ISC YEAR 2027

INDIAN SCHOOL CERTIFICATE

EXAMINATION

MODERN ENGLISH
(891)
February 2025
____________________________________________________________________________________________

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Examinations.
Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE)

MISSION STATEMENT

The Council for the Indian School Certificate

Examinations is committed to serving the nation's
children, through high quality educational
endeavours, empowering them to contribute towards
a humane, just and pluralistic society, promoting
introspective living, by creating exciting learning
opportunities, with a commitment to excellence.

ETHOS OF CISCE

Trust and fair play.

Minimum monitoring.
Allowing schools to evolve their own niche.
Catering to the needs of the children.
Giving freedom to experiment with new ideas
and practices.
Diversity and plurality - the basic strength for
evolution of ideas.
Schools to motivate pupils towards the
cultivation of:
Excellence - The Indian and Global
experience.
Values - Spiritual and cultural - to be the bedrock
of the educational experience.
Schools to have an 'Indian Ethos', strong roots in
the national psyche and be sensitive to national
aspirations.
 COMPULSORY SUBJECT
MODERN ENGLISH (891)

This subject may not be taken with English.

Aims (English Language) • derive, infer and critically assess information

To develop the ability to: through listening.

• read with comprehension, drawing information • express oneself by speaking individually, or in a

directly or by inference from the text, through an discussion.
understanding of grammar and structure, Aims (Prescribed Texts)
vocabulary, and idioms.
• To enjoy and appreciate literature through a
• employ a variety of skills in writing within a critical study of selected literary works.
framework using argument, imagination or
• Through the study of literature:
summarising.
− acquire an understanding of humanity
• use the English language for study and social and through respect for social and cultural
cultural interaction. sensibilities.
• speak and write clearly and to the purpose, using − develop an attitude of internationalism.
appropriate grammar, vocabulary, and idioms.
− build the power of expression and inculcate
aesthetic and ethical values.

CLASSES XI & XII

The subject Modern English has two components, English Language and Literature in English. Each of these
components will consist of a Theory Paper of 80 Marks and Project Work of 20 Marks.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE
There will be two papers in English Language:
Paper I: Theory (3 hours): 80 Marks
Paper II: Project Work: 20 Marks
PAPER I: THEORY - 80 Marks
All questions will be compulsory.

Question Three:
Question One:
Short-answer questions to test grammar, structure,
A composition on one of a number of subjects.
and usage.

Question Two:
Question Four:
(a) Directed writing.
(b) Proposal Writing based on a given situation. Comprehension.

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Question One (b) Proposal Writing
Candidates will be required to select one composition Candidates will be required to write a proposal based
topic from a choice of six. The choice will normally on a given situation.
include narrative, descriptive, reflective, The proposal should include (i) An
argumentative/ persuasive, expository topics and Introduction/Heading (ii) Objectives (iii) List of
original short story. measures to be taken. A concluding statement is
necessary.
The required length of the composition is 400 – 450
words. The format prescribed by the CISCE must be
followed. The candidates will also be marked on
The main criteria by which the compositions will be
linguistic ability.
marked are as follows:
Question Three
(a) The quality of the language employed, the range
and appropriateness of vocabulary and sentence All the items in this question are compulsory and
structure, syntax, the correctness of grammatical their number and type/ pattern may vary from year to
constructions, punctuation, and spelling. year. They will consist of the transformation of
sentences, phrasal verbs, and verbs/tenses, which will
(b) The degree to which candidates have been
test the candidates’ knowledge of the essentials of
successful in organising the content of the
functional English grammar and structure.
composition as a whole and in individual
paragraphs. Question Four
Question Two A passage of about 700 words will be provided.
There are two parts to this question and both parts are Questions based on the passage will be as follows:
compulsory.
• Questions that test the candidates’ analytical
(a) Directed Writing
skills, knowledge of vocabulary, ability to
The piece of directed writing must be based on understand the content, infer information and
the information and all the points provided. The meanings from the text.
required length is 250-300 words. The range of • A question that elicits the main ideas of all or
subjects includes feature article, book review, part of the passage, where the candidate will be
blogs, newspaper report, and statement of required to frame a summary (keeping to a word
purpose. limit), in a coherent manner. Marks will be
awarded for expression and the candidate’s
Skills such as amplifying, describing and ability to summarise clearly in complete
re-stating are involved. The candidates’ ability in sentences. Marks will be deducted for linguistic
the above skills, including format, will be taken errors.
into account as well as their ability to handle
NOTE: This part must be done in the grid
language appropriately in the context of the given form. The use of abbreviations and
situation. contractions will not be accepted.

