ICSE Class 10 Exam Writing Tips
Subject-wise tips based on the official CISCE paper format and instructions — what the paper structure expects and how marks are awarded.
Mathematics
2½ hours · 80 Marks + 20 Internal
All working — including rough work — must be clearly shown on the same sheet as the answer. Omission of essential working will result in loss of marks.
Mathematical tables and graph papers are provided by the school — use them; do not use a calculator.
Read the first 15 minutes carefully — you may not write during this time. Use it to plan which Section B questions to attempt.
Section A is compulsory (Questions 1–3). Section B: attempt any 4 of Questions 4–10.
Marks per part are given in brackets — answer exactly what is asked for that many marks.
For graph questions, use the given scale exactly. Label all axes, plots, and key points clearly.
Construction questions require ruler and compass only — do not erase construction lines.
Science — Physics (Paper 1)
2 hours · 80 Marks + 20 Internal (Practical)
Section A is compulsory. Section B: attempt any 4 questions.
Use SI units throughout unless specifically asked otherwise. Writing cgs units when SI is expected loses marks.
Ray diagrams for refraction and lenses must show at least two principal rays with arrows. Label object, image, focal point, and centre of curvature.
For numerical problems, show the formula first, then substitute values with units, then calculate. A correct answer without working may not get full marks.
For circuit diagrams, draw neat, labelled diagrams — use standard symbols for resistors, cells, bulbs, switches.
In the magnetism section, mark poles and draw field lines with direction arrows.
Assertion-Reason questions in Section A: read both statements independently before choosing.
Science — Chemistry (Paper 2)
2 hours · 80 Marks + 20 Internal (Practical)
All chemical processes and reactions must be studied — and answered — with reference to reactants, products, conditions, observations, and balanced equations.
Balance every equation. An unbalanced equation will not receive full marks even if the products are correct.
State conditions (heat, catalyst, temperature, pressure) above or below the arrow in every equation.
For electron dot structures, show all lone pairs and shared pairs. Show the correct number of dots per atom.
For mole concept calculations, write the formula, substitute molar masses, and show every arithmetic step.
In Analytical Chemistry answers, state the colour change or precipitate formed, not just 'a precipitate forms'.
Organic Chemistry: write full structural formulae (not condensed) when the question asks for structural diagrams.
Science — Biology (Paper 3)
2 hours · 80 Marks + 20 Internal (Practical)
Diagrams are essential in Biology. Draw neat, well-proportioned diagrams with proper labelling. Labels must be horizontal, connected by straight lines to the correct part.
For genetics questions, always draw a proper cross table (Punnett square) showing gametes, genotypes, and phenotypes of offspring.
For Mendelian laws, state the law clearly if asked, then apply it in the cross.
For 'Name', 'Define', and 'Distinguish' questions: be precise. One extra irrelevant point does not earn marks.
In Section A, the 'Arrange in correct sequence' and 'Fill in blanks' questions have exact expected answers — no alternatives.
When asked to 'explain', include the cause → mechanism → effect structure.
For physiology diagrams (nephron, heart, eye, ear), label every part mentioned in the syllabus.
History & Civics (H.C.G. Paper 1)
2 hours · 80 Marks + 20 Internal
Part I is compulsory (Questions 1 and 2). Read carefully — for MCQs, do not write the question, write the answer only.
Part II Section A (Civics): attempt any 2 of 3 questions (Q3, Q4, Q5).
Part II Section B (History): attempt any 3 of 5 questions (Q6–Q10).
For 3-mark answers: give 3 distinct, developed points — not 3 lines of the same point.
For 4-mark answers: typically 4 distinct points or 2 points with elaboration each.
Avoid writing dates unless you are certain — incorrect dates lose marks. Correct facts without dates are safer.
For 'mention' questions: present each point as a separate paragraph or numbered point, not as a continuous paragraph.
In Civics, constitutional terms (Quorum, Prorogation, Adjournment) must be defined precisely as given in the CISCE syllabus.
Geography (H.C.G. Paper 2)
2 hours · 80 Marks + 20 Internal
Candidates are expected to make fullest use of sketches, diagrams, graphs and charts in answers. Plain written answers for geographical questions lose marks.
Part I (Map Work) is compulsory. Practice six-figure grid references, identifying contours, and measuring distances from the scale.
For Map of India: mark precisely — rivers must start and end at the correct locations, not rough approximations.
For 'Describe the distribution of...' questions, use compass directions (north, south, northwest) and name specific states or regions.
Questions may require interpretation of photographs of geographical interest — describe what you see, then explain the geographical significance.
For industry location questions: mention raw materials, power, labour, transport, and market — all are expected.
Topographic map interpretation: contour intervals, spot heights, and triangulated heights must be read correctly before calculating relative height.
English Language (Paper 1)
2 hours · 80 Marks + 20 Internal
All 5 questions are compulsory.
Question 1 (Composition, 300–350 words): organise, describe, narrate, report, explain, persuade, or argue depending on the topic. Stay within the word limit — excessively long answers are not rewarded.
Question 2 (Letter): use the correct format — sender's address, date, salutation, body, closing. Tone must match formal or friendly as required.
Question 3 (Notice + Email): the notice has a standard format (heading, date, issuing authority, body, name/designation). The email must cover the same content as the notice.
Question 4 (Comprehension): for short answer questions, answer in your own words — do not copy sentences verbatim. For the summary, keep to the indicated length.
Question 5 (Grammar): answers must be correct grammatically — partial credit is not always given for partially correct sentences.
Write legibly. Untidy handwriting that is difficult to read loses the benefit of the doubt.
Literature in English (Paper 2)
2 hours · 80 Marks + 20 Internal
Questions are central to the prescribed text — you must show understanding of the specific play, story, or poem from your syllabus.
For Drama and Prose: questions test whether you have read and understood the complete text. Vague general answers lose marks.
For Poetry: questions focus on content, understanding, and personal response to the entire poem as a whole — not just the given lines.
When asked to 'justify' or 'support with evidence', quote directly from the text (in quotation marks) and then explain the quote in your own words.
Character questions: support your views with specific incidents or dialogues from the text. Character traits stated without evidence are not rewarded fully.
For theme-based questions, link the theme to specific events in the text.
Use the first 15 minutes to read the question paper carefully and decide which questions to attempt from each section.