EVALUATION AND MARKING SCHEME OF

ICSEENGLISH LANGUAGE

Johnichan J M.A.; M Ed.

COMPOSITION- GRADING

Composition – 25 Marks

Essays will be graded [A/B/C/D/E/F] by the

Examiner

Less than 200 words is a short script. No

penalization is given for this. And also no

penalization, if the student exceeds the limit.

Deduct 2 Marks if the essay is not written in

paragraphs

Awarding of Grades for Essay

Grade A

An ‘A’ Grade Essay is awarded 21-25 marks. 84-

100% accuracy is expected.

Qualities of an ‘A’ Grade Essay:

It should have very good language.

Matter should be original.

Sensitivity in the selection of language.

Fluency of expression.

Positive form of unity and arrangement.

Matter relevant to the topic.

Grade B

A ‘B’ Grade Essay is awarded 16-20 marks. 64-80% accuracy is

expected.

Qualities of an ‘A’ Grade Essay:

Good linguistic ability.

Usage of varied vocabulary.

Arrangement clear and appropriate.

Grade C

A ‘C’ Grade Essay is awarded 12-15 marks. 48-60% accuracy is expected.

Qualities of an ‘C’ Grade Essay:

Fair language ability.

Very few minor errors.

Satisfactory treatment of subject.

Grade D

A ‘D’ Grade Essay is awarded 9-11marks. 36-44% accuracy is expected.

Qualities of an ‘D’ Grade Essay:

Monotonous and uncertain language.

Subject not adequately developed.

Communicates feelings at a simple level.

Grade E

A ‘E’ Grade Essay is awarded 6-8 marks. 24-32% accuracy is expected.

Qualities of an ‘E’ Grade Essay:

Flat, faulty language.

Frequent gross errors.

Subject undeveloped.

Matter irrelevant and topic not focused upon.

Grade F: 2-5/8-20%

A ‘F’ Grade Essay is awarded 2-5 marks. 8-20% accuracy is expected.

Qualities of an ‘A’ Grade Essay:

Broken English.

Numerous and gross syntactical errors.

Subject distorted.

Faulty arrangement.

Garbled and continuous errors.

Makes no sense at all.

Error Frequency – Criterion of Grading

The composition will be graded based on the frequency of simple and

gross errors that occur within the first 200 words.

No penalization for errors after 200 words, but the examiner will give the

highest or the lowest within the same grade depending upon the

frequency of errors even after 200 words.

If the essay is improved after 200 words, the highest within the same

grade will be awarded.

Simple [SE] and Gross Errors [GE]

What are Simple Errors? Repetition of words by mistake and spelling mistakes.

Examples:

1. He said said that…

2. There/ their

3. Examinasion

If one error is penalized once, [e.g.. Spelling error] the subsequent errorsin the same fashion should not be penalized. [but in the case oftense, it should be penalized repeatedly.]

Simple [SE] and Gross Errors [GE]

What are Gross Errors?

All the other types of common errors.

Capital and small letters.

Punctuations and their omission.

Wrong construction.

Spoken language.

Unnecessary use of articles/ their omission.

Spelling errors that make changes in meaning.

Tense errors.

Subject verb agreement.

Wrong beginning of the sentence.

Wrong prepositions.

Incorrect vocabulary.

A Few Examples for Gross Errors

I prayed to god./ in spite of heavy traffic…/ I told

Him…

Thus we reached home late at 10 pm

One flower was there.[There was a flower.]

I asked, you have seen him?

I told to the my friends/ Taj Mahal is one of the seven

wonders…

◦ I was quarreling with my parents for my birth/berth.

◦ I had seen him tomorrow./ we all reach our destination

and begin to enjoy.

◦ She do not know it./ I has bought a book.

◦ And we began chatting.

◦ He passed away a piece of cake to me.

◦ This is what effects you most…[ affects]

What is Error Frequency?

One point for one gross error.

Half a point for one simple error.

Each error to be underlined and indicated at the end of

each line.

Add up the points and mention the total error

frequency where the first 200 words end.

Example:

10 gross errors and 5 simple errors within 200 words = Error Frequency is

12.5% [EF=13%] = D 11

Even the most creative composition may fetch a low grade if the error

frequency within 200 words is more.

Depending upon the error frequency the examiners are to decide the grade

as well as the marks.

