CBSE Class 12 English Core Important Topics 2027
Last updated:
Every topic ranked by how often and how recently it was asked in 5 board + 2 official sample papers (2022–2026). Teal tags = board papers, orange tags = official sample papers.
Top 10 most important topics
| # | Topic | Chapter | Asked in | Importance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | literal comprehension | Unseen Passage - Factual/Discursive | Board 2022Board 2023Board 2024Board 2025Board 2026Sample 2025 | ★★★★★ |
| 2 | job application with bio-data | Formal/Informal Letter (letter to editor, job application, enquiry, order, complaint) | Board 2022Board 2023Board 2024Board 2025Board 2026Sample 2025Sample 2026 | ★★★★☆ |
| 3 | classification of statements | Unseen Passage - Case-based/Analytical (note-making or data) | Board 2025Board 2026Sample 2025 | ★★★☆☆ |
| 4 | formal letter accepting an invitation | Formal/Informal Letter (letter to editor, job application, enquiry, order, complaint) | Board 2025Board 2026Sample 2025Sample 2026 | ★★★☆☆ |
| 5 | literal comprehension | Unseen Passage - Case-based/Analytical (note-making or data) | Board 2022Board 2023Board 2025 | ★★★☆☆ |
| 6 | purpose/sentence completion | Unseen Passage - Case-based/Analytical (note-making or data) | Board 2025Board 2026Sample 2025 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| 7 | analysis/application | Unseen Passage - Case-based/Analytical (note-making or data) | Sample 2025Sample 2026 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| 8 | vocabulary in context | Unseen Passage - Factual/Discursive | Board 2022Board 2024Board 2025 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| 9 | interpretation of a phrase | Unseen Passage - Factual/Discursive | Board 2026Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 10 | analogy/vocabulary | Unseen Passage - Factual/Discursive | Board 2026Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chapter-wise important topics
Unseen Passage - Factual/Discursive · Reading Skills
| literal comprehension asked 11× | Board 2022Board 2023Board 2024Board 2025Board 2026Sample 2025 | ★★★★★ |
| vocabulary in context asked 4× | Board 2022Board 2024Board 2025 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| interpretation of a phrase asked 2× | Board 2026Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| analogy/vocabulary asked 2× | Board 2026Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| textual evidence asked 2× | Board 2026Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| critical analysis/evaluation asked 2× | Board 2026Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| textual evidence/literal comprehension asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| imagery/inference asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inference (EXCEPT) asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tone/function of a statement asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| literal comprehension/inference asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vocabulary/phrase meaning asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inference from detail asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inference/character intention asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| analysis of tension/mood asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| main idea asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| evidence-based comprehension asked 2× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| metaphor interpretation asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| analogy/inference asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inference/advantage asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vocabulary/inference asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| irony/tone asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inference asked 2× | Board 2022Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| reason/inference asked 2× | Board 2022 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| word purpose/sentence completion asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inference/metaphor asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| literal comprehension/reasons asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| contextual interpretation asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| main idea/evolution asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| author's viewpoint asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| evidence/textual support asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| analysis/assessment asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vocabulary/reference in context asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| analogy/word relationship asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sentence completion/main idea asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inference/application asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| main idea/word choice asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inference/conclusion asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sentence completion asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| headline/title matching asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sentence completion/inference asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inference/reasons asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vocabulary (antonym) in context asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inference/fact-identification asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inference/sentence completion asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| character trait inference asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| interpretation/opinion asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inference/consequence asked 1× | Board 2022 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Unseen Passage - Case-based/Analytical (note-making or data) · Reading Skills
| classification of statements asked 5× | Board 2025Board 2026Sample 2025 | ★★★☆☆ |
| literal comprehension asked 7× | Board 2022Board 2023Board 2025 | ★★★☆☆ |
| purpose/sentence completion asked 3× | Board 2025Board 2026Sample 2025 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| analysis/application asked 2× | Sample 2025Sample 2026 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| conclusion/inference asked 2× | Board 2025Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sentence completion/inference asked 2× | Board 2023Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| purpose/main idea asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vocabulary/methodology asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bar-graph/data interpretation asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| data/graph interpretation asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| application/reasoning asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vocabulary/inference asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fact identification/scope asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| reasoning/methodology asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| data application/classification asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| data interpretation/reason asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| methodology/evidence asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| literal comprehension/reason asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| evidence-based reasoning asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| conclusion/main idea asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| reasoning/evaluating methodology asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fact vs opinion / classification asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| data comprehension asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| analysis/cause-effect asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| data comprehension/findings asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| explanation/inference asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| data interpretation asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fact identification asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| true/false verification asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| data interpretation/inference asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sentence completion asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ranking/data ordering asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fact vs opinion / true-false-not given asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| reason/inference asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sentence completion/cause asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pie-chart/data interpretation asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| main idea/purpose asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inference/consequence asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| data correction/verification asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sentence completion/explanation asked 1× | Board 2022 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| data/table interpretation asked 1× | Board 2022 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| classification asked 1× | Board 2022 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Notice / Classified Advertisement · Creative Writing Skills
