No of answer copies: 10

MARKING SCHEME
PRE-BOARD EXAMINATION-I (2024-25)

CLASS: X
SUBJECT: ENGLISH
DATE: 13.12.2024 SET B M.M:80
SECTION A – READING COMPREHENSION
1. i. (C) Both a and b.
Zoos educate children about wildlife, and they also participate in breeding programs to protect endangered
species.
ii. Closing zoos would be harmful to global conservation efforts as they play a crucial role in protecting
endangered species. Many animals would lose their safe habitats, and most captive animals could face
euthanasia due to the lack of facilities for their care outside of zoos. Additionally, crucial research on breeding
and conservation might come to a halt, impacting endangered species' survival.
iii. Inbreeding can lead to deformed animals because closely related animals can produce genetically flawed
offspring.
iv. (D) Reproduce and breed.
v. Cooperation amongst zoos supports Captive Breeding Programmes to prevent inbreeding.
vi. Opponents argue that zoos can have poor living conditions, leading to animals exhibiting abnormal and
neurotic behavior due to stress. In some cases, animals are confined for entertainment rather than conservation,
giving children misleading information about wildlife. Captive conditions might not be suitable for all species,
impacting their health and reproduction.
vii. The word "impoverished" can be replaced with deprived. (Poor/barren/undernourished)
viii. Captive breeding programs are not always 100% successful. Some species, like the African elephant,
struggle to reproduce in captivity, indicating that captive breeding is not a universal solution to conservation.
2. i. (C) Lax infection control in hospitals and inadequate containment measures in areas where health
professionals reside contribute to the high risk of COVID-19 infections among health care workers.
ii. Solidarity with health workers requires concrete actions like providing sufficient safety equipment, improved
infection control, and financial security for their families, rather than just verbal support. This strengthens their
morale and ensures they are protected while serving on the frontlines.
iii. The statement that the possible factors responsible for high infections among healthcare workers are lax
infection control in hospitals and the need for stringent containment measures in areas where health
professionals reside to safeguard them is an opinion because it is a subjective judgement.
iv. The high number of deaths among healthcare workers in Maharashtra indicates a severe impact on the state's
healthcare system and suggests a need for better protective measures and infection control to safeguard frontline
workers.
v. Option 4

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 vi. The gap exists because some families of deceased healthcare workers may not be eligible for the scheme,
and the application process can be slow due to paperwork and formalities, which delays claims.
vii. "Concerted efforts" means collaborative and well-coordinated actions taken by multiple parties towards a
common goal.
viii. The situation where the government has received only 143 claims despite a high number of infections and
deaths among healthcare workers is akin to a safety net with large holes, and the reasons behind the low number
of claims can be compared to the eligibility criteria and procedural hurdles because many families might not
qualify, and completing the necessary paperwork can be cumbersome and time-consuming, causing
delays in submitting claims.
SECTION B - WRITING SKILLS & GRAMMAR
3. Grammar
i. As very little information is available about this course, I would be extremely grateful if you could send
me detailed information about it.
ii. Has-have
iii. (A) His writing is characterised by a dramatic style, romanticism, and powerful depiction of human
emotions.
iv. (A) are
v. While we are loath to place restrictions on language use, oxymoron usually refers to a set of
contradictory words rather than to a contradictory person.
vi. The student remarked that social media distorts our perception of reality by only showing the
highlight reels of people's lives.
vii. Could
viii. Error – was Correct - has
ix. The policeman asked Tarun if he did not know the traffic regulations.
x. Aryaman asked Kimaya if her best friend was helping her in that venture.
xi. Rosaline asked Adrianna why she wished to find the crown.
xii. (B) Do you want to know your capital more? Join us for the Winter Carnival!
4. C – 2 E–2 F-1
5. C – 2 E–2 O–1