Counting the First Two Hundred Words

Words in the First Line Number of Lines

5 40

6 33

7 29

8 25

9 22

10 20

11 18

12 16

13 15

14 14

15 13

Grading TableGrade Marks % Error Frequency

A 21-25 84-100 1-3

B 16-20 64-80 4-7

C 12-15 48-60 8-12

D 9-11 36-44 13-16

E 6-8 24-32 17-20

F 2-5 8-20 21+

Question 1A. - StoryWrite an original short story that begins with the words: “In the background I could

hear an awful commotion, men’s voices raised and women screaming.”

The story must be original and must begin with the given sentence.

The story may take any form but should convey why there was a commotion and

what was making the men raise their voices and women scream.

-2 if the story does not begin with the given sentence.

-1 if only part of the sentence is used.

Deduct 25% of the marks obtained if the story is blatantly unoriginal. Mention [not

original] [e.g. Nirbhhaya’s case]

B. Argumentative Composition

“Boarding schools are far better than day schools for the all-round education of a

child.” Express your views either for or against this statement.

views for or against the motion are to be accepted.

The candidate should take a clear stand and give valid reasons for whatever stand he

or she takes regarding the topic either for or against the statement.

Deduct up to 25% of the marks obtained if no clear stand is taken.

But be sure that no stand is taken before deducting. Mention [ No stand taken.]

C. Descriptive Composition

You were on a school trip and were on your way back to the hotel late one night when

your school bus, full of children, broke down in a lonely area. Describe what you saw

and experienced as you looked around. How was the problem solved?

The events should be interesting and should be described in detail.

The fear, the night sights and sounds and the ultimate rescue or help should be

described.

[What was seen and heard? How was the problem solved?]

[If onward journey is mentioned, do not penalize]

D. Narrative Composition

◦ Teaching someone else how to do something can be a rewarding

experience. Think of a skill that you have helped someone to

develop. Perhaps you taught someone how to swim or to bake a

cake, or helped someone learn how to study more effectively.

Narrate the events that made up the process of teaching the skill

and say what made the experience important and memorable for

you.

Marking Scheme

A Personal experience- The particular event or situation in

which the candidate taught another person how to do

something or develop a skill must form the core of the essay.

The candidate should focus on the events that made up the

process of teaching the skill and clearly narrate what made

the experience important and memorable for him or her.

– How the person was taught? What made it rewarding?

E. Picture Composition

Study the picture given. Write a story or a description or an account of what it

suggests to you. Your composition may be about the subject of the picture or

you may take suggestions from it; however, there must be a clear connection

between the picture and your composition.

Accept a broad interpretation but keep in mind that there must be a clear

connection between the picture and the composition.

There must be a reference to the elephant and the children on it.

Deduct 2 marks if no reference is made to the picture.

Letter Writing – 10 Marks

Format Content Expression

Informal 2.5 2.5 5

Formal 3 2 5

Formal Letter – 3 for Format

From Address

Date

To Address

Salutation

Subscription

Signature

Informal Letter – 2.5 for Format

From Address

Date

Salutation

Subscription

Pet name/first name

Note the following:

Relevant points in the body [content] of the letter to be indicated by a tick and the

marks for content to be shown in the right hand margin.

Full range of marks to be used.

No mark is to be deducted for lack of punctuation in the address.

Incorrect punctuation in the subscription is to be penalized. [If comma not used, no

marks]

Informal letter: salutation: Dear Grandfather/My dear Grandfather = accepted.

Formal letter: Salutation: Sir/ Dear Sir/ Madam/ Dear Madam = accepted.

Respected Sir/ Respected Madam = not accepted.

Month in the address should be written in full. No short forms accepted. No

marks if year is not mentioned.

No Indian salutation to be accepted. [My dear dadaji, aunty etc…]

Your loving grandson, [not son or daughter as the letter is to the

grandfather]/Yours lovingly,/ Your affectionate grandson,/ Yours

affectionately, are the only subscriptions to be accepted in informal letters.

Yours truly,/ Yours faithfully, are the only subscriptions to be accepted in formal

letters.

Incorrect subscription = 0 marks.

If only one error occurs in the subscription and the name is written correctly, 0.5

marks can be given for signature. But if more than one error occurs in the

subscription, no marks should be given for the signature even if the name is written

correctly.

Only first name for informal letters.

First name and surname for formal letters.

The subscription should be in the same side where the from address and the date is

mentioned whatever may be the format one follows.

No marks to be deducted even if the subject is not mentioned in the formal letter.

The date, month and year can be any date in the past and not in the future.

[reasonable = can not be 1950]

Marks to be indicated in this manner : F+C+E = 2+1+3=6

Marking SchemeInformal letter: Question: You will soon have to make a

decision about the subjects that you wish to study in classes XI

and XII. Write a letter to your Grandfather telling him about the

subjects that you plan to take up. Be sure to explain the reason

for your choice and how you think these subjects would help

you in the future.

