Class 12 English Official Sample Question Paper Solution (2023-24) | English Class 12 PDF Download

 Page 1


Page 1 of 14 
 
MARKING SCHEME (2023-24) 
ENGLISH CORE (Code No. 301) 
CLASS-XII  
 
  SECTION A : READING SKILLS (22 marks) 
1. Literary passage 12m  
i B. It serves as the ship's computer 
[It is mentioned in the text that the white lab mouse in the control room of the Heart of 
Gold spaceship is the ship's computer.] 
1 
No partial credit 
ii C. Loss and change  
[Destruction of his home planet = loss and the introduction of new technologies = change]  
1 
No partial credit 
iii Descriptive  
"In the center of the room was a large console covered in buttons and 
switches, and in the middle of the console was a small, white mouse."  
[This description provides a clear image of the setting and the unconventional form of the 
ship's computer.] 
 
Humorous  
"Oh, not again," groaned Ford.  
[This line is humorous because it suggests that the ship's computer, Eddie, frequently offers 
to sing songs and annoy the crew. Ford's reaction of groaning implies that this is a common 
occurrence and that he's tired of it. The humour comes from the fact that a computer is 
attempting to sing a song, which is an unexpected and absurd situation.] 
 
Note- Accept any other appropriate example identified from the text. 
2 
-2 for correct 
identification  
-1 for  correct 
identification of 
either 
 
iv ? highly intelligent / technologically advanced [they built the Earth as a giant 
computer] 
? indifferent to the suffering of other beings [they ran out of money and had to 
destroy the Earth to  make way for a hyperspace bypass.]  
1 
No partial credit 
v C. Impressive, yes? 
 
1 
No partial credit 
vi The name "The Paranoid Android" is ironic because-  
? it is unexpected for a robot to exhibit human-like emotions such as 
paranoia.  
? robots are often thought of as logical and unemotional, whereas the 
name "paranoid" implies irrational fear and anxiety.  
? it plays with readers' expectations and stereotypes of robots. 
2 
-2 for correct 
interpretation 
and explanation  
-Partial credit 1  
for partially 
addressing the 
Q 
- No ½ credit  
vii The comparison is with cobblers, who take scraps of leather and stitch them 
together to create a shoe, in the same way in which the body of Marvin was 
put together or ‘cobbled’, using spare parts. [The word "cobbled" here, implies a 
sense of roughness and unevenness, as if the body has been put together in a haphazard 
manner. It also suggests that the body is assembled together, rather than being a cohesive 
whole.] 
1 
No partial credit 
viii The statement by Marvin, despite being an android, humanizes the character 
by evoking a sense of loneliness and isolation that is relatable to the reader.  
It also emphasizes the theme of the alienation and lack of communication 
between beings in the vastness of space.  
2 
-2 for correct 
interpretation 
and explanation  
Page 2


Page 1 of 14 
 
MARKING SCHEME (2023-24) 
ENGLISH CORE (Code No. 301) 
CLASS-XII  
 
  SECTION A : READING SKILLS (22 marks) 
1. Literary passage 12m  
i B. It serves as the ship's computer 
[It is mentioned in the text that the white lab mouse in the control room of the Heart of 
Gold spaceship is the ship's computer.] 
1 
No partial credit 
ii C. Loss and change  
[Destruction of his home planet = loss and the introduction of new technologies = change]  
1 
No partial credit 
iii Descriptive  
"In the center of the room was a large console covered in buttons and 
switches, and in the middle of the console was a small, white mouse."  
[This description provides a clear image of the setting and the unconventional form of the 
ship's computer.] 
 
Humorous  
"Oh, not again," groaned Ford.  
[This line is humorous because it suggests that the ship's computer, Eddie, frequently offers 
to sing songs and annoy the crew. Ford's reaction of groaning implies that this is a common 
occurrence and that he's tired of it. The humour comes from the fact that a computer is 
attempting to sing a song, which is an unexpected and absurd situation.] 
 
Note- Accept any other appropriate example identified from the text. 
2 
-2 for correct 
identification  
-1 for  correct 
identification of 
either 
 
iv ? highly intelligent / technologically advanced [they built the Earth as a giant 
computer] 
? indifferent to the suffering of other beings [they ran out of money and had to 
destroy the Earth to  make way for a hyperspace bypass.]  
1 
No partial credit 
v C. Impressive, yes? 
 
