Use this CBSE Class 10 English study material hub to prepare for the correct English course in 2026–27. CBSE currently offers English Language and Literature (184) and English Communicative (101) in Class X. The prescribed books, section weightage and question-paper design are different, so confirm your subject code before using study material or sample papers.
| Area | Language & Literature (184) | Communicative (101) |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 20 marks | 22 marks |
| Writing | Part of 20-mark Writing + Grammar section | 22 marks |
| Grammar | Part of 20-mark Writing + Grammar section | 10 marks |
| Literature | 40 marks | 26 marks |
| Prescribed Books | First Flight + Footprints Without Feet + selected Words and Expressions-II units | Interact in English: Main Course Book + Literature Reader + Workbook |
| Total Theory | 80 marks | 80 marks |
| No. | Prose / Drama | Poem |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A Letter to God | Dust of Snow |
| 2 | Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom | Fire and Ice |
| 3 | Stories About Flying | A Tiger in the Zoo |
| 4 | From the Diary of Anne Frank | How to Tell Wild Animals |
| 5 | Glimpses of India | The Ball Poem |
| 6 | Mijbil the Otter | Amanda! |
| 7 | Madam Rides the Bus | The Trees |
| 8 | The Sermon at Benares | Fog |
| 9 | The Proposal | The Tale of Custard the Dragon |
| 10 | — | For Anne Gregory |
| No. | Story |
|---|---|
| 1 | A Triumph of Surgery |
| 2 | The Thief’s Story |
| 3 | The Midnight Visitor |
| 4 | A Question of Trust |
| 5 | Footprints Without Feet |
| 6 | The Making of a Scientist |
| 7 | The Necklace |
| 8 | Bholi |
| 9 | The Book that Saved the Earth |
| Section | Marks | What to Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Skills | 22 | Two unseen passages with continuous and non-continuous text |
| Writing Skills | 22 | Short application, factual description, formal letter and article writing |
| Grammar | 10 | Tenses, modals, concord, reported speech, clauses and determiners |
| Literature Textbook | 26 | Extracts, short answers and one extended literature response |
| Prescribed Series | — | Interact in English: Main Course Book, Literature Reader and Workbook (Revised Editions) |
A school introduced a weekly hour during which students could choose any book, article or long-form essay to read. Teachers did not prescribe titles or conduct tests on the material. After several months, students began exchanging recommendations and discussing what they had read without being prompted. The programme suggested that reading habits can grow when learners have both access to varied material and some control over their choices.
1. What is the central idea of the passage?
Answer: Reading habits can develop when students have access to varied material and meaningful freedom to choose what they read.
2. What can be inferred from students beginning to exchange recommendations voluntarily?
Answer: Reading had started becoming a self-motivated and social activity rather than only a school requirement.
3. Fill the blank: Neither the teacher nor the students ______ willing to cancel the reading hour.
Answer: were. With “neither…nor”, the verb commonly agrees with the subject closer to it; here, “students” is plural.
4. Change to reported speech: Riya said, “I have completed the article.”
Answer: Riya said that she had completed the article.
5. What makes an analytical paragraph different from simply describing a graph?
Answer: An analytical paragraph identifies significant patterns, comparisons or trends and explains them logically instead of listing every visible figure.
6. What should support a strong literature answer?
Answer: A clear interpretation supported by relevant events, details, words, actions, themes or literary features from the prescribed text.
Which English courses are available in CBSE Class 10 for 2026–27?
CBSE lists English Language and Literature (184) and English Communicative (101) for Class X.
What books are prescribed for English Language and Literature?
The prescribed NCERT books are First Flight, Footprints Without Feet and selected units of Words and Expressions-II.
What books are prescribed for English Communicative?
CBSE prescribes the revised Interact in English series: Main Course Book, Literature Reader and Workbook.
What is the Language & Literature theory-paper weightage?
Reading carries 20 marks, Writing Skills and Grammar 20 marks, and Language through Literature 40 marks, for a total of 80 marks.
What is the English Communicative theory-paper weightage?
Reading carries 22 marks, Writing Skills 22 marks, Grammar 10 marks and Literature 26 marks, for a total of 80 marks.
Should I practise from both English sample papers?
No. Use the official sample paper that matches your registered English subject code. The two courses have different prescribed material and paper designs.
