CBSE Class XII English Elective
Complete Chapter-wise Syllabus 2025-26 | Subject Code: 001
Course Overview
Theory Paper
80
Marks
Internal Assessment
20
Marks
Duration
3
Hours
Total Sections
5
Sections
Learning Objectives
- Developing advanced reading comprehension and critical analysis skills
- Mastering literary appreciation through poetry, prose, drama, and fiction
- Enhancing creative writing abilities across various formats and genres
- Building strong communication and presentation skills through seminars
- Understanding literary conventions, themes, and cultural contexts
- Developing personal critical perspectives on literature and contemporary issues
- Preparing for advanced English literature studies and competitive examinations
- Building vocabulary, grammar, and language proficiency for academic success
Section-wise Marks Distribution
| Section | Component | Marks | Percentage | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Reading Comprehension | 20 | 25% | High |
| B | Applied Grammar | 8 | 10% | Medium |
| C | Creative Writing | 20 | 25% | High |
| D | Textbook (Kaleidoscope) | 22 | 27.5% | Highest |
| E | Fiction Novel | 10 | 12.5% | Medium |
| Internal | Seminar Assessment | 20 | 20% | Continuous |
| Total | 100 | 100% | Complete | |
Note: Textbook section carries the highest weightage (27.5% of total marks)
Section A: Reading Comprehension (20 Marks)
HIGHEST WEIGHTAGE - 25% of Total Theory Marks
Unseen Passages 16 Marks
Literary/Discursive Passage (950-1000 words)
- 12 Multiple Choice Questions out of 15 given
- Assessment of comprehension and interpretation
- Inference and analysis skills testing
- Appreciation and vocabulary evaluation
- Focus on critical thinking abilities
- 1 mark per question (Total: 12 marks)
Case-based Factual Passage (100-120 words)
- 4 Multiple Choice Questions out of 5 given
- Visual input integration (charts, data, statistics)
- Interpretation and analysis skills
- Evaluation of factual information
- Data comprehension abilities
- 1 mark per question (Total: 4 marks)
Unseen Poetry 4 Marks
Poetry Comprehension (10-12 lines)
- 4 Multiple Choice Questions out of 5 given
- Testing interpretation of poetic devices
- Inference from poetic expressions
- Appreciation of literary techniques
- Understanding of theme and mood
- Analysis of figurative language
- 1 mark per question (Total: 4 marks)
Section B: Applied Grammar (8 Marks)
FOUNDATION SKILLS - 10% of Total Theory Marks
Sentence Transformation 8 Marks
Grammar Applications
- 8 Multiple Choice Questions out of 10 given
- Transformation of sentence structures
- Voice change (Active to Passive and vice versa)
- Narration change (Direct to Indirect speech)
- Conditional sentences and transformations
- Joining of sentences using conjunctions
- Question tag formations
- 1 mark per question (Total: 8 marks)
Section C: Creative Writing (20 Marks)
EQUAL HIGHEST WEIGHTAGE - 25% of Total Theory Marks
Long Writing Tasks 15 Marks
3 out of 4 Writing Tasks (120-150 words each)
- Article writing on contemporary topics
- Report writing for events and issues
- Speech writing for various occasions
- Letter writing (formal and informal)
- Notice and advertisement writing
- Review writing (books, films, events)
- 5 marks per task (Total: 15 marks)
Essay Writing 5 Marks
1 out of 2 Essays (120-150 words)
- Argumentative essays on current issues
- Discursive essays on social topics
- Contemporary topics and global issues
- Personal opinion and critical analysis
- Logical reasoning and evidence presentation
- Clear thesis and conclusion development
- 5 marks total
Section D: Textbook - Kaleidoscope (22 Marks)
MAXIMUM WEIGHTAGE - 27.5% of Total Theory Marks
NCERT Textbook: Kaleidoscope
Comprehensive anthology covering Short Stories, Poetry, Non-fiction, and Drama
Reference to Context 12 Marks
Prose Extract (1 out of 2)
- Literary appreciation and analysis
- Context and theme understanding
- Character analysis and development
- Author's style and technique
- Cultural and historical context
- 6 marks total
Poetry Extract (1 out of 2)
- Poetic devices and techniques
- Theme and mood analysis
- Figurative language interpretation
