Class 10 ICSE English Literature Syllabus 2023-24

Class 10 ICSE English Literature Syllabus 2023-24 For Semester (1 & 2)

ICSE or Indian Certificate of Secondary Education Syllabus is recognized across the globe. ICSE Syllabus provides theoretical as well as practical knowledge and is also very well structured. ICSE Board is well known for its comprehensive Syllabus. The project and laboratory work have been prioritized so students can apply what they study practically. Many universities across the globe recognize the ICSE Board, so students who want to study overseas can opt for this board. Through the ICSE Board, students can form a strong base for a future in management and humanities. The Board has given the English language extensive coverage as some competitive Examinations demand sound knowledge.

The Class 10 ICSE English Literature Syllabus helps students to improve the use of four language skills:

  • Listening
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Seeking

In order to form an adequate communication base in students, to develop a meticulous understanding of the structure, grammar and reading efficiently and get information effectively. This will boost vocabulary, and students have a fantastic opportunity to possess a good command of the English language. The ICSE Board gives more constructive knowledge and builds analytical skills in students. Communication skills are strengthened, and innovative ideas are encouraged through essay writing, speeches, debate and story writing. The ICSE Syllabus Class 10 English on the Extramarks website presents a detailed subject view.

Extramarks is here to help students with ICSE Syllabus Class 10 English by offering all of the information they need regarding ICSE Examinations for English and other subjects.

Class 10 ICSE English Literature Syllabus 2023-24: Semester (1 & 2)

The ICSE Syllabus Class 10 English has two components

  • Language 
  • Literature. 

The topics are divided into two semesters with a weightage of 40 marks each. 

Below is the detailed breakup of subjects and topics: 

ENGLISH (01)
BIFURCATED Syllabus

(As per the Reduced Syllabus for ICSE – Class X Year 2023 Examination)

SEMESTER 1 (Marks: 40) SEMESTER 2 (Marks: 40)
LANGUAGE
PORTION TO BE COVERED PORTION TO BE COVERED
1. Comprehension 1. Composition
2. Grammar 2. Letter
3. Notice
4. Email
SEMESTER 1 (Marks: 40) SEMESTER 2 (Marks: 40)
LITERATURE
PORTION TO BE COVERED PORTION TO BE COVERED
Name of the Textbook Names of the Poems/Short Stories/chapters of the prescribed Novel/Drama to be covered Name of the Textbook Names of the Poems/Short Stories/chapters of the prescribed Novel/Drama to be covered
DRAMA: The Merchant of Venice (Shakespeare’s unabridged play by A.W. Verity) Act 3 (Scenes 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5) DRAMA: The Merchant of Venice (Shakespeare’s unabridged play by A.W. Verity) Act 4 (Scenes 1 & 2) Act 5
TREASURE TROVE: A Collection of ICSE Poems & Short Stories TREASURE TROVE: A Collection of ICSE Poems & Short Stories
Poems (i) I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings – Maya Angelou (ii) The Patriot – Robert Browning Poems (iii) Abou Ben Adhem – Leigh Hunt (iv) Nine Gold Medals – David Roth 
Short Stories (i) The Little Match Girl – Hans Christian Andersen (ii) The Blue Bead – Norah Burke Short Stories (iii) My Greatest Olympic Prize – Jesse Owens (iv) All Summer in a Day – Ray Douglas Bradbury 

ICSE Class 10 English Literature: Paper Pattern

ICSE has reduced the English Syllabus for the academic year 2023 due to the covid-19 crisis. You can view the Examination pattern of the subject along with the ICSE Syllabus for Class 10 English on the Extramarks website. Learning the paper pattern will give you an overall understanding of the subject and assist you in preparing well for the Board Examination.

ICSE Class 10 students have two papers on English subject:

Papers Subject Name Marks Time duration
Paper 1 English Language 80 2 Hours
Internal Assessment 20
Paper 2 Literature in English 80 2 Hours
Internal Assessment 20

Question Paper Design of ICSE Syllabus Class 10 English Literature:

Paper 1: Language Paper

It’s mandatory to attend five questions. These five questions are based on the following scenarios:

  • Question 1: Students will be required to write a composition of about 300-350 words from a choice of topics which will test their ability to organise, describe, report, narrate, explain, persuade or argue, present ideas coherently with validity and precision, compare and contrast ideas and arrive at conclusions, present suitable arguments and use correct style and format.
  • Question 2: Students need to write either formal or informal mode of the letter, which they can select from two given subjects. 
  • Question 3: A specific situation will be given to the students, and they are required to:
  1. Students need to write a text for a notice based on the given directions. 
  2. The students are required to write an email on the same matter as the text of the given notice.
  • Question 4: About 450 words will be prescribed of an unseen prose passage. 
  • Question 5: Many questions will be asked to test students’ expertise in English grammar, how well they apply the English language and the article’s structure. 

