Class 12 English Syllabus is divided into 2 parts – English Core and English Electives. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is the most sought-after board in India, provides a comprehensive Class 12 English Syllabus of both Core and Elective. While preparing for boards, you are also strengthening your English for competitive exams and can also help you build a career in Functional English. Through this blog, we will walk you through the syllabus and exam pattern for the class 12th board examination.
This Blog Includes:
- CBSE Class 12th English Syllabus 2022
- Class 12 English Exam Pattern – Core 2022
- CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus (Term-1)
- CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus- Literature Term-1
- CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus (Term-2)
- CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus- Literature Term-2
- Deleted Syllabus of English Class 12 CBSE 2022: Core
- Class 12 English Syllabus CBSE 2022- PDF
- CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus- Elective
- Class 12 English Exam Pattern – Elective 2022
- CBSE Class 12 Elective English Syllabus- Literature Term-1
- CBSE Class 12 Elective English Syllabus- Fiction Term-1
- CBSE Class 12 Elective English Syllabus- Literature Term-2
- CBSE Class 12 Elective English Syllabus- Fiction Term-2
- Deleted Syllabus of English Class 12 CBSE 2022: Elective
- PDF Download
- Class 12 English Books 2021-2022
- Class 12 English Grammar Syllabus
- Class 12 English Previous Year Questions
- Class 12 English Sample Papers
- FAQs
CBSE Class 12th English Syllabus 2022
The English Term-I and Term-II examinations in Class 12th carry a total of 80 marks, with 40 points each. The assessment of listening and speaking skills for both terms is worth 20 points, with 10 points for each term.
Class 12 English Exam Pattern – Core 2022
The class 12 English syllabus – Core, enables students to develop a good understanding of the language and literature. In the final examination, candidates are evaluated in terms of their Reading, Writing and Literature skills. Given below is the distribution of the same:
Sections | Distribution of Marks |
Section A: Reading Comprehension | 20 |
Section B: Writing Skills | 30 |
Section C: Literature Section | 30 |
Section A: Reading Comprehension
This Class 12 English syllabus section consists of two passages:
- There will be 1 unseen passage given with a variety of Objective Type Questions, including MCQs and Short Answer type questions to test comprehension, interpretation, vocabulary and inference. From this unseen passage, 5 MCQs and 7 Objective type questions shall be asked. The passage will be of the total length of 800 – 900 words. The passage type could be Factual or Descriptive or Literary passage. (12 marks)
- In the second passage, students are assessed in Note making and Abstraction. The distribution of marks: Note Making (4 marks) and Summary (4 marks).
Section B: Writing Skills
- Notices, advertisement, Writing formal and informal invitations, designing or drafting posters. Out of the two Short Answer Questions (SAQs), one question is asked which consists of 4 marks.
- Letters based on visual/verbal inputs- Student have to answer one question, out of the two Long Answer Questions (LAQs) which consists of 6 marks.
- There are 2 composition questions based on verbal/verbal input, which includes a speech /articles/debate or report- 2 LAQs containing internal choice, which is to be answered by students in 150-200 words. (20 marks each)
Section C- Literature Section
- 8 Objective type of questions(OTQs)- four questions from one poetry and four from one prose extract to test comprehension and appreciation. (8 marks)
- Out of 7 Short Answer type questions, students have to answer 5 questions, which are based on drama/poetry/ prose from both textbooks. (5*2=10 marks)
- In Long Answer type questions, one question out of two Long Answer Questions (from textbook Flamingo) has to be answered by students in 120-150 words. (6 marks)
- One question out of 2 Long Answer Questions (from textbook Flamingo) has to be answered by students in 120-150 words. (6 marks)
CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus (Term-1)
Sections | Particulars | Marks |
