Class 10 English (Communicative): CBSE (Official) Marking Scheme (2023-24) | CBSE Sample Papers For Class 10 PDF Download

 Page 1


Marking Scheme 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
1 
 
SECTION A : READING SKILLS (22 marks) 
I Continuous text- Narrative passage 12 m  
i C. It adds to the suspense in the story.  
[The setting of the abandoned mansion and surrounding woods creates a 
foreboding atmosphere that adds to the overall dread in the story.] 
1 
ii Ways the disappointment that Drishti and her friends felt after their ghost 
hunt is analogous to the feeling of waking up from a dream -- (any 2) 
? both involve a sense of disappointment that reality didn't live up to their 
expectations.  
? In both cases, they may have had high hopes for what they would 
experience, only to find that it was not as exciting or satisfying as they 
had hoped.  
? Just as waking up from a dream can be jarring and leave us feeling let 
down, Drishti’s realization that the haunted hotel  was not as spooky as 
she had imagined was a letdown for her and her friends. 
1+1 
iii A. She was too focused on finding evidence of the paranormal. 
[Throughout the story, Drishti is fixated on finding evidence of the 
paranormal in the haunted hotel. She goes in with a preconceived notion of 
what she expects to find and is willing to overlook other explanations for the 
strange sounds and experiences she has.] 
1 
iv After paragraph B 
[It would be placed after paragraph 2, because Drishti and her friends have 
just begun exploring. This paragraph segues into paragraph 3 , as it begins 
with “Suddenly...” , indicating that something happens after “they all 
quickened their pace.” The other likely paragraphs could have been 3,4 and 
5 but they aren’t suitable as the apparent encounter has already taken 
place.] 
1 
v Elements that classify the story as scary -- (any two) 
? Suspense: The story creates a sense of unease and tension through 
its use of foreshadowing, eerie descriptions, and unexplained 
phenomena. 
? Eerie atmosphere: The hotel setting contributes to the overall sense of 
fear and dread, with its dilapidated and abandoned state. 
? Supernatural elements: The story includes unexplained noises, 
movements, and apparitions that suggest the presence of supernatural 
forces or entities. 
? Isolation: Drishti and her friends are all alone in the hotel, adding to the 
sense of vulnerability and fear. 
? Psychological fear: The story plays on the psychological fears of the 
reader, such as the fear of the unknown, the fear of being watched or 
followed, and the fear of the dark. 
1+1 
vi frozen with fear ( paragraph 5) 
[The word "terrified" could have been used instead of “petrified”, in the 
question to  convey a sense of extreme fear, but they are not exactly the 
same in meaning. "Terrified" generally means being very afraid, while 
"frozen in fear" suggests being so scared that one is physically unable to 
move or react. Hence, “petrified.”] 
1 
vii B. The need to be more sceptical of the supernatural. 
[ Throughout the story, Drishti is fascinated by the supernatural and the 
possibility of encountering ghosts in the haunted hotel. However, the story 
reveals that many of the scary sounds and experiences there were caused 
1 
Page 2


Marking Scheme 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
1 
 
SECTION A : READING SKILLS (22 marks) 
I Continuous text- Narrative passage 12 m  
i C. It adds to the suspense in the story.  
[The setting of the abandoned mansion and surrounding woods creates a 
foreboding atmosphere that adds to the overall dread in the story.] 
1 
ii Ways the disappointment that Drishti and her friends felt after their ghost 
hunt is analogous to the feeling of waking up from a dream -- (any 2) 
? both involve a sense of disappointment that reality didn't live up to their 
expectations.  
? In both cases, they may have had high hopes for what they would 
experience, only to find that it was not as exciting or satisfying as they 
had hoped.  
? Just as waking up from a dream can be jarring and leave us feeling let 
down, Drishti’s realization that the haunted hotel  was not as spooky as 
she had imagined was a letdown for her and her friends. 
1+1 
iii A. She was too focused on finding evidence of the paranormal. 
[Throughout the story, Drishti is fixated on finding evidence of the 
paranormal in the haunted hotel. She goes in with a preconceived notion of 
what she expects to find and is willing to overlook other explanations for the 
strange sounds and experiences she has.] 
1 
iv After paragraph B 
[It would be placed after paragraph 2, because Drishti and her friends have 
just begun exploring. This paragraph segues into paragraph 3 , as it begins 
with “Suddenly...” , indicating that something happens after “they all 
quickened their pace.” The other likely paragraphs could have been 3,4 and 
5 but they aren’t suitable as the apparent encounter has already taken 
place.] 
1 
v Elements that classify the story as scary -- (any two) 
? Suspense: The story creates a sense of unease and tension through 
its use of foreshadowing, eerie descriptions, and unexplained 
phenomena. 
? Eerie atmosphere: The hotel setting contributes to the overall sense of 
fear and dread, with its dilapidated and abandoned state. 
? Supernatural elements: The story includes unexplained noises, 
movements, and apparitions that suggest the presence of supernatural 
forces or entities. 
? Isolation: Drishti and her friends are all alone in the hotel, adding to the 
sense of vulnerability and fear. 
? Psychological fear: The story plays on the psychological fears of the 
reader, such as the fear of the unknown, the fear of being watched or 
followed, and the fear of the dark. 
1+1 
vi frozen with fear ( paragraph 5) 
[The word "terrified" could have been used instead of “petrified”, in the 
question to  convey a sense of extreme fear, but they are not exactly the 
same in meaning. "Terrified" generally means being very afraid, while 
"frozen in fear" suggests being so scared that one is physically unable to 
move or react. Hence, “petrified.”] 
1 
vii B. The need to be more sceptical of the supernatural. 
[ Throughout the story, Drishti is fascinated by the supernatural and the 
possibility of encountering ghosts in the haunted hotel. However, the story 
reveals that many of the scary sounds and experiences there were caused 
1 
Marking Scheme 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
2 
 
