Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words each :
Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words each :
This is an instruction line, not a content question. It directs students to attempt any FOUR of the FIVE sub-questions (i–v) that follow, each in about 40–50 words, each carrying 3 marks, for a total of marks. Students should read all five sub-questions first, skip the one they are least confident about, and answer only four clearly numbered responses within the word limit.
Marking Scheme
- 1This is a general instruction covering four 3-mark sub-questions (any 4 of 5); each sub-question is separately marked out of 3.
- 2Per sub-question (typical CBSE 3-mark SA breakdown): 1 mark for correct point/idea from the text, 1 mark for a supporting textual detail/example, 1 mark for language, coherence and adherence to the 40–50 word limit.
- 3Marks are awarded only for the first four attempted sub-questions if a student mistakenly answers all five, as per standard CBSE evaluation practice.
Hint
Skim all five sub-questions first, eliminate the one you know least well, then answer the remaining four within 40–50 words each, staying strictly text-based.
Quick Oral Answer
This line simply tells students to attempt any four out of the five short-answer questions that follow, writing 40 to 50 words for each, with each answer worth 3 marks.
Analysis & Explanation
This is a choice-format instruction line requiring students to attempt any FOUR of five 3-mark literature questions.
Concept
- CBSE literature sections often use a choice format so students answer only the chapters/poems they know best rather than being forced to attempt every one.
- Five separate 3-mark sub-questions (i–v) follow, drawn from different lessons (e.g. 'A Letter to God', 'Mijbil the Otter', 'Fog'); students must attempt any FOUR and skip one.
Key Points
- Each attempted sub-question: about 40–50 words, worth 3 marks → marks total.
- CBSE evaluates only the first four attempted sub-questions if a student mistakenly answers all five; extra answers earn no additional credit.
Common Mistakes
- Spending disproportionate time on one sub-answer — budget roughly 4–5 minutes per sub-question.
- Answering all five without clearly marking which four should be evaluated.
Common Mistakes
- 1Attempting all five sub-questions instead of exactly four, wasting exam time since only the first four attempted are typically evaluated.
- 2Exceeding the 40–50 word limit significantly, which does not earn extra marks and eats into time needed for other questions.
- 3Not clearly numbering which four sub-questions are being answered, causing confusion for the examiner when checking the choice-based response.
Interesting Facts
CBSE's 'choice within a section' format (e.g., attempt any 4 of 5) has been a consistent feature of the English Language & Literature paper design since the reduced-syllabus and choice-heavy pattern introduced from 2020 onward.
The 40-50 word guideline for a 3-mark literature answer is designed to match roughly 3-4 short, clear sentences — testing precision over length.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a student answers all five sub-questions instead of four?
As per standard CBSE practice, only the first four attempted responses are evaluated; the fifth is usually not considered even if correct, so it is best to answer exactly four.
Is the 40-50 word limit strictly enforced?
While there is no direct penalty for a few extra words, exceeding the limit significantly does not earn additional marks and wastes exam time; concise, text-based answers within the limit are ideal.