SECTION C – LITERATURE AND SUPPLEMNTARY TEXT

6. A. (i) (B) Valli's mother and aunt were unlikely to comprehend Valli's thoughts.
(ii) option D
(iii) Valli's smile is sly or mischievous because she knows something her mother and aunt do not. She is
secretly pleased about her little adventure on the bus, which they are unaware of. Her amusement is at their
ignorance, making her smile private and playful.
(iv) (B) Valli is a small and insignificant girl.
B. i) (D) Colonial.
(ii) He sarcastically implies that Think-Tank's claim is absurd, indicating a lack of respect for Think-Tank's
intelligence. And to maintain the respect of the position held by Think – Tank.
(iii) FALSE.
(iv) Think-Tank is highly egotistical, as he seeks constant validation of his intelligence by asking the mirror
who is the "most fantastically intellectually gifted." This highlights his overconfidence and self-obsession,
believing himself to be the greatest without doubt.
7. A. (i) (D) "harbour; the ball has fallen into it."
(ii) The poet uses the phrase "shaking grief" to describe the boy's deep sense of sorrow, attributing the physical
sensation of shaking to the grief itself, even though it is the boy who is actually trembling.
(iii) (d) "Don’t interfere in my personal matters."

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 (iv) The poet considers giving the boy a dime to buy another ball as ‘worthless’ because it cannot replace the
emotional value of the lost ball. The boy is not grieving over the object itself, but over the deeper realization of
loss and the passage of time, which cannot be compensated by a mere material replacement.
B. (i) The poet uses onomatopoeic words like "snorting," "clashed," "clatter," "clank," and "jangling" to
create vivid auditory imagery. These words mimic the sounds associated with the actions being described,
adding excitement, movement, and intensity to the scene. The purpose is to make the reader feel the noise and
chaos of Custard's actions, enhancing the dramatic and playful tone of the poem.
(ii) BOD
(iii) Ink: terrified : : Blink : (i) scared/petrified (more synonyms must be accepted)
(iv) Custard is portrayed as a heroic figure in the poem because, despite initially being described as
cowardly, he takes bold and decisive action when needed. When the pirate threatens, Custard, who has been
mocked for his fear, unexpectedly leaps into action. He attacks the pirate with great energy and determination,
making him a hero in the moment. His courage and readiness to protect Blink prove that he is heroic, even
though others may have doubted him earlier in the poem.

8. i. Mijbil the otter’s introduction to London’s urban environment highlights the limited awareness and
knowledge many people had about exotic or lesser-known animals. As Mijbil was an unusual pet, many
Londoners were fascinated, yet confused by his presence. This confusion reflects how urban societies tend to be
unfamiliar with wild creatures, associating animals primarily with domestic pets like cats and dogs. The
constant curiosity and questions directed towards Mijbil show a lack of exposure to diverse species, revealing a
tendency to perceive animals within narrow, conventional categories. Mijbil’s experience in London
underscores how unfamiliar animals can challenge common perceptions and generate a blend of interest and
misunderstanding among city dwellers.

