COMPULSORY SUBJECT

ENGLISH (801)
Aims (English Language) • use the English language for the purpose of study
To develop the ability to: and social and cultural interaction.

• derive, infer and critically assess information • speak and write clearly and to the purpose, using
through listening. appropriate grammar, vocabulary and idiom.
Aims (Prescribed Texts)
• express oneself by speaking individually, or in a
discussion. • To enjoy and appreciate literature through a
critical study of selected literary works.
• read with comprehension, drawing information
directly or by inference from the text, through an • Through the study of literature:
understanding of grammar and structure, − approach an understanding of humanity.
vocabulary and idiom.
− develop an interest in the thought and culture
• employ a variety of skills in writing within a of the peoples of the world.
framework using argument or imagination or − develop the power of expression and a sense
summarizing. of aesthetic values.

CLASSES XI
The subject English has two components, English Language and Literature in English. Each of these
components will consist of a Theory Paper of 80 Marks and Project Work of 20 Marks.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE
There will be two papers in English Language:
Paper I: Theory (3 hours): 80 Marks
Paper II: Project Work: 20 Marks
PAPER I: THEORY - 80 Marks
All questions will be compulsory.

Question One: Question Three:

A composition on one of a number of subjects. Short-answer questions to test grammar, structure and
usage
Question Two:
(a) Directed writing. Question Four:
(b) Proposal Writing based on a given situation. Comprehension.
Question One (b) Proposal Writing
Candidates will be required to select one composition Candidates will be required to write a proposal
topic from a choice of six. The choice will normally based on a given situation.
include narrative, descriptive, reflective, The proposal should include (i) An Introduction
argumentative, discursive topics and original short (ii) Objectives (iii) List of measures to be taken.
story. A concluding statement is necessary.
The required length of the composition is 400 – 450 The format prescribed by the CISCE must be
words. followed. The candidates will also be marked on
linguistic ability.
The main criteria by which the compositions will be
marked are as follows: Question Three
(a) The quality of the language employed, the range All the items in this question are compulsory and
and appropriateness of vocabulary and sentence their number and type / pattern may vary from year to
structure, syntax, the correctness of grammatical year. They will consist of transformation of
constructions, punctuation and spelling. sentences, phrasal verbs, and verbs/tenses, which will
test the candidates’ knowledge of the essentials of
(b) The degree to which candidates have been
functional English grammar and structure.
successful in organising the content of the
composition as a whole and in individual Question Four
paragraphs.
A passage of about 700 words will be provided.
Question Two
Questions based on the passage will be as follows:
There are two parts in this question and both parts are
compulsory. • Questions that test the candidates’ analytical
skills, knowledge of vocabulary, ability to
(a) Directed Writing
understand the content, infer information and
The piece of directed writing must be based on meanings from the text.
the information and all the points provided. The • A question that elicits the main ideas of all or
required length is 250-300 words. The range of part of the passage, where the candidate will be
subjects includes feature article, book review, required to frame a summary (keeping to a word
speech writing, newspaper report and statement limit), in a coherent manner. Marks will be
of purpose. awarded for expression and the candidate’s
ability to summarise clearly in complete
Skills such as amplifying, describing and sentences. Marks will be deducted for linguistic
re-stating are involved. The candidates’ ability in errors.
the above skills, including format, will be taken
NOTE: This part must be done in the grid
into account as well as their ability to handle
form. Use of abbreviations and contractions
language appropriately in the context of the given will not be accepted.
situation.
 PAPER II: PROJECT WORK - 20 Marks
In addition to the syllabus prescribed above for Classes XI and XII, candidates are also required to be assessed
in Project Work.
PROJECT WORK FOR CLASS XI
Project Work in Class XI consists of assessment of Some of the themes which may be addressed are:
candidates in Listening and Speaking Skills which
1. Narrating an experience
are to be assessed internally, by the school, during
English course work and shown in the student’s 2. Giving directions or instructions on how to make
report and school record. or operate something
Candidates are to be assessed in two projects, one on 3. Providing a description
Listening Skills and one on Speaking Skills. 4. Giving a report
Details of assignments for Project Work on Listening 5. Expressing an opinion or a theme-based
and Speaking Skills are given below: conversation
Listening Skills Internal Evaluation by the Teacher (20 Marks):
An unseen passage of about 500 words is to be read
Assessment Description Marks
aloud, twice, the first time at normal reading speed
Criteria
(about 110 words a minute) and the next time at a
slower speed. The passage may be taken from any Listening Response to questions 10
novel, newspaper, magazine article, journal and so on Skills (Aural) based on listening
but not from an ICSE or ISC textbook. Students comprehension
may make brief notes during the readings followed
Speaking - Content 2
by answering objective type questions based on the
Skills (Oral)
passage, on the paper provided. - Fluency 2
Speaking Skills - Vocabulary 2
Students are to be assessed through an - Sentence structure 2
individual presentation of about three minutes
- Confidence 2
followed by a discussion with the
subject teacher, for another two or three minutes. TOTAL 20
 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (PRESCRIBED TEXTS)
There will be two papers in Literature in English:
Paper I: Theory (3 hours): 80 Marks
Paper II: Project Work: 20 Marks
PAPER I: THEORY – 80 Marks

