CBSE Class XII English Tips: “Regular newspaper reading greatly improves expression”

As the CBSE Board Examinations approach, students often feel the pressure of balancing revision, time management, and exam anxiety. When it comes to English Core, consistent practice and smart strategies can make a decisive difference. Sharing her expert insights, Ms. Savita Panhotra, PGT English at Apeejay School, Pitampura, emphasises that success in Board exams is not about shortcuts, but sustained effort. As she aptly reminds students, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”

Reading Comprehension: Accuracy Over Assumptions

For the reading section, Ms. Panhotra advises students to stay focused and methodical. One effective CBSE Class 12 board exam strategy is to first glance through the questions to understand what the passage demands, followed by a careful second reading where key ideas are underlined. Answers should always be precise and written in simple sentences. “Avoid vague or general responses, repetition, or slang,” she cautions. Students must use their own words and never copy chunks from the passage.

A crucial CBSE exam day strategy tip is to use the 15-minute reading time wisely. Instead of scanning the entire paper, focus only on the comprehension passages to save time and improve accuracy—an essential part of how to attempt CBSE board exam papers effectively.

Writing Skills: Structure, Practice, and Expression

According to Ms. Panhotra, regular newspaper reading greatly improves expression and helps students include relevant examples. Learning formats through written practice is key to building confidence. While quotations can enrich answers, they should never be added without explanation. Each quote must be supported by personal interpretation, strengthening the argument. This approach forms a strong last-minute CBSE board exam tip for writing sections.

Literature: Understanding Over Rote Learning

Literature remains a high-scoring area if prepared well. Ms. Panhotra stresses deep understanding of themes, characters, and key incidents rather than memorising summaries. Well-structured answers with introductions, conclusions, and relevant textual references fetch higher marks. She advises students to avoid retelling stories and instead analyse specific scenes, link ideas to broader themes, and use precise vocabulary from the text. Quotes should act only as supporting evidence, not the main content.

Grammar: Minimise Errors, Maximise Marks

For grammar, accuracy is essential. Repeated errors in subject-verb agreement, tenses, punctuation, or formatting can cost marks, even if the answer is understandable. Focused last minute revision for CBSE Class 12 can help eliminate these common mistakes.

Concluding with inspiration, Ms. Panhotra shares, “Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless.” With the right mindset, structured preparation, and smart time-management tips for CBSE board exams, students can approach their English paper with confidence and soar high.