ICSE Class 9 English Syllabus & Exam Pattern: Complete Guide

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).

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.

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).

Study of dramatic structure, character development, dialogues, and historical context.

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.