imaginative.
- Unnecessary details must be avoided.
- Use a variety of linkers (words that combine sentences and show the relationship between ideas).
- Utilise the reading time and plan your composition before you start writing.
- Do not forget to revise your composition to make it error-free. Pay special attention to grammatical, punctuation, syntax, and spelling errors.
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| (iii) Argumentative Essay | - One must have a clear stand FOR/AGAINST the given topic.
- Present 4 to 5 points FOR/AGAINST the given topic with examples.
- Logical planning and a clear presentation of the argument are very essential.
- Prejudiced views/ angry condemnations must be avoided.
| - First explore the meaning of the given topic. You may use a relevant quotation.
- Utilise the reading time to think about the points FOR/AGAINST the given topic.
- Use of short and logical sentences is preferable.
- Do not forget to give a suitable conclusion.
- Do not forget to revise your composition to make it error-free. Pay special attention to grammatical, punctuation, syntax, and spelling errors.
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| (iv) Descriptive Essay | - Ensure the use of visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile senses to accentuate the essay.
- Follow a sequential pattern of writing.
- Descriptive essays must have an introduction, body, and conclusion.
| - Do not stray.
- Avoid using vague adjectives.
- Have an eye for detail.
- Rely on your imagination rather than on facts.
- Do not forget to revise your composition to make it error-free. Pay special attention to grammatical, punctuation, syntax, and spelling errors.
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| (v) Picture Composition | - A wide interpretation of the picture is accepted.
- A mere itemization/listing /description of the picture is NOT given credit.
- Points mentioned in the Original Short Story Writing section can be followed here as well.
| - Pay attention to the details of the picture.
- Ensure correct grammatical constructions and spelling, punctuation, and syntax must be appropriate.
- Utilise the reading time and plan your composition before you start writing.
- Points mentioned in the Original Short Story Writing section can be followed here as well.
- Do not forget to revise your answers to make the answers error-free.
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| 2. Letter Writing | (i) Informal Letter | 10 | 20 | - Layout contains 2½ marks: Sender’s address, Date, Salutation, Subscription, Signature (First Name)
- Subject Matter contains 2 ½ marks.
- Expression contains 5 marks.
| - Do not stray or ramble.
- Keep the tone personal and courteous.
- Correct grammatical constructions and spelling, punctuation, and syntax must be appropriate.
- Revise your letter after writing a polite conclusion.
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| (ii) Formal Letter | - Layout contains 3 marks: Sender’s address, Date, Receiver’s address Salutation, Subscription, Signature (Name + Surname)
- Subject Matter contains 2 marks.
- Expression contains 5 marks.
| - Keep your sentences short.
- Tone of the letter should be formal.
- Be precise and do not ramble.
- Ensure correct grammatical constructions and spelling, punctuation, and syntax must be appropriate.
- Do not forget to revise your letter to make it error-free.
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| 3. Notice and E-mail Writing | (i) Notice | 5 | 15 | - Give a creative title to your notice.
- Title must be appropriate and short.
- Adhere to the proper format (Date, Time, Venue, Audience)
| - Provide all the necessary details. Unnecessary ones should be avoided.
- Stick to the proper layout.
- Ensure correct grammatical constructions and spelling, punctuation, and syntax must be appropriate.
- Do not forget to revise your notice to make it error-free.
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| (ii) E-mail | 5 | - E-mail id [No name to be used in the email id]
- Subject [As in formal letter]
- Opening sentence
- Closing sentence
[Subscription, as in formal letter] - Expression – All details of the notice are to be included in full sentences in the e-mail. [Date/time/venue should be included.]
| - Do not write personal e-mail id.
- Subject must be short and appropriate.
- Do not forget to mention all the details that you provided in your notice correctly.
- Ensure correct grammatical constructions and spelling, punctuation, and syntax must be appropriate.
- Do not forget to revise your e-mail to make it error-free.
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| 4. Unseen Comprehension | MCQs and Subjective Questions | 20 | 30 | - Candidate’s vocabulary is tested.
- Candidates are required to show an understanding of the words/phrases in the context in which they have been used.
- The MCQs and subjective questions are to test the candidates’ ability to comprehend the explicit content and organisation of the passage and to infer information, intention, and attitude from it.
- Summary question tests the candidates’ ability to distinguish main ideas from supporting details and to extract salient points to rewrite them in the form of a summary.
| - Utilise the 15 minutes reading time and read the passage thoroughly.
- Do mind mapping and chalk out the relevant points you need to write in your answer.
- To write the summary, try to incorporate only the main points and leave out the extra words.
- Ensure an easy flow of thoughts.
- Do not forget to revise your answers to make them error-free.
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| 5. Grammar | Tense verbs, Prepositions, Conjunctions, Transformation of sentences | 20 | 20 | - This section tests the candidates' knowledge of functional grammar, structure, and use of the language. Marks are credited for accurate spellings, grammatical construction, syntax, punctuations, and spellings.
| - Practice and solve a lot of grammar exercises.
- Think logically.
- Do not forget to revise your answers to make them error-free.
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| Internal Assessment |
| Listening Skills | Aural | 10 | 30 minutes | A passage of about 300 words will be read aloud by the examiner twice, the first time at normal reading speed (about 110 words a minute) and the next time at a slower speed. Then the candidates are to answer an objective type test on the paper provided, based on the passage read. Candidates’ attention and auditory skills are tested. | - Listen to the dictation very minutely.
- Pay attention to little details of the dictation.
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| Speaking Skills | Oral | 10 | 1 hour preparation time | Candidates are required to make an oral presentation for about 2 minutes, which will be followed by a discussion on the subject with the examiners, for about 3 minutes. Marks will be awarded for:
Fluency, Subject Matter, Organisation, Quality of Language, and Delivery. | - Work on your language fluency.
- Choose a good topic and ensure that the subject matter is excellent.
- Be confident and smartly present your speaking skills.
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