ICSE - 2014

ICSE EXAMINATION 2014

Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations

ICSE - 2014
Pragati House, 3rd Floor, 47- 48, Nehru Place
New Delhi - 110 505

September 2014
 For further information and comments, please correspond with:

The Deputy Secretary – ICSE

Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations
Pragati House, 3rd Floor
47-48, Nehru Place
New Delhi -110 505

Tel : (011) 26411706; 26413820; 26476547; 26285170

Fax : (011) 26234575; 26212051
E-mail : [email protected]

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 AN ANALYSIS OF PUPIL PERFORMANCE
ICSE EXAMINATION 2014

COUNCIL FOR THE INDIAN SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS,

NEW DELHI

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 FOREWORD

This document of the Analysis of Pupil Performance at the ICSE (Class-10) Examination is a unique tool for
retrospection for both, teachers and students. It has grown and evolved over the years to provide feedback to all
concerned in terms of the strengths and weaknesses of the candidates in handling the ICSE examinations.

We commend the work of Mr. Lancelot J Fuller, Deputy Secretary, and the ICSE Division of the Council who
have painstakingly prepared this analysis. We are grateful to the examiners who have contributed through their
comments on the performance of the candidates under examination as well as for their suggestions to teachers
and students for the effective transaction of the syllabus.

We hope the schools will find this document useful in more ways than one. We invite comments from schools
on further improving its utility and quality.

Gerry Arathoon
October 2014 Chief Executive & Secretary

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 INTRODUCTION

The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations has published the “Analysis of Pupil Performance”
annually since 1994. This document is reviewed every year and changes are incorporated based on suggestions
received from various quarters which include experts in the field of education, Heads of Schools and teachers, in
order to make the analysis more useful and meaningful.

This document comprises both, a quantitative as well as a qualitative analysis of the performance of pupils at the
ICSE examinations. The Analysis of Pupil Performance has been carried out for the most studied subjects that
are largely ascribed to, by the schools. The purpose of this document is to give teachers and students a macro
view of the overall performance of all candidates who have taken the examination and examiners’ comments on
each question. It is hoped that this would enable teachers and students to understand the assessment of the ICSE
examinations better and help both, teachers and students, in the teaching – learning process, more effectively.

The qualitative analysis seeks to provide a transparent look at the assessment process in order to enhance the
effectiveness of the entire assessment procedure. Once the process of the evaluation of scripts is over, examiners
are requested to contribute detailed comments on the performance of candidates for each question. The
comments include the examiners’ response on what constitutes a good answer; common errors made by
candidates while answering the questions; the questions that appeal to students and the overall performance by
the students.

The quantitative analysis is based on the overall performance of all the students who took the examination. An
analysis of the percentage of students who obtained marks in different mark ranges is also included.

Mr. Richard Ellis, Mr. M.R. Felix, Mr. M. Gopal, Mr. C.M. Thomas, Mrs. Liza George and Mrs. Namita Bajaj
are to be commended for their meticulous and diligent effort in preparing this reference tool for both, teachers
and students.

Lancelot J Fuller
October 2014 Deputy Secretary

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 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
STATISTICS AT A GLANCE

Total Number of students who took the examination

89,447
Highest Marks Obtained 100
Lowest Marks Obtained 18
Mean Marks Obtained 83.82

Percentage of Candidates according to marks obtained

Mark Range
Details
0-20 21-40 41-60 61-80 81-100
Number of Candidates 2 73 6665 25943 56764
Percentage of Candidates 0.00 0.08 7.45 29.00 63.46
Cumulative Number 2 75 6740 32683 89447
Cumulative Percentage 0.00 0.08 7.54 36.54 100.00

Range of Marks Obtained

70.00 63.46
Percentage of Candidates

60.00

50.00

40.00
29.00
30.00

20.00
7.45
10.00
0.00 0.08

0.00
0-20 21-40 41-60 61-80 81-100

Marks Obtained

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 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

ANALYSIS OF PERFORMANCE
Question 1

(a) Which of the following are valid comments?

