The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is starting the Class 10 exams for the 2024-25 session on February 15. The Class 10 exams will begin with the English (Communicative) and English (Language and Literature) papers. The exams will begin at 10.30 am and continue till 1.30 pm.

According to Priya Mohan, headmistress, Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Ghaziabad, in the English exam, the literature, reading and writing sections are equally important. Students must remember that the literature section aims to assess the knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, and literary analysis, including the study of prose, poetry and drama, she adds.

The headmistress pinpoints certain areas and how to attempt those.

Characters-based questions: To attempt these questions, focus on the character’s traits, motivations, and relationships, for theme-based questions, identify the theme and provide evidence from the text to support your answer.

Poetry questions: Focus on poetic devices such as imagery, metaphor, symbolism etc.

Extract-based questions: Read the extract carefully and answer the questions based on the information provided. Remember not to summarise the plot vaguely and support your answers with instances and phrases from the text. Being thorough does matter.

Writing section: To ace the writing section, the students must be coherent and avoid digressing from the topic. Credible text that includes evidence or instances supporting the topic, while being immersive and engaging, will help to obtain full marks.

According to the headmistress, students can quickly re-read summaries and notes, revise themes motifs and important phrases in the text, check out the formats today. She further adds that candidates appearing in the Class 10 English exam on February 15 must not forget to use the first 15 minutes to calmly strategise the section to start with. “Remember, don’t panic!”, she adds.

“In case you come across a confusing or difficult question, identify the keywords that indicate what is being asked. If it’s a complex question, break it into parts,” she added.

Sharing best wishes, she said: “Examination pressures can be overwhelming, but it’s essential to remember that it’s just a test, not a testament to your worth. It is equally important to take care of your health in the run-up to the exams. Staying calm, well hydrated and following a nutritious diet plan, especially during the examinations will help you to focus and put in your best, furthermore do not forget to engage in light exercises.”