English — Syllabus & Chapters

The complete syllabus for English — every chapter you need to study, and how the exam paper is structured.

What you will study (chapters)

Chapter 1: Reading Comprehension
Chapter 2: Vocabulary Building
Chapter 3: Grammar Basics
Chapter 4: Prose Reading and Understanding
Chapter 5: Prose Analysis and Interpretation
Chapter 6: Prose Language and Style
Chapter 7: Poetry Reading and Appreciation
Chapter 8: Poetic Devices and Imagery
Chapter 9: Poetry Theme and Interpretation
Chapter 10: Paragraph and Essay Writing
Chapter 11: Letter and Application Writing
Chapter 12: Creative Response and Dialogue
Chapter 13: Grammar Revision
Chapter 14: Literature Revision
Chapter 15: Model Test and Feedback

Frequently asked questions

How many chapters are there in English?

The English syllabus has 15 chapters, listed in full above. Cover the high-weightage chapters first using the exam pattern as a guide.

How do I know which English chapters carry the most marks?

Compare the chapter list above with the exam pattern and the last few years of question papers — the topics that appear most often and the units with the highest marks are where to focus first. Always confirm weightage against the official syllabus for your exam year.

Has the English syllabus changed this year?

Boards occasionally revise the syllabus or remove topics for a session. Always download the official syllabus for your exact exam year from the official ICSE & ISC portal rather than relying on an older copy or a social-media list.

How can I prepare for English faster?

Begin with the most-frequently-asked topics and the last few years of question papers, then test yourself under timed conditions. If you want guided help, you can use the free AI study tutor for English — practise past-paper questions and get instant feedback — or a focused English study guide that condenses the syllabus into the topics that matter most — both are free to start.