ICSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2024-25 - PDF Download

The ISCE Class 10 English syllabus for the academic year 2024-25 is thoughtfully designed to strengthen students' language skills and deepen their understanding of literature. It aims to develop critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication abilities, which are essential for academic success and personal growth.

The syllabus is divided into two main parts: English Language and Literature in English. The English Language section focuses on enhancing writing and comprehension skills through tasks like essay writing, letter writing, and unseen passage analysis. It also emphasizes grammar and vocabulary, ensuring students can express their ideas clearly and accurately.

The Literature in English section introduces students to a variety of prose, poetry, and drama written by renowned authors. The texts cover diverse themes, cultures, and human experiences, encouraging students to analyze, interpret, and appreciate literature. This section not only improves reading skills but also fosters empathy and a broader worldview.

The syllabus provides a balanced approach by combining theoretical knowledge with practical exercises. It aims to make learning enjoyable while preparing students for exams and future challenges. By engaging with this syllabus, students will become confident communicators, thoughtful readers, and well-rounded individuals, ready to excel in academics and beyond.

ISC Class 10 English Semester-Wise Syllabus 2024-25

Paper 1 - English Language

All questions will be compulsory.

Question 1: Candidates will be required to write a composition of about 300– 350 words from a choice of subjects that will test their ability to organize, describe, narrate, report, explain, persuade, or argue, present ideas coherently with accuracy and precision, compare and contrast ideas and arrive at conclusions, present relevant arguments, and use correct style and format.

The topics will vary and may be suggested by language or other stimuli such as pictures. The

topics will be chosen to allow the candidates to draw on first-hand experience or stimulate their imagination.

The organization of subject matter, syntax, punctuation, the correctness of grammatical constructions, and spelling will be expected to be appropriate to the mode of treatment required by the subject.

Question 2: Candidates will have to write a letter from a choice of two subjects requiring either a formal or a friendly mode of treatment. Suggestions regarding the content of the letter may be given. The format of the letter with address, introduction, conclusion, etc., will form part of the assessment. Special attention must be paid to the format of the letter with emphasis on tone and vocabulary appropriate to the context.

Question 3: Candidates will be given a specific situation and will be required to:

(a) Write the text for a notice based on given directions.

(b) Write an e-mail with the same content as the notice.

Question 4: An unseen prose passage of about 500 words will be given. Uncommon items of vocabulary, or structure will be avoided. A question will be set to test vocabulary. Candidates will be required to show an understanding of the words/phrases in the context in which they have been used. Several questions requiring short answers will also be asked in the passage. These questions will test the candidates’ ability to comprehend the explicit content and organization of the passage and to infer information, intention, and attitude from it. The last question will consist of a summary that will test the candidates’ ability to distinguish main ideas from supporting details and to extract salient points to re-write them in the form of a summary. Candidates will be given a clear indication of what they are to summarise and of the length of the summary.

Question 5: There will be a number of short answer questions to test the candidates' knowledge of functional grammar, structure, and usage. All the items in this question will be compulsory. They will consist of correct use of prepositions, conjunctions, verbs, and structure of sentences.

Paper 2 - Literature in English

Candidates will be required to answer questions based on the prescribed textbooks, which include Drama, Prose (Short Stories), and Poetry.

Drama and Prose (Short Stories)

The questions set will be central to the text. Candidates will be required to show that they have understood the passage and can respond in their own words. Excerpts may be given from the drama and prose texts leading to questions.

Poetry

A poem, or lines from poems, will be given and questions will be set to test the candidates’ response. The questions will focus on the content, understanding, and the personal response of candidates to the entire poem as a whole.

ICSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2024-25

I. DRAMA: Julius Caesar: William Shakespeare (Acts III, IV & V)

II. TREASURE CHEST: A Collection of ICSE

Short Stories & Poems

(Evergreen Publications (India) Ltd. New Delhi)

PROSE (Short Stories):

1. With the Photographer – Stephen Leacock

2. The Elevator – William Sleator

3. The Girl Who Can – Ama Ata Aidoo

4. The Pedestrian – Ray Bradbury

5. The Last Lesson – Alphonse Daudet

POETRY:

1. Haunted Houses – H.W. Longfellow

2. The Glove and the Lions – Leigh Hunt

3. When Great Trees Fall – Maya Angelou

4. A Considerable Speck – Robert Frost

5. The Power of Music – Sukumar Ray

ISC class 10 English Exam Pattern