How to Score Good Marks in English Exam

A lot of students wonder how to score good marks in English? While some students find this subject tough, it is quite easy to score good marks in English. Sometimes, the Literature part of the syllabus can be daunting for some, but with the correct strategy and right approach, students can score well in this section also. The very first and essential tip is to have a thorough idea of the syllabus and the topics covered. Furthermore, students should also prioritise the important topics according to the weightage in the exam.

Check this page to get an overall understanding on how to score good marks in English exam. 

Also Read: How to Score Full Marks in English Class 10

Tips to Score Good Marks in English Exam

Here Is the Comprehensive Strategy on How to Score Good Marks in English Exam –

1. Keep the Exam Format and Syllabus in Mind 

The priority should be to check the English exam format and syllabus. Check out the weightage of each section such as literature, reading comprehension, grammar, etc. Students will find the up-to-date syllabus, exam pattern, and marking scheme on the website of the respective Board (CBSE/State/ICSE). Check CBSE Class 10 Syllabus and CBSE Class 12 Syllabus to learn more!

2. Read and Write Everyday

To score excellent marks in English, students must adopt the habit of comprehensive reading and writing on a daily basis. Go through the literature chapters, novels, poems, newspaper articles, etc. Take some minutes daily to practice long and short answers, essays, letters, speeches, articles, etc. Also, make concise notes for effective revision. 

3. Boost the Grammatical Skills

If students wish to know how to score good marks in English grammar class 10, the answer is very simple. Practice as many grammar worksheets as students can. Pay attention to sentence structuring, proper usage of nouns and pronouns, tenses, punctuation, subject-verb agreement, modals, and other aspects. 

4. Boost the Vocabulary 

To improve the vocabulary, focus on learning new words. Read novels and newspapers. Find the meaning of unknown words in the dictionary. Look for antonyms and synonyms, and students can also use flashcards to remember new words. Furthermore, journaling important aspects will help students to a huge extent. 

Also Read: How to Score 100 Percent in Class 10 Exams

5. Pay Undivided Attention to the Literature Portion 

One of the main queries of board students on the internet is how to score good marks in English literature. The trick is very simple. Develop a regular habit of reading the textbook chapters, poems, and plays. Try to understand the theme of the story and the main characters. Practice writing long answer questions and short answer questions. Furthermore, students should always keep in mind the required word limit. Analyzing literary devices such as metaphors, irony, imagery, etc. will help wonderfully. 

6. Focus on the Presentation Aspect 

In an English paper, presentation matters immensely. Write the answers very neatly. Furthermore, maintain correct spacing between paragraphs and ensure that the information flows systematically. Use proper headings and subheadings. Also, organize the answers in an easy-to-understand format. Don’t forget to highlight the essential points and keywords. 

8. Practice from Sample Papers and Past Years’ Papers 

Previous years’ papers and sample papers can help tremendously in scoring good marks in English. When students are practicing from such papers then make sure to complete the test within the assigned time frame. Surely, it will increase the speed. Check here CBSE Class 10 Previous Year Question Papers and CBSE Class 12 Previous Year Question Papers!

Important Topics and Weightage to Score Good Marks in English Exam

While preparing for the English exam, students should also focus on important topics and make their plans accordingly. Some of the important topics to score full marks in the English exam have been listed below along with the weightage.

Section A Weightage - Reading

Section	Topic	Subtopics/ Question Types	Approximate Weightage (Marks)	Importance
A: Reading	Unseen Passages	Factual Passage (Comprehension)	10	High
		Literary Passage (Comprehension)	10	High

Section B Weightage - Writing & Grammar

Section	Topic	Subtopics/ Question Types	Approximate Weightage (Marks)	Importance
B: Writing & Grammar	Formal Letter	Letter to Editor, Complaint Letter, etc.	5	High
	Analytical Paragraph	Based on a given cue/topic	5	High
	Short Story Writing	Based on outline/cues	10	High
	Grammar	Tenses, Modals, Subject-Verb Concord, Reporting, Clauses, Determiners, Prepositions	10	Very High

Section C Weightage - Literature

Section	Topic	Subtopics/ Question Types	Approximate Weightage (Marks)	Importance
C: Literature	First Flight (Prose)	Long Answer (from various chapters)	6	Very High
		Short Answers (from different chapters)	4	Very High
	First Flight (Poetry)	Extract-based Question (with reference to context)	4	Very High
		Short Answers (from different poems)	6	Very High
	Footprints without Feet	Long Answer (from various chapters)	6	High
		Short Answers (from different chapters)	4	High

While these are important topics, students should complete their syllabus throughout to score full marks and not rely only on these topics.

Chapter-Wise Preparation Tips to Score Good Marks in English Exam

When it comes to English, students should use a strategic approach, breaking it down chapter-wise (especially for the literature section). The chapter-wise preparation tips for scoring good marks in English exam is listed below:

Section A: Reading Comprehension:

• Make sure to practice regularly.
• Solve unseen passages daily. Focus on different types: factual, narrative, and discursive.
• Improve your vocabulary by noting down unfamiliar words and their meanings.
• Learn to skim and scan passages to quickly locate information.
• Practice identifying the main idea, supporting details, and inferences.
• Pay attention to the tone and purpose of the passage.

Section B: Writing Skills:

• Master the formats for various writing tasks: letters (formal and informal), articles, reports, notices, and invitations.
• Practice writing within the specified word limits.
• Develop a clear and concise writing style.
• Use appropriate vocabulary and grammatical structures.
• Practice organising your thoughts and presenting them logically.

Section C: Grammar:

• Revise basic grammar rules: tenses, modals, subject-verb agreement, clauses, and reported speech.
• Practice grammar exercises regularly.
• Focus on applying grammar rules correctly in your writing.
• Pay attention to common errors and work on eliminating them.

Section D: Literature:

• Read all prescribed texts carefully and understand the plot, characters, and themes.
• Pay attention to literary devices: symbolism, imagery, metaphor, and simile.
• For Poetry, pay close attention to the poet's use of language, imagery, and sound devices.
• Understand the central idea and message of each poem.