Adding another feather to its illustrious list of gaffes in recent times, CBSE on Monday expressed regret over a comprehension passage that was part of its Class 10 English question paper. The entire comprehension was replete with misogynist and sexist remarks that the students were not only made to read, but also use to answer the absurd questions.
One of the paragraphs read, “What people were slow to observe was that the emancipation of the wife destroyed the parent’s authority over the children. The mother did not exemplify the obedience upon which she still tried to insist… In bringing the man down from his pedestal the wife and the mother deprived herself, in fact of the means of discipline.”
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Meanwhile, another para went like, “It was only by accepting her husband’s sway that she could gain obedience from the young. The decision might be hers but the unpopularity was his, the more easily borne in that he might not be there. To precepts about subordination she has thus added the potent force of an example. Children and servants were in this way taught to know their place.”
One of the questions based on the passage asked students whether the writer “seems to be a male chauvinist pig/an arrogant person”, “takes a light hearted approach to life”, “is a disgruntled husband”, or “has his family’s welfare at his heart”.
Clearly, the answer should have been the first option, considering the filth of the passage and the question. But, the answer key suggested the second option to be correct.
Not CBSE’s first gaffe:
After the controversy snowballed, CBSE came out with an apology and said that it was forming an expert committee to look into the matter. It also stated that the question was dropped and that full marks would be awarded to students.
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CBSE’s official handle tweeted, “As the passage in one set of question paper in class X English Exam is not in accordance with guidelines of the board with regard to setting of question papers, it has been decided to drop the question and award full marks to the students for this passage.”
As the passage in one set of question paper in class X English Exam is not in accordance with guidelines of the board with regard to setting of question papers, it has been decided to drop the question and award full marks to the students for this passage . pic.twitter.com/IHfoUJSy2O
— CBSE HQ (@cbseindia29) December 13, 2021
Earlier this month, as reported by TFI, a question on Godhra Riot in class 12 sociology paper had created a similar kerfuffle. Question number 23 in the exam paper asked the students, “The unprecedented scale and spread of anti-muslim violence in Gujarat in 2022 took place under which government?” with the four options being (a) Congress (b) BJP (c) Democratic (d) Republican.
However, as soon as the question went viral on social media platforms, the netizens took offence and called out CBSE as well as the Ministry of Education (MoE), which almost always appears to be sleeping at the wheel.
Also read: “Who organized Godhra Riots?” asked a CBSE class 12th Question. Now Deleted and apologized for
CBSE termed the question as inappropriate, and stated that strict action will be taken against the responsible persons. “A question has been asked in today’s class 12 sociology Term 1 exam which is inappropriate and in violation of the CBSE guidelines for external subject experts for setting question papers. CBSE acknowledges the error made and will take strict action against the responsible persons.”
A question has been asked in today's class 12 sociology Term 1 exam which is inappropriate and in violation of the CBSE guidelines for external subject experts for setting question papers.CBSE acknowledges the error made and will take strict action against the responsible persons
— CBSE HQ (@cbseindia29) December 1, 2021
CBSE has been callous all throughout the exam cycle, with several other exam papers having minor and major problems. Last week, there was a 24 sheet English question paper replete with grammatical errors and subjective questions with multiple answers.
The accountancy paper was similarly dubbed confusing and chaotic by students and teachers alike, with the answer key further compounding the troubles. The pattern of exam was changed at the eleventh hour. Earlier students were supposed to attempt 45 questions out of 55, according to the sample papers. However, in the exam the students had only 48 questions to pick their 40 from.
The controversy didn’t stop here as the audio note of an alleged exam controller went viral, where he stated that students will get grace marks in the exam. Later, CBSE clarified its stance and termed the news of granting “upto 6 grace marks” as fake.