(i)/* comment
*/
(ii)/* comment
(iii)//
comment

(iv)*/ comment */ [2]

(b) What is meant by a package? Name any two Java Application Programming Interface
packages. [2]

(c) Name the primitive data type in Java that is:

(i) a 64-bit integer and is used when you need a range of values wider than those
provided by int.
(ii) a single 16-bit Unicode character whose default value is '\u0000’. [2]

(d) State one difference between the floating point literals float and double. [2]
(e) Find the errors in the given program segment and re-write the statements correctly to
assign values to an integer array.
int a = new int(5);
for(int i=0;i<=5;i++) a[i]=i; [2]

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 Examiners’ Comments
(a) Most candidates answered correctly. However Suggestions for teachers
a few were not clear about the starting and - The Topic “Comments in Java” should be
ending symbols of multi-line comment. taught and revised thoroughly.
(b) Most candidates answered this question - Students must be trained to write programs
correctly. with comments.
(c) Most candidates answered the first part - The proper definition of the term “package”
correctly while a very few answered the to be explained thoroughly followed by
second part correctly. names of important packages.
(d) Most candidates answered the question - Students must be guided and reminded
correctly. constantly to learn such topics thoroughly as
(e) A few candidates could not identify all the 3 they are examined in the compulsory section
errors while 2 or just 1 of the errors were only.
identified by most candidates. - The “Data Type” topic should be covered
thoroughly under different heads.
- Differences between all types of data types to
be clearly discussed in class.
- Explain with conceptual clarity the Syntax
of declaration of 1-D array and motivate the
students to learn it thoroughly.
- Test expression of the loop to create 1-D array
to be comprehensively explained.

MARKING SCHEME
Question – 1
(a) (i)
(iii)
(b) A package is a group of related classes
Any two of the following:
java.applet java.sql javax.sound
java.awt java.text javax.swing
java.beans java.util javax.transaction
java.io javax.accessibility javax.xml
java.lang javax.crypto org.ietf
java.math javax.imageio org.omg
java.net javax.naming org.w3c
java.nio javax.net org.xml
java.rmi javax.print
java.security javax.rmi
(c) (i) long
(ii) char

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 (d) The float data type is a single-precision 32-bit (or 4 bytes) OR Default value 0.0f OR 8
digit precision
The double data type is a double-precision 64-bit (or 8 bytes) OR Default value 0.0d OR
16 digit precision
(e) int a[]=new int[5]; OR int []a=new int[5];
(for(int i=0;i<5;i++) OR for(int i=0;i<=4;i++)

Question 2
(a) Operators with higher precedence are evaluated before operators with relatively lower
precedence. Arrange the operators given below in order of higher precedence to lower
precedence.
(i) && (ii) % (iii) >= (iv) ++ [2]
(b) Identify the statements listed below as assignment, increment, method invocation or
object creation statements.
(i) System.out.println("Java");
(ii) costPrice = 457.50;
(iii) Car hybrid = new Car( );
(iv) petrolPrice++; [2]
(c) Give two differences between the switch statement and the if-else statement. [2]
(d) What is an infinite loop? Write an infinite loop statement. [2]
(e) What is a constructor? When is it invoked? [2]

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 Examiners’ Comments:
(a) Most candidates who were clear about Suggestions for teachers
precedence of operators wrote the correct  Hierarchy/precedence/order of all types of
answer. operators should be taught thoroughly with
(b) Some candidates appeared confused adequate evaluation exercises based on
between the method invocation (i) and precedence.
object creation (ii).  Assign practice exercises so that students are
(c) Answered correctly by candidates who able to identify different types of statements.
thoroughly studied the theoretical notes on  Provide concise notes covering all possible
if-else and switch-case. questions on if-else and switch-case and
(d) The first part was answered correctly by explain the role of each keyword like else,
most candidates. Examples written default, case, etc.
however were incorrect.  The topic “Variations of loops covering,
(e) The definition of a constructor was multiple initialization expressions, multiple
answered correctly though some update expressions and empty loop should be
candidates did not cover all the points in explained in class with proper examples and
their definition. exercises.
 Invoking of a constructor along with object
creation needs to be explained in detail.