Reading Comprehension | Unseen passage (factual, descriptive or literary/ discursive or persuasive) – 8 marksCase-Based Unseen (Factual) Passage – 6 marks | 14 Marks |
Creative Writing Skills | Short Writing Tasks – Notice Writing & Classified Advertisements (3 marks)Long Writing Tasks (One) – Letter to an Editor (giving suggestions or opinions on issues of public interest) and Article Writing | 08 Marks |
Literature | Literary-prose/poetry extracts ( seen- texts ) to assess comprehension and appreciation, analysis, inference, extrapolation.Questions Based on Texts to assess comprehension and appreciation, analysis, inference, extrapolation. | 18 Marks |
Total Marks | 40 Marks |
CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus- Literature Term-1
Book- Flamingo (Prose) – 11 Marks
- The Last Lesson
- Lost Spring
- Deep Water
Book-Flamingo (Poetry)
- My Mother at Sixty-Six
- An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum
- Keeping Quiet
Book-Vistas (Prose) – 7 Marks
- The Third Level
- The Enemy
CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus (Term-2)
Section | Particulars | Marks |
Reading Comprehension | Unseen passage (factual, descriptive or literary/ discursive or persuasive) – 8 MarksCase-Based Unseen (Factual) Passage – 6 Marks | 14 Marks |
Creative Writing Skills | Short Writing Tasks – Formal & Informal Invitation Cards or the Replies to Invitation (3 marks)Long Writing Tasks (One) – Letter of Application for a Job or Report Writing (5 marks) | 08 Marks |
Literature | Questions based on extracts/texts to assess comprehension and appreciation, analysis, inference, extrapolation.Book-Flamingo (Prose) – 11 MarksBook-Flamingo (Poetry)Book-Vistas (Prose) – 7 Marks | 18 Marks |
Total Marks | 40 Marks |
CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus- Literature Term-2
Book-Flamingo (Prose) – 11 Marks
- The Rattrap
- Indigo
Book-Flamingo (Poetry)
- A Thing of Beauty
- Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers
Book-Vistas (Prose) – 7 Marks
- Should Wizard Hit Mommy?
- On the Face of It
- Evans Tries an O Level
Deleted Syllabus of English Class 12 CBSE 2022: Core
For the academic year 2020-2021, the syllabus for class 12th has been reduced 30%. Here are the portions reduced from English core-
Reading
- Note Making & Summarizing
Literature
- FLAMINGO
- Poets and Pancakes 1. A Roadside Stand
- The Interview
- Going Places
- VISTAS
- The Tiger King
- Journey to the end of the Earth
- Memories of Childhood
Writing
- Poster making
- Business or official letters for making enquiries, registering complaints, asking for and giving information, placing orders and sending replies.
- Speech, Debate
Class 12 English Syllabus CBSE 2022- PDF
To get handy with the class 12 English syllabus- core, you may download the below-mentioned PDF-
CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus- Elective
Sections | Particulars | Marks |
Reading Comprehension | Unseen passage (literary or discursive)Unseen PoemCase-Based Unseen (Factual) Passage | 10 Marks |
Creative Writing Skills | Discursive/interpretative writingEssay (on an Argumentative/Discursive/Reflective/ Descriptive topic )Article Writing( on a contemporary/topical issue) | 10 Marks |
Applied Grammar | Transformation of Sentences( Voice/Speech/ Clauses/ Change of sentence types) | 04 Marks |
Literature | MCQs (from Kaleidoscope) from short stories/poetry /non-fiction/ drama | 11 Marks |
Fiction | 05 Marks | |
Seminar | 10 Marks | |
Total | 50 Mark |
Class 12 English Exam Pattern – Elective 2022
Class 12 English syllabus – Elective is an advanced version which focuses more on literary-oriented and covers various aspects of literature. CBSE Class 12 English syllabus – Elective consists of 4 sections. Given below, course structure of English Elective and distribution of marks for each section:
Sections | Distribution of Marks |
Section A- Reading Section | 20 |
Section B- Creative Writing Skills and Applied Grammar Section | 30 |
Section C- Literature Section | 20 |
Section D- Fiction Section | 10 |
Seminar | 20 |
Section A: Reading Section
This section consists of passage (literary and discursive) of about 950-1000 words. Out of this passage, 12 questions are asked which comprises of MCQs. (12 marks= 121) and a poem about 24-28 lines, out of this poem, 4 short questions are asked to test the student’s interpretation and appreciation. (42=8 marks).
