Some Effective Strategies for Succeeding in CBSE Class 9 English

The CBSE secondary examinations place great importance on English, as it is one of the key components. Scoring well in this subject is crucial for achieving a good percentage in grade 9. To excel in the English examination, students must adopt a well-balanced strategy and a systematic approach. It is essential for students to thoroughly review the entire syllabus for the current year to gain a better understanding of the chapters and topics. The Class 9 English syllabus comprises two sections:

• Communicative English
• Language and Literature.

CBSE Class 9 English Syllabus

The exhaustive list of topics covered as part of the class 9 CBSE Syllabus for English (Language and Literature) subject has been provided on mycbseguide.com. This syllabus includes details of topics to be prepared for all three sections of the paper –

SECTION – WISE WEIGHTAGE

Reading Skills (20 marks)
Writing Skills with Grammar (20 marks)
Literature Textbooks and Supplementary Reading Text (40 marks)

Section A Reading Skills

Reading Comprehension through Unseen Passage (20 Marks)

1. Discursive passage of 400-450 words. (10 marks)
2. Case-based passage (with visual input- statistical data, chart etc.) of 200-250 words. (10 marks)

(Total length of two passages to be 600-700 words)

Multiple Choice Questions/Objective Type Questions will be asked to assess inference, analysis, interpretation, evaluation and vocabulary.

Ways to Increase Your Reading Section Score

You can score 100% in this section if you follow some of the given tips:

• To prepare for the CBSE class 9 English examination, it is recommended that you practice extensively by reading at least 20 passages
• It is a must to conduct an in-depth study of each passage
• Do read the questions before reading the passage.
• Additionally, working to enhance your vocabulary can be helpful in achieving success in the examination.

The given passage can be quite easily solved by following the 3 steps:

1. To save time during an examination, it is advisable to quickly glance at the given passage.
2.  Before delving into a detailed reading of the passage, it is helpful to first read the questions asked.
3. This will enable you to scan the reading passage and locate the answers more efficiently.

Section II: Writing And Grammar

 Writing Section: Creative Writing Skills (10 marks)

This section will have short as well as long writing tasks including compositions.

1. Writing a Descriptive Paragraph (word limit 100-120 words) on a person/event/situation based on visual or verbal cue/s. One out of two questions is to be answered. (5 marks)
2. Writing a Diary Entry/ Story on a given title in 100-120 words. One out of two questions is to be answered. (5 marks)

 Achieving Success in the Writing Section

Scoring well in the writing section of the grade 9 CBSE English examination is achievable for students, with some tips to follow.

1.  Firstly, the prescribed format of the answer should be studied carefully, as this is the most important aspect of scoring high. By following the right format, students can easily score a perfect score.
2.  Secondly, the speed of writing should be worked on, to ensure that the section can be completed within the given time frame.
3.  Additionally, handwriting should be neat and legible, as a well-presented answer can create a positive impression on the examiner.
4.  Using an extensive vocabulary and avoiding grammatical errors is also essential.
5. Finally, it is important to ensure that ideas are expressed coherently and there is a logical flow between different points in the answer.

Achieving a flawless score: A guide to impeccable grammar

 Grammar (10 Marks)

• Tenses
• Modals
• Subject-verb concord
• Reported speech
  • Commands and requests
  • Statements
  • Questions
  • Determiners

The courses at the secondary level seek to cement a high professional grasp of grammatical items and levels of accuracy. Accurate use of spelling, punctuation and grammar will be assessed through Gap Filling/ Editing/Transformation exercises. Ten out of 12 questions will be attempted.

This is the most scoring part of the CBSE English class 9 examination/ question paper. By studying the topics designated by CBSE and thoroughly reviewing them, students can secure a perfect score of 100%. Additionally, attempting previous year’s papers and mock tests can be highly beneficial. An excellent grasp of grammar is essential for excelling in this subject in class 9. Thus, this examination section presents a chance for students to obtain high marks with minimal effort.

Proofread your work: Always proofread your work for grammar and spelling errors. It can help you catch mistakes you may have missed while writing.

Section III- LITERATURE

Prescribed Books: Published by NCERT, New Delhi

1. Beehive
2. Moments

The Literature section in the class 9 examination/ question paper carries a substantial weightage of  40 marks. It consists of 2 references to context questions (5+5), with one type from a prose text and the other from the poems. Both questions offer an internal choice, and the extracts could be from either of the 2 recommended textbooks. Additionally, there are 6 short answer questions and 2 long answer questions( one from each book. To perform well in this section, CBSE students in class 9 should diligently review the NCERT-prescribed books and adhere to the provided guidelines.

Key Points To Excel In Literature Section

• Go through the entire chapter.
• After reading the synopsis alone, do not take the exam.
• Learn the titles of the chapters and the authors’ names.
• Recognize the central topic of the story/plot
• Write responses based on understanding, inference, and interpretation.
• Be impulsive and come up with unique responses.
• Never copy and paste from reference materials.
• Stick to the prescribed word limit

Remember that for value-based and extract-based questions it is mandatory to religiously go through the entire chapter. No shortcuts will do. Only an in-depth study of the plot/ poem will enable the student to attempt the questions and fetch a decent score in this particular section. Multiple choice questions/Objective type questions are asked in the English class 9 examination to assess:

1. Inference
2. Analysis
3. Interpretation
4. vocabulary

Ace the CBSE English Exam (Grade 9) in 2022-23 with these general tips

• It is important for students to adhere to the prescribed word limit: Many students tend to exceed the prescribed word limit, which consumes more time than they should have devoted to that particular question and negatively impacts their performance in other sections and questions.
• Be confident and calm-minded: Approach the CBSE English exam with a positive outlook.
• Work on your
• • Handwriting
  • Presentation
  • Vocabulary
  • Speed

• Since English carries the same weightage as other domain-specific subjects, try to attend the classes regularly.  Prepare well in advance, and do not pile up content for the last day.
• Try to exhibit a sense of originality in your responses, particularly in the literature and writing sections which will cast a sense of command over the subject in view of the examiner.
• Make sure you give yourself time for final revisions: If you finish the exam ahead of schedule, at least 10 minutes before the exam is due, you will have the opportunity to review, revise and improve your presentation.
• Put some effort into your presentation. The following points should be kept in mind;

• • Underline important words
  • Write neatly, avoid scribbling
  • Maintain proper spacing
  • Write 8-10 words in a line
  • Don’t write too small or too big
  • Use headings/subheadings/ bullet points

• Do read the question paper carefully; the general instructions etc.

The student can confidently and successfully pass the CBSE English examination with flying colors by adhering to these straightforward guidelines