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 PAPER II: PROJECT WORK - 20 Marks
In addition to the syllabus prescribed above for Classes XI and XII, candidates are also required to be assessed
in Project Work.
PROJECT WORK FOR CLASS XI
Project Work in Class XI consists of assessment of Some of the themes which may be addressed are:
candidates in Listening and Speaking Skills which
1. Narrating an experience
are to be assessed internally, by the school, during
English course work and shown in the student’s 2. Giving directions or instructions on how to make
report and school record. or operate something
Candidates are to be assessed in two projects, one on 3. Providing a description
Listening Skills and one on Speaking Skills. 4. Giving a report
Details of assignments for Project Work on Listening 5. Expressing an opinion or a theme-based
and Speaking Skills are given below: conversation
Listening Skills Internal Evaluation by the Teacher (20 Marks):
An unseen passage of about 500 words is to be read
Assessment Description Marks
aloud, twice, the first time at normal reading speed
Criteria
(about 110 words a minute) and the next time at a
slower speed. The passage may be taken from any Listening Response to questions 10
novel, newspaper, magazine article, journal and so on Skills (Aural) based on listening
but not from an ICSE or ISC textbook. Students comprehension
may make brief notes during the readings followed
Speaking - Content 2
by answering objective type questions based on the
Skills (Oral)
passage, on the paper provided. - Fluency 2
Speaking Skills - Vocabulary 2
Students are to be assessed through an - Sentence structure 2
individual presentation of about three minutes
- Confidence 2
followed by a discussion with the
subject teacher, for another two or three minutes. TOTAL 20

PROJECT WORK FOR CLASS XII

Project Work in Class XII consists of the assessment Listening Skills (to be internally assessed by the
of candidates in three projects, one each on subject teacher)
Listening, Speaking and Writing skills.
An unseen passage of about 500 words may be read
Listening and Speaking skills are to be assessed aloud, twice, the first time at normal reading speed
internally, by the school, during English coursework (about 110 words a minute) and the next time at a
in Class XII. slower speed. The passage may be taken from any
novel, newspaper, magazine article, journal, and so
Writing Skills are to be assessed externally by the
on but not from an ICSE or ISC textbook. Students
Visiting Examiner, appointed locally, and approved
may make brief notes during the readings followed
by CISCE.
by answering objective-type questions based on the
Details of assignments for Project Work are given passage, on the paper provided.
below:

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Speaking Skills (to be internally assessed by the * Internal Evaluation by the Teacher (10 Marks):
subject teacher)
Assessment Description Marks
Students are to be assessed through an individual
Criteria
presentation of about three minutes followed by a
discussion with the subject teacher, for another two Listening Response to questions 5
or three minutes. Skills (Aural) based on listening
Some of the themes which may be addressed are: comprehension
1. Narrating an experience Speaking - Content 1
2. Giving directions or instructions on how to make Skills (Oral)
- Fluency 1
or operate something
3. Providing a description - Vocabulary 1
4. Giving a report - Sentence structure 1
5. Expressing an opinion or a theme-based - Confidence 1
conversation
TOTAL 10
Writing Skills (to be externally assessed by the
Visiting Examiner)
A piece of written work of about 500 words must be **Criteria for Evaluation by the Visiting
produced. Examiner (10 Marks):
List of suggested assignments for Project Work: Assessment Description Marks
1. The text of a brochure. Criteria
2. A product description. 1. Presentation Overall formatting 2
3. A process description (e.g. instruction to operate (headings, sub-headings,
a device, a recipe, a scientific experiment). paragraphing) within a
word limit of 500 words
4. Description of a sporting event. and a separate title page.
5. An autobiographical experience.
2. Originality No plagiarism 2
6. Review of a television serial.
3. Use of Use of suitable 2
EVALUATION appropriate terminology,
language vocabulary, and
Marks (out of a total of 20) should be distributed illustrations for the
as given below: specific task chosen.
1. Internal Evaluation by Teacher* 4. Structure Must read as a unified 2
5 Marks whole.
• Listening Skills (Aural)
5 Marks 5. Style Lucid style, which 2
• Speaking Skills (Oral)
communicates the
2. Evaluation by Visiting Examiner of 10 Marks message effectively
Writing Skills** TOTAL 10
TOTAL 20 Marks

