ISC Class 11 English Syllabus 2026-27
Introduction
This page presents the complete ISC Class 11 English Syllabus for the academic session 2026-27, as prescribed by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE). ISC Class 11 English is a compulsory subject for all streams and is assessed through two papers: English Language and Literature in English. This guide covers the full syllabus across both papers, the examination pattern, marking scheme, recommended texts, and preparation strategies to help students achieve their best possible results.
ISC Class 11 English develops advanced language proficiency, critical thinking, and literary appreciation. Students engage with a range of prose, poetry, and drama through the prescribed texts, while simultaneously strengthening their writing, comprehension, and grammar skills. The subject prepares students for the Class 12 ISC board examination and for English-medium higher education across all disciplines.
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Subject | English |
Board | CISCE (ISC) |
Class | 11 |
Session | 2026-27 |
Subject Code | English (Code: 01) |
Total Marks | 200 (Paper 1: 100 + Paper 2: 100) |
Paper 1 | English Language - 80 Marks + 20 IA |
Paper 2 | Literature in English - 80 Marks + 20 IA |
Duration | Paper 1: 3 Hours | Paper 2: 3 Hours |
Medium | English |
Exam Pattern
Component | Marks | Duration | Remarks |
Paper 1: English Language | 80 | 3 Hours | Compulsory for all |
Paper 1: Internal Assessment | 20 | Year-round | Writing portfolio, tests |
Paper 2: Literature in English | 80 | 3 Hours | Compulsory for all |
Paper 2: Internal Assessment | 20 | Year-round | Seminars, book review, project |
Total | 200 | — | Both papers compulsory |
Detailed Syllabus
Paper 1: English Language
The English Language paper tests reading comprehension, writing skills, and grammar. Students are assessed on their ability to understand unseen passages, write in various formats, and apply language rules accurately.
Section | Topics Covered |
Section A: Comprehension | Unseen prose passage; short-answer comprehension questions; vocabulary in context; summary writing |
Section B: Writing | Essay writing (narrative, descriptive, expository, argumentative); letter writing (formal and informal); report writing; article writing; speech writing |
Section C: Grammar | Grammar in context: transformation of sentences, synthesis, direct/indirect speech, active/passive voice, error correction, gap filling |
Section D: Text-Based Writing | Passage-based questions; precis writing; note-making |
Paper 2: Literature in English
The Literature in English paper is based on prescribed texts. Students study a selection of prose, poetry, and drama and are assessed on comprehension, critical appreciation, and written response.
Genre | Prescribed Works / Topics |
Prose | Short stories and essays from the prescribed ISC anthology for Class 11 (CISCE approved texts) |
Poetry | Selected poems from the ISC prescribed poetry anthology; analysis of imagery, theme, tone, and poetic devices |
Drama | One prescribed play; character study, themes, dramatic techniques, and textual analysis |
Unseen Poetry | Appreciation of an unseen poem; identification of literary devices; critical response |
Grammar Topics in Detail
Grammar Area | Key Concepts |
Parts of Speech | Nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, interjections |
Tenses | All 12 tense forms; correct usage in context |
Sentence Transformation | Combining sentences, degree of comparison, voice, speech conversion |
Error Correction | Identifying and correcting grammatical errors in sentences |
Punctuation | Correct use of comma, full stop, colon, semi-colon, apostrophe, quotation marks |
Vocabulary | Synonyms, antonyms, homophones, one-word substitution, phrasal verbs |
Chapter Overview Table
Paper | Section / Area | Approx. Marks |
Paper 1 | Reading Comprehension (Section A) | 20 |
Paper 1 | Writing Skills (Section B) | 30 |
Paper 1 | Grammar (Section C and D) | 30 |
Paper 2 | Prose (Short Stories and Essays) | 25 |
Paper 2 | Poetry (Prescribed and Unseen) | 25 |
Paper 2 | Drama | 30 |
Marking Scheme
Component | Section | Marks | Instructions |
Paper 1 | Section A: Comprehension | 20 | Compulsory |
Paper 1 | Section B: Writing | 30 | Choice of formats |
Paper 1 | Section C and D: Grammar | 30 | Compulsory |
Paper 2 | Prose, Poetry, Drama | 80 | Textual and analytical questions |
Internal Assessment (each paper) | Portfolio / Seminar / Project | 20 | Year-round; school assessed |
Total | — | 200 | — |
Recommended Books
Book Title | Author / Publisher | Purpose |
ISC English Language and Literature (Class 11) | Evergreen Publications | Comprehensive guide for both papers |
Treasure Chest (ISC Prescribed Anthology) | Xavier Pinto / Morning Star | Prescribed text for Paper 2 |
Wren and Martin High School Grammar | S. Chand Publications | Grammar reference and practice |
ISC Literature in English | Frank Bros and Co. | Literature analysis and questions |
CISCE Sample Question Papers | Oswal Publishers | Past papers and exam practice |
Preparation Tips for ISC Class 11 English
ISC Class 11 English rewards consistent reading, regular writing practice, and thorough knowledge of prescribed texts. The following strategies are highly effective:
• Read the prescribed literary texts at least twice: once for understanding the plot and characters, and once specifically for language, tone, themes, and literary devices.
• Practise writing essays, letters, reports, articles, and speeches regularly, focusing on structure, coherence, and vocabulary range.
• Maintain a vocabulary notebook with at least 10 new words each week, including their synonyms, antonyms, and usage in sentences.
• For the grammar section, practise transformation of sentences and error correction exercises from Wren and Martin daily.
• Prepare character sketches and thematic analyses for all prescribed prose and drama texts; these are frequently tested in long-answer questions.
• Practise summary and precis writing by condensing newspaper editorials to one-third of their original length.
• Solve at least four previous years' ISC English papers under timed conditions to build speed and accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many papers are there in ISC Class 11 English?
ISC Class 11 English consists of two compulsory papers: Paper 1 (English Language) and Paper 2 (Literature in English). Each paper carries 80 marks for the written examination and 20 marks for internal assessment, making a combined total of 200 marks for the subject.
What is the format of the Paper 1 English Language exam?
Paper 1 tests reading comprehension, writing in various formats (essay, letter, report, article, speech), grammar in context, and text-based writing including precis and note-making. The paper is conducted for 3 hours and carries 80 marks. Students have 15 additional minutes for reading before the examination begins.
Which literary texts are prescribed for ISC Class 11 Paper 2?
The prescribed texts for ISC Class 11 Literature in English are updated by CISCE each session. Students must confirm the exact prescribed prose anthology, poetry collection, and drama text with their school or refer to the official CISCE website at www.cisce.org for the 2026-27 session. The prescribed texts typically include a collection of short stories and essays, a poetry anthology, and one play.
How is the internal assessment for ISC English conducted?
The internal assessment for Paper 1 typically involves a writing portfolio comprising essays, letters, and creative writing samples produced over the year. The internal assessment for Paper 2 involves a literary project, book review, seminar, or oral presentation based on prescribed texts. Both assessments are conducted by the school and carry 20 marks each.
Is grammar a standalone section in the ISC English Language paper?
Yes, grammar is tested through dedicated sections in the Paper 1 examination. However, ISC grammar questions are primarily application-based rather than definition-based. Students are required to transform sentences, correct errors, fill in blanks, and convert between direct and indirect speech in context, rather than merely recall grammatical rules.
ISC Class 11 Syllabus |