1 
No partial credit 
vi The name "The Paranoid Android" is ironic because-  
? it is unexpected for a robot to exhibit human-like emotions such as 
paranoia.  
? robots are often thought of as logical and unemotional, whereas the 
name "paranoid" implies irrational fear and anxiety.  
? it plays with readers' expectations and stereotypes of robots. 
2 
-2 for correct 
interpretation 
and explanation  
-Partial credit 1  
for partially 
addressing the 
Q 
- No ½ credit  
vii The comparison is with cobblers, who take scraps of leather and stitch them 
together to create a shoe, in the same way in which the body of Marvin was 
put together or ‘cobbled’, using spare parts. [The word "cobbled" here, implies a 
sense of roughness and unevenness, as if the body has been put together in a haphazard 
manner. It also suggests that the body is assembled together, rather than being a cohesive 
whole.] 
1 
No partial credit 
viii The statement by Marvin, despite being an android, humanizes the character 
by evoking a sense of loneliness and isolation that is relatable to the reader.  
It also emphasizes the theme of the alienation and lack of communication 
between beings in the vastness of space.  
2 
-2 for correct 
interpretation 
and explanation  
Page 2 of 14 
 
This creates a sense of sympathy towards Marvin and also raises questions 
about the meaning and value of existence, regardless of whether one is 
organic or synthetic. 
-Partial credit 1  
for partially 
addressing the 
Q 
- No ½ credit 
ix B. (b) (c) and (d) 
[(a) accurate -represents the main focus of the excerpt: Marvin, a depressed and paranoid 
android who precedes humanity; (b) incorrect- downplaying serious implications and though 
the passage does contain humorous elements, it also deals with weighty topics such as the 
destruction of Earth and the search for a new home; (c) incorrect- no mention of aliens ; (d) 
incorrect- there is no mention of time travel in the excerpt. The technologies mentioned, 
such as the Heart of Gold spaceship and the Infinite Improbability Drive, are related to time 
travel; (e) correct-  there is mention of a new technology, the Infinite Improbability Drive, 
that allowed for Arthur’s quick travel across galaxies in a spaceship] 
 
1 
No partial credit 
2.  Case-based factual passage 10 m 
i Some possible ways: (Any 2/ relevant) 
? Help travel companies to tailor their services to meet the preferences 
and expectations of young adult travellers, leading to increased 
customer satisfaction and loyalty. 
? Provide insights for the development of new travel packages and 
itineraries that cater to the specific needs and interests of young adult 
travellers. 
? Enable the tourism industry to better understand the changing 
preferences and behaviours of young adult travellers, which can inform 
future marketing and promotional strategies. 
? Can help policymakers and tourism boards to identify key trends and 
areas of growth in the tourism sector, and plan accordingly. 
? Allow researchers to gain a better understanding of the motivations and 
travel behaviours of young adults, which can inform academic studies 
and 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 travellers, such as budget, safety, and cultural 
exploration, which can inform discussions and debates around the 
future of the tourism industry. 
2 
 
- Full credit 2, to 
two relevant 
ways 
-partial credit 1, 
to one relevant 
way 
-No ½ credit  
 
 
 
ii D. Desire for making new friends 
1 
No partial credit 
iii The top choices in the survey, for traveling solo and in a group suggest that 
young adult travellers value independence and freedom when traveling 
alone and when traveling in a group, they value socializing and making new 
friends. 
1 
No partial credit 
 
iv (b) Nawaz 
1   
No partial credit 
Page 3


Page 1 of 14 
 
MARKING SCHEME (2023-24) 
ENGLISH CORE (Code No. 301) 
CLASS-XII  
 
  SECTION A : READING SKILLS (22 marks) 
1. Literary passage 12m  
i B. It serves as the ship's computer 
[It is mentioned in the text that the white lab mouse in the control room of the Heart of 
Gold spaceship is the ship's computer.] 
1 
No partial credit 
ii C. Loss and change  
[Destruction of his home planet = loss and the introduction of new technologies = change]  
1 
No partial credit 
iii Descriptive  
"In the center of the room was a large console covered in buttons and 
switches, and in the middle of the console was a small, white mouse."  
[This description provides a clear image of the setting and the unconventional form of the 
ship's computer.] 
 
Humorous  
"Oh, not again," groaned Ford.  
[This line is humorous because it suggests that the ship's computer, Eddie, frequently offers 
to sing songs and annoy the crew. Ford's reaction of groaning implies that this is a common 
occurrence and that he's tired of it. The humour comes from the fact that a computer is 
attempting to sing a song, which is an unexpected and absurd situation.] 
 
