Courses of Studies 2011
Class : 11th & 12th
27. CREATIVE WRITING AND TRANSLATION STUDIES
Code No. 069
Aims and Objectives of the Course
To enable the learners to understand literature as a creative act and understand the creativity involved in it.
To enable them to appreciate the form of the creative work, the writer's purpose, its meaning, the attitudes and moods, cultural nuances and its universal appeal.
To enable them to understand the meaning that is not directly expressed and the multiplicity of meanings that may be understood from the text.
To enable them to generally appreciate literature and to respond to a text both intellectually and emotionally.
To acquaint them with the different literary practices, genres, styles, figures of speech and techniques of writing.
To enable them to write creatively guided by the principles of different genres of writing in both fictional and non-fictional prose, as well as poetry.
To make them aware that for translation, they need proficiency in both the languages.
To enable them to learn and use the principles underlying translation from one language into another.
To equip them to translate simple texts from one language into another while retaining the flavour of the original text.
The Whole Approach to Creative Writing and Translation Studies
Ideally the teacher herself/himself should show sensitivity towards different forms of literature and highlight the creative dimensions of the text.
An integrated skill approach is recommended to enable the learners to listen, read and respond both orally and in the written form so that the literary experience becomes a complete one.
The teacher is expected to perceive the learners as individuals, thus making room for multiple meanings and connotations, depending on their own perceptions and previous experiences.
Though literature has creative principles, established forms, styles, even imagery for different themes and genres 'out-of the box' thinking should also be encouraged.
Both group and individual activities are advisable to foster discussion, exposition, expression and contemplation.
Acquisition of Language Skills
Approach to Reading
Activities that enable the learner to draw upon his own experience to understand the meaning of the literary text.
Activities that promote the higher order reading skills of interpretative, evaluative and creative comprehension should be employed.
Method of reading should lead to the development of vocabulary by perceiving their differential levels of meaning.
Development of the ability to deconstruct a text to read between and beyond the lines should be encouraged.
Specific Objectives of Reading
To develop in the learners the ability to :
use dictionaries, thesaurus and reference materials both actual and virtual
read differently i.e. skimming, scanning and close reading.
infer and understand the writer's attitude, bias, cultural and ideological leanings.
comprehend the difference between what is said and what is implied.
differentiate the language of persuasion, exposition and expression of personal feelings and ideas.
distinguish fact from opinion.
grasp the cultural context of the work.
identify different figures of speech and appreciate the writer's purpose in using them
develop a personal response to the given text
appreciate the special features of the language used in literary text
identify the elements of style such as humour, pathos, satire and irony in the text
explore and evaluate features of character, plot, setting etc.
appreciate the oral, mobile and visual elements of drama.
Listening and Speaking (Aural and Oral)
Specific Objectives of Aural and Oral Skills involved in the conduct of the course are to develop the ability to :
listen to different types of texts and distinguish their types/genres, the language used, the purpose for which it is written and interpret meaning.
listen with comprehension speeches, lectures and talks and participate actively in the ensuing discussion.
listen to reports and other expository texts and extract relevant information: listening for gist or detail.
listen to poetry for understanding and enjoyment.
take part in role-plays and enact different characters in drama.
develop the art of public speaking.
read poetry aloud with expression.
Approach to Writing Skills
Classroom approach should involve activities that enable learners to develop the skills using a process approach:
The Writing Skills that the course aims to develop are the advanced writing skills. However, during the course of the activities the learners would also learn the sub-skills of writing and get an insight into the process of writing.
The course aims to develop advanced writing skills involving the sub-skills of writing which will lead to a logical conclusion of a reading activity.
integrate listening, speaking and reading as precursors to the actual act of writing.
avoid linguistic or stylistic errors in writing.
use appropriate language, style, format, metre (in poetry), sentence-length and length of the piece or embellishments in a particular genre.
write in an original manner while adhering to the basic principles of a genre.