Ensure that the format is correct and the following points are

clearly brought out.

◦ [format=2.5, content =2.5, Expression =5]

1. What? [specify the subject or group of subjects] = 1

2. Why? [ Reason/link why the subject(s) appeal to the

candidate.] = 0.5

3. How will the choice help the candidate in future

opportunities and career options? =1

4. [Marks for expression should correspond to the grade of

the essay]

Marking Scheme

Formal Letter: Question: The children in your neighborhood

are forced to play on the street for want of a proper play area.

Write a letter to the editor of a popular newspaper, pointing out

the need for a playground in your neighborhood.

Give reasons why you think a play area is necessary and point

out how it would benefit everyone who lives in that area.

[Format= 3, Content = 2, Expression =5]

Marking Scheme

1. WHY the park is necessary?:

children need a safe place to play/would beautify the vicinity of the

neighborhood/ trees and plants would help lessen environmental

pollution etc. [any two reasons = 1 mark]

2. How it would benefit the neighborhood?:

Foster interpersonal skills and encourage cooperation/ build a friendly

family neighborhood/ would enable adults and children to pursue

physical activities that would keep them fit. [any two reasons – 1 mark]

Totally accept any four reasons but see that they are not repeated. Two for

why and two for how. 2 marks totally.

Expression [5 Marks]Both formal and informal letters : 5 marks.

Ensure a correlation between essay grade and letter expressionbased on the following criteria.

Essay Grade Letter Expression

A 4

B 3/3.5

C 2/2.5

D 1/1.5

E&F 0.5/1

Comprehension

◦ A] Give meaning of each of the following words as used in the passage.

One word answers or short phrases will be accepted.

1. Agility= skillfulness/ skill/ acrobatic ability/ ease and flexibility/quickness of movement/nimbleness/quick movement/ability to movequickly

2. Hailed = Greeted/said hello/wished/called out to/signaled/ hallooed

3. Villain = wicked/bad/evil person, rogue, miscreant, rascal, scoundrel [ not just adjective, noun i.e. person or man must be there.]

3x1=3

If two meanings are written, consider the wrong one. If both are correct, give mark.

B:Answer the Following: 6X2=12

1. How was Chittru different from other boys?

Answer: Chittru did not work like other boys, was lazy [1]/ fished in other

people’s streams [0.5]/ and stole fruits [0.5].

2. What was Bisnu’s Ambition?

Answer: He wanted to read and write [1]/ had set his heart on receiving good

scholarship, education or schooling[1].

3. What information did Sarru give Bisnu?

Answer: Sarru told Bisnu that a panther had come to the village [1]/ that night

[1].

Contd.

4. How did the information affect Bisnu?

ANSWER: The information interested but did not excite him [1]/ because panthers

were common in the hills [1].

5. Why did the panther become a cattle-lifter?

ANSWER: A panther if wounded can not hunt [1]/ so it attacks cattle and people [1].

6. What joke does Sarru make?

ANSWER: Sarru jokes that the panther poisoned itself [1]/ when it ate the headman

of the village [1].

Précis Writing

C(i): In not more than 60 words describe what the narrator tells us about the

behavior of the langoors. [8]

MAIN POINTS TO BE MENTIONED IN THE SUMMARY:

1. Langoors lived in the forest.

2. Fed on oak leaves, acorns and other green things.

3. remained in trees.

4. Played or sunned themselves.

5. Leapt from tree to tree.

6. Young ones wrestled like boys.

1. Were dignified, not cheeky or dishonest.

2. Did not approach dogs or humans.

3. Grown used to Bisnu’s coming and goings/ did not fear him.

4. Older ones would watch him quietly- puzzled.

5. Did not go near towns.

6. All the food they got from the forest.

Key Words

1. Lived

2. Fed

3. Remained

4. Played

5. Leapt

6. Wrestled

7. Were dignified

8. Not approach

9. Not fear/Grown used to

10. Watch

11. Not go

12. Got from

12x0.5=6+2 for Expression [ Total =8]

Marks for ExpressionMarks for Points Marks for Expression

1.5 0.5

3 1

4.5 1.5

6 2

Note:

◦ If the candidate exceeds 65 words and has mentioned all the points, award only0.5 mark for expression.

◦ Do not correct beyond 60 words.

◦ C (II) = Give a title to your summary in 3(c). Give a reason to justify your choice.