MARKING SCHEME
Question - 2
(a) (iv), (ii), (iii), (i) All 4 correct
Only 1 incorrect
(b) (i) method invocation
(ii) assignment
(iii) object creation
(iv) increment All 4 correct
Only 1 incorrect
(c) switch:
can perform only equality (= =) comparison OR
can have a number of possible execution paths OR
works with the byte/short/char/int primitive data types OR
multiple branching OR
is used along with case statement OR default statement
If-else:
Can perform all relational comparisons (<, >, >=, <=, = =, !=) OR
executes a certain section of code only if a particular test evaluates to true OR
provides a secondary path of execution when an "if" clause evaluates to false OR
works with any data type OR conditional/control flow/decision statements
(d) A sequence of instructions which loops/iterates/repeats endlessly.
Any valid example which shows:
the loop having no terminating condition OR

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 having a condition that can never be met OR
one that causes the loop to start over
for(;;) or while(true){}
(e) A constructor is a member function or method of a class that has
the same name as the class OR has no return type not even void.
OR initializes data members of a class.

It is invoked at the time of object creation

Question 3

(a) List the variables from those given below that are composite data types.
(i) static int x; (iv) boolean b;
(ii) arr[i]=10; (v) private char chr;
(iii) obj.display( ); (vi) String str; [2]
(b) State the output of the following program segment:
String str1= "great"; String str2= "minds";
System.out.println(str1.substring(0,2).concat(str2.substring(1)));
System.out.println(("WH"+(str1.substring(2).toUpperCase()))); [2]
(c) What are the final values stored in variables x and y below?
double a = − 6.35;
double b = 14.74;
double x = Math.abs(Math.ceil(a));
double y = Math.rint(Math.max(a,b)); [2]
(d) Rewrite the following program segment using if-else statements instead of the ternary
operator.
String grade=(mark>=90) ? "A" : (mark>=80) ? "B" : "C"; [2]
(e) Give the output of the following method:
public static void main(String[] args){
int a = 5;
a++;
System.out.println(a);
a−=(a−−) – (−−a);
System.out.println(a); } [2]
(f) What is the data type returned by the library functions:
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 (i) compareTo()
(ii) equals() [2]
(g) State the value of characteristic and mantissa when the following code is executed.
String s = "4.3756";
int n = s.indexOf('.');
int characteristic=Integer.parseInt(s.substring(0,n));
int mantissa=Integer.valueOf(s.substring(n+1)); [2]
(h) Study the method and answer the given questions.
public void sampleMethod()
{ for(int i=0;i<3;i++)
{ for(int j=0;j<2;j++)
{int number = (int)(Math.random() * 10);
System.out.println(number); }}}
(i) How many times does the loop execute?
(ii) What is the range of possible values stored in the variable number? [2]

(i) Consider the following class:

public class myClass {
public static int x=3, y=4;
public int a=2, b = 3; }
(i) Name the variables for which each object of the class will have its own distinct
copy.
(ii) Name the variables that are common to all objects of the class. [2]
(j) What will be the output when the following code segments are executed?
(i) String s="1001";
int x=Integer.valueOf(s);
double y=Double.valueOf(s);
System.out.println("x="+x);
System.out.println("y="+y);
(ii) System.out.println("The king said \"Begin at the beginning!\" to me."); [2]

