ICSE Class 10 English Language: Syllabus & Board Paper

Writing Skills

• Ch 1 Composition

  Write a composition of about 300–350 words from a choice of subjects, testing the ability to organise, describe, narrate, report, explain, persuade or argue with accuracy, correct style and format.

• Ch 2 Letter Writing

  Write a formal or informal letter from a choice of two subjects, with careful attention to the letter format — address, introduction, body and conclusion — and tone and vocabulary appropriate to the context.

• Ch 3 Notice & Email

  Write the text for a notice based on given directions, and write an e-mail on the same content as the notice, using the correct layout for each.

Reading & Comprehension

• Ch 4 Unseen Passage & Summary

  Read an unseen prose passage of about 500 words and answer a vocabulary question (words/phrases in context), short-answer comprehension and inference questions, and write a summary that distinguishes main ideas from supporting detail.

Grammar & Usage

• Ch 5 Functional Grammar

  Short-answer questions on the correct use of prepositions, conjunctions, verbs and the structure of sentences — testing functional grammar, structure and usage.

Point to the Concept

Names the idea to reach for (e.g. "Use the context — what does 'pressed on' tell you?") without giving the answer.

Guided Reasoning Prompt

Prompts the key step (e.g. "Which option fits a team that carries on despite a setback?").

Complete Worked Solution

Shows the full reasoning and explains why the answer is correct.

Write to Time and Word Count

Practise full compositions and letters within the 300–350 word range and the two-hour limit so the board paper never feels rushed.

Drill the Summary and Comprehension

Read unseen passages and practise picking main ideas, inferring meaning and writing a tight summary — the comprehension section rewards method.

Master the Formats and Grammar

Secure the exact layout for a letter, notice and email, and revise prepositions, conjunctions and verb forms — these are quick, reliable marks.

What is in the ICSE Class 10 English Language board paper?

Paper 1 is one 2-hour, 80-mark written paper in which all questions are compulsory: a composition, a letter, a notice and email, an unseen comprehension passage with a summary, and functional grammar (prepositions, conjunctions, verbs and sentence structure).

How is ICSE Class 10 English Language assessed?

By the 80-mark written paper plus 20 marks of internal assessment for Listening and Speaking skills (two assessments across Class X), awarded as 10 marks for listening and 10 for speaking — totalling 100.

Is English one subject or two in ICSE?

English is one subject examined through two papers: Paper 1 (English Language) and Paper 2 (Literature in English). Each is a two-hour paper. This page covers Paper 1.

What does the Class 10 board paper cover?

The ICSE (Class X) examination is set only on the portion prescribed for Class X. Always confirm the current syllabus with CISCE or your school, as it is revised periodically.