English Mock Tests

English Syllabus for WB SLST 2025 (Class XI-XII)

This syllabus is designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of English literature and language skills, focusing on both classical and modern works. Emphasis is placed on critical analysis, literary appreciation, and practical language usage to prepare students for examination and advanced studies.

1. Poetry

Study a selection of poems spanning from the Elizabethan era to Modern poets. Key poets include:

• William Shakespeare
• John Donne
• William Blake
• William Wordsworth
• John Keats
• W.B. Yeats
• T.S. Eliot

Focus Areas: Themes, poetic structure, literary devices such as metaphor, simile, imagery, symbolism, and sound patterns (alliteration, assonance).

2. Drama

Study four major plays that represent different periods and styles of English drama:

• Macbeth by William Shakespeare Tragedy exploring ambition and fate.
• She Stoops to Conquer by Oliver Goldsmith Comedy of manners highlighting social class and mistaken identities.
• Arms and the Man by George Bernard Shaw Satirical comedy on romanticized war and heroism.
• Riders to the Sea by J.M. Synge Tragic one-act play focusing on human suffering and fate.

3. Novel

Two classic English novels are included for in-depth study:

• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Exploration of social class, marriage, and morality in Regency England.
• David Copperfield by Charles Dickens A semi-autobiographical novel depicting personal growth and Victorian society.

4. Short Stories and Essays

Selected short stories and essays to enhance narrative understanding and critical thinking:

• Short Stories by Joseph Conrad, James Joyce, W. Somerset Maugham, Katherine Mansfield Themes include human psychology, modernism, and social issues.
• Essays by Charles Lamb, George Bernard Shaw, Francis Bacon Focus on style, argumentation, and rhetorical techniques.

5. Grammar and Usage

Practical grammar skills essential for writing and comprehension:

• Error correction exercises
• Voice change (active to passive and vice versa)
• Narration (direct and indirect speech)
• Sentence types and their structures
• Use of clauses and phrases for complex sentence formation

6. Literary Devices

Understanding key literary and poetic devices to analyze texts effectively:

• Rhetoric: Techniques of persuasion and effective communication.
• Prosody: Study of sound, meter, rhyme, and form in poetry.

Important Notes: Students should practice critical reading and writing regularly. Familiarity with historical and cultural contexts will enhance comprehension. Regular revision of grammar and literary terms is recommended to excel in exams.

WB SLST 2025 - English Syllabus for Classes IX-X

This syllabus is designed to develop comprehensive language skills, literary appreciation, and critical thinking in students of classes IX and X. It covers poetry, drama, short stories, grammar, and writing principles with an examination focus.

1. Poetry

William Wordsworth

• Lucy Poems
• The World is Too Much With Us

P.B. Shelley

• Ode to the West Wind
• To a Skylark

John Keats

• Ode to a Nightingale
• The Autumn

Alfred Tennyson

• Ulysses

Robert Browning

• The Last Ride Together

Thomas Hardy

• The Darkling Thrush

W.B. Yeats

• The Wild Swans at Coole

Wilfred Owen

• Strange Meeting

Walter de la Mare

• The Listeners

2. Drama

• Goldsmith: She Stoops to Conquer
• George Bernard Shaw: Arms and the Man
• John Galsworthy: Justice

3. Short Stories

• Joseph Conrad: Lagoon
• Somerset Maugham: The Lotos Eater
• O. Henry: The Gift of the Magi
• H. E. Bates: The Ox
• Charles Lamb: Dream Children: A Reverie

4. Writing Skills and Principles

• L.A. Hill: Principles of Good Writing

5. Grammar Topics

• Common Errors
• Number, Gender, Tense
• Voice and Mood
• Agreement of Verbs
• Use of Articles and Prepositions
• Sentence Forms: Simple, Compound, Complex, Relative Clauses
• Joining and Splitting of Sentences
• Narration: Direct and Indirect Speech

Important Notes and Tips

• Focus on understanding the themes, literary devices, and context of each poem and story for better interpretation and examination answers.
• Practice grammar exercises regularly to avoid common errors and improve sentence construction skills.
• Review the principles of good writing to enhance clarity and coherence in essays and answers.
• Pay special attention to narration and sentence forms as these are frequently tested in exams.
• Engage with the drama texts by understanding characters, plot, and social themes for comprehensive answers.

This syllabus aims to build a strong foundation in English literature and language, preparing students effectively for the WB SLST 2025 examination.