Matric Exams In Odisha: Teachers, Guardians Raise Doubt Over English Paper Pattern

Cuttack: The annual Matric examinations in Odisha are just three months away, preparations by students are at its peak. At such a crucial time, the teachers and guardians have raised concern over the question mark distribution pattern in English subject. The pattern was decided by the Board of Secondary Education (BSE).

It may be recalled that considering the closure of schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Odisha, the School and Mass Education Department has reduced 30 percent of the syllabuses while the BSE has asked the students to answer questions of 80 marks instead of 100 marks.

The BSE in its official website (www.bseodisha.nic.in) has said that out of 80 marks for each subject, there will be 50 multiple choice questions (MCQ) of one mark each and the remaining 30 marks for the subjective questions.

However, in the subjective question, the Board has mentioned there will be a long question of 5 marks in English subject in which the students will have to explain the stanza of a poem.

Stating that there is no instance of such questions set by the BSE in the English subject in the last 40 years, the teachers and guardians are worried as to how the students will be able to answer such questions.

The teachers said as the English textbook has no sample questions, they have not taught the mode of the answer to the students.

Apart from this, they have also questioned the justification of the Board for allotting 5 marks for letter writing and application in the English subject.

Also Read: Odisha Board Changes Question Patterns For HSC Examination In 2 Subjects

As announced by the Board, though the students will answer 80 marks in each subject, the valuation will be made from 100 marks.

For example, if a student secures 75% marks by scoring 60 out of 80, the same percentage will be calculated from the remaining 20 marks which will be 15. So the student will secure 60+15=75 out of 100.

As announced by the School and Mass Education Department, the annual Matric examination will begin on May 3 and conclude on May 15.

Also Read: Odisha Matric Exams: Students To Answer 80 Marks In Each Paper