◦ Any apt title pertaining to the behavior of langoors [1]

◦ A valid reason to justify the choice [1]

◦ If the title is correct and the reason is lame, do not award marks for justification.

◦ If the title is wrong, automatically the justification also must be wrong. So nomarks.

◦ It is mandatory that the summary should be written in grids. But no penalizationis required even if grid is not used by the candidate.

Question 4

◦ A) Fill in each of the numbered blanks with correct form of the word given inbrackets. Do not copy the passage, but write in correct serial order the word orphrase appropriate to the blank space.

◦ See the Q.P.

1. Hunted

2. Bought

3. Was engrossed

4. Munched

5. Got/was getting

6. Would blacken

7. Took

8. Had tried/tried/was trying/had been trying

Question 4

◦ B) Fill in the blanks with an appropriate word.

◦ See the Q.P.

1. Over/with

2. To

3. In

4. Into

5. For

6. Behind/inside/under/in

7. Of

8. Among/Amongst

Question 4

◦ C) Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using and,

but or so.

1. We had better get ready now. We may not have time to reach the airport.

We had better get ready now otherwise/or/or else we may not have time to reach

the airport.

Unless we get ready now we may not have time to reach the airport.

If we do not get ready now, we may not have time to reach the airport.

Question 4

2. Mr. Liew has been sick. He has been so since he came back from Japan.

Mr. Liew has been sick since/ever since coming back/returning from Japan.

Mr. Liew has been sick since/ever since he came back/ returned from Japan.

[returned back = wrong]

Question 4

◦ 3. The debating teams were very happy. Both were declared joint-champions.

The debating teams were very happy as/since both were declared joint-champions.

The debating teams were very happy because they both were declared joint-champions.

Question 4

◦ 4. He escaped from the prison. He looked for a place where he could hide.

Escaping from the prison, he looked for a place where he could hide.

After escaping from the prison, he looked for a place where he could hide.

Having escaped from the prison, he looked for a place where he could hide.

After having escaped from the prison, he looked for a place where he couldhide.

[Accept several alternatives as long as the rubric is followed, meaning remains the same and the answer grammatically correct.]

Question 4

◦ D) Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given aftereach. Make other changes that may be necessary, but do not change themeaning of each sentence.

1. These windows need cleaning again. [Begin: These windows will ………….]

These windows will have/need to be cleaned again. [Do not accept‘require’.]

Contd.

2. My mother said I could go with you only if I returned home by five o’clock.[Use: As long as] [Notice that the conjunction “that” is omitted and it isin indirect speech.]

My mother says I can go with you as long as I return home by 5 o’clock.

My mother said I could go with you as long as I returned home by 5 o’clock.

[accept 5a.m. and 5 p.m.]

Contd.

3. It doesn’t matter which chemical you put into the mixture first, the resultswill be the same. [Use: Difference]

It makes no difference which chemical you put into the mixture first, theresults will be the same. [The word “difference” should be used at thebeginning i.e. in the first clause only]

Contd.

5. Heavy rain has caused the cancellation of the outdoor garden party. [Begin:Due…]

Due to the heavy rain, the outdoor garden party has been cancelled.

Contd.

4. Who does this pen belong to? [ Begin: Do you know…….]

Do you know whose pen this is?

Do you know to whom this pen belongs?

Do you know who/whom this pen belongs to?

[Deduct 0.5 mark if there is no question mark.]

Contd.

6. I’ve never seen so many people in this building before. [ Begin: This is………..]

This is the first time I have seen so many people in this building.

[ Do not accept Present Continuous Tense.]

Contd.

7. If we light the fire, the rescuers will see us. [Begin: We will…]

We will be seen by the rescuers if we light the fire.

Contd.

8. Only a few books were remaining on the shelf when we left. [Begin: Most…]

Most of the books had been sold by the time we left.

Most of the books were gone by the time we left.

Most of the books on the shelf had been taken away by the time we left.

Most of the books had been removed by the time we left.

Most of the books were not on the shelf when we left.

Most of the books were not remaining on the shelf when we left. [Not in thekey but given marks]

Final Analysis

Very difficult to score in Language paper. But whatever the student loses in Language paper will be compensated in the literature paper.

Presence of mind is required. [ question to be analyzed]

Answers to be specific.

Apply technical mind.

Essay writing skills to be developed.

Aim at perfection. [make your answers error free]

Only practice makes you perfect.

If ready for hard work, centum accomplishment is certain

All the Best

Thank You

For more help log on to ICSE English

Made Easy

Johnichan J. M.A. ; M. Ed.