by something as simple as faulty wiring. By the end of the story, Drishti 
realizes that she needs to be more sceptical of supernatural claims and look 
for more logical explanations.] 
viii (Any one, from those given / similar) 
? ...in a state of disrepair and neglect 
? ...old, damaged, and possibly unsafe (just ‘old’ is not acceptable) 
? ...in a state of decay 
1 
ix ...it makes assumptions about the presence or absence of ghosts unlike the 
appropriate title ‘The Unsettling Encounter at the Abandoned Hotel’,  which 
accurately reflects the events of the story, indicating a spooky and unsettling 
experience at an abandoned hotel. 
1 
x FALSE 
[While Drishti and her friends did visit the abandoned hotel to investigate the 
rumours of ghosts, they didn't do it to prove their existence. Their goal was 
to have an exciting adventure and to prove their bravery by spending a night 
in a supposedly haunted place.] 
1 
2 Non-continuous text -Tabular information 10 m 
i Aryan is likely to ask many "why" questions. 
Reason (any one):  
? Aryan’s personal qualities include curiosity, creativity, and a love of 
learning. These qualities suggest that he is likely to ask many "why" 
questions in order to better understand the world around him.  
? Aryan’s academic achievements and co-curricular activities 
demonstrate his strong critical thinking skills, which would likely lead 
him to ask thoughtful and insightful questions.  
1+1 
ii A. Rohit 
[While all the house captains have different strengths and weaknesses, 
Rohit may struggle the most with handling the stress of the inter-house 
sports tournament due to his tendency to be overly competitive. This could 
lead to added pressure and anxiety during the tournament, which could 
impact his performance and ability to lead his team effectively. Sanya, Rajat, 
and Ananya all have personal qualities that could help them handle the 
stress of the tournament, such as compassion, perseverance, and 
confidence.] 
1 
iii Justification: (any two) 
? Her motto "Service before self" shows a commitment to helping others, 
which is essential for promoting mental health and well-being. 
? Her co-curricular activities in the social service club and drama club 
demonstrate a desire to work with others and address important issues. 
? Her personal qualities of compassion, organization, and responsibility 
would be valuable in leading such an initiative.  
? Her academic achievements and awards, such as the Best Orator 
Award, demonstrate strong communication skills that are essential in 
promoting mental health and well-being. 
1+1 
iv D. Ananya 
[ The question is asking for an association between a house captain and 
their respective co-curricular activity instrument. Rajat is associated with 
music and so is likely to engage with a tabla. In order to find the house 
captain that is going to engage with a paint-brush, we need to look for 
someone who is associated with Art. Ananya is the only house captain in 
the table that has Art as a co-curricular activity, making her the correct 
answer.] 
1 
Page 3


