How much we may say, that examination is not the true method to access one’s intelligence, but still, we have to appear in many examinations throughout our lives to prove ourselves. The importance of Examination cannot be negated. Hence, we have brought the #CBSEXAMTipsTricks Series. The hard work put in by Team MRIS VIBES to help anxious students of Manav Rachna International Schools, going to take the Board Exam in their stride is commendable. Here is a post, meticulously curated to guide students for Grade 10 English. ~Editor

FROM THE EXPERT’S DESK

Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.

Robert Collier

As CBSE Board Exams are approaching, students are  experiencing overwhelming situations about what to study, how to study, what type of questions will be there in exams and much more. Talking about Class 10^th English language and literature, it is amongst one of the highest scoring subjects. The subject focuses on the assessment of students’ conceptual understanding, analyzing, inferring, interpreting, reasoning and justifying the writer’s message.

English subject plays a vital role in boosting students’ overall percentage. For better scores read the chapters thoroughly, learn the names of the characters and understand the theme and message of the prose/poetry.

• English language and literature is Subject code-184.
• Consists of 80 marks divided into three sections.
• Total Marks – 100 Mks. 20 Marks on internal assessments.

Section A: Reading skills (20 marks)

Section B: Grammar and writing skills (20 marks)

Section C: Literature Textbooks and Supplementary Reading Text (40 marks)

Section A – Reading skills include two comprehension passages (20 marks)

1. Discursive passage of 400 – 450 words. (10 marks)
2. Case based passage with visual input- statistical data, charts etc. of 200 to 250 words. (10 marks)

Multiple choice / Objective type questions will be asked to assess inference, analysis, interpretation, evaluation and vocabulary of the students.

Section B- Grammar and Writing skills (20 marks)

• Grammar consists of 10 marks.

Students will have to attempt 10 out of 12 questions based on gap filling/ Editing / Transformation exercises to assess their spelling , punctuation and grammar.

1. Writing skill consists of 10 marks.

This section consists of short as well as long writing tasks.

1. Formal letter based on a given situation in 100 – 120 words. Students will have to attempt one out of two questions. ( 5 marks)
2. Analytical paragraph writing in 100 – 120 words based on a given Illustration/ Chart/ Graph/ Cue/s. Students will have to attempt one out of two questions. (5 marks).

Section C- Literature Textbooks and Supplementary Reading Text (40 marks)

1. Reference to context (RTC).
2. One extract out of two from Drama/ Prose (Textbook First Flight/ Footprints without Feet) (5 marks)
3. One extract out of two from poetry.

First Flight

Multiple Choice Questions / Objective Type Questions will be asked to assess inference, analysis, interpretation, evaluation and vocabulary of the students. (5 marks)

1. Short and Very Long Answer Questions (30 marks)
2. Four out of Five Short Answer Type Questions to be answered in 40 – 50 words from the book First Flight. ( 4×3=12 marks)
3. Two out of Three Short Answer Type Questions to be answered in 40 – 50 words each from Footprints Without Feet.(2×3=6 marks)

Long Answer Type Questions

• One out of Two Long Answer Type Questions to be answered in about 100 – 120 words from First Flight to assess creativity, imagination and extrapolation beyond the text and across the text. (6 marks)

1. One out of Two Long Answer Type Questions to be answered in about 100 – 120 words from Footprints Without Feet on theme or plot involving interpretation, extrapolation beyond the text and inference or character sketch. (6 marks)

Tips and Strategies to be followed to score high in English Language and Literature

•  Read the question paper very meticulously.
•  Attempt the paper systematically according to the section. Complete one section then switch on to the next section.
• Reading time of 15 minutes should be utilized wisely.
• Read every question thoroughly. You can even read the passages carefully during this time.
• Always leave a line between 2 answers. Draw a line too.
• Avoid overwriting.
• Presentation matters in any Exam, especially in English paper.
• Make a single line with a pencil/pen to strike off any wrong answer. Do not scribble over the words to cut them.
• Adhere to the word limit mentioned in every question.
• Underline important keywords in your answers.
• Maintain proper pace of writing. Don’t waste too much time thinking.
• Plan your writing in such a way that at least you have 10 -15 minutes time in your hand to revise all your answers.
• As Section A, Section B (Grammar) and Section C (RTC) are Multiple Choice Questions and Objective Type Questions, read the options carefully, analyze and then make the choice smartly.
• All Poetic Devices OR Figure of Speeches should be well revised and remembered. They should be marked in the poems and learnt.
• Attempt any Section first but complete the section, sequence wise.
• Mark the questions properly and leave a line between two answers.

Section-by-section Study Tips

The CBSE Class 10 question papers for English have four components. Depending on the degree of difficulty, each portion is divided differently. To get the most points, it would be great to answer more and more questions. Below, you’ll find English preparation advice for the English Board Exam, broken down into sections.

Grammar Section: Making your fundamental ideas clear might be very helpful in the grammar portion. Utilize an excellent grammar book and regular practice. It is also necessary to analyze your responses in order to identify and rectify any errors you are making.

Writing Section: Writing on current events will not only help you with this section’s grammatical mistakes, but it will also benefit you. Students should also practice techniques for time management while honing their writing abilities. Work on the formats for all topics to get the best possible grade.

Reading Section:  It is one of the portions of the question paper with the highest average score. With less work, students can easily achieve high marks.

English Paper is a simple way to improve total percentage, yet we frequently fill our answer sheets with pointless mistakes that undermine our possibilities of doing well in the subject. However, it is a fascinating subject that gives us a chance to put our creative caps on and offer our insight on everything. Instead of being afraid of the subject, appreciate the prospects; you’ll be amazed at what you can produce.

Prepare well and shine like a star.

Author: Ms. Abha Mehta, TGT English, MRIS, Sec-46, Gurugram