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 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (PRESCRIBED TEXTS)
There will be two papers in Literature in English:
Paper I: Theory (3 hours): 80 Marks
Paper II: Project Work: 20 Marks
PAPER I: THEORY – 80 Marks
Candidates will be required to answer questions Poetry
based on the prescribed textbooks, which include Questions on a poem or a group of poems will be set
Drama, Prose (Short Stories), and Poetry. to test the candidates’ responses. The questions will
focus on the content, understanding, and personal
Drama and Prose (Short Stories)
responses of candidates to the entire poem.
Questions set will be central to the text. Candidates
Candidates’ ability to appreciate the content, stylistic
will be required to show that they have understood
and literary features of the poem(s) in question will
the questions asked and are able to clearly respond in
also be tested.
their own words. Questions will test understanding,
appreciation and ability to analyse and synthesise.

SYLLABUS TO BE COVERED

Class XI Class XII

I. DRAMA: Pygmalion-George Bernard Shaw I. DRAMA: Pygmalion-George Bernard Shaw

(Acts I & II)
(Acts III, IV & V)
II. PERSPECTIVES: A Collection of ISC Short
Stories II. PERSPECTIVES: A Collection of ISC Short
Stories
1. Lawley Road – R.K. Narayan
2. The Landlady – Roald Dahl 1. The Doll’s House– Katherine Mansfield
3. Most Beautiful – Ruskin Bond 2. Death by Scrabble – Charlie Fish
4. Dream-Children: Reverie – Charles Lamb 3. The Dreamer– ‘Saki’
5. Ratan Tata: A Life-Settling in at Cornell 4. Games at Twilight – Anita Desai
(An Excerpt) – Thomas Mathew 5. The Father-Thing – Philip K. Dick

III. REFLECTIONS: A Collection of ISC Poems III. REFLECTIONS: A Collection of ISC Poems
1. Father Returning Home– Dilip Chitre 1. My Grandmother’s House–Kamala Das
2. Life Doesn’t Frighten Me– Maya Angelou 2. Refugee Blues– W.H. Aude
3. Sadness Comes–Donna Ashworth 3. Urban–Nissim Ezekiel
4. A Prayer for My Daughter– William Butler 4. Ode to Tomatoes – Pablo Neruda
Yeats 5. The Black Santa – Allison Joseph
5. Bora Ring– Judith Wright
NOTE: The ISC (Class XII) Examination paper will
be set ONLY on the portion of the syllabus that is
NOTE: The Class XI Examination is to be
prescribed for Class XII.
conducted on the portion of the syllabus that is
prescribed for Class XI

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 PAPER II: PROJECT WORK - 20 Marks
In addition to the syllabus prescribed above for Classes XI and XII, candidates are also required to be assessed
in Project Work. Project Work consists of assessment of Writing Skills in Classes XI and XII. The objective is
to produce original, creative and insightful perspectives on the drama/short stories/poems.

PROJECT WORK FOR CLASS XI

Project Work in Class XI consists of assessment of Internal Evaluation by the Teacher (20 Marks):
Writing Skills (only from the syllabus to be covered
Assessment Criteria Candidates should Marks
in Class XI) which are to be assessed internally by
be able to:
the school.
1. Process - Identify the topic. 6
Candidates will be required to undertake one written
assignment of 1000-1500 words, which should be - Plan a detailed
structured as given below: written assignment.
A. The written assignment must be given a title in - Produce a written
the form of a question which should allow the outline.
candidate to explore the drama or the chosen 2. Understanding, Use a range of 8
short stories/poems in depth. Application of literary aspects such
B. The written assignment must follow the structure Knowledge and as plot, setting,
characters, action,
given below: Analysis
style, and ideas in
• Introduction: order to present an
organised and well-
- Explanation of the question that has structured complete
been framed assignment.
- Reason for choosing the text 3. Presentation Prepare the document 6
- Brief explanation of how the candidate (overall format:
intends to interpret the chosen text and headings, sub-
literary materials used in the process headings,
paragraphing) writing
• Main Body – organised and well-structured within a word limit of
treatment of the question using appropriate 1000-1500 words and
sub-headings. provide a separate
title page.
• Conclusion – a comprehensive summary of
the points made in the main body. TOTAL 20

