CBSE Class 12 English Core Syllabus 2018 – 2019

Section A

Reading Comprehension (30 Marks)

Reading Unseen Passages and Note making

Two unseen passages with a variety of very short answer / short answer or MCQ type questions to test comprehension, interpretation and inference. Vocabulary such as word formation and inference of meaning will also be tested.

The total length of the two passages will be between 1100 - 1200 words. The passage will include two of the following:

(a) Factual passages, e.g., instructions, descriptions, reports.

(b) Descriptive passages involving opinion, e.g., argumentative, persuasive or interpretative text.

(c) Literary passages, e.g., extract from fiction, drama, poetry, essay or biography. A poem could be of 28-35 lines.

• The passages can be literary, factual or discursive to test comprehensions. The length of one passage should be between 600-700 words.

(d) A third passage of 400-500 words for note-making and abstraction.

Section B

Writing Skills (30 Marks)

• Short Answer Questions, e.g., advertisement and notices, designing or drafting posters, writing formal and informal invitations and replies.
• Long Answer Questions: Letters based on verbal / visual input.

Letter types include

• Business or official letters (for making enquiries, registering complaints, asking for and giving information, placing orders and sending replies)
• Letters to the editor (giving suggestions or opinion on issues of public interest)
• Application for a job

Very Long Answer Questions: Two compositions based on visual and/or verbal Input may be descriptive or argumentative in nature such as an article, a debate or a speech or a report

Section C

Literature Textbooks and Long Reading Text (40 Marks)

Flamingo and Vistas

• Very Short Answer Questions - Based on an extract from poetry to test comprehension and appreciation.
• Short Answer Questions - Based on prose / drama / poetry from both the texts.
• Long Answer Question - Based on texts to test global comprehension and extrapolation beyond the texts to bring out the key messages and values.
• Long Answer Question - Based on texts to test global comprehension along with analysis and extrapolation.
• Long Answer Question - Based on theme, plot and incidents from the prescribed novels.
• Long Answer Question - Based on understanding appreciation, analysis and interpretation of the character sketch.

Prescribed Books

1. Flamingo: English Reader published by National Council of Education Research and Training, New Delhi
2. Vistas: Supplementary Reader published by National Council of Education Research and Training, New Delhi

Note: Long answer questions based on values can be given in the writing section or in the literature section.

3. Extended Reading Text: (Either one)

(i) The Invisible Man (unabridged) [by H.G. Wells]

(ii) Silas Marner (unabridged) [by George Eliot]

Details related to the design of English (Core) 2017-18 question paper is available in the PDF of the syllabus.

TIPS:

Reading Section 

Read the questions before reading the passage as this helps you to find the answers quickly. Since this is the most scoring section, full effort should be given for this section. Solve sample papers available on the CBSE site or in the market.

For Note Making, follow the format- Title, Notes with proper indentation and abbreviation. While writing the summary, stick to the word limit.

Writing Section

Follow the formats strictly. Write the value points of the answer before composing the answers. While attempting any questions on a problem based issue note down the causes, effect and steps and put them into proper paragraph. Avoid repetition, and try using simple vocabulary.

Grammar Section

Go through the basic grammar rules and practice as much as possible from various books and sample papers.

Literature Section

Read all the poems and prose texts thoroughly. Underline important phrases and use them as key words in answers. If in doubt take the help of your teacher and solve previous year papers from reference books. Stick to the word limit as both preciseness and brevity are important for short answers. For the long answers write the value points in the margin before framing the answers.