Class XI English Core (2025–26)

Section A – Reading Skills

This section focuses on developing reading comprehension, interpretation, analysis, inference, and vocabulary skills. It includes unseen passages (factual, descriptive, literary), case-based passages with visual inputs, and note-making with summarization.

Students are trained to skim and scan passages, identify keywords, understand context, and answer objective as well as descriptive questions. The section also emphasizes structured note-making using headings, subheadings, abbreviations, and summaries.

Important Questions – Section A

What are the key strategies for solving unseen passages effectively?

Differentiate between factual and literary passages.

How does skimming differ from scanning?

What is the importance of note-making in reading comprehension?

Explain the format of note-making with an example.

Why is summarization an essential academic skill?

How do case-based passages test higher-order thinking skills?

Section B – Grammar and Creative Writing Skills

This section strengthens students’ understanding of grammatical structures and their application in writing. It covers tenses, determiners, clauses, modals, and active-passive voice. Students practice gap-filling and sentence transformation exercises.

The creative writing component includes classified advertisements, poster making, speech writing, and debate writing. Students learn correct formats, clarity of expression, coherence, and appropriate tone.

The focus is on developing fluency, accuracy, creativity, and formal writing skills required for academic and real-life communication.

Important Questions – Section B

Explain the structure and usage of Present Perfect and Past Perfect tenses.

What are determiners? Classify them with examples.

Differentiate between independent and dependent clauses.

What is the difference between active and passive voice?

Write a speech on a contemporary topic in 120–150 words.

Draft a classified advertisement for renting a flat.

Transform the following sentence into passive voice.

Fill in the blanks with appropriate modals and justify your answer.

Section C – Literature (Hornbill & Snapshots)

This section develops literary appreciation, critical thinking, and analytical skills. It includes prose and poetry from the prescribed books Hornbill and Snapshots.

Students study themes, character sketches, poetic devices, symbolism, tone, and message of the text. Extract-based questions, short-answer questions (40–50 words), and long-answer questions (120–150 words) are included to test interpretation and evaluation.

Important chapters include:

The Portrait of a Lady

A Photograph

We’re Not Afraid to Die…

Discovering Tut

The Laburnum Top

The Voice of the Rain

Childhood

The Adventure

Silk Road

Father to Son

The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse

The Address

Mother’s Day

Birth

The Tale of Melon City

Important Questions – Section C

Discuss the theme of tradition and change in The Portrait of a Lady.

How does the poem A Photograph explore loss and memory?

What message does The Voice of the Rain convey?

Analyze the character of Mourad in The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse.

What role does irony play in The Tale of Melon City?

Explain the relationship conflict in Father to Son.

How does Silk Road reflect the spirit of adventure?