No.
of pages - 9 (E)
MARKING SCHEME
MID-TERM EXAMINATION (2025-26)
CLASS : XI
SUBJECT : ENGLISH (301)
Time Allowed : 3 hours Maximum Marks : 80
General Instructions :
1. The question paper has 16 questions. All questions are compulsory.
2. The question paper is divided into three sections. Section A: Reading Comprehension.
Section B: Writing Skills and Section C: Literature. All sections are compulsory.
3. Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part.
*******
SECTION A: READING SKILLS (26 marks)
Q.1 PASSAGE (1) (10)
(i) (b) 42.195 km (1)
(ii) (c) A sudden drop in energy (1)
(iii) (d) Skipping meals (1)
(iv) (c) Pacing and hydration (1)
(v) (b) Marathon (1)
(vi) Pheidippides, a Greek soldier, who ran from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens
to deliver news of victory. He reportedly collapsed and died after completing the
run, giving the event a heroic legacy. (2)
(vii) It reflects human endurance, perseverance, and the drive to push beyond limits. (2)
(viii) (c) International events (1)
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Q.2 PASSAGE (2) (8)
(i) (c) 1,411 (1)
(ii) (d) Rainfall (1)
(iii) (c) Ecological balance (1)
(iv) (a) 69% (1)
(v) Wildlife conservation efforts not only protect animals but also preserve
biodiversity and natural resources. (2)
(vi) Habitat loss, human-animal conflict, and climate change continue to threaten
wildlife. (any two) (2)
Q.3 Note Making (8)
Title 1 mark
Numbering & Indenting 1 mark
Notes 2 marks
Key/Glossary 1 mark
Summary upto 50 words (3)
Content 2 marks
Expression 1 mark
SECTION-B – 23 Marks
GRAMMAR AND CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS
Q.4 & Q.5 (Any 7 out of 8)
(i) (b) had finished (1)
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(ii) (c) was watching (1)
(iii) (b) play (1)
(iv) She had the courage to fight against all odds. (1)
(v) This song brings back memories of my childhood. (1)
(vi) (c) A movie is being watched by them. (1)
(vii) (c) He said that he was going to the market. (1)
(viii) (b) She does not disobey the rules. (1)
Q.6 Advertisement (3)
Format 1 mark
Content 1 mark
Expression 1 mark
Value point to use cues given in the question.
Q.7 Poster (3)
Format 1 mark
Content 1 mark
Expression 1 mark
Q.8 Speech (5)
Format 1 mark
Content 1 mark
Expression 1 mark
Value point to use cues given in the question.
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Q.9 Debate (5)
Format 1 mark
Content 1 mark
Expression 1 mark
Value point to use cues given in the question.
SECTION-C – 31 Marks
LITERATURE TEXT BOOK AND SUPPLEMENTARY READING TEXT
Q.10 Poem Extract (3)
(A) (i) (a) A poet's mother (1)
(ii) (c) alliteration (1)
(iii) (c) Paddling and posing for a picture (1)
OR
(B) (i) (b) The mother bird (1)
(ii) (c) It is the engine of her family. (1)
(iii) (c) It becomes still and quiet (1)
Q.11 Textbook - Hornbill RTC (3)
(A) (i) (c) Eight knots (1)
(ii) (c) A heavy rope was tied across the stern (1)
(iii) (d) Personification (1)
OR
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(B) (i) (b) She stopped praying and started singing (1)
(ii) (b) The beauty of nature (1)
(iii) (c) She might strain herself (1)
Q.12 Textbook - Snapshots RTC (4)
(A) RTC (A)
(i) (d) Aram (1)
(ii) (c) Fixing a bird's wing (1)
(iii) (a) John Byro (1)
(iv) (c) He wanted to learn to ride first (1)
OR
(B) RTC (B)
(i) (d) Playing a game of rummy (1)
(ii) (d) He agrees humbly (1)
(iii) (b) She warns Mrs Pearson (1)
(iv) (a) She ignores it (1)
Q.13 CONTENT-02 EXPRESSION-01 (2x3=6)
(Any Two)
(a) In the village, the grandmother day revolved around her grandson's needs and her
religious practices. She would ready (author), bathe him, wake her grandson
(author), get him r for school, pack his meals and accompany him to school.
She would stay at the temple during his school hours and accompanied him back
home. (3)
OR
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(b) The narrator wanted to duplicate the round-the-world voyage made by the famous
explorer Captain James Cook. The voyage was meant to be a family adventure
with his wife and children. (3)
(c) Main Idea of the Poem "The Laburnum Top" is the dynamic relationship between
the laburnum tree and the goldfinch. The poem illustrates, interdependent nature of
the living world. how the arrival of the bird brings life and purpose to the
otherwise silent tree. (3)
(d) The poet feels deep sadness and loss. She remembers her mother. The pain of her
mother's death makes her silent. (3)
Q.14 CONTENT-02 EXPRESSION-01 (3)
(A) The whole story revolves around the address: Number 46, Marconi street. Author's
mother had asked her to remember this address. She goes there twice to see claim
her valuable possessions.
(B) The family members realize their mistake. They feel guilty for their rude and
selfish behavior. They understand that Mrs. Pearson deserves respect and care.
They decide to treat her better in the future.
Q.15 CONTENT-04 EXPRESSION-02 (6)
(A) Student's relevant point of view to be given due credit
Suggested value points:
I visit the laburnum tree regularly.
From far, the tree looks quiet and lifeless in the sun.
When I arrive, the tree becomes full of life and sound.
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The tree is very special to me-it feels like home.
The tree gives shade, safety, and protection to my family.
I feel a strong connection with the tree.
When I leave, the tree becomes silent again.
OR
(B) Student's relevant point of view to be given due credit
Suggested value points:
Dear_________
The chapter is about Tutankhamun, a young Egyptian king.
Scientists used CT scans to find out more about his life and mysterious death.
It felt like a real-life detective story from 3,300 years ago.
I was amazed at how science and history work together.
The chapter shows that every old object has a story to tell.
Tut's body was damaged due to careless handling, which made me feel sad.
It taught me that we should respect and protect history.
The chapter made me more curious about archaeology.
Let's plan to visit a museum to learn more.
Q.16 CONTENT-04 EXPRESSION-02 (6)
(A) Student's relevant point of view to be given due credit
Suggested value points:
Follow the format for speech:
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The topic is about the importance of letting go in life.
I read a story called "The Address" by Marga Minco.
In the story, the narrator returns after war to get back her family's belongings.
She realizes that the emotional value is lost, and the past cannot be brought
back.
Holding on to the past only brings pain, not peace.
The narrator chooses to walk away and find closure.
I could connect this to our own lives-we all hold on to grudges, failures, or hurt.
Letting go means choosing healing over pain, not forgetting the past.
True strength is in accepting and moving on.
I encourage everyone to learn from the narrator and let go of what no longer
helps us grow.
OR
(B) Student's relevant point of view to be given due credit
Suggested value points:
Date: [Your Choice]
Time: Night
I had an exciting and unforgettable day.
My cousin Mourad took him on a secret adventure.
We rode a beautiful white horse that Mourad had brought
I knew deep down the horse was stolen.
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While riding, I felt happy, free, and full of joy.
The guilt disappeared for a while during the ride.
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