ICSE Class 10 English-I Syllabus 2023-24

CISCE has released the Latest Updated Syllabus of the New Academic Session 2023-24, for class 10.

Class 10th Syllabus has been revised and updated for the new session 2023-24. It’s very important for both Teachers and Students to understand the changes and strictly follow the topics covered in each subject for Class 10th.

We have also updated Oswal Gurukul Books as per the Latest Paper Pattern prescribed by CISCE Board for each Subject Curriculum.

Students can directly access the ICSE English-I Syllabus for Class 10 of the academic year 2023-24 by clicking on the link below.

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ICSE English-I Class 10 Latest Syllabus 2023-24

  1. To develop and integrate the use of the four language skills i.e. listening, speaking, reading and writing for the purpose of effective communication.
  2. To develop a functional understanding of the grammar, structure and idiom of the language.
  3. To develop the capacity to read efficiently and access information effectively.
  4. To develop an appreciation of good literature.
  5. To experience, through literature, the thoughts and feelings of the peoples of the world.

There will be two papers:

Paper 1: English Language;

Paper 2: Literature in English.

Each of these papers will be of two hours duration.

Paper 1:

English Language (80 Marks)

Internal Assessment

(80 Marks)

(20 Marks)

Paper 2:

Literature in English (80 Marks)

Internal Assessment

(80 Marks)

(20 Marks)

