ICSE English Syllabus Class 10 2025-26 | PDF Download for 2026 Board Exams

English is more than just a subject; it's a skill that shapes how we think, communicate, and express ourselves. The ICSE Class 10 English Syllabus is divided into two major papers: English Language and English Literature. Both play a very important role in improving your writing, reading, and comprehension skills while also helping you appreciate literature from different eras and cultures.

Also you can check out the ICSE Class 10 Mathematics Syllabus 2025 or the ICSE Class 10 Hindi Syllabus 2025 for subject-wise strategies!

ICSE Class 10 English Syllabus PDF for the Year 2025-26 – Download the Latest PDF

The ICSE Class 10 English Syllabus for the year 2025-26 has been released. On this page, you will find the latest Class 10 ICSE English Syllabus, along with the exam pattern for the subject. Understanding the exam paper pattern will provide an detailed overview of the subject and assist students in preparing effectively for the board exam.

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Assessment Structure for ICSE Class 10 English Syllabus

Understanding the exam structure can help you prepare smartly and manage your time better. Here's how the assessment is divided:

a) External Examination

• Paper 1: English Language (80 marks) - Focuses on ICSE Class 10 English grammar syllabus, comprehension, writing, and communication skills.
• Paper 2: Literature in English (80 marks) - Tests understanding of drama, prose, and poetry.

b) Internal Assessment (20 Marks Each)

English Language:

1. Listening Skills (10 marks): Audio-based objective questions.

A passage of about 300 words is read aloud by the examiner twice, the first time at normal reading speed and the next time at a slower speed. Candidates may make brief notes and then answer an objective type test based on the passage, on the paper provided. 

2. Speaking Skills (10 marks): Oral presentation followed by discussion.

Each candidate is required to make an oral presentation for about two minutes, which will be followed by a discussion on the subject with the examiners, for about three minutes. A candidate may refer to brief notes in the course of the presentation but reading or excessive dependence on notes will be penalized.

English Literature: 

2-3 written assignments (total not exceeding 1500 words). The assignment will be of a total of 20 Marks where 10 marks for Internal Evaluation (by the internal examiner) and 10 marks for External Evaluation (by the external examiner).

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English Class 10 ICSE Syllabus Detailed Breakdown

Time to know and understand  what’s covered in the ICSE Syllabus for Class 10 English. From grammar and writing skills to literature, this blog will help you understand the important topics of english class 10 icse. Get ready to tackle every section with confidence and build your skills for the upcoming board exam!

a) Paper 1: English Language

Question 1: Composition writing (300-350 words) testing organization, description, narration, reporting, explanation, persuasion, coherence, and accuracy. Total 20 marks. 

Question 2: Letter writing (formal or friendly), include formal letters, informal letters. Contains 10 marks. 

Question 3: 10 marks (5+5 each)

• Writing a notice based on given directions
• Writing an email on the same content

Question 4: Unseen passage comprehension (500 words) including vocabulary and short answer questions. This contains 20 marks weightage, including Multiple-choice, short answer, and a question asking for 50 50-word summary. 

Question 5: Functional grammar, structure, and usage questions. Grammar is of 20 marks in the exam and ICSE Class 10 English grammar syllabus may include fill-in-the-blanks, sentence correction, rewriting sentences, etc. 

b) Paper 2: Literature in English

Drama – Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare (Acts III, IV & V)

• Act III: The assassination of Caesar, Mark Antony's funeral oration, and the beginning of civil unrest
• Act IV: The formation of the triumvirate (Octavius, Antony, Lepidus), the quarrel between Brutus and Cassius, and the appearance of Caesar's ghost
• Act V: The Battle of Philippi, deaths of Cassius and Brutus

Examination Approach:

• Questions will be central to the text
• Excerpts may be given leading to questions
• Students must demonstrate understanding of the passage and respond in their own words
• Questions may focus on character analysis, themes, dramatic techniques, and historical context

Prose (Short Stories) -

1. With the Photographer by Stephen Leacock

• A humorous story about a man's uncomfortable experience getting his photograph taken
• Themes: social awkwardness, humor in everyday situations

2. The Elevator by William Sleator

• A psychological story about a boy's experience with a strange elevator
• Themes: fear, supernatural elements, coming-of-age

3. The Girl Who Can by Ama Ata Aidoo

• A story set in Africa about a young girl who excels at running
• Themes: gender expectations, traditional vs. modern values, education

4. The Pedestrian by Ray Bradbury

• A dystopian short story about a man walking alone in a future society
• Themes: technology's impact on society, isolation, conformity vs. individuality

5. The Last Lesson by Alphonse Daudet

• Set during the Franco-Prussian War, about a boy's last French lesson before German becomes mandatory
• Themes: nationalism, language as cultural identity, regret, the value of education

Examination Approach: 

• Questions will test comprehension, analysis, and interpretation
• May include character analysis, theme exploration, narrative techniques
• Excerpts may be given from the stories leading to questions