Paper 2: Literature Paper

Students are needed to answer five questions from the advised textbooks, including poetry, prose that is short stories and drama.

  • Drama and Prose (Short Stories): Questions placed will be at the centre of the text. Students will be required to present their comprehension of the passage and can give their analysis of the questions given, which should be in their own words and appropriate to the narrative.
  • Poetry: Questions will be placed from a whole poem or a specific passage to check the students’ reactions to the poem. The questions are well defined in the content to understand students’ responses to the poem.

English Literature Syllabus Class 10 ICSE 2023-24: Syllabus and study materials

You can click on the link below to access the Class 10 ICSE English Literature Syllabus.

1) The Merchant of Venice (Shakespeare’s unabridged play by A.W. Verity – Complete Play)

Treasure Trove – A collection of ICSE Poems and Short Stories (Evergreen Publications)

2) Poetry: All poems to be studied

(i) I know why the Caged Bird Sings – Maya Angelou

(ii) The Patriot – Robert Browning

(iii) Abu Ben Adhem – Leigh Hunt

(iv) Nine Gold Medals – David Roth

3) Prose (short stories): All short stories to be studied.

(i) The Little Match Girl – Hans Christian Andersen

(ii) The Blue Bead – Norah Burke

(iii) My Greatest Olympic Prize – Jesse Owens

(iv) All Summer in a Day – Ray Douglas Bradbury

Class 10 English Language: Internal Assessment Paper 1

Students will receive two evaluations throughout the year to prepare them for the listening and speaking skills Examinations. The exact same thing will be recorded.

The Pattern of Assessment

  • Listening Skills: 10 Marks

The interviewer will read out loud a passage of about 300 words twice. The first time at an average of about 110 words a minute and the second time at a slower reading rate. Students can make short notes during the readings. Based on the passage given, students need to answer objective type questions. 

  • Speaking Skills: 10 Marks

Each student is needed to make an oral presentation for about two minutes and a conversation on the subject with the Examiner for about three minutes. The presentation subject may include sharing a report, narrating an experience, providing a description, giving directions on making or operating something, expressing a point of view, relating an anecdote, or commenting on a current event. Excessive dependence on notes will be penalised, and a student can refer to short notes of the presentation.

Class 10 English Literature: Internal Assessment Paper 2

Students’ written assignments will be evaluated and recorded by schools. The students should write two or three projects of reasonable length not exceeding 1500 words.

For more details, stay connected to Extramarks. Study material by Extramarks covers all types of content regarding ICSE Syllabus Class 10 English, including ICSE Solutions, ISC and ICSE Syllabus, ICSE Sample Question Papers, ICSE Revision Notes, ICSE Important Questions, and ICSE Question Papers of past years.

You may click on the following links for more detailed explanations of ICSE Syllabus Class 10 English.

ICSE Class 10 English Syllabus 

ICSE Class 10 English – Textbooks 

ICSE Class 10 English – Study Notes

ICSE Class 10 English – Sample Papers

Tips To Write Good ICSE English Paper

The ICSE Syllabus Class 10 English consists of two major sections: language and literature. Here are some vital tips from academic experts to help you write a good and high scoring English paper. 

  • Be prepared with a proper Syllabus, paper patterns and grammar assessments.
  • Write your answers in descriptive form, but include all points.
  • Look out for spelling and grammatical errors. 
  • Read textbooks and reference books well. 
  • Read the question twice, understand the content and then answer the questions asked in the Examination.
  • While answering long questions, first picture the format of the answers.
  • Don’t overcrowd your words with jargon. Instead, try to be precise and clear about your ideas and concepts in your answers.

By following these pieces of advice, you can confidently score more by framing meaningful and relevant answers. This was all about ICSE Syllabus Class 10 English. Go through the Extramarks website to learn more about the subject, where you can read all the content for free.

ICSE English Class 10 Syllabus

There are two papers: (i) English Language (ii) Literature in English. Each of these papers is of two hours duration and 80 marks.

Paper I: English Language

Five questions are set, all of which are compulsory.

Question 1

You are required to write a composition of about 300 – 350 words from a choice of subjects which will test your ability to organise, describe, narrate, report, explain, persuade or argue, present ideas coherently, compare and contrast ideas and arrive at conclusions, present relevant arguments and use correct style and format.

The subjects are varied and may be suggested by language or by other stimuli such as pictures. The subjects are so chosen so as to allow you to draw on first hand experience or to stimulate your imagination.

With one subject, a number of suggestions about the content of the composition is given, but the use of the suggestions is optional and you are free to treat the subject in any way that you choose.