Note- Accept any other appropriate example identified from the text. 
2 
-2 for correct 
identification  
-1 for  correct 
identification of 
either 
 
iv ? highly intelligent / technologically advanced [they built the Earth as a giant 
computer] 
? indifferent to the suffering of other beings [they ran out of money and had to 
destroy the Earth to  make way for a hyperspace bypass.]  
1 
No partial credit 
v C. Impressive, yes? 
 
1 
No partial credit 
vi The name "The Paranoid Android" is ironic because-  
? it is unexpected for a robot to exhibit human-like emotions such as 
paranoia.  
? robots are often thought of as logical and unemotional, whereas the 
name "paranoid" implies irrational fear and anxiety.  
? it plays with readers' expectations and stereotypes of robots. 
2 
-2 for correct 
interpretation 
and explanation  
-Partial credit 1  
for partially 
addressing the 
Q 
- No ½ credit  
vii The comparison is with cobblers, who take scraps of leather and stitch them 
together to create a shoe, in the same way in which the body of Marvin was 
put together or ‘cobbled’, using spare parts. [The word "cobbled" here, implies a 
sense of roughness and unevenness, as if the body has been put together in a haphazard 
manner. It also suggests that the body is assembled together, rather than being a cohesive 
whole.] 
1 
No partial credit 
viii The statement by Marvin, despite being an android, humanizes the character 
by evoking a sense of loneliness and isolation that is relatable to the reader.  
It also emphasizes the theme of the alienation and lack of communication 
between beings in the vastness of space.  
2 
-2 for correct 
interpretation 
and explanation  
Page 2 of 14 
 
This creates a sense of sympathy towards Marvin and also raises questions 
about the meaning and value of existence, regardless of whether one is 
organic or synthetic. 
-Partial credit 1  
for partially 
addressing the 
Q 
- No ½ credit 
ix B. (b) (c) and (d) 
[(a) accurate -represents the main focus of the excerpt: Marvin, a depressed and paranoid 
android who precedes humanity; (b) incorrect- downplaying serious implications and though 
the passage does contain humorous elements, it also deals with weighty topics such as the 
destruction of Earth and the search for a new home; (c) incorrect- no mention of aliens ; (d) 
incorrect- there is no mention of time travel in the excerpt. The technologies mentioned, 
such as the Heart of Gold spaceship and the Infinite Improbability Drive, are related to time 
travel; (e) correct-  there is mention of a new technology, the Infinite Improbability Drive, 
that allowed for Arthur’s quick travel across galaxies in a spaceship] 
 
1 
No partial credit 
2.  Case-based factual passage 10 m 
i Some possible ways: (Any 2/ relevant) 
? Help travel companies to tailor their services to meet the preferences 
and expectations of young adult travellers, leading to increased 
customer satisfaction and loyalty. 
? Provide insights for the development of new travel packages and 
itineraries that cater to the specific needs and interests of young adult 
travellers. 
? Enable the tourism industry to better understand the changing 
preferences and behaviours of young adult travellers, which can inform 
future marketing and promotional strategies. 
? Can help policymakers and tourism boards to identify key trends and 
areas of growth in the tourism sector, and plan accordingly. 
? Allow researchers to gain a better understanding of the motivations and 
travel behaviours of young adults, which can inform academic studies 
and 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 travellers, such as budget, safety, and cultural 
exploration, which can inform discussions and debates around the 
future of the tourism industry. 
2 
 
- Full credit 2, to 
two relevant 
ways 
-partial credit 1, 
to one relevant 
way 
-No ½ credit  
 
 
 
ii D. Desire for making new friends 
1 
No partial credit 
iii The top choices in the survey, for traveling solo and in a group suggest that 
young adult travellers value independence and freedom when traveling 
alone and when traveling in a group, they value socializing and making new 
friends. 
1 
No partial credit 
 
iv (b) Nawaz 
1   
No partial credit 
Page 3 of 14 
 
[solo traveller-budget friendly; (a) group traveller- organised transport; (c) group traveller- 
high focus on safety and security] 
v A. trying new cuisine 
[ 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] 
  
1  
No partial credit 
 
vi ? To cater to budget-conscious solo travellers, the industry may need to 
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. 
 