Section B: Creative Writing Skills and Applied Grammar Section
In Long answer type questions, 2 questions are to be answered out of three questions by the students in 120-150 words each. |
(12 marks=2*6) |
Out of 2 Long Answer type questions, 1 questions are two be answered by the students in 150-200 words each. |
(10 marks=2*5) |
Transformation of Sentences: 8 objective type questions |
(8 marks=8*1) |
Section C- Literature Section
- Out of 2 Short Answer type questions, one question has to be answered by the students in about 50-60 words. (2 marks)
- Out of 3 Short Answer type questions, two questions have to be answered in about 60-80 words. (8 marks= 4*2)
- Out of 3 Long Answer type questions, two questions have to be answered by the student in about 80-100 words, which test the deeper understanding, apprehension and interpretation skills of students. (10 marks= 5*2)
Section D- Fiction Section
- Out of 2 Short Answer type questions, one question needs to be answered in 60-80 words, which tests understanding, interpretation, evaluation and appreciation of characters, events, episodes and interpersonal relationships (4 marks).
- Out of 2 Long Answer type questions, one question needs to be answered about 120-160 words, which test deeper understanding, drawing inferences and apprehension. (6 marks).
Seminar
The seminar part comprises of 20 marks, which includes, Presentation- a play /a short story/novel/ book review/ novella (tale, table, parable), Poetry Reading to be followed by interpretative tasks based on close reading and literary analysis of the text and Conducting a theatre workshop to be followed by a discussion.
CBSE Class 12 Elective English Syllabus- Literature Term-1
Book- Kaleidoscope-Short Stories
- I Sell my Dreams – GABRIEL GARCIA MARQUEZ
- Eveline- JAMES JOYCE
Book- Kaleidoscope-Poetry
- A Lecture Upon the Shadow- JOHN DONNE
- Poems by Milton- JOHN MILTON
- Poems by Blake- WILLIAM BLAKE
- Kubla Khan – S.T.COLERIDGE
Book- Kaleidoscope- Nonfiction
- Freedom- G.B.SHAW
- The Mark on the Wall – VIRGINIA WOOLF
Book- Kaleidoscope-Drama
- Chandalika- RABINDRANATH TAGORE
CBSE Class 12 Elective English Syllabus- Fiction Term-1
- A Tiger for Malgudi ( R K Narayan) [Part I & II]
- The Financial Expert ( R K Narayan) [Part I & II]
Sections | Particulars | Marks |
Reading Comprehension | Unseen passage (literary or discursive)Unseen PoemCase-Based Unseen (Factual) Passage | 10 Marks |
Creative Writing Skills | Speech( on a contemporary/topical issue)Report Writing ( on a contemporary/t optical issue) | 10 Marks |
Applied Grammar | Transformation of Sentences( Voice/Speech/ Clauses/ Change of sentence types) | 04 Marks |
Literature | MCQs (from Kaleidoscope) -from short stories/poetry /non-fiction/ drama | 11 Marks |
Fiction | 05 Marks | |
Seminar | 10 Marks | |
Total | 50 Marks |
CBSE Class 12 Elective English Syllabus- Literature Term-2
Book- Kaleidoscope-Short Stories
- A Wedding in Brownsville- ISAAC BASHEVIS SINGER
Book- Kaleidoscope-Poetry
- Trees – EMILY DICKINSON
- The Wild Swans of Coole- W.B.YEATS
- Time and Time Again – A.K.RAMANUJA N
Book- Kaleidoscope- Nonfiction
- Film-making – INGMAR BERGMAN
- Why the Novel Matters D.H. LAWRENCE
CBSE Class 12 Elective English Syllabus- Fiction Term-2
- A Tiger for Malgudi ( R K Narayan) [Part III & IV]
- The Financial Expert ( R K Narayan) [Part III & IV]
Deleted Syllabus of English Class 12 CBSE 2022: Elective
Categories | Topics |
Literature – Short Story | – Tomorrow -One cm |
Literature- Poetry | Blood |
Literature – Non Fiction | -Science Fiction – Argumentative Indian |
Literature – Drama | Broken Images |
PDF Download
To get handy with the class 12 English syllabus- elective, you may download the below mentioned PDF-
Class 12 English Books 2021-2022
While talking about class 12 English syllabus, one of the essential section of the final exam is section D or Literature. One can ace this particular division only by reading chapters and solving back exercises. It is essential for candidates to have a good understanding of chapters. Given below are the list of chapters covered in the books of English Core Class 12th.
