CBSE Class 12 Board Exam English Core Syllabus

English Core syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for English Core in CBSE Class 12 Board Exam, not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Reading Comprehension

   3 topics

   • Factual and Discursive Passages
     • Note-making and summarising
     • Inference and vocabulary in context
   • Case-based and Note-making Passages
     • Interpreting graphs and tables
     • Title and main idea identification
   • Literary and Analytical Reading
     • Tone and attitude of the writer
     • Critical evaluation of arguments
2. 2

   Creative and Functional Writing

   3 topics

   • Notice, Invitation and Replies
     • Format and content of notices
     • Formal and informal invitations
   • Letters
     • Letters to the editor
     • Job application and resume
   • Article and Report Writing
     • Article on contemporary issues
     • Report of an event or function
3. 3

   Flamingo - Prose and Poetry

   3 topics

   • Prose Chapters
     • The Last Lesson and Lost Spring
     • Deep Water and The Rattrap
     • Indigo and Poets and Pancakes
   • Poetry
     • My Mother at Sixty-six and Keeping Quiet
     • A Thing of Beauty and A Roadside Stand
   • Themes and Literary Devices
     • Central themes across texts
     • Figures of speech and imagery
4. 4

   Vistas - Supplementary Reader

   3 topics

   • Selected Stories
     • The Third Level and The Tiger King
     • Journey to the End of the Earth
     • The Enemy and On the Face of It
   • Themes and Character Analysis
     • Central themes and messages
     • Long answer and value-based questions
   • Inference and Interpretation
     • Symbolism and underlying meaning
     • Author's perspective and narrative style

English Core flashcards for CBSE Class 12 Board Exam

23 of 51 cards from the English Core deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. In CBSE Class 12 English reading comprehension, what is the difference between a factual passage and a discursive passage?

   A factual passage presents information, facts and data objectively (e.g. reports, descriptions). A discursive passage presents opinions, arguments, viewpoints and persuasive reasoning on an issue.

2. What does 'inference' mean when answering reading comprehension questions?

   Inference is drawing a logical conclusion based on evidence in the text that is implied rather than directly stated.

3. In a case-based reading passage with tables or graphs, what skill is primarily tested?

   Interpreting and analysing data (numerical/visual information), then drawing conclusions and answering inference-based questions from it.

4. What is note-making in the CBSE Class 12 reading section, and what are its two main parts?

   Note-making is summarising a passage in a structured, abbreviated form. Its two parts are the notes (with title, headings, sub-headings) and a summary of the notes.

5. List the standard format requirements for note-making notes in CBSE Class 12.

   A suitable title, main headings with sub-headings, logical indentation, use of recognisable abbreviations, and a key/list of abbreviations used.

6. How long should the summary be in the CBSE note-making question?

   The summary should be roughly 50 words (about one-third of the notes), written in continuous prose based on the notes made.

7. What is the difference between 'skimming' and 'scanning' as reading strategies?

   Skimming is reading quickly to get the general idea/gist; scanning is searching quickly for specific information or a particular detail.

8. In literary/analytical reading, what is meant by the 'tone' of a passage?

   Tone is the writer's attitude toward the subject or audience, conveyed through word choice (e.g. ironic, formal, sympathetic, critical).

9. What is the standard format of a Notice in CBSE Class 12 writing?

   It includes the name of the issuing body/organisation, the word NOTICE, a heading/title, date, body (what, when, where, why, who), and the writer's name and designation. It is usually boxed.

10. What is the prescribed word limit for a Notice in the CBSE Class 12 exam?

    A Notice should be written within about 50 words.

11. What are the two main types of invitations in CBSE Class 12 writing?

    Formal invitations (printed/card format, third person, no signature) and informal invitations (letter/personal format, first person).

12. In what person and tense is a formal invitation written?

    In the third person, with no salutation or signature, often in the present tense.

13. What must a reply to a formal invitation match, and in what person is it written?

    The reply (acceptance or declining) must be in the same third-person formal style and tone as the invitation, with no salutation or signature.

14. What are the main parts of a formal letter in CBSE Class 12 format?

    Sender's address, date, receiver's address, subject line, salutation, body, complimentary close, sender's name and signature.

15. Name the four common types of formal letters tested in CBSE Class 12.

    Letter to the editor, letter of complaint, letter of enquiry, and letter for placing/cancelling orders (job application is also included).

16. What salutation and complimentary close are used in a formal letter to an unknown recipient?

    Salutation 'Sir/Madam' (or 'Dear Sir/Madam') and complimentary close 'Yours faithfully'.

17. What complimentary close is used when the recipient's name is known in a formal letter?

    'Yours sincerely'.

18. What are the essential components of an Article in CBSE Class 12 writing?

    A catchy heading/title, the writer's name (byline), an introduction, a well-developed body with paragraphs, and a conclusion.

19. What is the prescribed word limit for an Article in CBSE Class 12 (long writing tasks)?

    About 120-150 words.

20. What is the format of a Report writing task in CBSE Class 12?

    A heading/title, the reporter's name (by-line), and the body covering what happened, when, where, who was involved and the outcome, usually in past tense and third person.

21. How does an Article differ from a Report in tone and tense?

    An Article expresses opinions/analysis, often in present tense; a Report objectively narrates a past event in third person, mostly past tense, factually.

22. In Flamingo, what is the central theme of the chapter 'The Last Lesson' by Alphonse Daudet?

    The theme of linguistic chauvinism and the importance of one's mother tongue and national identity, set against the German annexation of Alsace-Lorraine.

23. In 'Lost Spring' by Anees Jung, what two groups of children does the author focus on?

    The rag-pickers of Seemapuri and the child labourers in the bangle-making industry of Firozabad.

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