2 
-Full credit 2, 
when correct 
response for 
both is stated 
-Partial credit 1, 
when correct 
response for 
either is stated  
-No credit of ½  
vii (Any one) 
? 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) 
1  
No partial credit 
 
viii FALSE 
[The passage is not about solo travel trend but more of solo vs group travel debate among 
young adults in India] 
1  
No partial credit 
 
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 -D,T,V 
? Inviting applications 
? Line with reference to the undersigned 
B ? Correct format ( as listed) 
Page 4


Page 1 of 14 
 
MARKING SCHEME (2023-24) 
ENGLISH CORE (Code No. 301) 
CLASS-XII  
 
  SECTION A : READING SKILLS (22 marks) 
1. Literary passage 12m  
i B. It serves as the ship's computer 
[It is mentioned in the text that the white lab mouse in the control room of the Heart of 
Gold spaceship is the ship's computer.] 
1 
No partial credit 
ii C. Loss and change  
[Destruction of his home planet = loss and the introduction of new technologies = change]  
1 
No partial credit 
iii Descriptive  
"In the center of the room was a large console covered in buttons and 
switches, and in the middle of the console was a small, white mouse."  
[This description provides a clear image of the setting and the unconventional form of the 
ship's computer.] 
 
Humorous  
"Oh, not again," groaned Ford.  
[This line is humorous because it suggests that the ship's computer, Eddie, frequently offers 
to sing songs and annoy the crew. Ford's reaction of groaning implies that this is a common 
occurrence and that he's tired of it. The humour comes from the fact that a computer is 
attempting to sing a song, which is an unexpected and absurd situation.] 
 
Note- Accept any other appropriate example identified from the text. 
2 
-2 for correct 
identification  
-1 for  correct 
identification of 
either 
 
iv ? highly intelligent / technologically advanced [they built the Earth as a giant 
computer] 
? indifferent to the suffering of other beings [they ran out of money and had to 
destroy the Earth to  make way for a hyperspace bypass.]  
1 
No partial credit 
v C. Impressive, yes? 
 
1 
No partial credit 
vi The name "The Paranoid Android" is ironic because-  
? it is unexpected for a robot to exhibit human-like emotions such as 
paranoia.  
? robots are often thought of as logical and unemotional, whereas the 
name "paranoid" implies irrational fear and anxiety.  
? it plays with readers' expectations and stereotypes of robots. 
2 
-2 for correct 
interpretation 
and explanation  
-Partial credit 1  
for partially 
addressing the 
Q 
- No ½ credit  
vii The comparison is with cobblers, who take scraps of leather and stitch them 
together to create a shoe, in the same way in which the body of Marvin was 
put together or ‘cobbled’, using spare parts. [The word "cobbled" here, implies a 
sense of roughness and unevenness, as if the body has been put together in a haphazard 
manner. It also suggests that the body is assembled together, rather than being a cohesive 
whole.] 
1 
No partial credit 
viii The statement by Marvin, despite being an android, humanizes the character 
by evoking a sense of loneliness and isolation that is relatable to the reader.  
It also emphasizes the theme of the alienation and lack of communication 
between beings in the vastness of space.  
2 
-2 for correct 
interpretation 
and explanation  
Page 2 of 14 
 
This creates a sense of sympathy towards Marvin and also raises questions 
about the meaning and value of existence, regardless of whether one is 
organic or synthetic. 
-Partial credit 1  
for partially 
addressing the 
Q 
- No ½ credit 
ix B. (b) (c) and (d) 
[(a) accurate -represents the main focus of the excerpt: Marvin, a depressed and paranoid 
android who precedes humanity; (b) incorrect- downplaying serious implications and though 
the passage does contain humorous elements, it also deals with weighty topics such as the 
destruction of Earth and the search for a new home; (c) incorrect- no mention of aliens ; (d) 
incorrect- there is no mention of time travel in the excerpt. The technologies mentioned, 
such as the Heart of Gold spaceship and the Infinite Improbability Drive, are related to time 
travel; (e) correct-  there is mention of a new technology, the Infinite Improbability Drive, 
that allowed for Arthur’s quick travel across galaxies in a spaceship] 
 
