Syllabus

Latest Syllabus issued by CISCE for Academic Year 2023-2024

English Paper-1 (Language) (801)

CLASS - 12
Aims (English Language) • use the English language for the purpose of study
To develop the ability to: and social and cultural interaction.

• derive, infer and critically assess information through • speak and write clearly and to the purpose, using
listening. appropriate grammar, vocabulary and idiom.

• express oneself by speaking individually, or in a Aims (Prescribed Texts)

discussion. • To enjoy and appreciate literature through a critical
• read with comprehension, drawing information study of selected literary works.
directly or by inference from the text, through an • Through the study of literature:
understanding of grammar and structure, vocabulary − approach an understanding of humanity.
and idiom.
− develop an interest in the thought and culture of
• employ a variety of skills in writing within a the peoples of the world.
framework using argument or imagination or
summarizing. − develop the power of expression and a sense of
aesthetic values.

CLASS 12
The subject English has two components, English Language and Literature in English. Each of these components will consist of
a Theory Paper of 80 Marks and Project Work of 20 Marks.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE
There will be two papers in English Language:
Paper I : Theory (3 hours): 80 Marks Paper II : Project Work: 20 Marks

PAPER I : THEORY - 80 MARKS

Question One: Question Four:
A composition on one of a number of subjects. Comprehension.

Question Two: NOTE: It is recommended that in Paper 1, about 45 minutes

should be spent on Question one, 55 minutes on Question two,
(a) Directed writing (article writing, book review, film
30 minutes on Question three and 50 minutes on Question four.
review, review of cultural programme, speech writing,
report writing, personal profile, and statement of Question One
purpose) based on suggested points. Candidates will be required to select one composition
(b) Proposal Writing based on a given situation. The topic from a choice of six. The choice will normally
proposal should include (i) An Introduction (ii) include narrative, descriptive, reflective, argumentative,
Objectives (iii) List of measures to be taken. A discursive topics and short story.
concluding statement is desirable The required length of the composition is 400 – 450 words.
Question Three: The main criteria by which the compositions will be
Short-answer questions to test grammar, structure and marked are as follows:
usage.

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 Syllabus
(a) The quality of the language employed, the range Question Three
and appropriateness of vocabulary and sentence
All the items in this question are compulsory and their
structure, syntax, the correctness of grammatical
number and type / pattern may vary from year to year.
constructions, punctuation and spelling.
They will consist of short-answer, open completion
(b) The degree to which candidates have been successful items or any other type, which will test the candidates’
in organising the content of the composition as a knowledge of the essentials of functional English grammar
whole and in individual paragraphs. and structure. Only two or three types will be included in
Question Two any one examination.
There are two parts in this question and both parts are Question Four
compulsory. A passage of about 500 words will be provided.
(a) The piece of directed writing will be based on the Questions based on the passage will be as follows:
information and ideas provided. The required length
• Questions that test the candidates’ knowledge of
will be about 300 words. The range of subjects may
vocabulary and ability to understand the content and
include article writing, book review, film review,
infer information and meanings from the text.
review of cultural programme, speech writing, report
• A question that elicits the main ideas of all or part of
writing, personal profile and statement of purpose.
the passage.
Skills such as selecting, amplifying, describing,
In this part of the question, the candidate will be
presenting reasoned arguments, re-arranging and
required to frame a summary (keeping to a word
re-stating may be involved. The candidates’ ability in
limit), in a coherent manner. Marks will be awarded
the above skills, including format, will be taken into
for expression and the candidate’s ability to summarise
account as well as their ability to handle language
clearly in complete sentences. Marks will be deducted
appropriately in the context of the given situation.
for linguistic errors.
(b) Candidates will be required to write a proposal based
It is recommended that this part be done in the grid form.
on a given situation. The proposal should include
an introduction, objectives and a list of measures to Use of abbreviations will not be accepted.
be taken. A concluding statement is desirable. The All questions are compulsory.
candidates will also be marked on linguistic ability.
NOTE:
In addition to the syllabus prescribed above for Classes XI & XII, candidates at Class XI ONLY are also required to be
internally assessed in listening and speaking skills as given below:
Listening and Speaking skills are to be assessed
internally, by the School, during English course work in b) Speaking Skills
Class XI and shown in the students’ report and school
Students are to be assessed through an individual
record.
presentation of about three minutes followed by a
Types of Assessment discussion with the subject teacher, for another two
a) Listening Skills or three minutes.
A passage of about 350 words is read aloud, twice, the Some of the themes to be addressed in the assessment
first time at normal reading speed (about 110 words a are - narrating an experience, giving directions or
minute) and the next time at a slower speed. Students instructions on how to make or operate something,
may make brief notes during the readings. They then providing a description, giving a report, expressing
answer objective type questions based on the passage an opinion or a theme based conversation.
on the paper provided.

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 Syllabus
Candidates are to be graded as follows, jointly for C Satisfactory
Listening and Speaking Skills: D Needs Improvement
Grade Remark E Poor
A Very Good
B Good

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