| invitation card asked 2× | Board 2024Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| event notice (classes) asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| event notice (eco-fest) asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| formal invitation to a guest asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| event notice (seminar) asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| event notice (webinar) asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| formal invitation (programme launch) asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| event notice (sports tournament) asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| meeting notice (RWA) asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| event notice (education fair) asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| event notice (quiz competition) asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| invitation card (anniversary) asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| event/trek notice asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| meeting notice asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| public safety/warning notice asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| RWA informational notice asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Formal/Informal Letter (letter to editor, job application, enquiry, order, complaint) · Creative Writing Skills
| job application with bio-data asked 7× | Board 2022Board 2023Board 2024Board 2025Board 2026Sample 2025Sample 2026 | ★★★★☆ |
| formal letter accepting an invitation asked 4× | Board 2025Board 2026Sample 2025Sample 2026 | ★★★☆☆ |
| letter to editor on a civic issue asked 2× | Board 2024Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| letter to editor on grooming sports talent asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| letter to editor on financial literacy asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| letter to editor on civic sense asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| letter declining an invitation asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| formal invitation letter asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| formal letter declining an invitation asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| letter to editor on misleading advertisements asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| informal letter of acceptance asked 1× | Board 2022 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Article / Report Writing · Creative Writing Skills
| article on digital communication in education asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| report of a school cultural festival asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| article on cultural heritage asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| report of a school event (Yoga Day) asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| report of a school event asked 2× | Board 2022Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| article on cyber bullying asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| report of a school event (competition) asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| article on AI in education asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| report of a school event (carnival) asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| article on tourism asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| report of a community project asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| article on pollution/environment asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
The Last Lesson · Literature
| language and identity asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| shock at the news / metaphor asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Franz's intense emotion asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Franz's carefree nature asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| changed perception of M. Hamel asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Franz's panic asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sudden value of learning asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| church clock vs Prussian trumpets asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Franz's regret asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| procrastination and regret asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| value of language realised asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Franz's feelings asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Lost Spring · Literature
| first-person narrator's effect asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rag-picking and childhood hope asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| garbage as gold / poverty asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hope of finding more asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| garbage - wonder vs survival asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rag-picking as a skill asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| childhood joy at a find asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hope/resilience amid poverty asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| imagery of hardship asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| plight of bangle-makers asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| irony - darkness and lost eyesight asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| child labour/inherited trade asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| consequence of the trade asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| acceptance of plight asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| author's self-awareness / empty promises asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| irony of Saheb's name asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| empty promises to the poor asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| poverty/deprivation asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hopelessness of Saheb's life asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| author's concern/empathy asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| comprehension/fact asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ration cards vs identity asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| migratory lifestyle inference asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| migration for food/survival asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| characterisation of the women asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| poverty/hunger and survival asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vicious circle of bangle-makers asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Deep Water · Literature
| overcoming fear through will asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fear and freedom (cross-text: Aunt Jennifer's Tigers) asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| determination and will power (cross-lesson: Lost Spring) asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Douglas's thoughts on being pushed in asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
The Rattrap · Literature
| Edla's kindness asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| peddler's demeanour asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| peddler's attitude to Edla asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| unexpected hospitality asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| guilt over the stolen money asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| world as a rattrap asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rattrap symbolism / human nature asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| temptation vs unrealistic dreams (cross-lesson: Going Places) asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| peddler's theft/deceit asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vocabulary/phrase meaning asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| irony in the peddler's conduct asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| peddler's character flaw asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| crofter's livelihood/hospitality asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| peddler's manners asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| comparison of frustration/status (cross-lesson: Poets and Pancakes) asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| peddler's defence to ironmaster asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Edla Willmansson asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rattrap philosophy / plot asked 1× | Board 2022 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Indigo · Literature