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List of suggested assignments for Project Work: 5. Appreciation of literary qualities of the chosen
text.
1. Analysis of a theme from any short story/ poem
in the syllabus (prescribed texts). 6. Identifying with a character in the chosen text
and presenting his/her personal perspective.
2. Analysis of a character from the drama or any
short story/poem in the syllabus (prescribed 7. Imagining an alternate outcome or ending or
texts.) extension of the chosen text and its impact on the
plot/setting/characters/mood and tone.
3. Background – historical, cultural, literary context
and relevance of the writer/poet chosen. 8. Comparing and contrasting two
characters/themes from different short
4. Summary / paraphrase of the chosen text.
stories/poems of the prescribed texts.

PROJECT WORK FOR CLASS XII

Project Work in Class XII consists of assessment of EVALUATION

Writing Skills which are to be assessed internally
Marks (out of a total of 20) should be distributed
by the subject teacher and externally by the
as given below:
Visiting Examiner appointed locally and approved
by CISCE. 1. Internal Evaluation by Teacher* 10 marks
Candidates will be required to undertake one written 2. Evaluation by Visiting Examiner** 10 marks
assignment of 1000-1500 words, which should be TOTAL 20 marks
structured as given below:
* Internal Evaluation by the Teacher (10 Marks):
A. The written assignment must be given a title in
the form of a question which should allow the Assessment Criteria Candidates should Marks
candidate to explore the drama or the chosen be able to:
short stories/poems in depth. 1. Process Identify the topic. 3
Plan a detailed
B. The written assignment must follow the structure written assignment.
given below: Produce a written
• Introduction: outline.
2. Understanding, Use a range of 4
- Explanation of the question that has been literary aspects such
Application of
framed. as plot, setting,
Knowledge and
- Reason for choosing the text. characters, action,
Analysis
style and ideas in
- Brief explanation of how the candidate order to present an
intends to interpret the chosen text and organised and well-
literary materials used in the process. structured complete
• Main Body – organised and well-structured assignment.
treatment of the question using appropriate 3. Presentation Prepare the document 3
sub-headings. (overall format:
headings, sub-
• Conclusion – comprehensive summary of the headings,
points made in the main body. paragraphing) writing
within a word limit of
1000-1500 words and
Note: The text/texts analysed in the Class XI provide a separate
Project Work must not be repeated in Class XII. title page.
TOTAL 10

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 **Criteria for Evaluation by the Visiting List of suggested assignments for Project Work:
Examiner (10 Marks) 1. Analysis of a theme from any short story/poem in
Assessment Criteria Candidates should Marks the syllabus (prescribed texts).
be able to: 2. Analysis of a character from the drama or any
1. Presentation Prepare the document 4 short story/poem in the syllabus (prescribed
(overall format: texts).
headings, sub- 3. Background – historical, cultural, literary context
headings, and relevance of the writer/poet chosen.
paragraphing) writing
within a word limit of 4. Summary / paraphrase of the chosen text.
1000-1500 words and 5. Appreciation of literary qualities of the chosen
provide a separate text.
title page.
6. Identifying with a character in the chosen text
2. Understanding, Use a range of 6 and presenting his/her personal perspective.
Application of literary aspects such
Knowledge and as plot, setting, 7. Imagining an alternate outcome or ending or
Analysis characters, action, extension of the chosen text and its impact on the
style and ideas in plot/setting/characters/mood and tone.
order to present an
organised and well- 8. A script for dramatisation, based on the short
structured complete story/poem chosen.
assignment. 9. Writing a short story based on a poem.
TOTAL 10 10. Comparing and contrasting two
characters/themes from different short
stories/poems of the prescribed texts.

Note: No Question Paper for Project Work will be set by CISCE.

ISC Examination Year 2027 8