Top Preparation Tips for ICSE Class 10 English Exams 2026

The ICSE Class 10 English Exam is important for assessing an overall score and a student’s communication ability. English is not rote memory like most subjects; it requires creativity, comprehension, and expression. How well you do in this subject depends on your interpretation, ability to analyze and write. 

To help you prepare and feel confident about your board exam, ALLEN’s academic experts have compiled the Top Preparation Tips for ICSE Class 10 English Exams 2026!

1.0Understanding the ICSE Class 10 English Paper Structure

Before diving into preparation, it’s crucial to know the exam format. The ICSE Class 10 English exam consists of two papers:

Each paper tests a different skill set, and balancing both is key to achieving a top score.

2.0Build a Strong Foundation in Grammar

Good grammar is super important for English papers. It allows you to write clear and correct answers.

Focus Areas:

• Tenses, Prepositions, and Conjunctions
• Active and Passive Voice
• Transformation of Sentences
• Direct and Indirect Speech
• Synthesis and Analysis of Sentences

3.0Practise Essay and Letter Writing Regularly

The Composition and Letter Writing area in Paper 1 is a point earning area — if you keep structure, tone, and creativity.

For Essays

• Choose topics from current affairs or real-life experiences.
• Maintain a 3-part structure: Introduction → Body → Conclusion.
• Avoid clichés; write naturally.

For Letters

• Learn the formal and informal formats (salutation, subject line, closing).
• Be concise and to the point.
• Practise at least two letters a week — one formal, one informal.

4.0Master Comprehension and Summary Writing

The unseen passage and summary writing areas assess reading comprehension, vocabulary, and analytical skills.

How to Prepare

• Read English newspapers or short stories daily to improve comprehension speed.
• Practise extracting keywords and main ideas from paragraphs.
• For summary writing, maintain word limit discipline and write in your own words.

5.0Strengthen Your Literature Concepts

The ICSE test for Paper 2, Literature in English, requires a deep understanding of the poems, prose, and drama from his/her prescribed texts.

Smart Strategies:

• Read each story or play multiple times: once for the plot, and another time for analysis.
• Take notes of anything related to the analysis - themes, character sketches, and quotes. 
• Make sure he/she is used to answering explain with reference to context (RTC) based questions, as they carry a large weight.

6.0Improve Your Vocabulary and Expression

A rich vocabulary makes your answers stand out and improves your fluency in both writing and speaking.

How to Enhance Vocabulary:

• Learn 5 new words daily and use them in sentences.
• Keep a personal dictionary for new words.
• Read editorials from The Hindu or Times of India for advanced vocabulary exposure.

7.0Manage Time Effectively During the Exam

Time management can make or break your paper. Here’s how to use your 2-hour slot wisely:

8.0Revise with ICSE English Sample Papers

Practicing with ICSE Class 10 English Sample Papers for 2026 will help you get familiar with the types of questions and how they're graded.

Aim to do one paper each week, and be sure to look at where you went wrong. Pay attention to how you present your answers, your grammar, and how well you explain your thoughts.

9.0Strengthen Listening and Speaking Skills

Don’t overlook the internal assessment (20 marks), which evaluates your speaking and listening abilities.

How to Prepare:

• Listen to English podcasts or news reports to improve comprehension.
• Practise reading aloud from newspapers or novels.
• Record your own speeches to improve pronunciation and tone.

10.0Common Mistakes to Avoid

11.0 Last-Minute Revision Tips

• Review all important literary quotes and their meanings.
• Revisit grammar rules and writing formats.
• Practise one unseen passage daily for reading speed.
• Revise essay openings and conclusions — they create strong impressions.
• Stay calm and confident — anxiety can lower performance.