| vocabulary in context asked 2× | Board 2024Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| exploitation of the marginalised (cross-text: A Roadside Stand) asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| peasants' victory at Champaran asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| meaning of 'act of defiance' asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| purpose of Champaran asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Gandhi's concern for people asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Gandhi's method - practical, people-centred asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vocabulary/analogy (synonym) asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Gandhi mistaken for a peasant asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| self-reliance at Champaran asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| outcome of the demonstration asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| comprehension/fact asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Gandhi's cooperation asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| British helplessness/confusion asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| challenge to British power asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| civil disobedience triumph at Champaran asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| synthetic indigo / sharecroppers asked 1× | Board 2022 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| changes after Champaran asked 1× | Board 2022 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Poets and Pancakes · Literature
| frustrated ambition (cross-lesson: Going Places) asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| national integration in make-up dept asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| The God That Failed reference asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| national integration in the make-up dept asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vocabulary/analogy (antonym) asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| comprehension/fill blanks asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vocabulary in context asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| comprehension/fact asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| irony and humour asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gentle humour and human foibles asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
The Interview · Literature
| interstices / use of spare time asked 2× | Board 2023Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| interview as intrusion into privacy asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| author's style in The Interview asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Kipling's view of interviews asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Eco on journalists/publishers asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| identifying Umberto Eco asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inference/paraphrase asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inference evaluation asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vocabulary (antonym) in context asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| basis of Eco's views asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Going Places · Literature
| literal vs figurative imagery asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| working-class weariness asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| theme - appearance vs reality asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Sophie's dream vs reality asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oppressive working-class setting asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| setting and mood asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aspirations and constraints (cross-lesson: Poets and Pancakes) asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Geoff's character as brother asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Sophie and her father asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Sophie and Geoff asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
My Mother at Sixty-Six · Literature
| pale, corpse-like face / ageing asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sudden awareness of ageing asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| contrast of youth and age / tone asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| theme of ageing/fear of loss asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| speaker's emotion asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| analysis/interpretation asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| visual imagery / ageing asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| simile - pale, ageing face asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| the parting smile asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| mood/emotion of the poem asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| identifying a phrase asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vocabulary in context asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| poetic device / analogy asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| theme/inference asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| reference-to-context explanation asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Keeping Quiet · Literature
| application - peace and harmony asked 2× | Board 2026Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| introspection and harmony with nature asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| destruction caused by wars asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| imagery of brotherhood/peace asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| symbolism of 'clean clothes' asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| poet's stance against war asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| meaning of 'doing nothing' / assertion-reason asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| meaning of stillness asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pause from activity/wars asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| assertion-reason asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| purpose of counting asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| collective effort asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| creating the moment of stillness asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| harm to nature/environment asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| outcome of stillness asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tone of the poet asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| meaning of 'sudden strangeness' asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| introspection/assertion-reason asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Earth as teacher asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| meaning of counting to twelve asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| poet's appeal asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| poetic device identification asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| theme/benefits of stillness asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sentence completion/theme asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vocabulary in context asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
A Thing of Beauty · Literature
| immortality of beauty asked 2× | Board 2024Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| beauty as a coping strength asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 'gloomy days' / dark spirits asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| meaning of 'joy forever' asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| beauty and human wellbeing asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| assertion-reason asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flowery band / will to live asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| imagery of peace/rest asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| grandeur of dooms / mighty dead asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| theme identification asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| imagery/mood asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| comprehension/true-false asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rhyme scheme asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| imagery/word effect asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| beauty as strength against sadness (cross-poem: A Roadside Stand) asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flowery band / reference explanation asked 1× | Board 2022 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lasting impact of beauty asked 1× | Board 2022 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
A Roadside Stand · Literature
| assertion-reason asked 2× | Board 2026Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| imposed, insincere help asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| imagery interpretation asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rural traditional life asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| irony/satire in benefactors asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cautionary message to the rural poor asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| theme of inequality (cross-poem: Aunt Jennifer's Tigers) asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| comprehension of the extract asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| urban dependence on money asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rural hope for prosperity asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| urban-rural divide asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| plight of the rural poor asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Aunt Jennifer's Tigers · Literature
| oppression/fear in marriage asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tigers as symbol of freedom asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| contrast - free tigers vs oppressed aunt asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| symbolism of the wedding band asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| interpretation of 'prancing' / freedom asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| art as enduring assertion of freedom asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| symbolism of tigers asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| contrast creator vs creation asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| imagery/word effect asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fearlessness of tigers asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rhyme scheme asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| poetic device asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| struggle and resilience (cross-poem: My Mother at Sixty-Six) asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fearless tigers symbolism asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| symbolism of Aunt Jennifer asked 1× | Board 2022 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
The Third Level · Literature
| nostalgia / idealised past asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| the elusive third level asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| irony - Louisa now also searching asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| escapism through stamp collecting asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| literal and metaphorical journeys asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| narrative techniques / escapism and nostalgia asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| old currency to reach Galesburg asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| escapism/frustration with modern life asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Charley's attire asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| comprehension/reason asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| escapism/imagination asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| time period / setting asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| reality and fantasy interwoven asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| first day cover from Galesburg asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
The Tiger King · Literature
| satire/narrative technique asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| irony of the wooden toy tiger asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| the wooden toy tiger gift asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Dewan transporting the tiger asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Dewan's servility asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| satire/humour asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Maharaja's obsession with the vow asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| power and character / satire on autocracy asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Dewan's confusion over marriage asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| infant's words to astrologer asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Journey to the End of the Earth · Literature
| value of the Students on Ice programme asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antarctica and geological history asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| value of geological knowledge asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| writer's reaction to geological time asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| application - predicting environmental change asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| environmental responsibility / awakening call asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| human impact on species asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tone of the writer asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| human greed/climate change asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| message/warning on climate change asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Students on Ice / Geoff Green asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| best Antarctic epiphany asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| human impact on environment asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
The Enemy · Literature
| Sadao's moral dilemma vs Hana's asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tradition, duty and narrative technique asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hana's fear and relief asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vocabulary/analogy (antonym) asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hana's fear/exhaustion asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Sadao summoned by the General asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Sadao helping the enemy / difficulties asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Sadao's dilemma (diary entry) asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| duty vs patriotism asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
On the Face of It · Literature
| looking beyond the scarred face asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Derry's inner conflict asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| face as only a part of identity asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Derry's isolation / Mr Lamb's warmth asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Derry's bitterness about pity/consolation asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pessimism vs optimism (Derry and Mr Lamb) asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| acceptance vs pity for the disabled asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Mr Lamb's unusual outlook asked 1× | Board 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Derry's fear/stammer asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Derry's withdrawal asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Mr Lamb's philosophy asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Mr Lamb's character asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| speaker identification asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| society's reaction to disability asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| self-image/fear asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| reference-to-context explanation asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Mr Lamb putting Derry at ease asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Mr Lamb and Derry asked 1× | Board 2022 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Memories of Childhood · Literature
| powerlessness and cultural displacement asked 1× | Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| abandonment/loss of identity asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Zitkala-Sa's anguish asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| metaphor of helplessness asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| haircut as cultural erasure asked 1× | Sample 2025 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| caste indignities asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| speaker's character asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| education as the way out asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| empowerment through education asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Zitkala-Sa's resistance asked 1× | Board 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| regimented life at the school asked 1× | Board 2024 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| speaker identification asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| character description asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| caste oppression/theme asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| theme - education as empowerment asked 1× | Board 2023 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Importance = how often a topic was asked × how recent, with extra weight for the latest official sample paper.