Matric (SSC) English Syllabus

English syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for English in Matric (SSC), not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Prose and Reading Comprehension

   3 topics

   • Textbook Prose Lessons
   • Reading Comprehension of Unseen Passages
   • Main Idea and Inference
2. 2

   Poems

   3 topics

   • Central Ideas of Poems
   • Stanza Explanation and Reference to Context
   • Figures of Speech
3. 3

   Grammar

   5 topics

   • Parts of Speech
   • Tenses
   • Active and Passive Voice
   • Direct and Indirect Narration
   • Punctuation
4. 4

   Vocabulary

   3 topics

   • Synonyms and Antonyms
   • Use of Words in Sentences
   • Prefixes and Suffixes
5. 5

   Composition and Writing Skills

   4 topics

   • Paragraph and Essay Writing
   • Letters and Applications
   • Story Writing
   • Dialogue Writing
6. 6

   Translation and Summary

   2 topics

   • Urdu to English Translation
   • Summary Writing and Comprehension

English flashcards for Matric (SSC)

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

1. In literary study of textbook prose lessons, what is the difference between the 'theme' and the 'plot' of a story?

   The theme is the central underlying message or idea the writer conveys (e.g., honesty, sacrifice). The plot is the actual sequence of events that make up the story.

2. What is a 'moral' in a textbook prose lesson, and where is it usually found?

   A moral is the practical lesson or ethical teaching that a reader takes from the story. It is usually drawn from the outcome or conclusion of the lesson.

3. When summarizing a prose lesson, what three elements should a good summary always include?

   The main characters, the key events in order, and the central idea or moral, written briefly in your own words.

4. What is 'reading comprehension of an unseen passage'?

   It is the skill of reading a previously unseen text and answering questions based only on the information and meaning contained within that passage.

5. What is the recommended first step before answering questions on an unseen comprehension passage?

   Read the whole passage carefully (often twice) to grasp its overall meaning, then read the questions before locating answers in the text.

6. In comprehension, why should answers usually be written in your own words rather than copied?

   To show genuine understanding; copying full sentences does not prove comprehension, though key terms from the passage may be retained.

7. What is the 'main idea' of a passage?

   The main idea is the single most important point or central message that the whole passage is about; all other details support it.

8. How does the 'main idea' differ from a 'supporting detail'?

   The main idea is the central point of the passage, while supporting details are the facts, examples, or reasons that explain or back up that main idea.

9. What does 'inference' mean in reading comprehension?

   Inference is a conclusion the reader works out from clues in the text that are implied but not stated directly.

10. What is the difference between a 'stated fact' and an 'inference'?

    A stated fact is written explicitly in the text; an inference is a reasoned conclusion drawn from hints in the text that is not directly written.

11. What is the 'central idea' of a poem?

    The central idea is the main thought, message, or theme the poet wants to convey through the whole poem.

12. What is a practical method to find the central idea of a poem?

    Read the poem fully, identify the subject and the poet's attitude, note repeated images or words, and state the main message in one or two sentences.

13. What is a 'stanza' in a poem?

    A stanza is a group of lines in a poem arranged together and set apart from other groups, similar to a paragraph in prose.

14. In 'Reference to the Context', what four points are normally explained?

    The name of the poem/poet (source), the context/situation of the lines, the explanation of the lines' meaning, and any literary or important point in them.

15. What does 'explanation of a stanza' require a student to do?

    To restate the meaning of the stanza's lines in simple prose, explaining the poet's idea, imagery, and message clearly.

16. What is a 'figure of speech'?

    A figure of speech is an expression that uses words in a non-literal or imaginative way to create a special effect or deeper meaning.

17. Define a 'simile' and give its key signal words.

    A simile is a direct comparison between two unlike things using the words 'like' or 'as' (e.g., 'as brave as a lion').

18. Define a 'metaphor' and how it differs from a simile.

    A metaphor is an implied comparison that calls one thing another without 'like' or 'as' (e.g., 'He is a lion in battle'); a simile uses 'like'/'as', a metaphor does not.

19. What is 'personification' as a figure of speech?

    Personification gives human qualities, feelings, or actions to non-human things or abstract ideas (e.g., 'The wind whispered').

20. What is 'hyperbole'?

    Hyperbole is a deliberate, extreme exaggeration used for emphasis or effect, not meant to be taken literally (e.g., 'I've told you a million times').

21. What is 'alliteration'?

    Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial consonant sound in closely placed words (e.g., 'silent sea').

22. What are the eight parts of speech in English?

    Noun, pronoun, verb, adjective, adverb, preposition, conjunction, and interjection.

23. What is a 'noun', and name its main kinds.

    A noun names a person, place, thing, or idea. Main kinds: common, proper, collective, material, and abstract nouns.

See more English flashcards →

Planning English for Matric (SSC)

English (Matric (SSC)) FAQ