The CBSE Class 10 English Board Exam 2026, held on 21 February 2026, is a crucial paper for students and requires not only subject knowledge but also effective exam strategy to avoid common pitfalls that affect scores.
Students often fail to use the reading time effectively
One of the most frequent errors students make in the English exam is not utilising the first 15 minutes of reading time well. Many jump straight into answering questions without fully understanding the passages, leading to misinterpretation and incorrect responses. Careful reading plans your approach and reduces careless mistakes.
Misinterpreting questions and writing irrelevant answers costs marks
Another common mistake is misreading the demands of questions. In the rush to start writing, students sometimes write what they know rather than what the question specifically asks. Reading each question at least twice helps ensure accurate answers that align with examiner expectations.
Exceeding word limits in literature and writing sections wastes valuable time
Many candidates write overly long answers, especially in literature and descriptive sections. Excessive length not only wastes examination time but also leaves less opportunity to attempt other sections. Keeping answers concise, on-topic, and within prescribed word limits is essential for balanced time management.
Selecting harder writing tasks without mastery affects performance
The writing section of the English paper often presents options such as letters or articles. Some students choose formats they are less familiar with and then struggle to present structured responses. Choosing the writing task in which one is most confident typically yields better clarity and coherence.
Copying directly from passages leads to incorrect responses
In reading comprehension, directly copying lines from the passage rather than paraphrasing is a frequent misstep. Examiners seek understanding and expression in the student’s own words rather than verbatim text. Paraphrasing and summarising demonstrate comprehension and earn more marks in inferential and analytical questions.
Skipping final review before submission results in avoidable errors
Many students finish writing and immediately submit without reviewing their answers. A brief final revision of five minutes can help spot spelling, grammar and formatting mistakes, improving overall accuracy and presentation. Leaving a small window at the end for this review reduces the risk of simple errors affecting final scores.
