High School · Grade XI

EnglishSubject Code: ENGLISH

The Grade XI English syllabus is organised into four compulsory sections - Reading, Writing Skills, Grammar, and Literature with Long Reading Text. Each section carries separate marks and together they form a 3-hour examination of 100 marks.

Total Marks: 100Time: 3 HoursAll four sections are compulsory.

Across all sections, learners develop: advanced reading comprehension, functional and creative writing skills, accurate use of grammar in context, and appreciation of literature through prose, poetry, supplementary reading and a long reading text.

Instructions:

The syllabus is divided into four sections: A, B, C and D.
All sections are compulsory for every learner.
Separate marks are assigned to each section as mentioned in the table below.

Section	Area Covered	Marks	Read More
Section A	Reading Comprehension	20	Read more
Section B	Writing Skills	30	Read more
Section C	Grammar	20	Read more
Section D	Literature & Long Reading Text	30	Read more
Time: 3 Hours		Total Marks	100

Grade XI · English · Section A

Section A - Reading Comprehension (20 Marks)

20 Marks

This section assesses the learner’s ability to read with understanding, interpret, infer and evaluate information from unseen texts.
Includes two unseen passages (factual / discursive / literary).
First passage: objective type questions (MCQs / very short answer) testing comprehension, vocabulary and inference.
Second passage: short answer questions testing global and local comprehension, interpretation and analysis.
Total input word limit for both texts together is usually around 900-1000 words.
Variety of text types may be used: articles, reports, speeches, biographical pieces, narrative / descriptive texts.

Grade XI · English · Section B

Section B - Writing Skills (30 Marks)

30 Marks

This section focuses on functional and creative writing skills in authentic contexts.
Short compositions (notices, advertisements, posters, invitations, replies, messages, factual descriptions, etc.).
Longer compositions such as formal / informal letters, job applications with CV / bio-data, and official letters.
Extended compositions such as articles, reports, speeches and debates based on verbal / visual input.
Tasks assess organisation, coherence, relevance of ideas, appropriate style and correct use of language.
Suggested word limits are guidelines only; assessment focuses on quality of content and expression.

Grade XI · English · Section C

Section C - Grammar (20 Marks)

20 Marks

This section aims to reinforce the correct and meaningful use of grammatical structures in context.
Editing and omission tasks based on short passages to test grammar, usage and punctuation.
Reordering of words and phrases into meaningful sentences.
Transformation of sentences, including voice, reported speech and use of clauses.
Error correction and gap filling exercises based on realistic text segments.
Focus is on functional grammar - language used for communication rather than isolated rules.

Grade XI · English · Section D

Section D - Literature & Long Reading Text (30 Marks)

30 Marks

This section is based on the prescribed textbooks and the long reading text.
Short answer questions testing understanding, inference and interpretation from prose, poetry and supplementary reader.
Questions on themes, characters, events and overall message of the texts.
Long answer questions requiring critical appreciation, comparison, personal response and creative interpretation.
Long Reading Text (Novel / Biography): global question on plot, themes and characterisation; questions on specific characters and incidents.
Answers must show close reading of the text, ability to cite relevant details and express opinions clearly.

Prescribed Books and Materials

Main Course Textbook (Prose and Poetry) - as prescribed for Grade XI
Supplementary Reader - Short stories / additional prose pieces
Long Reading Text (Novel / Biography) - one title prescribed for the year