1 
No partial credit 
2.  Case-based factual passage 10 m 
i Some possible ways: (Any 2/ relevant) 
? Help travel companies to tailor their services to meet the preferences 
and expectations of young adult travellers, leading to increased 
customer satisfaction and loyalty. 
? Provide insights for the development of new travel packages and 
itineraries that cater to the specific needs and interests of young adult 
travellers. 
? Enable the tourism industry to better understand the changing 
preferences and behaviours of young adult travellers, which can inform 
future marketing and promotional strategies. 
? Can help policymakers and tourism boards to identify key trends and 
areas of growth in the tourism sector, and plan accordingly. 
? Allow researchers to gain a better understanding of the motivations and 
travel behaviours of young adults, which can inform academic studies 
and 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 travellers, such as budget, safety, and cultural 
exploration, which can inform discussions and debates around the 
future of the tourism industry. 
2 
 
- Full credit 2, to 
two relevant 
ways 
-partial credit 1, 
to one relevant 
way 
-No ½ credit  
 
 
 
ii D. Desire for making new friends 
1 
No partial credit 
iii The top choices in the survey, for traveling solo and in a group suggest that 
young adult travellers value independence and freedom when traveling 
alone and when traveling in a group, they value socializing and making new 
friends. 
1 
No partial credit 
 
iv (b) Nawaz 
1   
No partial credit 
Page 3 of 14 
 
[solo traveller-budget friendly; (a) group traveller- organised transport; (c) group traveller- 
high focus on safety and security] 
v A. trying new cuisine 
[ 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] 
  
1  
No partial credit 
 
vi ? To cater to budget-conscious solo travellers, the industry may need to 
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. 
 
2 
-Full credit 2, 
when correct 
response for 
both is stated 
-Partial credit 1, 
when correct 
response for 
either is stated  
-No credit of ½  
vii (Any one) 
? 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) 
1  
No partial credit 
 
viii FALSE 
[The passage is not about solo travel trend but more of solo vs group travel debate among 
young adults in India] 
1  
No partial credit 
 
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 -D,T,V 
? Inviting applications 
? Line with reference to the undersigned 
B ? Correct format ( as listed) 
Page 4 of 14 
 
? Drawing attention—residents 
? Stating the information 
? Giving details  
? Sharing awaited news 
? Line with reference to the undersigned 
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 type-informal reply 
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. 
Page 5


Page 1 of 14 
 
MARKING SCHEME (2023-24) 
ENGLISH CORE (Code No. 301) 
CLASS-XII  
 
  SECTION A : READING SKILLS (22 marks) 
1. Literary passage 12m  
i B. It serves as the ship's computer 
[It is mentioned in the text that the white lab mouse in the control room of the Heart of 
Gold spaceship is the ship's computer.] 
1 
No partial credit 
ii C. Loss and change  
[Destruction of his home planet = loss and the introduction of new technologies = change]  
1 
No partial credit 
iii Descriptive  
"In the center of the room was a large console covered in buttons and 
switches, and in the middle of the console was a small, white mouse."  
[This description provides a clear image of the setting and the unconventional form of the 
ship's computer.] 
 
Humorous  
"Oh, not again," groaned Ford.  
[This line is humorous because it suggests that the ship's computer, Eddie, frequently offers 
to sing songs and annoy the crew. Ford's reaction of groaning implies that this is a common 
occurrence and that he's tired of it. The humour comes from the fact that a computer is 
attempting to sing a song, which is an unexpected and absurd situation.] 
 
Note- Accept any other appropriate example identified from the text. 
2 
-2 for correct 
identification  
-1 for  correct 
identification of 
either 
 
iv ? highly intelligent / technologically advanced [they built the Earth as a giant 
computer] 
? indifferent to the suffering of other beings [they ran out of money and had to 
destroy the Earth to  make way for a hyperspace bypass.]  
1 
No partial credit 
v C. Impressive, yes? 
 
1 
No partial credit 
vi The name "The Paranoid Android" is ironic because-  
? it is unexpected for a robot to exhibit human-like emotions such as 
paranoia.  
? robots are often thought of as logical and unemotional, whereas the 
name "paranoid" implies irrational fear and anxiety.  
? it plays with readers' expectations and stereotypes of robots. 
2 
-2 for correct 
interpretation 
and explanation  
-Partial credit 1  
for partially 
addressing the 
Q 
- No ½ credit  
vii The comparison is with cobblers, who take scraps of leather and stitch them 
together to create a shoe, in the same way in which the body of Marvin was 
put together or ‘cobbled’, using spare parts. [The word "cobbled" here, implies a 
sense of roughness and unevenness, as if the body has been put together in a haphazard 
manner. It also suggests that the body is assembled together, rather than being a cohesive 
whole.] 
1 
No partial credit 
viii The statement by Marvin, despite being an android, humanizes the character 
by evoking a sense of loneliness and isolation that is relatable to the reader.  
It also emphasizes the theme of the alienation and lack of communication 
between beings in the vastness of space.  
2 
-2 for correct 
interpretation 
and explanation  
Page 2 of 14 
 
