English is not just about language—it’s about structure, expression, and smart presentation. This guide gives a clear roadmap for students preparing for CBSE Class 10 and 12 English exams.
It covers what to study in each section, how to answer quickly with structure, and where examiners give easy marks. With this plan, students can save time, reduce stress, and score high with clarity and confidence. You’ll master quick passage reading, grammar accuracy, and perfect writing formats for letters, reports, and speeches. Follow the daily 60–90 minute English study plan and a 7-day micro routine to build consistent language practice that translates into reliable high-band scores in English exams.
What to Focus On
Reading Skills
- Practice one unseen passage daily.
Focus on:
- Inference (hidden meaning)
- Tone and mood
- Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, contextual meaning)
For Class 12:
Add Note-Making and Summary Writing — practice condensing information logically and clearly.
Grammar Skills
Strong grammar ensures easy marks in objective and editing questions.
Revise regularly:
- Tenses
- Subject–Verb Agreement (SVA)
- Determiners & Modals
- Prepositions & Connectors
- Reported Speech
- Editing/Omission
For Class 12:
Also practice Sentence Re-ordering to improve flow and logic.
Writing Skills
Class 10
- Analytical Paragraph: Focus on data interpretation, trends, and comparison.
- Formal Letter: Practise letters on official purposes (complaints, inquiries, requests).
Class 12
- Letter Writing: Job application, enquiry, or complaint letters.
- Article & Report Writing: Stay formal, structured, and fact-based.
- Speech/Debate: Start with a hook or quote, give 2–3 arguments, counter views, and end with a call to action.
Prepare quick notes
- Theme: One line summary of message.
- 3 Key Points: Character, event, or idea.
- 2 Quotes: Short and versatile.
- 3 Likely Questions: Expected short and long questions.
Use the PEEL Method:
Point → Evidence → Explanation → Link to theme
Time Management Tip
| Day | Focus | Details |
| Day 1 | Reading & Grammar | 1 passage + Tenses + SVA |
| Day 2 | Writing Practice | Letter or paragraph + 1 poem notes |
| Day 3 | Timed Writing | Full-length task (article/report) |
| Day 4 | Literature | 1 prose + 1 poem + 3 Q&A |
| Day 5 | Grammar & Vocabulary | Editing/Omission + contextual words |
| Day 6 | Mock Writing | Speech/Debate timed test |
| Day 7 | Revision Test | Section-wise mock + Self Review |
Quick Revision Tips
- Revise 2–3 idioms or phrasal verbs daily.
- Write one quote per topic to use in writing tasks.
- Keep a one-page summary sheet for each poem and chapter.
- Practice past year CBSE questions from marking schemes.
Grammar Formulas & Shortcut Rules
Tenses Shortcut Chart
| Type | Formula | Example |
| Simple Present | S + V₁ | He plays cricket. |
| Present Continuous | S + is/am/are + V₁-ing | She is reading. |
| Present Perfect | S + has/have + V₃ | They have finished. |
| Simple Past | S + V₂ | I went to school. |
| Past Continuous | S + was/were + V₁-ing | He was sleeping. |
| Past Perfect | S + had + V₃ | We had eaten. |
| Future Simple | S + will/shall + V₁ | She will study. |
| Future Continuous | S + will be + V₁-ing | I will be waiting. |
| Future Perfect | S + will have + V₃ | They will have arrived. |
Preposition Shortcut Chart
| Use | Preposition | Example |
| Place | in, on, at | in the room, on the table, at school |
| Time | at (exact), on (day), in (month/year) | at 6 PM, on Monday, in 2025 |
| Direction | to, towards, into | go to Delhi, look towards east, jump into the pool |
| Cause/Reason | for, because of, due to | for help, because of rain |
Reported Speech Formula Shortcut Chart
| Type | Change Rule |
| Simple Present → Simple Past | He said, “I eat.” → He said he ate. |
| Present Continuous → Past Continuous | She said, “I am working.” → She said she was working. |
| Will → Would | He said, “I will come.” → He said he would come. |
| Can → Could | She said, “I can do it.” → She said she could do it. |
| Today → That day | “I met him today.” → She said she met him that day. |
Conclusion
Success in English comes from pattern mastery and steady routine.Practise unseen passages daily, strengthen grammar basics, and use structured templates for writing tasks. For Literature, anchor your answers in the text and theme, not memory alone.
Stay clean, concise, and confident — examiners reward clarity and structure more than length. Consistency, not cramming, is the secret to scoring 90+ marks.
Read Also
FAQs
1. What’s the ideal length for a 10-marker?
Ans: Around 180–200 words with 2–3 structured paragraphs and a clear conclusion.
2. How many poem quotes should I learn?
Ans: Learn 2–3 short, flexible quotes per poem to prove theme or imagery.
3. What’s the fastest way to improve scores in one week?
Ans: Practice one unseen passage daily, one writing task every alternate day, and quick literature summaries.
4. Can I use “I” or “we” in writing tasks?
Ans: Yes, in Speech or Debate. For Articles and Reports, use formal third-person tone unless stated otherwise.
5. How can I avoid losing silly marks?
Ans: Number answers clearly, underline keywords, follow word limits, and leave 5–7 minutes for checking grammar and spelling.
My self Anita Sahani. I have completed my B.Com from Purbanchal College Silapathar. I am working in Dev Library as a Content Manager. A website that provides all SCERT, NCERT 3 to 12, and BA, B.com, B.Sc, and Computer Science with Post Graduate Notes & Suggestions, Novel, eBooks, Health, Finance, Biography, Quotes, Study Materials, and more.