Poetry –

1. Haunted Houses by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

• A reflective poem about the spirits or memories that inhabit houses
• Themes: memory, mortality, the unseen world

2. The Glove and the Lions by Leigh Hunt

• A narrative poem about a courtly test of love that backfires
• Themes: pride, true love, courage, appearances vs. reality

3. When Great Trees Fall by Maya Angelou

• An elegiac poem about loss and recovery
• Themes: grief, memory, healing, the impact of significant figures in our lives

4. A Considerable Speck by Robert Frost

• A philosophical poem about the poet's encounter with a tiny insect
• Themes: respect for life, consciousness, human perception

5. The Power of Music by Sukumar Ray

• A whimsical poem about music's transformative effects
• Themes: music's influence, imagination, humor

Examination Approach:

• A poem or lines from poems will be given with questions
• Questions focus on content understanding and personal response
• Students must respond to the entire poem as a whole
• May test understanding of poetic devices, imagery, tone, and themes

c) Suggested Assignment Types:

1. Character or thematic analysis
2. Socio-economic, cultural, historical relevance/background
3. Summary or paraphrase
4. Appreciation of literary qualities
5. Identifying with a character and explaining one's actions
6. Imagining alternative outcomes or endings
7. Making a graphic representation of a scene/story/poem
8. Creating a diary entry as one of the characters

ICSE English Marking Scheme Class 10

Let's break down the marking scheme and exam pattern so you know exactly what to expect. We’ll make it super easy to understand, so you’ll know how many marks each section is worth and what kind of questions will pop up. This way, you’ll feel ready and confident when exam day comes!

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ICSE English Class 10 Exam Pattern

Alright, let’s take a closer look at the exam pattern! We’ll go through the different sections so you’ll know exactly what the exam will look like. This will help you get a good grip on what to expect and plan your study time better.

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Moving forward to Paper 2: English Literature Paper Pattern which is equally important to understand to ease down your preparation strategy.

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Preparation Tips for English Board Exam

If you're feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry! Here are some tried-and-tested tips to make studying easier:

• Master the Exam Pattern – Go through the syllabus and exam structure thoroughly.
• Practice Previous Year Papers – Solving English PYQs Class 10 can help you understand the question trends.
• Read the Prescribed Texts Carefully – Don't just skim; analyze themes, characters, and writing styles.
• Improve Your Writing Skills – Work on structuring your essays, letters, and reports properly.
• Grammar is Your Best Friend – Brush up on basic grammar rules, transformations, and sentence structuring.
• Use ICSE English Sample Papers – Take timed tests using english class 10 sample papers to enhance your speed and accuracy.

English isn't just about scoring well; it's about developing essential life skills. Whether it's writing an essay, crafting a compelling story, or understanding Shakespeare, each part of the syllabus contributes to making you a confident communicator. So, start preparing smartly, follow the right resources, and ace your ICSE English exams with confidence! All the best.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I prepare for the English Language exam in ICSE Class 10?

To prepare effectively for the English Language exam:

• Focus on Grammar: Practice sentence construction, tenses, subject-verb agreement, and punctuation.
• Writing Skills: Regularly practice writing essays, letters, notices, and reports.
• Comprehension: Work on understanding different types of reading passages and answering related questions.

2. What books should I refer to for ICSE Class 10 English Literature?

For English Literature ICSE Class 10, you should refer to:

• The prescribed ICSE textbooks for Prose, Poetry, and Drama (usually available through your school or other educational platforms).
• Additional study guides or reference books may help you understand the themes and character analysis better, but always ensure you're focusing on the prescribed syllabus.

3. Is there any specific format for writing essays in the ICSE English exam?

Yes, there is a general format to follow for essays:

• Introduction: Start with an engaging opening statement.
• Body: Develop your ideas in well-structured paragraphs.
• Conclusion: End with a summary or a thought-provoking conclusion.

The essay should be around 300-350 words for the ICSE Class 10 exam, and make sure to stay focused on the topic.

4. How important is reading comprehension for ICSE Class 10 English?

Reading comprehension is a crucial part of the ICSE Class 10 English exam, as it tests your ability to understand and interpret passages. You will typically be asked to answer questions related to the passage, such as identifying the main idea, finding meanings of difficult words, and answering inference-based questions.

5. What is the marking scheme for ICSE English Language?

In the ICSE English Language exam, the paper is divided into several sections, including grammar, comprehension, and writing skills. Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Grammar: 30-35 marks
• Comprehension: 20-25 marks
• Writing Skills: 25-30 marks This can vary slightly depending on the year, but this gives you an idea of the distribution.

6. How much time should I dedicate to English daily for ICSE Class 10?

You should aim to dedicate at least 1-2 hours daily to English to cover both language and literature sections. Focus on understanding the concepts, practicing writing skills, and revising literature chapters regularly. Break it down into short sessions to avoid burnout.