Marking Scheme 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
1 
 
SECTION A : READING SKILLS (22 marks) 
I Continuous text- Narrative passage 12 m  
i C. It adds to the suspense in the story.  
[The setting of the abandoned mansion and surrounding woods creates a 
foreboding atmosphere that adds to the overall dread in the story.] 
1 
ii Ways the disappointment that Drishti and her friends felt after their ghost 
hunt is analogous to the feeling of waking up from a dream -- (any 2) 
? both involve a sense of disappointment that reality didn't live up to their 
expectations.  
? In both cases, they may have had high hopes for what they would 
experience, only to find that it was not as exciting or satisfying as they 
had hoped.  
? Just as waking up from a dream can be jarring and leave us feeling let 
down, Drishti’s realization that the haunted hotel  was not as spooky as 
she had imagined was a letdown for her and her friends. 
1+1 
iii A. She was too focused on finding evidence of the paranormal. 
[Throughout the story, Drishti is fixated on finding evidence of the 
paranormal in the haunted hotel. She goes in with a preconceived notion of 
what she expects to find and is willing to overlook other explanations for the 
strange sounds and experiences she has.] 
1 
iv After paragraph B 
[It would be placed after paragraph 2, because Drishti and her friends have 
just begun exploring. This paragraph segues into paragraph 3 , as it begins 
with “Suddenly...” , indicating that something happens after “they all 
quickened their pace.” The other likely paragraphs could have been 3,4 and 
5 but they aren’t suitable as the apparent encounter has already taken 
place.] 
1 
v Elements that classify the story as scary -- (any two) 
? Suspense: The story creates a sense of unease and tension through 
its use of foreshadowing, eerie descriptions, and unexplained 
phenomena. 
? Eerie atmosphere: The hotel setting contributes to the overall sense of 
fear and dread, with its dilapidated and abandoned state. 
? Supernatural elements: The story includes unexplained noises, 
movements, and apparitions that suggest the presence of supernatural 
forces or entities. 
? Isolation: Drishti and her friends are all alone in the hotel, adding to the 
sense of vulnerability and fear. 
? Psychological fear: The story plays on the psychological fears of the 
reader, such as the fear of the unknown, the fear of being watched or 
followed, and the fear of the dark. 
1+1 
vi frozen with fear ( paragraph 5) 
[The word "terrified" could have been used instead of “petrified”, in the 
question to  convey a sense of extreme fear, but they are not exactly the 
same in meaning. "Terrified" generally means being very afraid, while 
"frozen in fear" suggests being so scared that one is physically unable to 
move or react. Hence, “petrified.”] 
1 
vii B. The need to be more sceptical of the supernatural. 
[ Throughout the story, Drishti is fascinated by the supernatural and the 
possibility of encountering ghosts in the haunted hotel. However, the story 
reveals that many of the scary sounds and experiences there were caused 
1 
Marking Scheme 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
2 
 
by something as simple as faulty wiring. By the end of the story, Drishti 
realizes that she needs to be more sceptical of supernatural claims and look 
for more logical explanations.] 
viii (Any one, from those given / similar) 
? ...in a state of disrepair and neglect 
? ...old, damaged, and possibly unsafe (just ‘old’ is not acceptable) 
? ...in a state of decay 
1 
ix ...it makes assumptions about the presence or absence of ghosts unlike the 
appropriate title ‘The Unsettling Encounter at the Abandoned Hotel’,  which 
accurately reflects the events of the story, indicating a spooky and unsettling 
experience at an abandoned hotel. 
1 
x FALSE 
[While Drishti and her friends did visit the abandoned hotel to investigate the 
rumours of ghosts, they didn't do it to prove their existence. Their goal was 
to have an exciting adventure and to prove their bravery by spending a night 
in a supposedly haunted place.] 
1 
2 Non-continuous text -Tabular information 10 m 
i Aryan is likely to ask many "why" questions. 
Reason (any one):  
? Aryan’s personal qualities include curiosity, creativity, and a love of 
learning. These qualities suggest that he is likely to ask many "why" 
questions in order to better understand the world around him.  
? Aryan’s academic achievements and co-curricular activities 
demonstrate his strong critical thinking skills, which would likely lead 
him to ask thoughtful and insightful questions.  
1+1 
ii A. Rohit 
[While all the house captains have different strengths and weaknesses, 
Rohit may struggle the most with handling the stress of the inter-house 
sports tournament due to his tendency to be overly competitive. This could 
lead to added pressure and anxiety during the tournament, which could 
impact his performance and ability to lead his team effectively. Sanya, Rajat, 
and Ananya all have personal qualities that could help them handle the 
stress of the tournament, such as compassion, perseverance, and 
confidence.] 
1 
iii Justification: (any two) 
? Her motto "Service before self" shows a commitment to helping others, 
which is essential for promoting mental health and well-being. 
? Her co-curricular activities in the social service club and drama club 
demonstrate a desire to work with others and address important issues. 
? Her personal qualities of compassion, organization, and responsibility 
would be valuable in leading such an initiative.  
? Her academic achievements and awards, such as the Best Orator 
Award, demonstrate strong communication skills that are essential in 
promoting mental health and well-being. 
1+1 
iv D. Ananya 
[ The question is asking for an association between a house captain and 
their respective co-curricular activity instrument. Rajat is associated with 
music and so is likely to engage with a tabla. In order to find the house 
captain that is going to engage with a paint-brush, we need to look for 
someone who is associated with Art. Ananya is the only house captain in 
the table that has Art as a co-curricular activity, making her the correct 
answer.] 
1 
Marking Scheme 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
3 
 
v Rajat the most likely to be a collaborative worker because of his personal 
qualities of being a team player and an adaptable person.                                                                            
1 
vi ... because his drawback is procrastination which means  that he may 
struggle with completing tasks on time,  
[While the other house captains may also have weaknesses or areas for 
improvement, the information provided in the table specifically highlights 
Aryan’s procrastination issue as a potential drawback that could affect his 
overall performance.] 
1 
vii The second situation (b) aligns with Ananya's motto because she actively 
listens to her team members and provides support, ultimately helping them 
to succeed by leading through her actions and setting a positive example.  
[The first situation does not align with this motto because Ananya is not 
actively participating in the project herself, which is not leading by example. 
The third situation also does not align with this motto because Ananya is 
delegating tasks to others and not actively participating in the fundraising 
effort, which is also not leading by example.] 
1 
viii D. (a) - (iii) , (b) - (iv) , (c) - (i) 
 
