Students normally neglect English while preparing for their class 10 board exams. Some feel it is too easy and leave it till the board exams, and some may over-play their cards on it so that they have less time on other subjects. This habit causes stress and confusion in their brains. The best way to overcome this is to adopt a balance and prepare ahead of the scheduled time.
This blog will share some expert tips on how to prepare for class 10 English exam and achieve a score of 90 or more.
Importance of English in Overall CBSE Class 10 Results
English can be a scoring subject that significantly boosts your overall CGPA. Unlike subjects with lengthy calculations or complex theories, English tests your comprehension, grammar, and interpretation skills. With clarity of concepts and adequate practice, English can complement your performance in other core subjects and help secure a higher overall result. A strong score in English can make a considerable difference in your final aggregate.
Understanding the English Paper Structure
Knowing the paper structure is half the battle won. The English exam is divided into three main sections, each testing different skills:
Section A: Reading Comprehension
This section tests your ability to quickly read and understand passages, extract relevant information, and answer questions based on them.
- Types of passages: You will encounter discursive and case-based passages. Each of these carries 10 marks each.
- Tips: Practice reading daily and learn to skim effectively. You can read newspapers or articles to become familiar with it. Highlight key points as you read and time yourself to get better at speed reading. Focus on identifying the main idea, tone, and supporting details.
Section B: Grammar and Writing Skills
English Grammar questions can cover a range of question patterns, such as error detection, sentence reordering, and fill-in-the-blanks. Long-answer questions may include letters, reports, articles, and notices.
- Key grammar areas: Tenses, subject-verb agreement, active/passive voice, and direct/indirect speech.
- Writing formats: Ensure you are thorough with the format for formal letters, informal letters, notices, articles, and speeches.
- Tips: Create a checklist of essential grammar rules. Dedicate 15-20 minutes daily to practising grammar exercises. For writing, practise structuring essays and letters using the correct formats. Use solved English sample papers to identify and work on weak areas.
Section C: Literature
This section carries 40 marks and tests your understanding of the prose, poetry, and supplementary texts from your syllabus.
- Tips for prose and poetry: Focus on understanding the themes, central ideas, characters, and significant quotes from each chapter and poem. Prepare for both short and long answer-type questions from this section.
- Supplementary reading: Do not overlook the supplementary book. Make concise notes for each chapter and revise them frequently. Write down new vocabulary and poetic devices to use as references in your final exams.
Top Preparation Tips for Scoring 90+ in CBSE Class 10 English
This section will tell you how to attempt an English board paper so that will you score full marks in English class 10 exams.
1. Syllabus Focus
Begin with the syllabus provided by CBSE. Make sure to use the updated syllabus for class 10 2024-25. Highlight chapters or topics with more weight and plan your study schedule accordingly. Divide your time based on the importance of each topic.
2. Mastering NCERT Textbooks
Your textbook is your starting point. Read every chapter thoroughly, and do not forget to go through the exercises at the end. Exercises are checks on your understanding, providing you with practice for exam questions, so note any new words you come across and learn what they mean in the given context.
Pro-tip: Re-read hard passages or poems until you understand. English is not a subject where you can memorise ideas. Talk to your classmates or teacher about hard parts to clarify.
3. Utilising Question Banks, Sample Question Papers and Previous Year Papers
After you complete your syllabus, practice at least 5 to 10 sample papers to see how well you are doing. Pay attention to the areas where you are losing marks and improve on those. Also, look at last year’s question papers to understand the types and patterns of questions.
Checkout:
CBSE Class 10 Sample Papers for 2025 Exam
CBSE Class 10 Solved Papers for 2025 Exam
CBSE Class 10 Question Banks for 2025 Exam
4. Consistent Writing Practice
English is not just about reading; it is about how well you can present your thoughts. Practising writing regularly improves your speed, coherence, and ability to express ideas clearly.
- Tip: Spare at least 30 minutes of your daily study time for practice writing. Try writing essays, letters, and articles on different topics. Use Oswal Publishers study materials to guide you with your preparation.
5. Effective Time Management in Exam
Time management during the exam is highly important so that you can attempt all sections. Set specific time limits for every section and strictly follow them. Start with the section you find easiest or are most confident about. This will increase your confidence and maintain momentum in the entire process of sitting the exam.
Essential Aspects for High Scoring in English
Scoring high in English is about more than just memorising content. It is about understanding and presenting it well. This section delves into crucial elements that you need to take care of in your English exam preparation to create a positive impression on the examiner.
1. Conceptual Clarity
Understanding the themes, character motivations, and underlying meanings in literature, as well as mastering grammar rules, is essential. Instead of rote learning, try to relate what you study to real-life examples.
- Example: When studying a poem, understand its tone, the poet’s perspective, and how it relates to your experiences. This approach makes it easier to retain and recall information during the exam.
2. Writing Precision
Accurate, concise writing is vital for high scores. Ensure your answers are to the point and well-structured.
- Tip: Avoid lengthy, irrelevant details. Use simple, clear sentences that convey your understanding. Edit your practice answers for precision and clarity.
3. Presentation Tips
A well-presented answer sheet can create a positive impression on the examiner. Write neatly and legibly. Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points where necessary to break up long paragraphs. Leave enough space between answers and use underlining to emphasise key points.
- Example: If answering a question about a poem, highlight the title and key phrases. Use short, separate paragraphs to discuss themes and interpretations.
Conclusion
Preparing for your class 10 English exam can be straightforward with the right approach. Focus on understanding the syllabus, practising consistently, and managing your time effectively. Remember, English can be the key to boosting your overall score and securing a strong result.
FAQs on How to Prepare for Class 10 English Exam
Q1. What are the best resources for practising English for Class 10?
Ans – Start with NCERT textbooks, question banks, and sample papers. Prioritise papers from the last five years.
Q2. How to develop good writing skills in the class 10 English exams?
Ans – Strong practice is the key to improving writing skills. Keep revisiting grammar rules and practice exercises. Spend at least 30 minutes daily on essay, letter, and article writing. Ensure you follow formats and structure your answers. With sample papers and study materials by Oswal Publishers, you can learn how to enhance your writing style and also find your weak areas.
Q3. What is the class 10 English exam pattern?
Ans – The English exam is divided into three major parts:
-> Section A tests your reading and comprehension skills. This carries 20 marks.
-> Section B will focus on your grammar and writing skills. It will have 20 marks questions about grammatical exercises and writing letters, invitations etc.
-> Section C covers the literature aspect of the curriculum. This section is of 40 marks.
Q4. What strategies should I use to manage for time management for English paper class 10?
Ans – English is a lengthy test for students so they need to train themselves well in terms of managing time. Allocate specific time limits for each section and stick to them. First, start with that part you are pretty sure about and then go to the rest. This will ensure you maintain your speed so that you will complete your test on time.
