Question One – Composition Writing – 20 marks
The required length of the composition is 400-450 words.
[Recommended time - 45 mins]
Candidates will be required to select one composition topic from a choice of six. The choice will normally
include:
DESCRIPTIVE COMPOSITION
• Very brief build up to the situation
• Vivid description
• Attention to minute and significant detail
• Arrangement of information
• Use of appropriate adjectives
• Avoid use of vague adjectives (E.g. the word 'good' for anything satisfying, or awesome I
• Description appealing to sense organs
• Use of simile, metaphor (not too many)
NARRATIVE COMPOSITION
• Very brief build up to the situation
• Sequence of events with some reference to events happening before
• Use of some description (of a place, people, surrounding, behaviour, involvement of self]
• Allow some other person to have a share of credit for heroics
• Appropriate summing up and a proper ending
• Expression-use of complex, compound sentences, use of adverbs, avoid repetition of words (e.g. And,
then), use linkers
ARGUMENTATIVE COMPOSITION
• May begin with an incident, anecdote, news item and other reference to prove a stand
• Take the stand at the very beginning-one definite stand stated clearly
• Establish stand through example, justification, argument (at least 4)
• Do not contradict the stand taken
• Touch of humour preferable
• Tone must be assertive but not didactic
EXPOSITORY COMPOSITION ONE-WORD TOPIC)
• May be written as narrative/ descriptive/ discursive composition/short story
• Some of the best compositions are on this topic since the writer has the freedom t0 explore it in this/her
own way
REFLECTIVE COMPOSITION
• May completely/partially agree/disagree with the view given in the question
• Use examples anecdotes, real/imaginary incidents, news reports, personal experience) to justify stand at
least four examples)
• Should not be a short story
ORIGINAL SHORT STORY
• Can assume elder/ younger/fictitious character
• Narration may be first person but should be avoided
• Must be original
• Cannot end in a dream sequence unless asked by question (Blatant Irrelevance)
• Must adhere to instructions/guidelines given in the question
• Must have the elements of a short story: title, plot character, setting, logical conclusion
• Must have events and turning points that makes it a story
• Must be careful not to write as a narrative composition/ mere first-person narrative
Question Two – Directed Writing – 15 marks
The piece of directed writing will be based on the information and ideas provided. The required length will be
about 300 words. Skills such as selecting, amplifying, describing, presenting reasoned arguments, and re stating
may be involved. The candidates' ability in the above skills, including format, will be taken into account as well
as their ability to handle language appropriately in the context of the given situation.
• All points given as guidelines must be included, other points may be added
• To be written in paragraphs and not too long, to be written within recommended time and given word
limit.
• Formal language, no unnecessary information
• Must have knowledge of appropriate vocabulary, technical terms that are suitable
• Amplification necessary
The range of subjects may include:
FEATURE ARTICLE
Heading (Centrally aligned)-If title is given, use the same; Should be eye-catching; 5-6 words (max)
By line (Right-hand side)-Your Name/ the one mentioned
1st Para – Introduction
-Quote/slogan/pertinent fact
-Purpose/definition of the article
(Target reader to be kept in mind - accordingly language to be used)
2nd Para – Body (detailed description)
-Causes & Effect
-Advantages & Disadvantages
-Suggestions/ Remedies
3rd Para – Conclusion – Summarise, just to give and idea of the whole article
NEWSPAPER REPORT
• Catchy Headline
• By line (may be immediately below headline or at the end of report – preferably right-hand side)
• Place, date and time
• Opening Para – Short Summary (gist of the whole incident) of the news to be written as the opening
sentence
• Timeline (must be remembered, report of incidents comes later)
• Details to follow subsequently (why, what, who, when, where, how)
• Important to have comments of people regarding the incident, eye-witness account
NOTE: Newspaper Report must be written in simple and formal lang, indirect speech, passive voice
(no ‘I, we, us’ etc), no personal opinion unless specifically asked for, no abbreviations.
BOOK REVIEW
• Title of Book (Centrally aligned)
• By line (Centrally aligned/ Right-hand side)
• Author’s Name (Left-hand side)
• Genre + Sub-Genre (Left-hand side)-Realistic/fantasy/memoir/drame/romance/thriller/detective/science-
fiction/ non-fiction/historical/ humorous/ satire/autobiographical/ biographical etc.
• No. of Pages (Left-hand side)
• Price (Left-hand side)
1st Para – Opening sentence- central theme-what the book is about/A gist of the content [of book)
2nd Para – Short analysis of style, chapters, kind of language, writing style, readership, main characters, cover
and illustration, reviews
3rd and 4th Para – Brief summary without revealing the climax/ suspense, a few interesting incidents (in brief),
message (if any)
5th Para – Conclusion – Points of appeal/ reason for recommending or not recommending the book; Own opinion
about the book
NOTE: Book Review must be written in Present Tense
SPEECH WRITING
Catchy headline
1st Para - (Around 50 words) Introduction/ Quote; Greeting; Introduce yourself; Topic/ Purpose of the Speech.
2nd & 3rd Para – (Around 100 words each) – Content with reference to the occasion
4th Para – Conclusion - (around 50 words); End with Thanks
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
1st Para – Your introduction, schooling, qualification, intentions etc.
2nd Para – Reasons that show your interest in the given subject/institution
3rd Para – Your personal reasons for wishing to join the institution/course
4th Para – Your qualifications making you eligible for selection
5th Para – your goals/ aspirations/ motivators
6th Para – Conclusion (express wish to contribute to society, make the institution proud etc)
NOTE: Cover all given points; put your signature at the end
Question Three – Proposal Writing – 10 marks
• (HEADING) - PROPOSAL FOR…
{E.g. – PROPOSAL TO ORGANISE AN INTER-SCHOOL PLAY COMPETITION}
• Introduction: Two points as direct benefits of the proposal to be stated in one or two complete
sentences (2 marks)
{E.g. – Introduction: We propose to organise an inter-school play competition to provide a platform to
discover hidden talents and promote a healthy spirit of competition as well as foster teamwork and build
confidence.}
• Objectives: Two broader benefits of the proposal to be written in one or two complete sentences (2
marks)
{E.g. – Objectives: The Inter-School Play Competition will encourage public speaking and acting skills
and create a sense of community and camaraderie among participating schools. It will help in cultural
exchange, networking and celebrating the performing arts in educational institutions.}
• List Of Measures: At least four points to be written in bullets, the points include planning for executing
the proposal (where, when, who, what) (4 marks)
{List of measures:
o (Where) – The competition will take place in the school auditorium.
o (When) – The competition will take place on the 15th of October, 2024.
o (Who will be in charge) – The teachers of the English Department will be in charge of the
selections and organization.
o (Who are the judges) – Eminent theatre artist Mr. Jagmohan will be the judge of the
competition.
o (Management of registrations) – Registrations will be on a ‘First Come, First Serve’ basis. Only
the first 10 schools to send their entries will be entertained.
o Mr. Som will be in charge of the registration desk on the day of the competition.
o Refreshments for the participants will be provided by the organising committee.
o The student volunteers will be in-charge of writing and arranging the certificates of the winners
as well as those of participants after the tabulation.
o Mr. Saxena will be the sole in-charge of the tabulation.
o The tabulation will be conducted in the Computer Lab.}
Conclusion – {E.g. I hope this proposal is accepted so we can organise the inter-school play competition as
soon as possible.} (1 mark)
• (Linguistic ability-1 mark)
Name {e.g. – Amit Shah}
Designation {e.g. – Cultural Secretary
Modern School, Panipat}