For the visually impaired candidates 
Sanya  
[Since her drawback  is - Can be overly self-critical at times] 
1 
SECTION B : WRITING SKILLS (22 marks) 
Note : All names and addresses of places and organisations used, are fictitious. 
3 Suggested response : 
 
from: head_girl_gkschool@gmail.com 
to: coordinator_cocurriculars_gkschool@gmail.com 
Cc: transportoffice@gkschool.com 
date: Sept 10, 2023, 07:03?PM 
subject: Transport Arrangements for Inter-School Dance Competition 
Dear Madam 
 
With regards to the upcoming inter-school dance competition on  
12 Sept.2023, Friday, at the mandated venue, please find it convenient to 
schedule  transportation for our team , from the school premises at 8.30 
AM. Our school's participation is only in the senior category, with 6 
students, hence, the mini-van would suffice instead of the school bus.  
 
Warm regards. 
 
Yours sincerely 
Ratna Manjrekar, Head-Girl 
 
 
 
Content - 1 
Organisation 
- 1 Accuracy -
1 
Total - 3 
4 Suggested response : 
 
We recently chose a potted plant called the Hibiscus as a gift for our mother. 
It was a small shrub with a height of about 1.5 feet. The leaves looked dark 
green, shiny, and had a slightly serrated edge. The plant had several buds 
and appeared to be healthy and one large, fully blossomed deep-red flower 
which had five petals and a prominent central stamen. The plant came in a 
small clay pot with a diameter of about 10 inches .It had a simple yellow and 
red abstract design that complemented the plant well. The soil in the pot 
 
 
 
 
Content - 2 
Organisation 
- 1 Accuracy -
1 
Total - 4 
Page 4


Marking Scheme 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
1 
 
SECTION A : READING SKILLS (22 marks) 
I Continuous text- Narrative passage 12 m  
i C. It adds to the suspense in the story.  
[The setting of the abandoned mansion and surrounding woods creates a 
foreboding atmosphere that adds to the overall dread in the story.] 
1 
ii Ways the disappointment that Drishti and her friends felt after their ghost 
hunt is analogous to the feeling of waking up from a dream -- (any 2) 
? both involve a sense of disappointment that reality didn't live up to their 
expectations.  
? In both cases, they may have had high hopes for what they would 
experience, only to find that it was not as exciting or satisfying as they 
had hoped.  
? Just as waking up from a dream can be jarring and leave us feeling let 
down, Drishti’s realization that the haunted hotel  was not as spooky as 
she had imagined was a letdown for her and her friends. 
1+1 
iii A. She was too focused on finding evidence of the paranormal. 
[Throughout the story, Drishti is fixated on finding evidence of the 
paranormal in the haunted hotel. She goes in with a preconceived notion of 
what she expects to find and is willing to overlook other explanations for the 
strange sounds and experiences she has.] 
1 
iv After paragraph B 
[It would be placed after paragraph 2, because Drishti and her friends have 
just begun exploring. This paragraph segues into paragraph 3 , as it begins 
with “Suddenly...” , indicating that something happens after “they all 
quickened their pace.” The other likely paragraphs could have been 3,4 and 
5 but they aren’t suitable as the apparent encounter has already taken 
place.] 
1 
v Elements that classify the story as scary -- (any two) 
? Suspense: The story creates a sense of unease and tension through 
its use of foreshadowing, eerie descriptions, and unexplained 
phenomena. 
? Eerie atmosphere: The hotel setting contributes to the overall sense of 
fear and dread, with its dilapidated and abandoned state. 
? Supernatural elements: The story includes unexplained noises, 
movements, and apparitions that suggest the presence of supernatural 
forces or entities. 
? Isolation: Drishti and her friends are all alone in the hotel, adding to the 
sense of vulnerability and fear. 
? Psychological fear: The story plays on the psychological fears of the 
reader, such as the fear of the unknown, the fear of being watched or 
followed, and the fear of the dark. 
1+1 
vi frozen with fear ( paragraph 5) 
[The word "terrified" could have been used instead of “petrified”, in the 
question to  convey a sense of extreme fear, but they are not exactly the 
same in meaning. "Terrified" generally means being very afraid, while 
"frozen in fear" suggests being so scared that one is physically unable to 
move or react. Hence, “petrified.”] 
1 
vii B. The need to be more sceptical of the supernatural. 
[ Throughout the story, Drishti is fascinated by the supernatural and the 
possibility of encountering ghosts in the haunted hotel. However, the story 
reveals that many of the scary sounds and experiences there were caused 
1 
Marking Scheme 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
2 
 