Topics Questions Marks
[total 80]
Time Marking Scheme/key Points Suggestions
1. Composition (300-350 words) (i) Original Short Story writing 20 3o
  1. Good plot or storyline is the key.
  2. The readers must relate to the characters, a key component of a story.
  3. A good short story must have a proper setting/atmosphere which should be related to the plot.
  4. The short story must have a clear, logical, and satisfying climax. The climax can convey a moral message.
  1. Focus on the importance of writing an original story. You may also provide 1/ 2 dialogues to make your story sound more realistic.
  2. The plot should be based on a situation that must take a sharp turn at the end. This will add to the spice in the story. Give a logical and interesting ending to your story.
  3. Correct grammatical constructions and spelling, punctuation, and syntax must be appropriate.
  4. Utilise the reading time and plan your composition before you start writing.
  5. Do not forget to revise your composition to make it error-free.
(ii) Narrative Essay
  1. Marks are credited for proper sequence/order of events.
  2. Narration must have clarity and should be lively, vivid, and realistic.
  3. Theme and atmosphere are important components.
  4. Ensure the use of visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile senses to accentuate the composition.
  1. You must be imaginative.
  2. Unnecessary details must be avoided.
  3. Use a variety of linkers (words that combine sentences and show the relationship between ideas).
  4. Utilise the reading time and plan your composition before you start writing.
  5. Do not forget to revise your composition to make it error-free. Pay special attention to grammatical, punctuation, syntax, and spelling errors.
(iii) Argumentative Essay
  1. One must have a clear stand FOR/AGAINST the given topic.
  2. Present 4 to 5 points FOR/AGAINST the given topic with examples.
  3. Logical planning and a clear presentation of the argument are very essential.
  4. Prejudiced views/ angry condemnations must be avoided.
  1. First explore the meaning of the given topic. You may use a relevant quotation.
  2. Utilise the reading time to think about the points FOR/AGAINST the given topic.
  3. Use of short and logical sentences is preferable.
  4. Do not forget to give a suitable conclusion.
  5. Do not forget to revise your composition to make it error-free. Pay special attention to grammatical, punctuation, syntax, and spelling errors.
(iv) Descriptive Essay
  1. Ensure the use of visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile senses to accentuate the essay.
  2. Follow a sequential pattern of writing.
  3. Descriptive essays must have an introduction, body, and conclusion.
  1. Do not stray.
  2. Avoid using vague adjectives.
  3. Have an eye for detail.
  4. Rely on your imagination rather than on facts.
  5. Do not forget to revise your composition to make it error-free. Pay special attention to grammatical, punctuation, syntax, and spelling errors.
(v) Picture Composition
  1. A wide interpretation of the picture is accepted.
  2. A mere itemization/listing /description of the picture is NOT given credit.
  3. Points mentioned in the Original Short Story Writing section can be followed here as well.
  1. Pay attention to the details of the picture.
  2. Ensure correct grammatical constructions and spelling, punctuation, and syntax must be appropriate.
  3. Utilise the reading time and plan your composition before you start writing.
  4. Points mentioned in the Original Short Story Writing section can be followed here as well.
  5. Do not forget to revise your answers to make the answers error-free.
2. Letter Writing (i) Informal Letter 10 20
  1. Layout contains 2½ marks: Sender’s address, Date, Salutation, Subscription, Signature (First Name)
  2. Subject Matter contains 2 ½ marks.
  3. Expression contains 5 marks.
  1. Do not stray or ramble.
  2. Keep the tone personal and courteous.
  3. Correct grammatical constructions and spelling, punctuation, and syntax must be appropriate.
  4. Revise your letter after writing a polite conclusion.
(ii) Formal Letter
  1. Layout contains 3 marks: Sender’s address, Date, Receiver’s address Salutation, Subscription, Signature (Name + Surname)
  2. Subject Matter contains 2 marks.
  3. Expression contains 5 marks.
  1. Keep your sentences short.
  2. Tone of the letter should be formal.
  3. Be precise and do not ramble.
  4. Ensure correct grammatical constructions and spelling, punctuation, and syntax must be appropriate.
  5. Do not forget to revise your letter to make it error-free.
3. Notice and E-mail Writing (i) Notice 5 15
  1. Give a creative title to your notice.
  2. Title must be appropriate and short.
  3. Adhere to the proper format (Date, Time, Venue, Audience)
  1. Provide all the necessary details. Unnecessary ones should be avoided.
  2. Stick to the proper layout.
  3. Ensure correct grammatical constructions and spelling, punctuation, and syntax must be appropriate.
  4. Do not forget to revise your notice to make it error-free.
(ii) E-mail 5
  1. E-mail id [No name to be used in the email id]
  2. Subject [As in formal letter]
  3. Opening sentence
  4. Closing sentence
    [Subscription, as in formal letter]
  5. Expression – All details of the notice are to be included in full sentences in the e-mail. [Date/time/venue should be included.]
  1. Do not write personal e-mail id.
  2. Subject must be short and appropriate.
  3. Do not forget to mention all the details that you provided in your notice correctly.
  4. Ensure correct grammatical constructions and spelling, punctuation, and syntax must be appropriate.
  5. Do not forget to revise your e-mail to make it error-free.
4. Unseen Comprehension MCQs and Subjective Questions 20 30
  1. Candidate’s vocabulary is tested.
  2. Candidates are required to show an understanding of the words/phrases in the context in which they have been used.
  3. The MCQs and subjective questions are to test the candidates’ ability to comprehend the explicit content and organisation of the passage and to infer information, intention, and attitude from it.
  4. Summary question tests the candidates’ ability to distinguish main ideas from supporting details and to extract salient points to rewrite them in the form of a summary.
  1. Utilise the 15 minutes reading time and read the passage thoroughly.
  2. Do mind mapping and chalk out the relevant points you need to write in your answer.
  3. To write the summary, try to incorporate only the main points and leave out the extra words.
  4. Ensure an easy flow of thoughts.
  5. Do not forget to revise your answers to make them error-free.
5. Grammar Tense verbs, Prepositions, Conjunctions, Transformation of sentences 20 20
  1. This section tests the candidates' knowledge of functional grammar, structure, and use of the language. Marks are credited for accurate spellings, grammatical construction, syntax, punctuations, and spellings.
  1. Practice and solve a lot of grammar exercises.
  2. Think logically.
  3. Do not forget to revise your answers to make them error-free.
Internal Assessment
Listening Skills Aural 10 30 minutes A passage of about 300 words will be read aloud by the examiner twice, the first time at normal reading speed (about 110 words a minute) and the next time at a slower speed. Then the candidates are to answer an objective type test on the paper provided, based on the passage read. Candidates’ attention and auditory skills are tested.
  1. Listen to the dictation very minutely.
  2. Pay attention to little details of the dictation.
Speaking Skills Oral 10 1 hour preparation time Candidates are required to make an oral presentation for about 2 minutes, which will be followed by a discussion on the subject with the examiners, for about 3 minutes. Marks will be awarded for:
Fluency, Subject Matter, Organisation, Quality of Language, and Delivery.
  1. Work on your language fluency.
  2. Choose a good topic and ensure that the subject matter is excellent.
  3. Be confident and smartly present your speaking skills.

2022-23 Reduced Syllabus

(for reference purposes only)

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