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 Examiners’ Comments
Suggestions for teachers
(a) Some candidates wrote all three options
 Explain the difference between primitive
correctly but most could identify one or two
and composite data types and give
options correctly.
numerous examples to identify variables of
(b) A few candidates who were clear about
each type.
string functions wrote the correct answer.
(c) Some candidates were confused regarding  Practice questions on multiple string
the sign (+ or -) in the answer and whether functions must be given in class regularly.
the answer should be of double type or int.  Practice exercises on evaluation of the
(d) Most candidates answered correctly. Some multiple and single mathematical functions
candidates, however, printed the grades must be given in class and students should
instead of assigning them. be guided to revise and practice the same
(e) Some candidates were not clear about exercises for the exams.
evaluation of arithmetic assignment  Practice questions on conversion of nested
operators after increment/decrement ternary operator expressions to if else and
operators. visa versa must be given in class.
(f) A few candidates wrote literals as answers as  Order of evaluation of expressions using
they failed to read the question carefully and arithmetic assignment operators and
not the data types as asked. Some candidates increment/decrement operators must be
were not clear about the data type int and clearly explained in class along with
wrote the full word integer. examples.
(g) Most candidates who had conceptual clarity  When teaching string functions proper
of multiple functions wrote the correct syntax of each function prototype (return
answer. type and type and number of parameters)
(h) Some candidates were not clear about should be explained and students should be
random ( ) function and some appeared made to note them in their registers.
confused about nested loop. Students should also be advised to read the
(i) Most candidates lacked the concepts based questions carefully at least twice before
on static and instance variables. answering them.
(j) Some candidates were unaware of value Of  Functions form a very important part of the
( ) function to convert strings to primitive Java language hence a thorough
data types besides parsing. The role of explanation and additional practice
escape sequences in outputs were not clear questions on functions must be given.
to some candidates.  All library functions including random( )
must be tried as output questions, working
practically on the computer along with
evaluation exercises theoretically. Nested
loop concept – outer loop takes the next
iteration only when the entire inner loop
goes through all its iterations once – should
be explained with additional nested loop
examples.

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 Suggestions for teachers
 The keyword “static” and its use must be
explained with examples.
 ValueOf( ) function as a substitute for
parsing strings to primitive types must be
taught with examples. Escape sequences
and their use along with the list of
important escape sequences must be
taught in class.

MARKING SCHEME
Question - 3
(a) (ii) arr (iii) obj (vi) str All 3 correct
Any 2 correct
(b) grinds
WHEAT
( c) 6.0
15.0
(d) if(mark>=90) grade=”A”;
else if(mark>=80) grade=”B”;
else grade=”C”; All 3 correct
Any 2 correct
(e) 6
6−(6−4)=4
(f) (i) int
(ii) boolean
(g) 4
3756
(h) (i) 6 times
(ii) 0 to 9 OR {1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9}
(i) (i) a,b
(ii) x,y
(j) (i) x=1001
y=1001.0
(ii) The king said “Begin at the beginning!”to me.nextLine()

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 Question 4
Define a class named movieMagic with the following description:
Instance variables/data members:
int year - to store the year of release of a movie
String title - to store the title of the movie
float rating - to store the popularity rating of the movie
(minimum rating=0.0 and maximum rating=5.0)
Member methods:
(i) movieMagic() Default constructor to initialize numeric data members to 0 and
String data member to "".
(ii) void accept() To input and store year, title and rating.
(iii) void display() To display the title of a movie and a message based on the rating as per the
table below.
Rating Message to be displayed
0.0 to 2.0 Flop
2.1 to 3.4 Semi-hit
3.5 to 4.5 Hit
4.6 to 5.0 Super Hit

Write a main method to create an object of the class and call the above member methods. [15]

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 Examiners’ Comments
(i) The Class name written by most candidates Suggestions for teachers
was different from the one asked in the  Guide and advise students to carefully
question. read the question and understand its
(ii) Constructor syntax was incorrect (void used, requirements.
variables declared inside constructor and  Constructor syntax to be explained
initialized). comprehensively with additional revision
(iii) if-else range> and < placed incorrectly. and practice on writing constructors.
(iv) There was confusion between  Guide and instruct students to practice to
mathematical symbols ≤ , ≥ and Java relational convert English statements having
operators <=, >=. conditions with ranges to Java if-else using
(v) Multiple functions were not written as asked. proper relational operators.
(vi) There was confusion between global and local  Advise students in home exams against
variables. using ≤, ≥ instead of <=, >=.
 Programs on multiple functions of all types
to be revised on a consistent basis in class.
 Difference between global and local
variables and how to use them in multiple
function programs should be explained
thoroughly in class.

