Comprehensive Guide to CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus for 2021-22 Academic Year

If you’re preparing for the CBSE Class 12 English exam in the 2021-22 academic year, you’re in the right place! The English syllabus is designed to help students enhance their language skills, improve their understanding of literature, and develop critical thinking. This guide will break down the syllabus into easy-to-understand sections, explain the key concepts you’ll cover, and offer some useful tips for exam preparation. Let’s dive in!

Purpose of the English Syllabus

The Class 12 English syllabus is focused on developing proficiency in both literature and language. It helps students to improve their reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities, while also deepening their understanding of literary texts. Through various genres of writing, the course aims to foster a love for reading, stimulate creative thinking, and build effective communication skills that are crucial in both academic and real-world contexts.

Section-by-Section Breakdown of the Syllabus

The English syllabus for CBSE Class 12 is divided into two main parts: English Core and English Elective. This guide covers the English Core syllabus for the academic year 2021-22, which is the most commonly followed stream.

1. Flamingo – English Core (Prose and Poetry)

The Flamingo book contains prose and poetry, and each of these has a set of chapters that focus on different themes. In the 2021-22 syllabus, the chapters include:

Prose:

• The Last Lesson (Alphonse Daudet)

  • This chapter highlights the impact of language on identity and culture, reflecting on the loss of the French language in a region annexed by Germany.

• Lost Spring (Anees Jung)

  • It deals with the exploitation of children in urban slums and the importance of childhood education.

• Deep Water (William Douglas)

  • This chapter focuses on overcoming fears and gaining personal courage.

• The Rattrap (Selma Lagerlöf)

  • A story about a man who learns the value of human kindness and its transformative power.

Poetry:

• My Mother at Sixty-Six (Kamala Das)

  • Explores themes of aging, love, and the inevitable separation from loved ones.

• A Photograph (Shirley Toulson)

  • Focuses on loss, nostalgia, and the passage of time, evoked through a childhood photograph.

• The Poem of the Road (Sarojini Naidu)

  • Emphasizes the spirit of adventure and exploration.

• An Atlas of the World (Agha Shahid Ali)

  • The poem reflects on personal and global maps, symbolic of emotional landscapes.

2. Vistas – English Core (Supplementary Reader)

The Vistas reader focuses on different short stories and accounts that convey life lessons, cultural insight, and deep human emotions. In the 2021-22 syllabus, the chapters include:

• The Tiger King (Kalki Krishnamurthy)

  • A satire on the rulers’ blind love for power and the lengths they will go to maintain their control.

• Journey to the End of the Earth (Tishani Doshi)

  • Reflects the delicate balance between human life and nature, exploring the challenges of climate change.

• The Enemy (Pearl S. Buck)

  • A poignant story about the inner conflict between duty and humanity during wartime.

3. Writing Skills

In addition to prose and poetry, the syllabus also emphasizes various writing skills that students will need for both their exams and real-world communication. These include:

• Article Writing
• Letter Writing (Formal and Informal)
• Speech Writing
• Report Writing
• Notice Writing
• Debates

Each type of writing teaches you how to structure content, use appropriate tone and style, and communicate clearly.

4. Grammar and Usage

The syllabus includes grammar rules such as:

• Tenses
• Modals
• Voice
• Reported Speech
• Sentence Transformation

These topics aim to enhance your understanding of language structure and improve your ability to use English accurately.

Examination Pattern

The CBSE Class 12 English exam for 2021-22 follows the following pattern:

• Type of Questions:

  • MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)
  • Short Answer Questions
  • Long Answer Questions

• Marks Distribution:

  • Section A (Reading Comprehension): 20 marks
  • Section B (Writing Skills): 30 marks
  • Section C (Literature) 50 marks
  • Total Marks: 100

• Weightage:

  • Reading comprehension, writing skills, and literature sections are weighted differently, with literature typically contributing the most to your total score.

Recommended Study Materials

To excel in the CBSE Class 12 English exam, here are some recommended resources:

• Textbooks: The NCERT prescribed textbooks for English Core are comprehensive and cover all the topics and chapters.
• Reference Books: Books like “Wren and Martin’s High School English Grammar” for grammar practice and “Vistas and Flamingo Companion Guide” for additional practice can help you further.
• Online Resources: YouTube tutorials, online classes, and English grammar apps can provide additional practice and explanation.

Tips for Staying Organized and Preparing for Exams

1. Create a Study Plan: Break down your study schedule into manageable blocks. Set aside time each day to revise specific chapters from both prose and poetry sections.

2. Focus on Writing Skills: Practice writing essays, letters, and reports regularly. Writing skills can be improved by consistently working on sample papers and previous years’ questions.