by something as simple as faulty wiring. By the end of the story, Drishti 
realizes that she needs to be more sceptical of supernatural claims and look 
for more logical explanations.] 
viii (Any one, from those given / similar) 
? ...in a state of disrepair and neglect 
? ...old, damaged, and possibly unsafe (just ‘old’ is not acceptable) 
? ...in a state of decay 
1 
ix ...it makes assumptions about the presence or absence of ghosts unlike the 
appropriate title ‘The Unsettling Encounter at the Abandoned Hotel’,  which 
accurately reflects the events of the story, indicating a spooky and unsettling 
experience at an abandoned hotel. 
1 
x FALSE 
[While Drishti and her friends did visit the abandoned hotel to investigate the 
rumours of ghosts, they didn't do it to prove their existence. Their goal was 
to have an exciting adventure and to prove their bravery by spending a night 
in a supposedly haunted place.] 
1 
2 Non-continuous text -Tabular information 10 m 
i Aryan is likely to ask many "why" questions. 
Reason (any one):  
? Aryan’s personal qualities include curiosity, creativity, and a love of 
learning. These qualities suggest that he is likely to ask many "why" 
questions in order to better understand the world around him.  
? Aryan’s academic achievements and co-curricular activities 
demonstrate his strong critical thinking skills, which would likely lead 
him to ask thoughtful and insightful questions.  
1+1 
ii A. Rohit 
[While all the house captains have different strengths and weaknesses, 
Rohit may struggle the most with handling the stress of the inter-house 
sports tournament due to his tendency to be overly competitive. This could 
lead to added pressure and anxiety during the tournament, which could 
impact his performance and ability to lead his team effectively. Sanya, Rajat, 
and Ananya all have personal qualities that could help them handle the 
stress of the tournament, such as compassion, perseverance, and 
confidence.] 
1 
iii Justification: (any two) 
? Her motto "Service before self" shows a commitment to helping others, 
which is essential for promoting mental health and well-being. 
? Her co-curricular activities in the social service club and drama club 
demonstrate a desire to work with others and address important issues. 
? Her personal qualities of compassion, organization, and responsibility 
would be valuable in leading such an initiative.  
? Her academic achievements and awards, such as the Best Orator 
Award, demonstrate strong communication skills that are essential in 
promoting mental health and well-being. 
1+1 
iv D. Ananya 
[ The question is asking for an association between a house captain and 
their respective co-curricular activity instrument. Rajat is associated with 
music and so is likely to engage with a tabla. In order to find the house 
captain that is going to engage with a paint-brush, we need to look for 
someone who is associated with Art. Ananya is the only house captain in 
the table that has Art as a co-curricular activity, making her the correct 
answer.] 
1 
Marking Scheme 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
3 
 
v Rajat the most likely to be a collaborative worker because of his personal 
qualities of being a team player and an adaptable person.                                                                            
1 
vi ... because his drawback is procrastination which means  that he may 
struggle with completing tasks on time,  
[While the other house captains may also have weaknesses or areas for 
improvement, the information provided in the table specifically highlights 
Aryan’s procrastination issue as a potential drawback that could affect his 
overall performance.] 
1 
vii The second situation (b) aligns with Ananya's motto because she actively 
listens to her team members and provides support, ultimately helping them 
to succeed by leading through her actions and setting a positive example.  
[The first situation does not align with this motto because Ananya is not 
actively participating in the project herself, which is not leading by example. 
The third situation also does not align with this motto because Ananya is 
delegating tasks to others and not actively participating in the fundraising 
effort, which is also not leading by example.] 
1 
viii D. (a) - (iii) , (b) - (iv) , (c) - (i) 
 
For the visually impaired candidates 
Sanya  
[Since her drawback  is - Can be overly self-critical at times] 
1 
SECTION B : WRITING SKILLS (22 marks) 
Note : All names and addresses of places and organisations used, are fictitious. 
3 Suggested response : 
 
from: head_girl_gkschool@gmail.com 
to: coordinator_cocurriculars_gkschool@gmail.com 
Cc: transportoffice@gkschool.com 
date: Sept 10, 2023, 07:03?PM 
subject: Transport Arrangements for Inter-School Dance Competition 
Dear Madam 
 
With regards to the upcoming inter-school dance competition on  
12 Sept.2023, Friday, at the mandated venue, please find it convenient to 
schedule  transportation for our team , from the school premises at 8.30 
AM. Our school's participation is only in the senior category, with 6 
students, hence, the mini-van would suffice instead of the school bus.  
 