- Poet's message and philosophy
- Literary appreciation skills
- 6 marks total
Answer Questions 10 Marks
Short Answer Questions
- 1 out of 2 questions (30-40 words) - 2 marks
- 1 out of 2 questions (40-50 words) - 3 marks
- Understanding and analysis
- Critical appreciation
- Inferential responses required
- Critical thinking demonstration
Long Answer Question
- 1 out of 2 questions (120-150 words) - 5 marks
- Deeper understanding and interpretation
- Personal points of view development
- Creative responses encouraged
- Comprehensive analysis required
Complete Chapter List from Kaleidoscope
Short Stories
Fiction Narratives
- I Sell my Dreams
- Eveline
- A Wedding in Brownsville
Poetry
Poetic Selections
- A Lecture Upon the Shadow
- Poems by Milton
- Poems by Blake
- Kubla Khan
- Trees
- The Wild Swans of Coole
- Time and Time Again
Non-fiction
Essays and Articles
- Freedom
- The Mark on the Wall
- Film-making
- Why the Novel Matters
- The Argumentative Indian
Drama
Theatrical Work
- Chandalika by Rabindranath Tagore
Section E: Fiction Novel (10 Marks)
CHOOSE ONE NOVEL - 12.5% of Total Theory Marks
Prescribed Novels by R.K. Narayan
Students must select ONE novel from the two options provided
Option 1: A Tiger for Malgudi
Novel Analysis Components
- Character development and analysis
- Plot structure and narrative technique
- Themes and cultural context
- Author's writing style
- Social commentary and satire
- Setting and atmosphere
Option 2: The Financial Expert
Novel Analysis Components
- Character portrayal and development
- Narrative structure and technique
- Thematic analysis and interpretation
- Social and economic commentary
- Humor and irony in the narrative
- Cultural and historical context
Question Pattern for Fiction
Short Answer 1
2 Marks
30-40 words on character analysis
Short Answer 2
3 Marks
40-50 words on themes and events
Long Answer
5 Marks
120-150 words on comprehensive analysis
Internal Assessment: Seminar (20 Marks)
CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT - 20% of Total Marks
Seminar Requirements
Presentation followed by Question-Answer Session
Assessment: Continuous throughout the academic year
Format: Individual presentations with peer interaction
Duration: As per teacher's discretion
Seminar Activity Options
Literature Review
- Book review presentation with Q&A session
- Play analysis and critical discussion
- Short story interpretation and evaluation
- Novel or novella comprehensive review
- Analysis of tales, fables, and parables
- Contemporary literature discussion
Poetry Recitation
- Poetry reading with proper expression
- Interpretative tasks based on close reading
- Literary analysis of poetic techniques
- Discussion of themes and meanings
- Comparison of different poets' works
- Analysis of poetic movements and periods
Critical Review
- Film analysis and critical evaluation
- Play review and dramatic analysis
- Comparison of book adaptations to films
- Documentary review and discussion
- Television series critical analysis
- Media literacy and representation study
Theatre Workshop
- Conducting theatre workshop sessions
- Script analysis and character development
- Discussion on dramatic techniques
- Exploration of different theatre forms
- Acting exercises and improvisations
- Stage management and production aspects
Assessment Criteria for Seminar
Research Quality
5 Marks
Depth of research and preparation
Presentation Skills
5 Marks
Delivery, clarity, and engagement
Content Knowledge
5 Marks
Understanding and analysis depth
Interaction
5 Marks
Q&A handling and peer engagement
Examination Pattern (March 2026)
Question Paper Design
Total Marks: 80 + 20 = 100 | Duration: 3 Hours
Subject Code: 001
| Question Type | Cognitive Level | Marks | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remembering and Understanding | Knowledge & Comprehension | 30 | 30% |
| Applying | Application | 25 | 31.25% |
| Analyzing, Evaluating and Creating | Higher Order Thinking | 25 | 31.25% |
| Seminar Assessment | Continuous Evaluation | 20 | 20% |
| Total Theory + Internal | 100 | 100% | |
Assessment Features
- Maximum emphasis on Kaleidoscope textbook comprehension and analysis