3. Revise Regularly: Literature chapters require repeated reading to understand the themes and concepts clearly. Make notes while reading, summarizing the key points.

4. Sample Papers: Practicing sample papers and past year papers will give you an idea of the exam format and help you manage time effectively during the actual exam.

5. Mock Tests: Take online mock tests to assess your performance and to pinpoint areas where you need to improve.

The Class 12 CBSE English syllabus for 2021-22 is both enriching and comprehensive. It encourages you to enhance your writing skills, improve your understanding of literature, and develop critical thinking abilities. By following the guidelines, focusing on each section, and practicing regularly, you’ll be well on your way to excelling in the exam.

FAQ for English Syllabus Class 12 CBSE 2021-22

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the English Syllabus for Class 12 CBSE 2021-22. These questions address common concerns and help you better understand the syllabus and exam preparation process.

1. What is the structure of the CBSE Class 12 English exam in 2021-22?

The English exam consists of three sections:

• Section A: Reading Comprehension (20 marks)
• Section B: Writing Skills (30 marks)
• Section C: Literature (50 marks)

The exam includes multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, and long-answer questions. The total marks for the exam are 100.

2. Which books are included in the Class 12 CBSE English syllabus for 2021-22?

For English Core, the two primary textbooks are:

• Flamingo (Prose and Poetry)
• Vistas (Supplementary Reader)

In addition, students are also required to practice grammar and writing skills from prescribed textbooks and practice sheets.

3. What is the best way to prepare for the English Literature section?

To prepare for the Literature section:

• Focus on understanding the themes, characters, and plot of each chapter.
• Summarize the chapters to remember key points.
• Practice writing detailed answers to important questions from each chapter.
• Revisit important poems and their meanings.
• Solve past-year papers and sample papers to get a feel for the exam format.

4. Are there any specific grammar topics that I need to focus on for the exam?

Yes, the grammar section includes the following key areas:

• Tenses
• Modals
• Voice (Active and Passive)
• Reported Speech
• Sentence Transformation

Make sure you practice exercises for these topics and understand the rules behind them for a better understanding.

5. How do I improve my writing skills for the exam?

To improve writing skills:

• Practice writing articles, letters, reports, and speeches regularly.
• Focus on structure, clarity, and coherence in your writing.
• Use appropriate language and tone for different writing tasks.
• Time yourself while writing practice papers to improve speed and accuracy.

6. What is the weightage of each section in the Class 12 English exam?

The weightage of each section is as follows:

• Reading Comprehension: 20 marks
• Writing Skills: 30 marks
• Literature: 50 marks

Literature has the highest weightage, so it’s important to thoroughly study the chapters.

7. Are there any changes in the syllabus for English Core compared to previous years?

While the overall structure of the syllabus remains largely the same, there may be minor changes in the chapters or themes. It’s best to refer to the official NCERT syllabus for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

8. What are some useful resources for studying English for Class 12?

Some helpful resources include:

• NCERT textbooks for both Flamingo and Vistas.
• Wren and Martin’s High School English Grammar for grammar practice.
• Sample papers and previous years’ question papers.
• Online resources like YouTube tutorials and English practice apps.

9. How can I manage my time effectively while preparing for the exam?

Time management is key. Here’s how you can manage:

• Create a study timetable that allocates time for each section (reading, writing, and literature).
• Set aside specific hours for revision and solving practice papers.
• Take regular breaks to avoid burnout.
• Focus on difficult topics first and gradually move to easier sections.

10. What should I do if I’m struggling to understand a chapter or concept?

If you’re struggling with any chapter:

• Re-read the chapter and make concise notes.
• Break down difficult concepts into simpler terms.
• Ask your teacher for clarification or seek help from study groups or online forums.
• Watch explanatory videos to get a better understanding of difficult chapters.

11. Is there a recommended study plan for the English exam?

Yes! A sample study plan might look like this:

• Months 1-2: Focus on reading and understanding prose and poetry chapters, making notes.
• Month 3: Start practicing writing skills like essays, letters, and reports.
• Month 4: Dedicate time to grammar and revise important topics.
• Month 5: Solve past papers and focus on weak areas.
• Month 6: Take mock exams and focus on time management.

12. How can I stay motivated while preparing for the English exam?

Stay motivated by:

• Setting achievable goals for each study session.
• Rewarding yourself after completing a chapter or topic.
• Visualizing your success and focusing on the positive aspects of your progress.
• Studying in a quiet, distraction-free environment.

13. When is the Class 12 English exam held?

The exact exam date varies each year. It is usually held in the month of February or March. You can check the official CBSE website for the detailed exam timetable once it is released.