Warm regards. 
 
Yours sincerely 
Ratna Manjrekar, Head-Girl 
 
 
 
Content - 1 
Organisation 
- 1 Accuracy -
1 
Total - 3 
4 Suggested response : 
 
We recently chose a potted plant called the Hibiscus as a gift for our mother. 
It was a small shrub with a height of about 1.5 feet. The leaves looked dark 
green, shiny, and had a slightly serrated edge. The plant had several buds 
and appeared to be healthy and one large, fully blossomed deep-red flower 
which had five petals and a prominent central stamen. The plant came in a 
small clay pot with a diameter of about 10 inches .It had a simple yellow and 
red abstract design that complemented the plant well. The soil in the pot 
 
 
 
 
Content - 2 
Organisation 
- 1 Accuracy -
1 
Total - 4 
Marking Scheme 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
4 
 
looked moist and well –draining along with being enriched with organic 
matter. 
5 a Suggested response : 
 
53, Sithla Nagar 
Villapuram 
 
23 July 2023 
 
The Librarian 
The City Library 
30, Grande Avenue 
Villapuram 
 
Sir 
 
Subject:  Request for Addition of Braille and Audio Books 
 
I am writing to request the inclusion of popular fiction and non-fiction titles in 
Braille and audio books, in the City Library. I truly believe that the library 
should strive to promote inclusion and accessibility for all readers, including 
those with visual and other impairments. 
 
Many readers with visual impairment are often unable to access the same 
titles as others. By adding Braille and audio books to the library's collection, 
we can ensure that these readers have the same access to a wide range of 
books and can engage with the world of literature as fully as anyone else. 
 
I urge you to take this matter into consideration and add Braille and audio 
books to the library's collection. I believe this move will help promote 
inclusion and accessibility in our community and help everyone to enjoy the 
benefits of reading. 
 
Yours sincerely 
 
(Krishna Naidu) 
Co-ordinator, NGO Chakshu 
 
Format -1 
Content -3 
Organisation 
-2 
Accuracy -1 
Total - 7 
 
5 b Suggested response : 
 
12-A/ F, Vaikunth Towers 
Wagheilly, J.P. 
 
17 August 2023 
 
The Governor 
Bharat Ghar 
Ludnaam, J.P. 
 
Madam 
 
Subject:  Requirement of Sports Facilities to Promote Local Talent 
 
Page 5


Marking Scheme 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
1 
 
SECTION A : READING SKILLS (22 marks) 
I Continuous text- Narrative passage 12 m  
i C. It adds to the suspense in the story.  
[The setting of the abandoned mansion and surrounding woods creates a 
foreboding atmosphere that adds to the overall dread in the story.] 
1 
ii Ways the disappointment that Drishti and her friends felt after their ghost 
hunt is analogous to the feeling of waking up from a dream -- (any 2) 
? both involve a sense of disappointment that reality didn't live up to their 
expectations.  
? In both cases, they may have had high hopes for what they would 
experience, only to find that it was not as exciting or satisfying as they 
had hoped.  
? Just as waking up from a dream can be jarring and leave us feeling let 
down, Drishti’s realization that the haunted hotel  was not as spooky as 
she had imagined was a letdown for her and her friends. 
1+1 
iii A. She was too focused on finding evidence of the paranormal. 
[Throughout the story, Drishti is fixated on finding evidence of the 
paranormal in the haunted hotel. She goes in with a preconceived notion of 
what she expects to find and is willing to overlook other explanations for the 
strange sounds and experiences she has.] 
1 
iv After paragraph B 
[It would be placed after paragraph 2, because Drishti and her friends have 
just begun exploring. This paragraph segues into paragraph 3 , as it begins 
with “Suddenly...” , indicating that something happens after “they all 
quickened their pace.” The other likely paragraphs could have been 3,4 and 
5 but they aren’t suitable as the apparent encounter has already taken 
place.] 
1 
v Elements that classify the story as scary -- (any two) 
? Suspense: The story creates a sense of unease and tension through 
its use of foreshadowing, eerie descriptions, and unexplained 
phenomena. 
? Eerie atmosphere: The hotel setting contributes to the overall sense of 
fear and dread, with its dilapidated and abandoned state. 
? Supernatural elements: The story includes unexplained noises, 
movements, and apparitions that suggest the presence of supernatural 
forces or entities. 
? Isolation: Drishti and her friends are all alone in the hotel, adding to the 
sense of vulnerability and fear. 
? Psychological fear: The story plays on the psychological fears of the 
reader, such as the fear of the unknown, the fear of being watched or 
followed, and the fear of the dark. 
1+1 
vi frozen with fear ( paragraph 5) 
[The word "terrified" could have been used instead of “petrified”, in the 
question to  convey a sense of extreme fear, but they are not exactly the 
same in meaning. "Terrified" generally means being very afraid, while 
"frozen in fear" suggests being so scared that one is physically unable to 
move or react. Hence, “petrified.”] 
1 
vii B. The need to be more sceptical of the supernatural. 
[ Throughout the story, Drishti is fascinated by the supernatural and the 
possibility of encountering ghosts in the haunted hotel. However, the story 
reveals that many of the scary sounds and experiences there were caused 
1 
Marking Scheme 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
2 
 
