EnglishSyllabus · Subject Code: EN1201

Reading unseen passages and note-making: Two unseen passages with a variety of questions including 3 marks for vocabulary (word formation and inferring meaning) and 5 marks for note-making. The total length of the two passages will be between 950-1200 words.

The passages will include two of the following:

• Factual passages - instructions, descriptions, reports.
• Discursive passages involving opinion - argumentative, persuasive or interpretative texts.
• Literary passages - extracts from fiction, drama, poetry, essays or biographies.

A passage of about 600-700 words carrying 12 marks and another passage of about 350-500 words carrying 8 marks will be set as follows:

• Question 1 (12 marks): A passage (600-700 words) to test reading comprehension. The passage can be literary, factual or discursive.
• Question 2 (8 marks): A shorter passage (350-500 words) for note-making and abstraction.

The writing section comprises four writing tasks as indicated below:

• Question 3 (5 marks): One out of two short compositions of not more than 50 words each, e.g.:
  • Advertisements and notices
  • Designing or drafting posters
  • Writing formal and informal invitations and replies
• Question 4 (10 marks): A report or factual description based on verbal input provided - one out of two options (125-150 words).
• Question 5 (10 marks): Writing one out of two letters based on verbal input. Letter types include:
  • Business or official letters - enquiries, complaints, asking for / giving information, placing orders and sending replies.
  • Letters to the editor - giving suggestions on an issue.
  • Application for a job.
  • Letters to the principal / school authorities regarding admissions, school issues, or suitability of a course.
• Question 6 (10 marks): One out of two compositions based on visual and/or verbal input (125-150 words). Output may be:
  • An article
  • A speech
  • A debate
  The composition may be descriptive or argumentative in nature.

Prescribed Books: Flamingo and Vistas.

• Question 7 (4 marks): One out of two extracts based on poetry from the text to test comprehension and appreciation.
• Question 8 (4 marks): Two out of three short questions from the poetry section to test local and global comprehension.
• Question 9 (12 marks): Six out of seven short answer questions based on lessons from Flamingo and Vistas.
• Question 10 (5 marks): One out of two long answer type questions based on the text to test global comprehension and extrapolation beyond the set text. Expected word limit: 100-125 words.
• Question 11 (5 marks): One long answer question based on the texts to test comprehension and analytical skills, bringing out inherent values and key messages. Expected word limit: about 100 words.
• Questions 12 & 13 (8 + 7 = 15 marks): Two long answer questions on the theme, plot, character and incidents from the prescribed novel. Schools can choose any one out of the two novels prescribed.