Candidates will be required to answer questions Poetry

based on the prescribed textbooks, which include Questions on a poem or a group of poems will be set
Drama, Prose (Short Stories) and Poetry. to test the candidates’ response. The questions will
focus on the content, understanding and the personal
Drama and Prose (Short Stories)
response of candidates to the entire poem.
Questions set will be central to the text. Candidates
Candidates’ ability to appreciate content, stylistic and
will be required to show that they have understood
literary features of the poem(s) in question will also
the questions asked and are able to clearly respond in
be tested.
their own words. Questions will test understanding,
appreciation and ability to analyse and synthesise.

SYLLABUS TO BE COVERED

Class XI Class XII

I. DRAMA: Macbeth - William Shakespeare I. DRAMA: Macbeth: William Shakespeare

(Acts I & II) (Acts III, IV & V)

II. PRISM: A Collection of ISC Short Stories II. PRISM: A Collection of ISC Short Stories
(Evergreen Publications (India) Ltd. New Delhi) (Evergreen Publications (India) Ltd. New Delhi)
1. A Living God – Lafcadio Hearn 1. Atithi / Guest – Rabindranath Tagore
2. Advice to Youth – Mark Twain 2. The Cookie Lady – Philip K. Dick
3. The Paper Menagerie – Ken Liu 3. There Will Come Soft Rains – Ray Bradbury
4. The Great Automatic Grammatizator – Roald 4. Indigo – Satyajit Ray
Dahl 5. The Medicine Bag – Virginia Driving Hawk
5. Thank You, Ma’am – Langston Hughes Sneve

III. RHAPSODY: A Collection of ISC Poems III. RHAPSODY: A Collection of ISC Poems
(Evergreen Publications (India) Ltd. New (Evergreen Publications (India) Ltd. New Delhi)
Delhi)
1. Telephone Conversation – Wole Soyinka
1. Abhisara: The Tryst – Rabindranath Tagore 2. Tithonus – Alfred, Lord Tennyson
2. Why I Like the Hospital – Tony Hoagland 3. Beethoven – Shane Koyczan
3. Sonnet 116 – William Shakespeare 4. Small Towns and the River – Mamang Dai
4. Death of a Naturalist – Seamus Heaney 5. Death be not Proud – John Donne
5. Strange Meeting – Wilfred Owen
NOTE: The ISC (Class XII) Examination paper will
NOTE: The Class XI Examination is to be
be set ONLY on the portion of the syllabus that is
conducted on the portion of the syllabus that is
prescribed for Class XII.
prescribed for Class XI
 PAPER II: PROJECT WORK - 20 Marks
In addition to the syllabus prescribed above for Classes XI and XII, candidates are also required to be assessed
in Project Work. Project Work consists of assessment of Writing Skills in Classes XI and XII. The objective is
to produce original, creative and insightful perspectives on the drama/short stories/poems.

PROJECT WORK FOR CLASS XI

Project Work in Class XI consists of assessment of Internal Evaluation by the Teacher (20 Marks):
Writing Skills (only from the syllabus to be covered
Assessment Criteria Candidates should Marks
in Class XI) which are to be assessed internally by
be able to:
the School.
1. Process - Identify the topic. 6
Candidates will be required to undertake one written
assignment of 1000-1500 words, which should be - Plan a detailed
structured as given below: written assignment.
A. The written assignment must be given a title in - Produce a written
the form of a question which should allow the outline.
candidate to explore the drama or the chosen 2. Understanding, Use a range of 8
short stories/poems in depth. Application of literary aspects such
B. The written assignment must follow the structure Knowledge and as plot, setting,
characters, action,
given below: Analysis
style and ideas in
• Introduction: order to present an
organized and well-
- Explanation of the question that has structured complete
been framed assignment.
- Reason for choosing the text 3. Presentation Prepare the document 6
- Brief explanation of how the candidate (overall format:
intends to interpret the chosen text and headings, sub-
literary materials used in the process headings,
paragraphing) writing
• Main Body – organised and well-structured within a word limit of
treatment of the question using appropriate 1000-1500 words and
sub-headings. provide a separate
title page.
• Conclusion – comprehensive summary of the
points made in the main body. TOTAL 20
List of suggested assignments for Project Work: 6. Identifying with a character in the chosen text
and presenting his/her personal perspective.
1. Analysis of a theme from any short story/ poem
in the prescribed texts. 7. Imagining an alternate outcome or ending or
extension of the chosen text and its impact on the
2. Analysis of a character from the drama or any
plot/setting/characters/mood and tone.
short story/poem in the prescribed texts.
8. Comparing and contrasting two
3. Background – historical, cultural, literary context
characters/themes from different short
and relevance of the writer/poet chosen.
stories/poems of the prescribed texts.
4. Summary / paraphrase of the chosen text.
5. Appreciation of literary qualities of the chosen
text.