MARKING SCHEME
Question - 4
import java.io.*;//import java.util.*;
public class movieMagic
{
int year; float rating; String title;

BufferedReader br=new BufferedReader(new InputStreamReader(System.in));

//Scanner sc=new Scanner(System.in);

public movieMagic()
{
year=0;
rating=0.0f;
title="";
}

public void accept()throws IOException//throws InputMismatchException

{
System.out.println("Enter year of release");
year=Integer.parseInt(br.readLine()); // sc.nextInt();
System.out.println("Enter title");
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 title=br.readLine(); // sc.next();

do
{
System.out.println("Enter rating (minimum 0.0 and maximum 5.0)");
rating=Float.parseFloat(br.readLine()); // sc.nextInt();
}
while (!(rating>=0.0f && rating<=5.0.f)); OR while (rating < 0.0f  rating
>5.0f );
}

public void display()

{
System.out.print("Title:"+title+" Rating: ");
if (rating <=2.0) System.out.println("Flop");

else if (rating<=3.4) System.out.println("Semi

Hit");

else if (rating<=4.5) System.out.println("Hit");

else System.out.println("Super Hit");

}

public static void main()throws IOException

{
movieMagic object = new movieMagic();

object.accept();
object.display();
}

Step
Declaration of class and instance variables
Creating object of class BufferedReader/Scanner
Constructor properly declared and data members initialised
accept() method declaration (with exception handling if
required)
3 Inputs correct
Output title in display() method
Decision for rating<=2.0 and output
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 Decision for rating<=3.4 and output
Decision for rating<=4.5 and output
Decision for rating>4.5 and output
main method declaration
Creation of object
2 methods called correctly
Description of variables/ comments/ mnemonics

Question 5

A special two-digit number is such that when the sum of its digits is added to the product of its
digits, the result is equal to the original two-digit number.
Example: Consider the number 59.
Sum of digits = 5 + 9 = 14
Product of its digits = 5 × 9 = 45
Sum of the sum of digits and product of digits = 14 + 45 = 59
Write a program to accept a two-digit number. Add the sum of its digits to the product of its
digits. If the value is equal to the number input, output the message “Special 2-digit number”
otherwise, output the message “Not a special 2-digit number”. [15]

Examiners’ Comments:
Most candidates answered this question, but the Suggestions for teachers
- How to validate data should be taught
following errors were commonly observed:
with the help of examples.
(i) Checking for 2-digit number was missing.
- Extraction of digits logic n%=10 and
(ii) Extraction of digits using loop was not clear. n/=10 needs to be explained with
(iii) Candidates were confused in the use of numerous examples and exercises.
temporary variable for copying the original value - Why a copy of original value must be
in extraction of digits. maintained should be explained with a dry
run and which one to use where – if the
original is used in extraction loop then a
copy to be used in comparison or vice
versa.

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 MARKING SCHEME
Question - 5
public class special
{
public void sampleMethod(int num)
{
int digit, sumDigit=0, prodDigit=1,
sum=0;
int n=num;
if(num>=10 && num<=99)
{ while(n>0)
{ digit=n%10;
sumDigit+=digit;
prodDigit*=digit;
n/=10;
}
sum+=sumDigit+prodDigit;
if(sum==num)
System.out.println("Special
number");
else
System.out.println("Not a special number");
}
}
}

Step
Input number
Initialise 2 sums and product
Store number in second variable
Check if number is 2-digit
condition for number >0 while(n>0)
Extract digit from number
Compute sum of digits
Compute product of digits
number/=10
Compute total of sum and product of digits
Check if total equals number
Output "Special Number" message
Output "Not Special Number" message
Description of variables/ comments/ mnemonics

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 OR

public class alternateSpecial

{
public void sampleMethod(String s)
{
int len,digit1, digit2, sumDigit, prodDigit, sum; String s1, s2;
int n=Integer.parseInt(s);
len=s.length();
if (len==2) // if(n>=10 && n<=99)
{
s1=s.substring(0,1);
s2=s.substring(1,2);

digit1=Integer.parseInt(s1);
digit2=Integer.parseInt(s2);

sumDigit=digit1+digit2;
prodDigit=digit1*digit2;

sum=sumDigit+prodDigit;

if(sum==n)
System.out.println("Special Number");
else
System.out.println("Not a Special Number");
}