Further, the objective is to train the learners specifically in the following kinds of writing :
responses to the questions based on the text.
different kinds of text using appropriate vocabulary, language, length and style.
expository texts: reports, descriptions of people, places and processes.
narrative texts: reports, autobiography, memoir, stories.
reflective texts: using ideas and themes expressing one's view and using a persuasive writing style.
travelogues and features featuring appropriate illustrations and highlights.
essays on different themes concerning their lives.
simple stories in a narrative style.
simple dialogues on a given situation.
a book or a film review.
short speeches in an impressive or persuasive style.
a diary or a journal.
full-fledged composition from outlines
poems using appropriate words and keeping in mind the rhyme and metre.
short poems within the frame of a given genre of poetry.
Participation in an interactive class-room approach is advised. Activities should be designed to promote
i) understanding the employment of different kinds of writing skills, and
ii) appreciation and effective composition of different kinds of writing.
CREATIVE WRITING AND TRANSLATION STUDIES
Code No : 069
Class XI
One paper 3 hours 100 Marks
Section-wise Weightage of the Paper
| Section | Areas of Learning | Marks |
| A | Reading Comprehension (Three unseen passages, prose and poetry) | 20 |
| B | (i) Creative Writing Skills (ii) Translation | 20 20 |
| C | Textual | 20 |
| D | Portfolio Assessment (CCE - Internal) | 20 |
| Total | 100 |
SECTION A
READING COMPREHENSION 20 Marks (40 period)
Three unseen passages (including poems) with a variety of questions on different levels of comprehension (literal, interpretative and critical) including marks for vocabulary such as inferring and word formation. The total range of the three passages including the poem or a stanza, would be about
1050-1100 words.
a. Non-fictional prose, an excerpt 250-300 words in length (for extracting information, inferring and interpreting, evaluating and word attack) - 07 marks
b. Fictional prose, a very short story or an excerpt, 250-300 words in length (for interpretation, understanding character, making personal responses and vocabulary) - 07 marks
c. A short poem or a few stanzas (for understanding central idea, appreciation and personal response) - 06 marks
The passages or poems could be any one of the following types:
a) Autobiographies or reflective writing like essays or articles.
b) Excerpts from narrative and fictional writing like stories, novels and plays.
c) A short poem like a sonnet or a lyric, or a stanza from a ballad or a longer lyrical poem.
SECTION B
A CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS 20 marks (40 periods)
Four writing tasks as indicated below:
1. Develop a composition of personal writing such as a diary entry, memoir or an autobiography (200 words) 6 marks
2. Develop a feature or a review such as a travelogue, book or film review based on verbal or a visual input (200 words) 6 marks
3. Developing an original poem such as a sonnet or a lyric or free verse based on a given idea or theme, visual input, an incident or event in life. 8 marks
B TRANSLATION 20 Marks (40 periods)
1. Guided translation i.e. a piece of translated text for completion based on the original text (prose or poetry) 04 marks
2. Open translation of a prose piece (100 words) 08 marks
3. Open translation of a short poem or a stanza 08 marks
SECTION C
READER 20 Marks (60 periods)
1. Four questions of three marks each to be answered in 60-80 words based on the understanding of the text. 12 marks
2. One out of the two open ended essay topics to be answered in 200 words. 08 marks
SECTION D
PORTFOLIO ASSESSMENT 20 Marks (50 periods)
The Reader has inbuilt suggestions and activities for the students' Portfolio.
20 marks have been allotted for the Portfolio wherein the following would be assessed:
1. Ideas and their sequencing
2. Applying the basic principles of the particular genre
3. Use of correct and effective language
4. Use of appropriate style
5. Use of techniques and figures of speech.
Note : The Portfolio will consist of a compilation of all written submissions over the duration of the course. A minimum of 15 written assignments each of creative writing and translation would need to be submitted. The submission would include both the original and improved versions of assigned
tasks reflective of gradual improvement.
The Portfolio will be evaluated according to the following criteria :
1. Regularity in submission of both class and home written assignments.
2. Quality of tasks with emphasis on creative and comprehensive application.
3. Average grades of all Creative Writing and Translation written tasks.
4. Oral Communication Skills and classroom transaction.
Conversation Skills will be tested as part of 'Continuous Assessment'. The students can be assessed for making relevant responses to the text, making a point of view and defending their point of view.
Students will also be assessed for their ability to read aloud portions from stories, poems or plays. Dramatization would be another aspect which would be used for exercising their spoken skills.
