Single paper for languages, English in Class 10 exam

The Tamil Nadu Directorate of Examination claimed that eliminating paper II from both the language and English subjects would reduce stress for the students and would also save time for teachers in evaluating the answer sheets.

A senior official from Directorate of School Education told DT Next that the move would not only reduce duration of exam time but pave way for better concentration. He also said, “Since the time taken for evaluating the answer sheets will be reduced, the scope of publishing the results much earlier also exists.” “If they (students) get single question paper for language and English subject, about 20 lakh paper sheets will be saved,” he added.

However, on the standard of question papers, the official stated that the standard would remain the same as the authorities of the Directorate of Examination ensures to cover all the portions in the new question paper pattern. Though the government has claimed that the initiative to come out with single question paper for language and English subjects was taken based on stakeholders’ feedback, academicians in the State opposed the move of the School Education Department. According to academicians, the move to just have a single language and English paper would largely affect the students and they would start ignoring the process of learning grammar, which remains a main tool for writing any language.

Also, dismissing the government’s claim that bringing one question paper would reduce the student’s stress, he said that the Chief Minister should immediately withdraw the order and adhere to the old pattern.

Commenting on removing paper-II for Language and English in the board exams for class XI students, School Education Minister KA Sengottaiyan said: “to reduce the student’s stress and to minimize teacher’s problem, the government has decided to implement it from this academic year”.

He also said that single question paper for Language and English will also reduce the exam duration for the students.