ICSE Class 9

Both English Language and English Literature adhere to the standard 80:20 assessment scheme.

Particulars	English Language (Paper 1)	English Literature (Paper 2)
Total Marks	100 Marks	100 Marks
Theory Paper (External Exam)	80 Marks	80 Marks
Internal Assessment (Project Work/Listening & Speaking)	20 Marks	20 Marks
Duration of Theory Paper	2 Hours	2 Hours
Passing Criteria	Generally 33% to 35% in aggregate (school-specific).	Generally 33% to 35% in aggregate (school-specific).

Theory Paper

Both papers are mandatory and require detailed, descriptive answers.

Paper	Section/Question	Marks	Format & Focus	Preparation Strategy
Language	Question 1: Composition	20	An original essay (approx. 300-350 words) on a choice of topics (Narrative, Descriptive, Argumentative, Picture Composition).	Focus on structural clarity, vocabulary and grammar accuracy.
Language	Questions 2 & 3: Writing Skills	20	Letter Writing (Formal/Informal – 10 Marks); Notice and Email Writing (10 Marks).	Adhere strictly to the correct formats and word limits.
Language	Question 4: Comprehension	20	An unseen passage followed by questions requiring factual answers and inferential reasoning, plus a summary/meaning of vocabulary.	Practice identifying the central idea and using own words for answers.
Language	Question 5: Functional Grammar	20	Tenses, Prepositions, Synthesis/Transformation of Sentences, Active/Passive Voice, Direct/Indirect Speech, Phrases/Clauses.	Master fundamental grammar rules—this section is highly scoring if rules are known.
Literature	Questions based on Texts	80	Questions requiring detailed answers, textual references, character analysis, critical appreciation and themes from the prescribed texts (Prose, Poetry and Drama).	Read texts multiple times; memorize key quotes and context for descriptive answers.

The focus is on developing advanced communication skills, both written and structural.

Unit	Major Components	Key Focus Areas
Composition	Writing an original essay (300-350 words) on Narrative, Descriptive, Argumentative or Picture-based topics.	Develop clarity of thought, sequential presentation and rich vocabulary.
Letter Writing	Formal (e.g., to the Editor, Principal, Official) and Informal (e.g., to friends, relatives).	Strict adherence to the proper layout, addresses, salutations and tone.
Functional Writing	Notice Writing (brief and informative) and Email Writing (using proper email format and concise language).	Practice writing clear, concise content within the prescribed format.
Functional Grammar	Tenses (all forms), Prepositions, Synthesis (combining sentences using conjunctions, participles, etc.), Transformation (interchanging parts of speech, degrees of comparison).	Drill grammar exercises, focusing on rules of transformation and synthesis.
Comprehension	Reading and understanding an unseen passage, deriving inference and vocabulary testing.	Improve speed reading and ability to understand subtle meanings (inference).

Unit	Major Components	Key Focus Areas
Prose/Short Stories	Stories selected from a prescribed collection (e.g., Treasure Trove collection or similar textbooks).	Character analysis, plot summary, themes and ethical/moral implications.
Poetry	Poems selected from a prescribed collection.	Poetic devices, rhyme scheme, critical appreciation, central idea and the poet’s tone/message.
Drama/Play	A full-length play or an excerpt from a major work (e.g., often an introduction to Shakespeare).	DRAMA: Julius Caesar – William Shakespeare (Acts I & II) TREASURE CHEST: A Collection of ICSE Short Stories & Poems (Evergreen Publications (India) Ltd. New Delhi) PROSE (Short Stories): Bonku Babu’s Friend – Satyajit Ray Oliver Asks for More – Charles Dickens The Model Millionaire – Oscar Wilde Home-coming – Rabindranath Tagore The Boy who Broke the Bank – Ruskin Bond POETRY: The Night Mail – W.H. Auden Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat – T.S. Eliot I Remember, I Remember – Thomas Hood A Doctor’s Journal Entry for August 6, 1945 – Vikram Seth A Work of Artifice – Marge Piercy Study of dramatic structure, character development, dialogues and historical context.

The 20 marks for Internal Assessment (IA) for each paper are evaluated at the school level and focus on practical communication skills.

Subject	Assessment Modality (Examples)	Assessment Focus
English Language	Listening and Speaking Skills (ASL – Assessment of Speaking and Listening). Includes individual talks, group discussions, debates and listening comprehension tests.	Fluency, clarity of articulation, pronunciation, and ability to comprehend spoken English.
English Literature	Project Work/Assignments. Research projects on authors, literary devices, character studies, book reviews or comparative analysis of themes.	Depth of research, analytical ability, use of proper literary terms and presentation skills.