}
}

Step
Input number as String
Convert String to integer
Check if number is 2-digit
Extract first digit
Extract second digit
Convert first digit from String to integer
Convert second digit from String to integer
Compute sum of digits
Compute product of digits
Compute total of sum and product of digits
Check if total equals number
Output "Special Number" message
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 Output "Not Special Number" message
Description of variables/ comments/ mnemonics

Question 6
Write a program to assign a full path and file name as given below. Using library functions, extract and
output the file path, file name and file extension separately as shown.
Input C:\Users\admin\Pictures\flower.jpg
Output Path: C:\Users\admin\Pictures\
File name: flower
Extension: jpg [15]

Examiners’ comments: Suggestions for teachers

A direct question on strings but only a few candidates - Students need to be guided and instructed
whose concepts were clear about string function on how to read each question at least
“substring” answered it correctly. A few candidates twice especially programming questions.
confused this question to be of “files”. The function “substring” is an important
and useful function as it makes any logic
of string program very simple, short and
easy. Hence, this function should be
taught and explained in detail with
examples and programs using substring
in class.
MARKING SCHEME
Question - 6
public class stringHandling
{
public void sampleMethod()
{
String s="C:\\users\\admin\\pictures\\flower.jpg";
int len,i, pos=0; char c; String fpath="", fname="", fextn="";
len=s.length();
for(i=len-1;i>=0;i--)
{
c=s.charAt(i);
if(c=='.')
{ fextn=s.substring(i+1);
pos=i;
}
if(c=='\\')
{ fname=s.substring(i+1,pos);

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 fpath =
s.substring(0,i+1);
break;
}
}
System.out.println("Path: "+fpath);
System.out.println("File name: "+fname);
System.out.println("Extension: "+fextn);
}
}

Step
Assign value to String (accept single slash instead of double slash)
Declare variables (ignore initialisation)
Find length of string
Loop
Extract character
Check if character is '.'
Extract substring for file extension
store position of '.'
Check if character is '//' (accept single slash instead of double slash)
Extract substring for file name
Extract substring for file path
break to exit loop
Output file path, file name, file extension
Description of variables/ comments/ mnemonics

OR
public class alternateSolution

{
public void sampleMethod()

{ String s="C:\\users\\admin\\pictures\\flower.jpg";

int pos1=0, pos2=0; String fpath="", fname="", fextn="";

pos1=s.lastIndexOf('\\');

pos2=s.indexOf('.');

fpath=s.substring(0,pos1+1);

fname=s.substring(pos1+1, pos2);
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 fextn=s.substring(pos2+1);

System.out.println("Path: "+fpath);

System.out.println("File name: "+fname);

System.out.println("Extension: "+fextn);
}
}

Step
Assign value to String (accept single slash instead of double slash)
Declare variables (ignore initialisation)
Find last index of slash (accept single slash instead of double slash)
Find index of '.'
Extract substring for file path
Extract substring for file name
Extract substring for file extension
Output file path
Output file name
Output file extension
Description of variables/ comments/ mnemonics

Question 7
Design a class to overload a function area( ) as follows:
(i) double area(double a, double b, double c) with three double arguments, returns the area
of a scalene triangle using the formula:
area = s ( s  a)(s  b)(s  c)
abc
where s =
2
(ii) double area(int a, int b, int height) with three integer arguments, returns the area of a
trapezium using the formula:
1
area = height(a+b)
2
(iii) double area(double diagonal1, double diagonal2) with two double arguments, returns the
area of a rhombus using the formula:

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 1
area = (diagonal1×diagonal2) [15]
2
Examiners’ Comments
(i) Most candidates appeared confused in the Suggestions for teachers
return type syntax – both avoid and double - Function prototype syntax with overloading
used together. If void used then instead of to be discussed thoroughly.
System.out.println( ) return used and if double - At least 10 – 12 programs on function
used then no return but System.out. println( ) overloading covering all logics must be
used. done in class and ensure that all students
(ii) Mathematical expressions conversion to Java have these programs in their registers for the
abc purpose of revision during exams.
expressions incorrect - . - Students should be made to practice to
2
convert mathematical formulae to Java
Expression.

