As CBSE board examinations have begun, students often grapple with questions about exam techniques, scoring patterns and the best approach to answering different types of questions. To address these concerns, CBSE Controller of Examinations Sanyam Bhardwaj provides detailed guidance:
What is the word limit for 10-mark questions in language subjects? Are marks deducted for exceeding the word limit?
Generally, the word limit is mentioned in the question. However, it’s best to check your specific curriculum or exam guidelines. While marks are not deducted for exceeding the limit, no extra marks will be awarded either. So, there’s no benefit to writing more. Think carefully before writing your answer, keeping the value points in mind. Exceeding the word limit can have these drawbacks:
– It might lead you to stray from the main point or include unnecessary details.
– Writing excess content might take up more time, which could affect your performance in the rest of the exam.
It’s better to stick to the recommended word limit and ensure your answer is clear and precise.
Will writing quotes without citing authors affect marks in Hindi or English essay questions?
Board questions are designed to require specific answers. Carefully understand what each question demands before answering. If you feel a quote is relevant to your answer, you may include it. For better understanding of what’s expected in answers, you should refer to sample question papers and study the marking schemes. These two documents will help you understand the requirements for different types of questions, including when and how to use quotes.
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For passage questions, should I use exact quotes or write answers in my own words? Which approach earns more marks?
In passage-based questions, it’s better to paraphrase or rephrase answers in your own words. Here’s why:
Shows understanding:
Writing in your own words demonstrates true comprehension of the content. It proves you can interpret and explain the text.
Clarity and conciseness:
Paraphrasing often leads to more focused answers. It helps avoid unnecessarily long responses and makes your points more effectively.
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– Avoid repetition: Direct copying can result in redundant content and long quotes may include irrelevant information
– Better scoring: Marks are awarded for both accuracy and expression. Using your own words shows language proficiency and writing skills.
The best approach is to combine both methods — use your own words for explanations while including key phrases from the passage when necessary to support your points.
Will CBSE give partial marks for formulas if a student doesn’t know the answer?
CBSE generally follows step-marking — if you don’t get the final answer to a math question, you can still earn partial marks for the correct use of formulas, the correct method, or mentioning the desired steps, provided they are clearly laid out. Showing the steps clearly is important. If you write the formula and attempt the subsequent steps (even if you make mistakes in calculation), you could earn partial credit for the effort. Just writing a formula isn’t enough to earn marks.
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