This creates a sense of sympathy towards Marvin and also raises questions 
about the meaning and value of existence, regardless of whether one is 
organic or synthetic. 
-Partial credit 1  
for partially 
addressing the 
Q 
- No ½ credit 
ix B. (b) (c) and (d) 
[(a) accurate -represents the main focus of the excerpt: Marvin, a depressed and paranoid 
android who precedes humanity; (b) incorrect- downplaying serious implications and though 
the passage does contain humorous elements, it also deals with weighty topics such as the 
destruction of Earth and the search for a new home; (c) incorrect- no mention of aliens ; (d) 
incorrect- there is no mention of time travel in the excerpt. The technologies mentioned, 
such as the Heart of Gold spaceship and the Infinite Improbability Drive, are related to time 
travel; (e) correct-  there is mention of a new technology, the Infinite Improbability Drive, 
that allowed for Arthur’s quick travel across galaxies in a spaceship] 
 
1 
No partial credit 
2.  Case-based factual passage 10 m 
i Some possible ways: (Any 2/ relevant) 
? Help travel companies to tailor their services to meet the preferences 
and expectations of young adult travellers, leading to increased 
customer satisfaction and loyalty. 
? Provide insights for the development of new travel packages and 
itineraries that cater to the specific needs and interests of young adult 
travellers. 
? Enable the tourism industry to better understand the changing 
preferences and behaviours of young adult travellers, which can inform 
future marketing and promotional strategies. 
? Can help policymakers and tourism boards to identify key trends and 
areas of growth in the tourism sector, and plan accordingly. 
? Allow researchers to gain a better understanding of the motivations and 
travel behaviours of young adults, which can inform academic studies 
and 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 travellers, such as budget, safety, and cultural 
exploration, which can inform discussions and debates around the 
future of the tourism industry. 
2 
 
- Full credit 2, to 
two relevant 
ways 
-partial credit 1, 
to one relevant 
way 
-No ½ credit  
 
 
 
ii D. Desire for making new friends 
1 
No partial credit 
iii The top choices in the survey, for traveling solo and in a group suggest that 
young adult travellers value independence and freedom when traveling 
alone and when traveling in a group, they value socializing and making new 
friends. 
1 
No partial credit 
 
iv (b) Nawaz 
1   
No partial credit 
Page 3 of 14 
 
[solo traveller-budget friendly; (a) group traveller- organised transport; (c) group traveller- 
high focus on safety and security] 
v A. trying new cuisine 
[ 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] 
  
1  
No partial credit 
 
vi ? To cater to budget-conscious solo travellers, the industry may need to 
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. 
 
2 
-Full credit 2, 
when correct 
response for 
both is stated 
-Partial credit 1, 
when correct 
response for 
either is stated  
-No credit of ½  
vii (Any one) 
? 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) 
1  
No partial credit 
 
viii FALSE 
[The passage is not about solo travel trend but more of solo vs group travel debate among 
young adults in India] 
1  
No partial credit 
 
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 -D,T,V 
? Inviting applications 
? Line with reference to the undersigned 
B ? Correct format ( as listed) 
Page 4 of 14 
 
? Drawing attention—residents 
? Stating the information 
? Giving details  
? Sharing awaited news 
? Line with reference to the undersigned 
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 type-informal reply 
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. 
Page 5 of 14 
 
? 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 ? Intro:  
? Volunteering in the local community -- a valuable experience for young adults 
--helps them develop new skills and interests ---benefits the community as a 
whole.  
? Reasons to volunteer: 
? a great way to give back to the community --can make a positive difference in 
the lives of those around --create a sense of community and strengthen social 
bonds 
? can help develop new skills and interests -- gain practical experience in a 
variety of areas such as event planning, communication, and leadership-- 
useful in future job applications and can also be personally fulfilling 
? provides opportunities for personal growth and self-reflection --helps gain a 
deeper understanding of own values and beliefs --can also learn more about 
the needs and challenges faced by others in their community 
? Conclusion: