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ISC Class XII Board Exam 2026 : English Paper 1 (English Language)

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Pratima Patel
Jesus And Mary Convent School (JMCS), Greater Noida

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UNPACKING DIRECTED WRITING A Ready Resource for Teachers and Learners of English Language at ISC Level Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations Copyright reserved. ISC 1 UNPACKING DIRECTED WRITING Table of Contents INTRODUCTION ................................................................................... 2 1. Directed Writing .................................................................................. 3 I. Feature Article ................................................................................ 5 II. Book Review .................................................................................. 7 III. Newspaper Report .......................................................................... 9 IV. Statement of Purpose (SOP)......................................................... 11 V. Speech Writing ............................................................................. 13 VI. Blog .............................................................................................. 15 2. Rubric For Directed Writing ............................................................ 18 3. Sample Rubric ................................................................................... 19 ISC 1 2 UNPACKING DIRECTED WRITING INTRODUCTION Purpose The components of syllabus for English Paper 1 (Language) from ISC Year 2027 onwards have been extended with the addition of Blog Writing. Hence, CISCE has curated prototypes for all topics prescribed under Directed Writing applicable to ISC Year 2026 and ISC Year 2027. Excerpts given below from the scope of the syllabi for Years 2026 and 2027 highlight the prescribed topics. For Year 2026 For Year 2027 & onwards This handbook provides a model answer for each topic prescribed under Directed Writing and directs the teachers and learners alike in adopting the correct style of writing, understanding the framework and the parameters of assessment, thereby, ensuring consistency in teaching and learning. We thank all the subject matter experts fervently as their sustained efforts and sagacious insights helped us develop this ready assistance. We urge the teaching-learning community to use this handbook as an essential resource in understanding the fundamentals of Directed Writing at the ISC level and plan instructional and formative strategies accordingly. CISCE ISC 2 3 UNPACKING DIRECTED WRITING DIRECTED WRITING What is Directed Writing? It is a piece of writing based on the amplification of certain points given in the question. The question states the purpose and provides essential prompts that MUST be expanded into a coherent piece. Such writing is intended for a specific purpose and audience / readers, which must be considered. What does it assess? It assesses a student s ability to write cogently and coherently for a specific purpose and audience by incorporating the stimulus provided. The tone and style must be appropriate keeping in view the purpose, occasion and audience. Such forms of writing may require the use of a personal and persuasive style (Feature Article, Speech Writing and Blog Writing), formal and first person (Statement of Purpose), and literary devices and creative style (Book Review and Blog Writing). The required word limit is 250-300 words. The range of subjects includes: Feature Article Book Review Newspaper Report Statement of Purpose Speech Writing (Applicable only for ISC Year 2026) Blog (Applicable from ISC Year 2027 and onwards) Key Elements of Directed Writing ALL the points given in the question should be amplified. Students must write in their own words. Directed Writing should be divided into paragraphs. Appropriate Tense should be used. ISC 3 4 UNPACKING DIRECTED WRITING Marking Total Marks: 15 Content: 12 marks Linguistic Ability: 3 marks, 1 mark for format and 2 marks for expression ISC 4 5 UNPACKING DIRECTED WRITING I. Feature Article Feature Article is a piece of writing that may be addressed to a past event or a pertinent issue or a theme. It may be a newspaper article or written for a magazine or a journal. It may be persuasive, informative, entertaining or discursive in nature. It expresses writer s personal views. It includes the following: Heading Byline Formal tone Sample Question: Write a feature article in about 300 words, to be published in your school magazine on the topic The Importance of Sports . Your article must include the guidelines given below: Inculcates discipline - builds teamwork - has health benefits - develops leadership qualities - leads to character building - provides career options. The Importance of Sports A Student Reporter Sports play a significant role in promoting overall well-being, encompassing physical, mental, and social health. Participation in sports offers numerous benefits, including improved fitness, stress relief, and the development of essential life skills. One of the most valuable lessons sports teach is discipline. Regular practice, adherence to rules, punctuality, and consistent efforts help build a strong work ethic and self-control. These habits extend into academic and personal life as well. Sports also encourage teamwork. Working together towards a shared goal helps individuals learn cooperation, trust and effective communication. Being part of a team fosters a sense of belonging and teaches respect for different roles and perspectives. ISC 5 6 UNPACKING DIRECTED WRITING The health benefits of sports are widely recognised. Physical activity improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles and bones, boosts immunity, and helps maintain a healthy weight. As far as the mental aspect is concerned, participation in sports reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, promoting a more balanced and focussed mind. Leadership qualities are naturally developed through sports. Players learn to take initiative, stay calm under pressure and make quick decisions. Captains and team leaders build confidence and responsibility, traits that prove useful throughout life. Sports also build character. Athletes experience both victory and defeat, learning to handle success with humility and failure with grace. The ability to persevere through challenges builds resilience and emotional strength. Sports provide exciting and diverse career opportunities. Beyond becoming a professional athlete, one can explore Coaching, Physiotherapy, Sports Journalism, Management, and Event Coordination. Fields like Sports Media, Analytics, and Rehabilitation are also growing rapidly. In conclusion, sports are not just about competition; they shape individuals into healthier, stronger, and more capable human beings, both on and off the field. ISC 6 7 UNPACKING DIRECTED WRITING II. Book Review Book Review assesses a book on essential parameters of plot or theme, characters, style and tone. This form of writing requires the writer to offer their opinion and not merely record the factual details about the book. It includes the following: Name of the Book and Author (may be the Heading) Genre Brief Summary without revealing surprise elements Characters and Plot (where necessary) Style Language / Linguistics Vocabulary, sentence structure and tone Passive Voice Byline not required Sample Question: Write a review of a book that you read recently, using the points given below. The review is to be published in your school magazine and should not exceed 300 words. Name of the book and author setting plot - main characters description of a scene / incident that you particularly liked message, if any The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde XYZ The Picture of Dorian Gray is a famous novel written by Oscar Wilde. It is a Gothic fiction set in late 19th century Victorian London, a city known for its wealth, beauty, and strict rules. The story follows a young and handsome man named Dorian Gray. He becomes friends with a painter named Basil Hallward, who paints his portrait. Lord Henry Wotton also becomes Dorian s ISC 7 8 UNPACKING DIRECTED WRITING friend and teaches him to love beauty and pleasure above everything else. Dorian wishes he could stay young forever, while his portrait grows old instead of him. Strangely, his wish comes true. As Dorian lives a life full of decadence and wrongdoings, his appearance does not change, but his portrait becomes ugly and twisted. The main characters in the novel are Dorian Gray, Basil Hallward, and Lord Henry Wotton. Dorian starts as an innocent young man but slowly becomes selfish. Basil is gentle and kind, while Lord Henry is witty and clever, but teaches self-indulgence to Dorian. The scene I liked most is when Dorian first sees his portrait change after he has done something wrong. He is shocked and realises the consequences of his actions. This scene shows how our choices can change us on the inside, even if others cannot see it. The main message of the book is that beauty is only skin-deep, and living only for pleasure can destroy a person s soul. The novel teaches us to be careful of what we do and who we become, not just how we look. Overall, The Picture of Dorian Gray is an interesting and thought-provoking book. I recommend it to anyone who likes stories with deep messages and unique characters. ISC 8 9 UNPACKING DIRECTED WRITING III. Newspaper Report Newspaper report is a factual chronicle of an incident / event that has already taken place. It is always written in past tense. The intention is to inform the readers about an incident or event that has happened. Such form of writing has a specific structure which needs to be followed. It includes the following: Headline (Present tense) Short and catchy Byline By a Staff Reporter (or given name) Place and Date Formal tone Passive Voice Opening paragraph What happened Body Details of the incident (who, what, when, where, why or how) Closing Reactions and consequences Question ABC Bank in your city has been robbed. As a reporter for a local daily, write a newspaper report in about 300 words, using the guidelines given below: Date and time of the robbery - valuables lost - eyewitnesses' account - failure of security systemsdamage to property - police action Daylight Robbery at ABC Bank Shocks City Residents By Staff Reporter New Delhi, 18th July, 2025 In a shocking incident that has left the city stunned, ABC Bank s central branch on MG Road was robbed in broad daylight on 17th July, 2025. The daring heist took place around 11:15 a.m., ISC 9 10 UNPACKING DIRECTED WRITING just as the bank was opening for regular business. According to initial reports, valuables worth over 1 5 crore, including cash, gold ornaments, and important documents, were stolen. Eyewitnesses say that four masked individuals entered the bank posing as customers. Within minutes, they brandished firearms and ordered everyone to lie down. The robbers appeared to be well-organised and operated with precision. They knew exactly where the CCTV cameras were and disabled them before heading to the strong room, said David John, a customer who was inside the bank at the time. In what is being seen as a major lapse, the bank s alarm system failed to activate. The lone security guard on duty was overpowered and locked in a restroom. Preliminary investigations suggest that the robbers may have had inside information about the bank s layout and security mechanisms. The gang escaped in a black SUV parked outside the bank and had fled the scene before police could arrive. In the process, they damaged several glass panels, computer systems, and even assaulted a staff member who tried to alert the authorities. City Police Commissioner Abraham George confirmed that a special investigation team (SIT) has been formed. Forensic experts and sniffer dogs have been deployed to gather clues. CCTV footage from nearby shops is being scanned for leads. The incident has raised serious concerns about the adequacy of security arrangements at financial institutions in the city. Investigations are ongoing. ISC 10 11 UNPACKING DIRECTED WRITING IV. Statement of Purpose (SOP) Statement of Purpose (SOP) is a narrative that is written persuasively to highlight the academic background, achievements, motivations and career aspirations of the candidate. It is written for the specific purpose of seeking admission to a course or university. It includes the following: Introduction Career goals and motivation First Person account Academic Background Schooling, subjects and achievements Experience Research / internships relevant to the course Why this Course and University Personal interest Personal Qualities What you bring to the programme Name at the End Sample Question: Write a Statement of Purpose (SOP) in about 300 words expressing your desire to join a prestigious university to pursue higher education in your chosen field. You may use the following points: Personal background - academic achievements and qualifications - internships, projects or extracurricular involvement interest in the chosen field suitability for the programme future goals and contribution to the university. ISC 11 12 UNPACKING DIRECTED WRITING STATEMENT OF PURPOSE As a student graduating from XYZ School after completing Class XII, I am eager to pursue an undergraduate programme in English Literature at your prestigious university. I have always been fascinated by the insights writers offer into the human condition and the diversity of their expression. This fascination has led me to focus on using language effectively in my own academic pursuits. As a result, I have maintained a steady score in academic subjects requiring understanding and use of language, with my greatest success in English Literature, consistently scoring 85% and above since Class VIII. A desire for personal growth led me to explore public speaking. In Class XI, I was appointed to the school editorial team, and I continue to work closely with the Chief Editor this year on the annual school magazine. At the 2024 Winter Fest, an inter-school literary competition, I was declared the winner in a poetry-writing event. Besides literature, I enjoy playing tennis and piano for relaxation. I thoroughly enjoyed a summer internship with a media house, gaining knowledge of various aspects of reporting and developing a working technical knowledge of cameras and microphones. Your university offers a highly ranked literature programme with published writers as guest faculty. I am attracted to the internship programme with publishing houses. I pride myself on a sponge-like mind for improving skills. I hope to contribute meaningfully to the academic life of the university while fitting into its multi-cultural environment. The university has academic rigour and co-curricular opportunities in music and theatre that will undoubtedly shape my abilities and interests, and I look to its English literature programme as an ideal foundation for my long-term professional goals in the world of media and publishing. ABC ISC 12 13 UNPACKING DIRECTED WRITING V. Speech Writing* Speech Writing is a persuasive form of writing that convinces the reader of the writer s stance. It is written in first person and engages directly with the audience / readers. The purpose of speech determines its tone and style. A speech addressed to a group of Junior class students would make use of words such as dear friends while a speech intended for teachers or parents would maintain a respectful tone. It includes: Proper salutation (e.g., Good morning respected Principal, teachers, and my dear friends) Introduction of the topic clearly and purposefully Use of an interrogative sentence to engage with the audience Use of appropriate idioms or proverbs First person narrative Formal tone Body Organise main points logically (two to four paragraphs) Use connectors (firstly, moreover, in addition, however) for flow Support each point with examples, reasoning, or experiences. Conclusion Summarise key thoughts End with a positive note or call to action Thank the audience (e.g., Thank you for your time and attention.) Use a formal tone Language should be clear, engaging, and direct. Avoid slang, contractions or overly complex sentences *Applicable only for ISC Year 2026 ISC 13 14 UNPACKING DIRECTED WRITING Sample Question Imagine that you are the Head Boy / Head Girl of XYZ School. You have to deliver a speech at the Farewell Party organised by your juniors. Prepare a suitable speech for the occasion using the points given below: Early memories - memorable moments - Skills acquired / values learnt - gratitude to teachers message for juniors - future plans FAREWELL SPEECH Good morning respected Principal, teachers, dear juniors, and my fellow batchmates. It is with a deep sense of gratitude and reflection that I stand before you today on this memorable occasion. Our journey at XYZ School has been one of growth, learning, and countless cherished memories. From the first nervous steps into these corridors to the confident strides we take today, the transformation has been truly remarkable. The friendships we have built, both within our batch and with our juniors, have enriched our school life. Whether it was during school events, competitions, or simple conversations, the bond we shared has been invaluable. This institution has nurtured us in more ways than one. Beyond textbooks and exams, we have developed essential life skills like teamwork, leadership, communication and more importantly, we have imbibed values that will guide us for years to come. We are especially grateful to our teachers, whose dedication and encouragement have played a vital role in shaping our personalities and preparing us for the future. Thank you for your unwavering support and for believing in us. To our juniors, embrace every opportunity, uphold the school s values, and strive for excellence. You are the future of this school, and we are confident that you will take it to even greater heights. As we now prepare to embark on new journeys, each of us with different aspirations, we carry with us the legacy of XYZ School, and the lessons it has taught us. Thank you all, once again, for your guidance, friendship, and support. This farewell marks the end of a chapter, but the beginning of many more. ISC 14 15 UNPACKING DIRECTED WRITING VI. Blog A blog is a website owned by an individual or organisation and used to share their thoughts, opinions, personal experiences, insights, information, etc., on subjects of their interest. It can reflect opinions, experiences, or information in a relaxed, conversational tone. Here are some key conventions of a blog which clearly distinguishes it from an article: Name of the blog: For example: Flying Feet (for a running club), The Student Room (for study skills), Lone Wolf (for solo travellers) etc. Title of the blog post: For example: How to prevent dehydration during a run! What to do on the day before the exam! Ten Tips for first time women travellers! etc. Since this is a website into which a series of posts are regularly published, a sense of continuity should be visible. For example: Welcome back readers. Last week we had discussed ... This week's post is a completely different take on... At the end of the post, there could be a note on what to expect in the next post. The blog post can have an interactive tone by asking questions to their readers at the end and providing a comment box where they could post their thoughts. It includes the following: Title Catchy, sometimes quirky, or curious Byline and Dateline Introduction Start with a hook: a question, a story, or an interesting fact or by referring to previous post Main Body Use two - three paragraphs, each developing a key point (may or may not be with subheadings) Tone Personal and conversational Conclusion Wrap up with insight, takeaway, call-to-action or by indicating the topic of the upcoming post ISC 15 16 UNPACKING DIRECTED WRITING Sample Question 1 Sample Question 2 As the Student Head of your school s Wellness You visited a heritage site recently. Write a Club, write a blog on the importance of taking a travel blog to be posted on your personal break from social media and share your thoughts blog on the need for digital isolation. The Blog will be incorporating the following guidelines. posted on the official website of Wellness Club. Title, byline and date line - When you visited - Title, byline and dateline - human over dependence on what you saw - historical significance - technology - psychological impact - immediate memorable experiences - local culture - travel feelings tips once disconnected from gadgets - describing your experiences encouraging others to detox - conclusion THE HEALTH CHRONICLE ROAMING RAHUL DIGITAL DETOX Lost in the Beauty of Hampi: A Journey through Time Posted by Rahul John on Thursday, 3rd July Posted by Roaming Rahul on Thursday, 3rd 2025 July 2025 Why We All Need to Unplug Sometimes Welcome back, wanderers! Continuing with Welcome back, readers. This week we are going to the series of travel, let me take you on a ride to reflect on the need for detoxing digitally. For those Hampi that I visited in the last week of June. who detox and cleanse their bodies at regular When you step into Hampi, it feels like the intervals, this term may sound familiar. But for earth whispers stories from a thousand years those who do not, let me explain what it connotes. ago. I had seen pictures, but nothing prepared Just like the body, our mind also gets cluttered with me for the real thing. constant use of mobile phones. Located in Karnataka, Hampi is a UNESCO Digital detoxing entails intentional distancing from World Heritage Site. Ruins of ancient temples screens and other such devices to allow yourself to and palaces are scattered across hills of giant experience real-life. Have you ever reached for boulders. The silence of the stone corridors, your phone and forgotten why? I have, more times broken only by birdsong and the occasional than I would like to admit. It is as if our screens monkey, made me feel like I had travelled back have become a third limb, and honestly, it is in time. exhausting. ISC 16 17 UNPACKING DIRECTED WRITING The Digital Drain Climbing Matanga Hill at 5 a.m. in the dark was a Scrolling endlessly does not leave me relaxed. challenge, but the sunrise? Breathtaking. As the It leaves me restless. A few minutes on Instagram golden light fell over the Tungabhadra River and lit turns into an hour. The funny thing? I do not even up the ruins below, I understood why poets write remember what I saw. It is like junk food for the about dawn. brain - tasty but empty. What Happens When What surprised me most was the friendliness of the You Disconnect locals. Whether it was the auto driver telling stories This weekend, I distanced myself from the phone. of kings or the temple priest offering sweet A weekend without screens gave me a fresh kind prasadam , everyone had something to share. I also of freedom. I woke up and looked out of my tried banana leaf meals and let us just say I am still window instead of reaching out for my phone. dreaming about that sambar . I went for a walk without sharing it on Instagram. I used a dictionary while reading instead of using Google s brain. I read a book without checking my notifications. I felt relaxed. Try It. Just Once. Best time to visit: October to February Wear comfortable shoes lots of walking! Do not forget to carry a water bottle and a wide-brimmed hat Give yourself a digital detox day. Just one. The Hampi is not just a destination - it is a feeling. It is world will not end, but you might find a little more where the past greets you gently, and the present of yourself in the silence. Disconnect to reconnect slows down to meet it. If you ever need a place to with yourself. pause and reflect, I cannot think of a better spot. Share your thoughts on the post and experiences on logging off. ISC 17 18 UNPACKING DIRECTED WRITING RUBRIC FOR DIRECTED WRITING What is Rubric? Rubric is a detailed plan that lists specific yardsticks to assess a learner s performance and provide feedback. These are developed in consonance with the learning outcomes or the curricular expectations. Who should use it? It should be used by teachers as well as learners. While it enables the teachers to assess the level of proficiency on predefined yardsticks, it makes the learners aware of the parameters on which they will be assessed. It makes assessment objective for a teacher. Learners can also use this rubric and regulate their own learning. How to use it? The rubric provided here can be used for all formative practices at school. The subscales (such as Content, Organisation of Ideas) are specific attributes that the learners must strive to acquire in their writing. The descriptors given against each subscale provide detailed information on the level of performance of the learners. For Teachers This can be used as a part of the criteria for teaching Directed Writing. Detailed feedback can be given to learners based on the criteria and help them identify areas that need to be improved. It can also be developed further by adding more levels and understanding learner s needs. It can be evolved further and made more comprehensive by developing a checklist. It can be used to give remarks on the writing piece submitted by the learner. For Learners This can be referred to understand the expected standards of performance. They can understand the specific areas that they need to focus on while attempting directed writing. ISC They can be aware of their achievement status and hone their writing skills. 18 19 UNPACKING DIRECTED WRITING SAMPLE RUBRIC The rubric provided here is suggestive and not exhaustive. It can be appropriated and evolved further by the teachers in the department. It is recommended that this be used in teaching-learning and assessing Directed Writing at formative level. The intention is to use it as a tool to help learners progress from one level to another and not to evaluate. What are Criteria, Level and Level descriptors? Criteria refers to specific and clear areas on which a learner s work will be assessed. Level is the achievement status of learners that indicates the stage where a learner is in the process of learning. Level descriptors are characteristics or traits that describe the quality of performance at a particular level. Levels and level descriptors help the teachers spell the criterion for distinguishing an excellent composition from a good composition. It gives them insights into the development of the learners thus enabling them to plan their instructional strategies accordingly and provide necessary support to the learners in their academic journey. ISC 19 20 UNPACKING DIRECTED WRITING Criteria Level 1 Content Level 3 Amplifies on all the prompts Amplifies on all prompts Elaborates on very few given in the question but develops few of them in prompts detail and leaves some Does not provide any Substantiates them further underdeveloped with relevant examples example while amplifying Content is relevant to the Cites few examples while developing ideas topic Irrelevant content at certain places Organisation of Ideas Clear and sustained focus on topic Arguments are divided into paragraphs. Arguments progress in a logical manner with a good flow. Synthesises well in the conclusion Grammatical accuracy, Spelling and Sentence construction Effective language with a high degree of accuracy in grammar, spelling and sentence construction. Displays a confident use of simple as well as complex sentence structure Spellings are correct. Ideas are connected cohesively with appropriate conjunctions. Vocabulary Displays and uses a wide range of vocabulary effectively Uses less common lexis appropriately Demonstrates a confident use of idiomatic language ISC Level descriptors Level 2 A fairly well-structured composition Ideas are divided into paragraphs Paragraphs are connected for most part except at certain places where transition is abrupt. Synthesising is not done effectively at the end. Language is mostly correct and characterised by the use of simple sentences. Uses linkers and conjunctions to connect ideas but overuses at certain places Fairly accurate grammar and sentence construction though with some errors that do not impair meaning. Spellings are mostly correct with some minor errors. Vocabulary is simple and common but used appropriately. Displays a limited range of vocabulary Uses figures of speech at few places Ideas lack coherence and cohesive unity. Content is not divided into paragraphs. Rambles and digresses from the topic. Repeats certain ideas Concludes abruptly without synthesising Sentence construction is faulty Persistent errors in sentence construction, grammar and spelling create ambiguity. Makes gross errors in spelling and while using punctuation marks Simple and limited vocabulary Imprecise and ineffective use of words 20

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