The Indian School Certificate (ISC) examination is said to be hard as it follows a standard syllabus. The format in which the paper has to be attempted is essential, especially for students who are focusing on doing well in their English 1 paper for ISC exams. This blog serves as a guide as to the format in which the English paper is to be attempted so as to enable the candidates’ to prepare for the exam and pass.
Format of ISC English Paper
The ISC English paper comprises three written papers divided into two subjects, English Language (Paper 1) and Literature in English (Paper 2). Each paper contains test items and activities that are geared towards the evaluation of various language and literacy competencies. Let’s break them down.
English Language (Paper 1)
The language paper aims at testing the students in their ability to use the language with assessments comprising grammar skills, vocabulary, and writing composition. The sections are as follows:
Essay Writing: Students are required to write a composition of about 400-450 words on a given topic. This is done to evaluate their ability to write and communicate ideas logically and creatively.
Grammar and Comprehension: These two components form the basis on which students are evaluated on most of the grammatical rules and how well they are able to understand and evaluate questions based on an unseen passage.
To score above average during the actual examination, it is best to make use of the ISC Sample Papers and ISC Specimen Papers. Such tools allow students to get used to the format of the question paper as well as the kinds of questions that may be asked and the marking scheme.
Read More: Which is the Most Scoring Subject in ICSE Class 10?
Literature in English (Paper 2)
This paper evaluates students based on their level of retention and respect towards various literatures. It includes:
Drama: Questions that directly relate to the prescribed play are put forward, focusing on events, themes, and characterization that the play engages.
Prose and Poetry: Excerpted respondents taken from prescribed prose and poetry are included in this section. It is a requirement and expectation that students analyze and interpret the texts deeply.
Long Answer Questions: These are all but simple questions but require elaborated answers in contrast, which illustrate and describe one's critical thinking and analysis abilities.
Students will be well prepared for the literary analysis and the structured answers required in this section by practicing with the ISC Sample Paper and referring to the ISC Class 10 Books.
Tips for Effective Preparation
On a regular timetable, solve the ISC Specimen Paper to be able to have an understanding of how questions are set as well as how to manage time effectively.
Use ISC Class 10 books in order to develop a good base in both language and literature.
To identify your weaknesses so that you can fix them, work through the ISC sample paper as practice.
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For Free ICSE Class 10 Online Mock Test Sample Paper for 2025 Board Exams
Final Thoughts
Completing the ISC English paper calls for a technique that combines ongoing practice and knowing how the paper is structured. Resources such as the ISC Sample Paper, ISC Class 10 Books, and ISC Specimen Paper will serve to ensure the students get high grades in the exams. If you get acquainted with the structure and then practice, working with ISC English is quite possible.