The organisation of subject matter, syntax, punctuation, correctness of grammatical constructions and spelling are expected to be appropriate to the mode of treatment required by the subject.

Question 2

You have to write a letter from a choice of two subjects requiring either a formal or an informal mode of treatment. Suggestions regarding the content of the letter may be given. The layout of the letter with address, introduction, conclusion, etc., forms part of the assessment.

Special attention must be paid to the format of the letter with emphasis on vocabulary appropriate to the context.

Question 3

You are given a specific situation and are required to:

  1. Write the text for a notice based on given directions.
  2. Write an e-mail on the same content as the notice.

Question 4

An unseen passage of prose of about 450 words is given. Uncommon items of vocabulary, or structure is avoided. One question is set to test vocabulary. You are required to show that you understand the words/phrases in the context in which they have been used.

A number of questions requiring short answers are also asked on the passage. These questions test your ability to understand the explicit content and organisation of the passage and to infer information, intentions and attitudes from it.

The last question consist of a summary that will test your ability to distinguish main ideas from supporting details and to extract salient points to re-express them in the form of a summary. You are given clear indications of what you are to summarize and of the length of the summary.

Question 5

There are a number of short answer questions to test your knowledge of functional grammar, structure and usage of the language.

All the items in this question are compulsory. They consist of correct use of prepositions, verbs and transformation of sentences.

Paper II: Literature in English

You are required to answer five questions from the prescribed textbooks, which include Drama, Prose (Short Stories) and Poetry.

Drama and Prose (Short Stories)

Questions set are central to the text. You are required to show that you have understood the passage and are able to clearly give their interpretation of the questions set, which should be in your own words and relevant to the text.

Excerpts may be given from the prose and drama texts leading to questions on the specific book.

Poetry

A poem, or passages from poems, is given and questions are set to test your response to the poem. The questions focus on the content, understanding and the personal response to the poem as a whole.

1. THE MERCHANT OF VENICE

(Shakespeare’s unabridged play by A.W. Verity – Complete Play)

TREASURE TROVE – A collection of ICSE Poems and Short Stories (Evergreen Publications)

2. POETRY: All poems to be studied.

  1. The Heart of the Tree – Henry Cuyler Bunner
  2. The Cold Within – James Patrick Kinney
  3. The Bangle Sellers – Sarojini Naidu
  4. After Blenheim – Robert Southey
  5. Television – Roald Dahl
  6. Daffodils – William Wordsworth
  7. I know why the Caged Bird Sings – Maya Angelou
  8. The Patriot – Robert Browning
  9. Abu Ben Adhem – Leigh Hunt
  10. Nine Gold Medals – David Roth

3. PROSE (short stories): All short stories to be studied.

  1. Chief Seattle’s Speech
  2. Old Man at the Bridge – Ernest Miller Hemingway
  3. A Horse and Two Goats – R.K. Narayan
  4. Hearts and Hands – O. Henry
  5. A Face in the Dark – Ruskin Bond
  6. An Angel in Disguise – T.S. Arthur
  7. The Little Match Girl – Hans Christian Andersen
  8. The Blue Bead – Norah Burke
  9. My Greatest Olympic Prize – Jesse Owens
  10. All Summer in a Day – Ray Douglas Bradbury

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Is ICSE Class 10 English Syllabus tough?

The number of subjects one has to study is a lot, but it’s not difficult. The Examination requires consistent and detailed preparation. Students can start the preparation with available ICSE Syllabus Class 10 English notes on the Extramarks website and finish it on time to get sufficient time for revision and practice. These papers will help in assessing the current preparation level of students. The answers provided in the document will also help in students’ self-assessment. The ICSE Class 10 English Literature Syllabus on the Extramarks website is well structured, so students find it simpler to understand the pattern.

2. How can I score full marks in Class 10 English ICSE?

To do well in ICSE English Syllabus, practice the paper consistently to develop clarity about what you are being asked to write.

  • By forming a group to work on English language skills.
  • Speaking in English.
  • Focusing on grammar and writing skills.
  • Concentrate on summary writing and letter writing formats.
  • Prepare notes on center characters or themes.
  • Read the comprehension chapter in detail.
  • By trying to understand the concept and solving Sample Question Papers for ICSE Syllabus Class 10 English available on the Extramarks website.

3. Are questions repeated in ICSE Boards' Class 10 English Syllabus?

The similar questions won’t be repeated, but the pattern always remains consistent. The letter-writing topics keep changing every year. By studying the Past Year Question Papers on ICSE Syllabus Class 10 English available on the Extramarks website, you can get a clear idea about ICSE Class 10 English Literature Question Paper pattern. The difficulty level of the Examination differs every year, so by solving the Past year’s Question Papers, you can assess the areas you need to work on and get an idea of the pattern in order to be well prepared for the examination by answering within the time limit.