Flamingo
Prose | Poetry |
The Last Lesson | My Mother at Sixty Six |
Lost Spring | An Elementary School |
Deep Water | Keeping Quiet |
The Rat Trap | A Thing of Beauty |
Indigo | A Roadside Stand |
Poets and Pancakes | Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers |
The Interview | — |
Going Places | — |
Vistas
The Third Level | The Tiger King |
Journey to the End of the Earth | The Enemy |
Should Wizard Hit Mommy | On the Face of It |
Evans Tries An O-Level | Memories of Childhood |
The Cutting of My Long Hair | We too are Human Beings |
Want to study BA English Literature?
Class 12 English Grammar Syllabus
Although the syllabus of Class 12 English DOES NOT include a seperate section on Grammar. But being familiar with common topics of Grammar will help you ace other sections of the exam. Here are some of the basic topics of Grammar that you can revise while preparing so that you can deliver answers without any grammatical error in the exam-
- Gap Filling
- Tenses
- Clauses
- Modals
- Actice and Passive Voice
- Sentence re-ordering
- Dialogue Completion
- Sentence Transformation
- Determiners
Class 12 English Previous Year Questions
Now that you are familiarized with the Class 12 English syllabus, here are some of the important questions from the CBSE Class 12 English 2019 Question Paper:
(a) How did Mahatma Gandhi help the Champaran peasants?
(b) How are Jansie and Sophie different from each other?
(c) How did Franz’s feelings about M. Hamel and school change?
Find even the ivory needle hard to pull
The massive weight of uncle’s wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand.
(a) Why are Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through her wool ?
(b) What is Aunt Jennifer doing that she finds very hard to do ?
(c) Why does the wedding band seem too heavy ?
(d) What impression do you form of Aunt Jennifer from the extract ?
(a) What impression do you form of Dr. Sadao as a man and as a
surgeon after reading ‘The Enemy’?
(b) How did Mr. Lamb change Derry’s life?
(c) How did Zitkala-Sa fight against oppression?
(a) Describe the encounter between Colonel Adye and Griffin. (The
Invisible Man)
(b) Describe the tragic end of Griffin.
(c) How did the people of Raveloe react to Silas on his arrival?
(d) How did Eppie arrive at Silas’ Cottage?
(a) Mention any two long-term consequences of the drowning incident
for Douglas.
(b) What does the poem ‘An Elementary Classroom in a Slum’ tell us
about the children?
(c) Describe the irony in Saheb’s name.
(d) How does the Governor convince the Secretary that Evans deserves
to take the O-level German examination?
(e) Why did the General not send Dr. Sadao to the war front where he
was most needed?
(f) How does Jo want the story to end and why? (Should Wizard Hit
Mommy?)
These questions have been sourced from the official website of CBSE. You can explore the complete 2019 Class 12 English question paper by clicking here.
Class 12 English Sample Papers
Here are previous years’ sample papers provided by CBSE for Class 12 English Elective and English Core both.
Question Papers |
CBSE Sample Paper 2020-21 (Core) CBSE Sample Paper 2020-21 (Elective) |
CBSE Sample Paper 2019-20 (Core) CBSE Sample Paper 2019-20 (Elective) |
CBSE Sample Paper 2018-19 (Core) CBSE Sample Paper 2018-19 (Elective) |
CBSE Sample Paper 2017-18 (Core) CBSE Sample Paper 2017-18 (Elective) |
CBSE Sample Paper 2016-17 (Core) CBSE Sample Paper 2016-17 (Elective) |
FAQs
Yes, NCERT books are more than sufficient for passing Class 12 English examinations.
Yes, the Central Board of Secondary Education recently altered the curriculum. The whole curriculum is now separated into two terms: Term 1 and Term 2.
The Flamingo English Reader for Class 12 is divided into 14 chapters, with eight prose and six poems. Vistas, a Class 12 English Supplementary Reader, has ten chapters.
Hope the blog has delivered all that you need to know about class 12 English syllabus. If you are planning to study BA English or make a career in Foreign Language after 12th from leading universities abroad, seek guidance from Leverage Edu, our experts will push you forward towards your goal!