NOTE : The Portfolio can be monitored and moderated at any time by an expert nominated by the Board.
Recommended Books :
Reader : 1. Creative Writing & Translation Studies for Class XI published by CBSE.
2. Reader published by NCERT.
CREATIVE WRITING AND TRANSLATION STUDIES
Code No. : 069
Class XII
One paper 3 hours 100 Marks
Section-wise Weightage of the Paper:
| Section | Areas of Learning | Marks |
| A | Reading Comprehension (Three unseen passages, prose and poetry) | 20 |
| B | (i) Creative Writing Skills (ii) Translation | 20 20 |
| C | Textual | 20 |
| D | Portfolio Assessment (CCE - Internal) | 20 |
| Total | 100 |
SECTION A
READING COMPREHENSION 20 Marks (40 periods)
Three unseen passages (including poems) with a variety of questions on different levels of comprehension (literal, interpretative and critical) including marks for vocabulary such as inferring and word formation. The total range of the three passages including the poem or a stanza, would be about 1050-
1100 words.
a. Non-fictional prose, an excerpt 400-450 words in length (for extracting information, inferring and interpreting, evaluating and word attack) 07 marks
b. Fictional prose, a very short story or an excerpt, 300-350 words in length (for interpretation, understanding character, making personal responses, and vocabulary) 07 marks
c. A short poem or a few stanzas (for understanding central idea,appreciation and personal response) 06 marks
The passages or poems could be any one of the following types:
a) Excerpts from expository or narrative writing like descriptions, reports, biographies, memoirs or autobiographies or reflective writing like essays or articles.
b) Excerpts from narrative and fictional writing like stories, novels and plays.
c) A short poem like a sonnet or a lyric, or a stanza from a ballad or a longer lyrical poem.
SECTION B
i) CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS 20 marks (40 periods)
Four writing tasks as indicated below:
4. Develop a composition of personal writing such as a diary entry, memoir or an autobiography (200 words) 6 marks
5. Develop a feature or a review such as a travelogue, book or film review based on verbal or a visual input (200 words) 6 marks
6. Developing an original piece of writing based on a given idea or theme, visual input, an incident or event in life. 8 marks
ii) TRANSLATION 20 Marks (40 periods)
7. Guided translation i.e. a piece of translated text for completion based on the original text (prose or poetry) 04 marks
8. Open translation of a prose piece (100 words) 08 marks
9. Open translation of a short poem or a stanza 08 marks
SECTION C
READER 20 Marks (periods)
10. Four questions out of five of three marks each to be answered in 60-80 words based on the nderstanding of the text. 12 marks
11. One out of the two open ended essay topics to be answered in 200 words. 08 marks
SECTION D
Portfolio Assessment 20 Marks (periods)
The Reader has inbuilt suggestions and activities for the students' Portfolio. 20 marks have been allotted for the portfolio wherein the following would be assessed:
1. Ideas and their sequencing
2. Applying the basic principles of the particular genre
3. Use of correct and effective language
5. Use of appropriate style
6. Use of techniques and figures of speech.
Note : The Portfolio will consist of a compilation of all written submission over the duration of the course. A minimum of 15 written assignments each of creative writing and translation would need to be submitted. The submission would include both the original and improved versions of assigned
tasks reflective of gradual improvement.
The Portfolio will be evaluated according to the following criteria :
1. Regularity in submission of both class and home written assignments.
2. Quality of tasks with emphasis on creative and comprehensive application.
3. Average grades of all Creative Writing and Translation written tasks.
4. Oral Communication Skills and classroom transaction.
Conversation Skills will be tested as part of 'Continuous Assessment'. The students can be assessed for making relevant responses to the text, making a point of view and defending their point of view. Students will also be assessed for their ability to read aloud portions from stories, poems or
plays. Dramatization would be another aspect which would be used for exercising their spoken skills.
NOTE : The Portfolio can be monitored and moderated at any time by an expert nominated by the Board.
Recommended Books :
Reader : Creative Writing and Translation Studies for Class XII published by CBSE.
Please visit for CBSE Board other syllabus (2011) Class 9th & 10th
Please visit for CBSE Board other syllabus (2011) Class 11th & 12th