MARKING SCHEME
Question - 7
public class overload
{
double area=0;

public double area(double a, double b, double c)

{
double s=(a+b+c)/2;
area=Math.sqrt(s*(s-a)*(s-b)*(s-c));
return area;

}
public double area(int a, int b, int height)
{
area=0.5*height*(a+b);
return area;
}
public double area(double diagonal1, double diagonal2)
{
double area=0.5*(diagonal1*diagonal2);
return area;

}
}

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 Step
Class name different from method name (area)
Declare variable for area
First method declaration
Computing semi-perimeter, s
Computing area of triangle : s*(s-a)*(s-b)*(s-c)
Computing area of triangle : Math.sqrt()
return area
Second method declaration
Computing area of trapezium
return area
Third method declaration
Computing area of rhombus
return area
Description of variables/ comments/ mnemonics

Question 8

Using the switch statement, write a menu driven program to calculate the maturity amount of
a Bank Deposit.
The user is given the following options:
(i) Term Deposit
(ii) Recurring Deposit
For option (i) accept principal(P), rate of interest(r) and time period in years(n). Calculate
n
 r 
and output the maturity amount(A) receivable using the formula A= P 1 
 100 
For option (ii) accept Monthly Installment (P), rate of interest(r) and time period in months
(n). Calculate and output the maturity amount(A) receivable using the formula
n( n  1) r 1
A=P×n + P× × ×
2 100 12
For an incorrect option, an appropriate error message should be displayed. [15]

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 Examiners’ comments
Common mistakes:
Suggestions for teachers
(i) Mathematical expressions converted to Java
 Regular practice exercises must be
incorrectly.
undertaken in class to convert algebraic
(ii) Menu not displayed or choice not input.
expressions to Java.
(iii) Break missing at the end of each case or default
not present.  The importance and use of displaying
(iv) Declaration of variables was not properly done. menu or inputting choice to be stressed
upon.
 Syntax of switch-case to be thoroughly
discussed and revised in connection with
lot of programming questions.
 How to properly place declaration of
variables storing data as per requirement
of the question must be reinforced.

MARKING SCHEME
Question 8
import java.io.*; //import java.util.*;
public class bank
{ public void sampleMethod()throws IOException // throwsInputMismatchException
{ double P,A=0,r,n,x; int choice;
BufferedReader br=new BufferedReader(new InputStreamReader(System.in));
//Scanner sc=new Scanner(System.in);
System.out.println("Enter Choice(1) Term Deposit (2) Recurring Deposit ");
choice=Integer.parseInt(br.readLine());//sc.nextInt();
switch(choice)
{
case 1:
System.out.println(" Enter Principal:");
P=Double.parseDouble(br.readLine());//sc.nextDouble();
System.out.println(" Enter rate of interest:"); r=Double.parseDouble(br.readLine());
System.out.println(" Enter time period in years:");
n=Double.parseDouble(br.readLine());//sc.nextDouble();
x=1.0+r/100.0;
A=P*(Math.pow(x,n));
break;
case 2:
System.out.println(" Enter Monthly Instalment:");
P=Double.parseDouble(br.readLine());//sc.nextDouble();
System.out.println(" Enter rate of interest:"); r=Double.parseDouble(br.readLine());
System.out.println(" Enter time period in months:");
n=Double.parseDouble(br.readLine());//sc.nextDouble();
x=P*n;
A=x+ P*(n*(n+1)/2.0)*(r/100.0)*(1.0/12.0);

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 break;
default: System.out.println("Invalid input");
} System.out.print("Amount = Rs."); System.out.printf("%.2f",A); }}
OR Sytem.out.println("Amount = Rs." +A)