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 ii. For Anne Frank, her diary—whom she named "Kitty"—was a trusted confidante and friend. In the isolated
and perilous environment of the Secret Annex, Anne found solace in writing to Kitty, pouring out her thoughts,
fears, hopes, and feelings. Kitty became the outlet for Anne's innermost emotions, a way to cope with the
uncertainty and loneliness she faced. Unlike the people around her, Kitty did not judge, allowing Anne to be
completely honest. This friendship provided her a sense of normalcy, companionship, and comfort during a
period of confinement and fear, demonstrating the therapeutic power of expression and the comfort of a silent,
understanding companion.
iii. The 10th of May was a momentous and symbolic day in South Africa’s history, marking the end of
apartheid and the beginning of a new democratic era. For Nelson Mandela, it was a day of liberation and hope,
as he was inaugurated as the first Black President of South Africa. This day represented the triumph of freedom
over years of racial oppression, injustice, and suffering. Mandela’s thoughts on this day were filled with joy,
pride, and humility, as he acknowledged the sacrifices of countless individuals who fought for equality. It was
not just a personal victory for Mandela, but a collective victory for all South Africans, symbolizing unity,
reconciliation, and the promise of a brighter future for the nation.
iv. In Robert Frost’s poem “Dust of Snow,” a seemingly insignificant event—a crow shaking snow from a tree
—has a profound impact on the narrator’s mood. This small incident changes his perspective, lifting his spirits
and salvaging a day that had been gloomy. The poem conveys the idea that even a minor occurrence can alter
one's state of mind and perception. The falling snow, though trivial, symbolizes nature’s power to influence
emotions. Frost’s message is that simple actions or events, often overlooked, can carry the potential to bring
about significant emotional shifts, highlighting the importance of appreciating life’s small moments.
v. In "For Anne Gregory," W.B. Yeats explores the notion of beauty, suggesting that society’s obsession with
physical appearance often overshadows the value of inner beauty. The speaker reflects on how people are
captivated by outward features—like Anne’s beautiful yellow hair—rather than appreciating the depth of a
person’s soul. This focus on external attributes fosters shallow ideals of beauty, ignoring the more meaningful
qualities like kindness, wisdom, and integrity. The quote emphasizes that true beauty lies within one’s character
and soul, suggesting that a shift in perception—from physical appearance to spiritual essence—would lead to
more genuine connections and a deeper appreciation for what truly matters in people.
9. i. Ausable, a secret agent, was aware that Fowler, a writer, expected thrilling encounters and dangerous
situations often associated with espionage. However, when Fowler met Ausable, he found him quite different
from the stereotypical spy. Ausable's appearance—being overweight and living in a simple hotel room—was far
from the glamorous image Fowler had imagined. Fowler’s initial disappointment stemmed from these
unexpected realities. Ausable recognized this disappointment and sought to change Fowler’s perception by
handling the dangerous situation with Max, another agent, with cleverness and wit. Through his resourcefulness
and manipulation, Ausable ultimately impressed Fowler by turning an ordinary situation into a suspenseful and
victorious moment.
ii. At the ball, Matilda was overwhelmed with joy and excitement. After years of feeling unappreciated and
dreaming of a luxurious lifestyle, she finally experienced the admiration and attention she longed for. Dressed
in a stunning gown and wearing a borrowed necklace, she felt beautiful and elegant, attracting the admiration of
wealthy and distinguished men. Matilda was lost in the moment, enjoying the praise, compliments, and envious
glances. This night represented her ideal world—full of glamour and social success. Her pleasure was so intense
that she forgot about her modest reality, fully indulging in the temporary world of high society, which only
heightened the eventual tragedy of losing the necklace.
iii. Richard Ebright’s journey as a scientist epitomizes the saying "Try and try until you succeed." From a young
age, Ebright was curious and determined, constantly striving to understand the natural world. His first setback
came when he failed to win at a science fair, but instead of giving up, he used the experience to improve. He
continued experimenting, learning from his failures, and persevering with each challenge. His dedication to
research, particularly in studying butterflies, led to significant scientific discoveries. Ebright’s story showcases
that persistence, learning from mistakes, and a refusal to be discouraged are crucial to achieving success,

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 especially in the demanding field of science. His perseverance and commitment to his passion ultimately made
him a successful scientist.
10. A. C –3 E-3
B. C –3 E-3
11. A. Bholi, once a timid and hesitant girl, was deeply influenced by the attitudes of her family and society.
Considered less intelligent due to her childhood injury and stammering, she was often neglected and treated as a
burden.
Her parents, focusing only on their "perfect" children, saw Bholi as a source of embarrassment, especially in the
context of marriage. These constant belittlements made her shy and introverted, withdrawing into herself,
scared to express her thoughts. However, the encouragement of her teacher, who believed in her potential,
transformed her.
The words, “Put the fear out of your heart and you will be able to speak like anyone else,” ignited a spark in
Bholi, empowering her to stand up for herself and face the world with courage.
B. Think-Tank, the arrogant and overconfident leader of the Martians, plays a central role in the satirical story
"The Book That Saved the Earth." His downfall is rooted in his impatience and inflated sense of superiority.
He believes himself to be the smartest being in the universe, dismissing Earth as a primitive and easy target for
conquest. This arrogance blinds him to the potential of Earth’s inhabitants and their cultural depth. When the
Martian invasion hinges on understanding Earth’s literature, Think-Tank’s inability to grasp the meaning of
nursery rhymes leads to a humorous misunderstanding. He interprets them as threatening military codes,
causing panic among his followers.
His impatience and refusal to learn from others become his undoing, ultimately forcing him to retreat. Think-
Tank’s fall underscores the theme that intelligence must be accompanied by humility, open-mindedness, and a
willingness to learn from others—qualities he lacked.