by something as simple as faulty wiring. By the end of the story, Drishti 
realizes that she needs to be more sceptical of supernatural claims and look 
for more logical explanations.] 
viii (Any one, from those given / similar) 
? ...in a state of disrepair and neglect 
? ...old, damaged, and possibly unsafe (just ‘old’ is not acceptable) 
? ...in a state of decay 
1 
ix ...it makes assumptions about the presence or absence of ghosts unlike the 
appropriate title ‘The Unsettling Encounter at the Abandoned Hotel’,  which 
accurately reflects the events of the story, indicating a spooky and unsettling 
experience at an abandoned hotel. 
1 
x FALSE 
[While Drishti and her friends did visit the abandoned hotel to investigate the 
rumours of ghosts, they didn't do it to prove their existence. Their goal was 
to have an exciting adventure and to prove their bravery by spending a night 
in a supposedly haunted place.] 
1 
2 Non-continuous text -Tabular information 10 m 
i Aryan is likely to ask many "why" questions. 
Reason (any one):  
? Aryan’s personal qualities include curiosity, creativity, and a love of 
learning. These qualities suggest that he is likely to ask many "why" 
questions in order to better understand the world around him.  
? Aryan’s academic achievements and co-curricular activities 
demonstrate his strong critical thinking skills, which would likely lead 
him to ask thoughtful and insightful questions.  
1+1 
ii A. Rohit 
[While all the house captains have different strengths and weaknesses, 
Rohit may struggle the most with handling the stress of the inter-house 
sports tournament due to his tendency to be overly competitive. This could 
lead to added pressure and anxiety during the tournament, which could 
impact his performance and ability to lead his team effectively. Sanya, Rajat, 
and Ananya all have personal qualities that could help them handle the 
stress of the tournament, such as compassion, perseverance, and 
confidence.] 
1 
iii Justification: (any two) 
? Her motto "Service before self" shows a commitment to helping others, 
which is essential for promoting mental health and well-being. 
? Her co-curricular activities in the social service club and drama club 
demonstrate a desire to work with others and address important issues. 
? Her personal qualities of compassion, organization, and responsibility 
would be valuable in leading such an initiative.  
? Her academic achievements and awards, such as the Best Orator 
Award, demonstrate strong communication skills that are essential in 
promoting mental health and well-being. 
1+1 
iv D. Ananya 
[ The question is asking for an association between a house captain and 
their respective co-curricular activity instrument. Rajat is associated with 
music and so is likely to engage with a tabla. In order to find the house 
captain that is going to engage with a paint-brush, we need to look for 
someone who is associated with Art. Ananya is the only house captain in 
the table that has Art as a co-curricular activity, making her the correct 
answer.] 
1 
Marking Scheme 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
3 
 
v Rajat the most likely to be a collaborative worker because of his personal 
qualities of being a team player and an adaptable person.                                                                            
1 
vi ... because his drawback is procrastination which means  that he may 
struggle with completing tasks on time,  
[While the other house captains may also have weaknesses or areas for 
improvement, the information provided in the table specifically highlights 
Aryan’s procrastination issue as a potential drawback that could affect his 
overall performance.] 
1 
vii The second situation (b) aligns with Ananya's motto because she actively 
listens to her team members and provides support, ultimately helping them 
to succeed by leading through her actions and setting a positive example.  
[The first situation does not align with this motto because Ananya is not 
actively participating in the project herself, which is not leading by example. 
The third situation also does not align with this motto because Ananya is 
delegating tasks to others and not actively participating in the fundraising 
effort, which is also not leading by example.] 
1 
viii D. (a) - (iii) , (b) - (iv) , (c) - (i) 
 
For the visually impaired candidates 
Sanya  
[Since her drawback  is - Can be overly self-critical at times] 
1 
SECTION B : WRITING SKILLS (22 marks) 
Note : All names and addresses of places and organisations used, are fictitious. 
3 Suggested response : 
 
from: head_girl_gkschool@gmail.com 
to: coordinator_cocurriculars_gkschool@gmail.com 
Cc: transportoffice@gkschool.com 
date: Sept 10, 2023, 07:03?PM 
subject: Transport Arrangements for Inter-School Dance Competition 
Dear Madam 
 
With regards to the upcoming inter-school dance competition on  
12 Sept.2023, Friday, at the mandated venue, please find it convenient to 
schedule  transportation for our team , from the school premises at 8.30 
AM. Our school's participation is only in the senior category, with 6 
students, hence, the mini-van would suffice instead of the school bus.  
 
Warm regards. 
 
Yours sincerely 
Ratna Manjrekar, Head-Girl 
 
 
 
Content - 1 
Organisation 
- 1 Accuracy -
1 
Total - 3 
4 Suggested response : 
 
We recently chose a potted plant called the Hibiscus as a gift for our mother. 
It was a small shrub with a height of about 1.5 feet. The leaves looked dark 
green, shiny, and had a slightly serrated edge. The plant had several buds 
and appeared to be healthy and one large, fully blossomed deep-red flower 
which had five petals and a prominent central stamen. The plant came in a 
small clay pot with a diameter of about 10 inches .It had a simple yellow and 
red abstract design that complemented the plant well. The soil in the pot 
 
 
 
 
Content - 2 
Organisation 
- 1 Accuracy -
1 
Total - 4 
Marking Scheme 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
4 
 
looked moist and well –draining along with being enriched with organic 
matter. 
5 a Suggested response : 
 
53, Sithla Nagar 
Villapuram 
 
23 July 2023 
 
The Librarian 
The City Library 
30, Grande Avenue 
Villapuram 
 
Sir 
 
Subject:  Request for Addition of Braille and Audio Books 
 
I am writing to request the inclusion of popular fiction and non-fiction titles in 
Braille and audio books, in the City Library. I truly believe that the library 
should strive to promote inclusion and accessibility for all readers, including 
those with visual and other impairments. 
 
Many readers with visual impairment are often unable to access the same 
titles as others. By adding Braille and audio books to the library's collection, 
we can ensure that these readers have the same access to a wide range of 
books and can engage with the world of literature as fully as anyone else. 
 
I urge you to take this matter into consideration and add Braille and audio 
books to the library's collection. I believe this move will help promote 
inclusion and accessibility in our community and help everyone to enjoy the 
benefits of reading. 
 
Yours sincerely 
 
(Krishna Naidu) 
Co-ordinator, NGO Chakshu 
 
Format -1 
Content -3 
Organisation 
-2 
Accuracy -1 
Total - 7 
 
5 b Suggested response : 
 
12-A/ F, Vaikunth Towers 
Wagheilly, J.P. 
 
17 August 2023 
 
The Governor 
Bharat Ghar 
Ludnaam, J.P. 
 
Madam 
 
Subject:  Requirement of Sports Facilities to Promote Local Talent 
 
Marking Scheme 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
5 
 
This is to draw your attention to the pressing need for creating and 
upgrading sports facilities in our region to support the development of local 
and indigenous sporting talent. Areas like Wagheilly have a vast pool of 
untapped talent, and there is a pressing need to provide them with the 
necessary infrastructure to help them hone their skills.  
 
As an experienced sports scout, I can vouch for the fact that facilities like 
multi-purpose indoor sports complexes, outdoor sports fields, and running 
tracks with proper maintenance and lighting facilities are needed. Access to 
training and fitness centres and physiotherapy clinics, scholarships, 
mentorship programs, and tournaments can also promote talent and offer 
opportunities for local athletes to showcase their skills and earn recognition. 
 
By investing in sports and promoting local talent, we can create a culture of 
excellence and inspire the youth to take up sports as a career. I hope you 
my suggestions would be taken into consideration and would add towards 
helping create a city that promotes sports and the growth of local and 
indigenous sporting talent. 
 
Yours sincerely 
 
 
Biren Shukla 
Sports Scout 
6 a Suggested response : 
 
Choosing Your Travel Style: The Benefits and Drawbacks of  
Solo and Group Travel 
-by Hema Joseph, X-C 
 
Travelling is one of life's greatest pleasures, and the way we prefer to travel 
varies from person to person. Some prefer solo travel, while others enjoy 
travelling in a group. Each preference has its advantages and 
disadvantages. 
 
Solo travel allows for complete independence and the freedom to choose 
the itinerary and pace. It also provides an opportunity for self-discovery and 
personal growth. However, solo travel can be lonely, especially during meal 
times and at night. Besides this, it can be more expensive, as 
accommodation and transportation costs are not shared. 
 
Travelling in a group can be a great way to meet new people and make 
friends. It is also less expensive, as costs are shared among the group. 
However, group travel requires more planning and coordination, and 
sometimes compromises must be made. Additionally, some people may feel 
restricted by the group's itinerary and activities. 
 
Factors that influence travel preferences include personality type, budget, 
destination, and the purpose of travel. Extroverts may prefer group travel, 
while introverts may opt for solo travel. Budget constraints may make group 
travel more feasible, while adventure destinations may be better suited for 
solo travel. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Format -1 
Content -3 
Organisation 
-3 
Accuracy -1 
Total - 8