Step
Output menu
Input option
switch statement
case 1 and break
Input 3 parameters (any data type)
Compute Amount for term deposit (ignore data types)
case 2 and break
Input 3 parameters (any data type)
Computing Amount for recurring deposit (ignore data types)
default statement with appropriate message
Output Amount (ignore formatting)
Description of variables/ comments/ mnemonics

Question 9

Write a program to accept the year of graduation from school as an integer value from the
user. Using the Binary Search technique on the sorted array of integers given below, output
the message “Record exists” if the value input is located in the array. If not, output the
message “Record does not exist”.
{1982, 1987, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010} [15]

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 Examiners’ comments:
(i) “Binary Search” is a very direct and fixed logic Suggestions for teachers
hence question based on it has to be a full mark
- BINARY SEARCH technique should be
question. However some candidates were not
taught with proper dry runs with
clear about the logic or its working. Sequence of different data (numeric and string). Each
statements were incorrect thus giving the statement / step should be taught with a
impression that the statements were learnt dry run with the data and then explained.
thought rote memory, for e.g.: Further students should be given plenty
Mid value calculated outside while loop OR of exercises to dry run data with this
technique and see if the correct result of
instead of comparing the search value with the binary search is achieved.
value at mid position the comparison is done - Syntax of array initialization to be
between search value and mid position i.e., discussed and students should be given
instead of arr[mid] just mid is used lower = mid + practice exercises to declare 1-D arrays.
1 and upper = mid – 1 confused or interchanged - Dry run of this logic very essential in
explaining to students.
according to the conditions.
(ii) Syntax of initialization of 1-D array whether thru
input or direct were not correct.
(iii) Outputting of messages incorrectly placed.

MARKING SCHEME
Question 9
import java.io.*; //import java.util.*;
public class BinarySearch {
public static void main() throws IOException
{ int[] intArray = {1982, 1987, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010};
int searchValue = 0;
BufferedReader br=new BufferedReader(new InputStreamReader(System.in));
//Scanner sc=new Scanner(System.in);
System.out.print("Enter a number to search for: ");
searchValue = Integer.parseInt(br.readLine());//sc.nextInt();
boolean b=false;
int start, end, mid;
start = 0;
end = intArray.length - 1; // end=9
while (start <= end) {
mid = (start + end) / 2;
if (intArray[mid] == searchValue)
1 mark
{ System.out.println("Record exists"); b=true; break;}
else if (intArray[mid] < searchValue)
start = mid + 1;
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 else

end = mid - 1;
}
if (b==false) System.out.println("Record does not exist");
}
}

Step
Assign (or accept) values to integer array
Input number to be searched

Initialize boolean or integer value to check if search number exists in

array (Deduct mark if boolean/integer value status does not change
when search number is located)
Initialise start index and end index of array
Condition statement while(start<=end)
Compute middle index
Check if array item at middle index equals search number
Output "Record exists", break to exit loop
Check if array item at middle index less than search number
start index = middle index +1
Check if array item at middle index greater than search number
end index = middle index - 1
Condition and output message "Record does not exist"
Description of variables/ comments/ mnemonics

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 Topics /Concepts found difficult

 Multi-line comments, escape sequences, default values of data types.

 Precedence of operators.
 Identifying variables of different data types and types of statements.
 Multiple / nested Mathematical and String functions.
 Nested Loops.
 Static/ non-static variables.
 Conversion of algebraic expressions to Java expressions.
 Syntax of switch-case and array declaration and initialization.

Suggestions for students

 Computer Applications is a logic based subject like Mathematics and highly scoring in nature. It
needs to be given time of self-study revision and practice at least 3 times a week for a duration of ½
an hour each day followed by a complete review of week’s work during the week end. Do not leave
this subject to be studied on the eve of the examination.
 All exercises, general and Programming to be maintained in a register and revised during exam
preparation.
 Syntax of each element of Java to be thoroughly studied.
 At the time of answering, every question must be read at least twice before answering.
 All programs must be written with suitable comments – whether in class or during exam.
 A good variable description containing a list of important variables used in the program along with
their data types and purpose must be given at the end of every program.

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