- Balanced approach between creative writing and literary appreciation
- Multiple choice questions for objective assessment of reading skills
- Choice-based questions allowing students to showcase their strengths
- Integration of contemporary issues with classical literature
- Continuous assessment through seminar presentations
- Focus on higher-order thinking skills and critical analysis
- Emphasis on personal interpretation and creative responses
Key Success Tips
Preparation Strategy
- Master all chapters from Kaleidoscope textbook for maximum marks (22 marks)
- Choose and thoroughly study ONE novel - either "A Tiger for Malgudi" or "The Financial Expert"
- Practice reading comprehension daily with varied passages and poetry
- Develop creative writing skills across all formats - articles, reports, speeches, essays
- Understand grammar transformation patterns for quick MCQ solving
- Prepare seminar presentations throughout the year for continuous assessment
- Analyze literary devices, themes, and character development in depth
- Practice reference to context questions with proper explanation techniques
- Build strong vocabulary for better comprehension and expression
- Read contemporary literature and stay updated with current issues for essay writing
- Practice time management for 3-hour examination duration
- Develop personal critical perspectives on literature and current topics
Career Connections
Literature & Academia
- English Literature (Honors/General)
- Comparative Literature
- Literary Criticism and Theory
- Creative Writing Programs
- Translation Studies
- Research and PhD Programs
- University Teaching
Media & Journalism
- Print and Digital Journalism
- Content Writing and Blogging
- Editorial and Publishing
- Copywriting and Advertising
- Technical Writing
- Social Media Management
- Broadcasting and Radio
Creative Industries
- Film and Television Writing
- Theatre Direction and Production
- Literary Agent and Publishing
- Arts Administration
- Cultural Programming
- Museum and Gallery Curation
- Entertainment Industry
Communication & Training
- Corporate Communications
- Public Relations
- Training and Development
- Language Teaching (TEFL/TESOL)
- Speech Therapy
- Voice-over and Narration
- Communication Consulting
Professional Services
- Civil Services (IFS, IAS with Literature)
- Law (with English Literature background)
- Business Management (MBA)
- Human Resources
- Event Management
- Tourism and Hospitality
- International Relations
Digital & Technology
- Digital Content Strategy
- UX/UI Writing
- Online Education Platforms
- E-learning Content Development
- Podcast Production
- YouTube Content Creation
- Digital Marketing
Download NCERT Books & Resources
Official CBSE Resources
- NCERT Kaleidoscope Textbook Class XII
- CBSE Sample Papers 2025-26
- Previous Year Question Papers
- CBSE Marking Schemes
- Supplementary Reading Material
- Literature Study Guides
Prescribed Novels
- A Tiger for Malgudi - R.K. Narayan
- The Financial Expert - R.K. Narayan
- Study guides for both novels
- Character analysis resources
- Theme analysis materials
- Critical essays and reviews
Writing Resources
- Creative Writing Templates
- Essay Writing Formats
- Grammar Exercise Worksheets
- Vocabulary Building Materials
- Comprehension Practice Sets
- Poetry Analysis Guides
Seminar Resources
- Presentation Templates
- Book Review Formats
- Poetry Analysis Frameworks
- Film Review Guidelines
- Theatre Workshop Plans
- Assessment Rubrics
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Important Dates & Timeline
| Event | Timeline | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Novel Selection | July 2025 | Choose between A Tiger for Malgudi or The Financial Expert |
| Kaleidoscope Study | August - October 2025 | Complete all chapters with detailed analysis |
| Seminar Preparation | September - January 2026 | Prepare and present seminar topics continuously |
| Creative Writing Practice | November - February 2026 | Regular practice of all writing formats |
| Internal Assessment | Throughout Academic Year | Complete seminar presentations and Q&A sessions |
| Board Examination | March 2026 | 3-hour comprehensive theory paper |