Scoring well in CBSE Class 12 English is not just about fluency in the language. It’s about understanding how to structure answers, interpret literature, manage time, and present ideas effectively. Whether you’re aiming to improve your percentage or just want more confidence in the subject, this guide offers practical strategies on how to score good marks in your English exam.
Understand the Exam Structure
The first step to knowing how to get good marks in exam is understanding what’s being asked of you.
The CBSE English Class 12 paper is divided into four sections:
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing Skills
- Literature
- Grammar
Each section tests different skills—reading speed and inference, creative and formal writing, and literary analysis. Knowing the pattern lets you focus your preparation where it’s most needed.
Students from Good Schools in Pune near Hinjewadi often perform better because they’re exposed to regular assessments based on these patterns.
Master the Reading Section
The reading section checks your ability to grasp the main idea, draw conclusions, and identify tone and vocabulary.
To excel:
- Practise one passage every day.
- Highlight the main idea in each paragraph.
- Read questions first—so you know what to look for.
- Work on reading faster without losing understanding.
Top-performing students often spend the least amount of time here, saving it for writing and literature, which earn them the most marks.
Improve Your Writing Skills
Writing tasks include formal letters, reports, articles, and analytical paragraphs. To score well:
- Stick to the CBSE format. Marks are often lost on technicalities.
- Keep paragraphs short and structured.
- Practise writing under timed conditions.
- Use linking phrases like “therefore,” “however,” “in conclusion” to enhance flow.
This is where presentation matters. At GIIS, students are trained to think clearly and write concisely—a practice that translates to better marks in subjective sections.
Approach Literature with a Strategy
The literature section carries the highest weight. To score here:
- Read the NCERT texts at least twice.
- Make character charts and theme summaries.
- Learn quotes—not for memorisation, but to support interpretations.
- When answering long questions, use a “PEEL” format (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link).
The key to how to score good marks in literature is not retelling the story—it’s interpreting the text. Practice analysing tone, intent, and theme, especially in poems and prose.
Make a Smart Revision Plan
Don’t cram. Instead:
- Set weekly goals for each section.
- Use 1-hour slots: 20 mins for reading, 20 for writing, 20 for lit review.
- Keep weekends for mock papers.
Students from the Best International Schools in Pune are often introduced to spaced repetition and visual learning tools, which are methods that boost long-term retention.
Use flashcards, mind maps, and timed practice to keep your prep sharp and structured.
Presentation Matters
CBSE values clarity. To maximise your score:
- Leave a line between paragraphs.
- Underline key points (especially in writing and literature).
- Stick to one side of the paper.
- Write legibly—even if it means slowing down a bit.
This doesn’t just make it easier for the examiner—it creates a rhythm for your writing. One student from International Primary Schools in Pune noted that better handwriting alone boosted her score by 4–5 marks in English.
Use Past Papers and Sample Answers
Here’s how to use them effectively:
- Solve at least one full-length paper weekly starting two months before exams.
- Compare your answers to CBSE answer keys or teacher-corrected versions.
- Track where you consistently lose marks—grammar, structure, or argument strength.
The trick for how to get good marks in exam isn’t just practice—it’s feedback. Understand your errors and improve them actively.
Think Like the Examiner
When writing answers:
- Begin with a clear thesis or viewpoint.
- Stick to the word limit.
- Don’t stray off-topic.
- End with a strong closing sentence or summary.
Examiners go through hundreds of answer sheets. Answers that are direct, structured, and well-presented stand out—regardless of whether they’re in basic or polished English.
Use Real Language, Not Forced Vocabulary
Fancy words don’t mean better marks. Instead:
- Use accurate vocabulary.
- Avoid clichés or overused phrases.
- Write like you speak in formal conversation.
This approach is commonly encouraged at GIIS, where clarity and confidence are prioritised over excessive ornamentation. Authentic expression often scores more than mechanical sophistication.
Stay Calm and Exam-Ready
Lastly, don’t ignore your mental state.
- Sleep well before the exam.
- Read the paper thoroughly before starting.
- Attempt the easiest section first to gain momentum.
- If you get stuck, move on and come back later.
Staying composed helps you think better and write better.
These strategies can be are universally helpful if applied correctly.Remember, even if English isn’t your favourite subject, it can become your highest scoring one—with the right approach.
