Path to Excel in CBSE Class 12 English Core

English is one of the key components of senior secondary examinations conducted by CBSE. Being one of the most scoring subjects, acing English examination is of paramount importance in achieving a decent percentage in Class 12th Boards. Students are required to follow a well-balanced strategy and systematic approach to excel in this examination. Students must go through the syllabus in its entirety (2022-23) to learn more about the chapters and topics to be prepared for the current year.

CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2022-23

The exhaustive list of topics covered as part of the class 12 CBSE Syllabus for English (Language and Literature) subject has been provided on mycbseguide.com. This syllabus includes details of topics to be prepared for all three sections of the paper –

CBSE Class – 12

English Core (Code No. 301)

Syllabus (2022-2023)

SECTION – WISE WEIGHTAGE

Sections
A	Reading Skills (20 marks)
B	Writing Skills  (20 marks)
C	Literature Textbooks and Supplementary Reading Text (40 marks)

Section A: Reading Skills

Section A consists of course material from reading comprehension, and the CBSE Class 12 English Core Syllabus for the 2022-23 session includes two reading comprehensions: a descriptive passage and a case study passage. Evaluation of reading comprehension skills will be conducted through an unseen passage, with a total of 20 marks assigned to this section.

1. One unseen passage to adjudge the student’s ability to comprehend, interpret and derive inferences. Vocabulary and inference of meaning will also be assessed. The passage may be :

• • Factual
  • descriptive
  • literary (10×1=10 Marks)

2. A single, unseen case study comprising both verbal and visual components, such as numerical data and graphs, will be presented and evaluated for 10 marks. The total combined word count for both passages should not exceed 700-750 words. The assessment of inference, analysis, interpretation, evaluation, and vocabulary skills will be conducted through multiple-choice and objective-type questions.

Tips to Ace the Reading Section

Try to attempt this section first as it is the most time-consuming section.

A perfect score in this section can be achieved by adhering to the following tips:

1. Engage in extensive practice by completing at least 20 reading passages before taking the CBSE Class 12 English board exam.
2. Read the entire passage thoroughly.
3. Review the questions before reading the passage.
4. Look for relevant answers in the passage after reading the questions.
5. Avoid making grammatical errors.
6. Use clear and concise language.
7. Improve your vocabulary.

Additionally, the passage can be easily solved by following these three simple steps:

1. Give the passage a quick once-over before starting.
2. Read the questions before reading the passage in detail, which will save time.
3. Scan the passage and locate the answers.

Section B: Writing Section

 Creative Writing Skills (20 marks) has Short and Long writing tasks.

Notice Writing

Write a notice of up to 50 words. Respond to one out of two given questions. The notice will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Format (1 mark), Organization of Ideas (1 mark), Content (2 marks), and Accuracy of Spelling and Grammar (1 mark) for a total of 5 marks.

Formal and Informal Invitations

Write a formal or informal invitation and reply, up to 50 words. Respond to one out of two given questions. The invitation and reply will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Format (1 mark), Organization of Ideas (1 mark), Content (2 marks), and Accuracy of Spelling and Grammar (1 mark) for a total of 5 marks.

Letter Writing and Application for Job

Write letters based on verbal or visual inputs, with a word count of approximately 120-150 words. The letters may include an application for a job with a biodata or resume, or letters to the editor expressing suggestions or opinions on issues of public interest. Respond to one out of two given questions. The letters will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Format (1 mark), Organization of Ideas (1 mark), Content (2 marks), and Accuracy of Spelling and Grammar (1 mark) for a total of 5 marks.

Article and Report Writing

Write an article or report that is descriptive or analytical in nature, based on verbal inputs, with a word count of 120-150 words. Respond to one out of two given questions. The article or report will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Format (1 mark), Organization of Ideas (1 mark), Content (2 marks), and Accuracy of Spelling and Grammar (1 mark) for a total of 5 marks.

Tips to Excel in the Writing Section of the CBSE Class 12 English Exam

The writing section of the CBSE English board examination assesses a student’s thought process and creativity. It is crucial for students to maintain originality and write in a style that appeals to the examiner. With proper preparation, students can easily score around 95% in this section.

Here are some tips for success in the writing section of the CBSE Class 12 English exam:

• Revise all formats thoroughly, as using the correct format can earn you a good score.
• Practice writing quickly to meet the time limit.
• Improve your handwriting, as good handwriting creates a positive impression on the examiner.
• Use a diverse vocabulary and avoid grammatical errors.
• Ensure that your writing has coherence and relevance and that your ideas are connected.
• Adhere to the word limit and avoid exceeding it.
• Keep your writing simple, using short sentences and clear words.
• Pay attention to the beginnings and endings of your letters.
• Use attention-grabbing headings and subheadings, especially in notice writing and articles.

Section C- Literature

Prescribed Books: Published by NCERT, New Delhi

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

The question paper carries 2 references to context questions (6+6) from Flamingo. Generally one is from prose and the other from poems. There is an internal choice in both questions. There is an extract-based question from the supplementary reader too that carries 4 marks. There are 7 (5 from Flamingo and 2 from Vistas) short answer questions and 2 long answer questions; one from each book. This section carries a substantial weightage of 40 marks. The class 12 CBSE students need to vigorously go through the NCERT-prescribed books and follow the given guidelines to ace this CBSE board exam.

Try to attempt this section in the end as the student is most familiar with it.

Tips for Achieving High Scores in Literature

1. Thoroughly read each chapter and don’t rely solely on summaries
2. Memorize the names of chapters and their authors
3. Understand the central theme of the plot
4. Answer questions based on inference, interpretation, and comprehension
5. Write original, spontaneous answers
6. Avoid copying from reference books
7. Stay within the given word limit
8. It’s essential to study the entire chapter for value-based and extract-based questions, no shortcuts are allowed. A deep understanding of the plot or poem is necessary to perform well in this section of the CBSE class 12 English exam. Objective-type questions and multiple-choice questions are used to evaluate:

• • Inference
  • Analysis
  • Interpretation
  • Vocabulary

General Tips to Ace The CBSE English Board Exam 2022-23

Generally, students will lose marks in the English examination if there is a spelling mistake, erratic format and lack of time. One has to work on all these areas to excel in the exam.

1. Maintaining the word limit is important: Overstepping the word limit may lead to a loss of time and negatively impact performance in other sections.
2. Confidence is key: Approach the exam with a positive mindset and confidence.
3. Focus on enhancing your:
   • Handwriting
   • Presentation skills
   • Vocabulary
   • Speed of writing
4. Make English a priority along with other subjects.
5. Show originality in your responses, especially in the Literature and Writing sections, to demonstrate your command over the subject to the examiner.
6. Allow time for final revisions: Finishing the exam ahead of time, at least 10 minutes, will provide the opportunity to review, revise and improve your presentation.
7. Work on your presentation. A few points to be kept in mind are;
   • Underline important words
   • Write neatly, avoid scribbling
   • Maintain proper spacing
   • Write 8-10 words in a line
   • Don’t write too small or too big
   • Use headings/subheadings/ bullet points
8. Do read the question paper carefully; the general instructions etc.
9. Practice sample papers/10-year papers for they help you to;
   • Understand the exam pattern
   • Familiarize yourself with the question paper
   • Feel less stressed
   • Improvise your confidence level

Keeping these simple points would definitely help the student to attempt the CBSE English examination with confidence and clear it with flying colors.