Total English Class 10 ICSE Answers 2020 helps students revise the ICSE 2020 English Language Paper 1 pattern, the related Total English practice style, and the main answer formats needed for composition, letter, notice, e-mail, comprehension and grammar. This page gives question-wise answer plans, model formats, answer tables, common mistakes and revision checks without treating one sample answer as the only possible answer.
Total English Class 10 ICSE Answers 2020: What This Page Covers
Direct links to each solved question type
- ICSE 2020 English Language Paper Pattern
- Question 1 Composition Answers and Writing Plans
- Question 2 Letter Writing Answers
- Question 3 Notice and E-mail Answers
- Question 4 Comprehension Passage Answers
- Question 5 Grammar Answers
How these answers align with ICSE Class 10 English Language
The ICSE 2020 English Language paper tested writing, format, comprehension and grammar. The paper was for two hours, with the first 15 minutes meant for reading the question paper. All five questions were to be attempted.
Difference between textbook answers and board-paper answers
| Type | Purpose | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Board-paper answer | Answers the exact ICSE paper task. | Follow the marks, word limit and format. |
| Total English practice answer | Practises the same skill through textbook-style exercises. | Use the rule and structure, but check the exact edition question. |
| Model answer plan | Shows how to build an original answer. | Change names, details and examples while keeping the format correct. |
For another year-wise practice page, see total english class 10 icse answers 2018.
ICSE 2020 English Language Paper Pattern
| Question | Marks | Answer type | Expected format | Suggested time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Question 1 | 20 | Composition | 300 to 350 words | 30 minutes |
| Question 2 | 10 | Letter | Formal or informal letter | 20 minutes |
| Question 3 | 10 | Notice and e-mail | Notice format and e-mail format | 15 minutes |
| Question 4 | 20 | Comprehension | Vocabulary, short answers and summary within 50 words | 30 minutes |
| Question 5 | 20 | Grammar | Direct answers, corrections and transformations | 25 minutes |
Question 1: Composition writing
Choose one composition only. Keep the answer between 300 and 350 words. Plan the opening, development and ending before writing.
Question 2: Formal and informal letter writing
Choose one letter only. A letter to a friend may be personal. A complaint letter to an authority must be polite, precise and formal.
Question 3: Notice and e-mail writing
The notice gives information to a group. The e-mail invites or informs a specific person. Both must include purpose, date, time and venue where needed.
Question 4: Comprehension passage
Answer in your own words unless the question asks for a sentence from the passage. The summary must not exceed 50 words.
Question 5: Grammar and transformation
Grammar answers must preserve meaning. Check tense, agreement, prepositions and sentence order after every answer.
Question 1 Composition Answers and Writing Plans
Story writing: The Secret
Restated question: Write an original short story entitled The Secret.
Step 1: Decide what the secret is and why it matters.
Step 2: Choose one main character who hides, discovers or reveals it.
Step 3: Build a conflict around the secret.
Step 4: End with a result that changes a person or relationship.
Model answer plan: A student finds an old letter in the school library. It proves that a retiring teacher had quietly paid another student’s fees years ago. The student wants to announce it, but the teacher asks for silence. At the farewell, the former student arrives and thanks the teacher. The secret becomes an act of gratitude.
Final answer: Write in past tense, keep the plot focused and make the secret affect the ending.
Argumentative essay: A family without pets is an incomplete family
Restated question: Express your views either for or against the statement.
Step 1: Take one clear stand.
Step 2: If agreeing, write about companionship, responsibility and care for living beings.
Step 3: If disagreeing, write about choice, allergies, space, cost and the fact that family love does not depend on pets.
Step 4: Add one counter-point and answer it.
Final answer: A valid answer may agree or disagree, but it must be consistent and supported with examples.
Descriptive essay: Favourite time of the day
Restated question: Describe whether you prefer morning, afternoon, evening or night, including sights, sounds, smells and feelings.
Step 1: Choose one time of day.
Step 2: Use the senses: what you see, hear, smell and feel.
Step 3: Explain why this time is better for you than the others.
Model answer plan: For evening, describe fading light, returning birds, street vendors, the smell of tea, children playing and the feeling that the day is slowing down.
Final answer: Make the answer descriptive, not a timetable.
Narrative essay: Words or actions that changed another person’s life
Restated question: Give an account of something you said or did that changed another person’s life and explain how it made you feel.
Step 1: Identify the person and the problem.
Step 2: Describe your words or action.
Step 3: Show the change that followed.
Step 4: End with your feeling.
Model answer plan: A classmate loses confidence after repeated failure. The narrator encourages the classmate to take part in a school event and helps with practice. The classmate performs well and regains confidence. The narrator learns that small words can have lasting effect.
Final answer: Keep the incident believable and show change through action.
Picture composition: How to connect the story to the image
Restated question: Write a story, description or account suggested by the picture, with a clear connection to the picture.
Step 1: Notice three visible details in the picture.
Step 2: Decide whether you will write a story, description or account.
Step 3: Mention a picture detail early.
Step 4: Return to the picture detail in the ending.
Final answer: Do not write an unrelated answer and add one picture word at the end.
Common mistakes in ICSE composition writing
- Writing below 300 words or far beyond 350 words.
- Changing tense without reason.
- Writing a story with too many characters.
- Taking no clear stand in an argumentative essay.
- Forgetting paragraph breaks.
- Ending the answer suddenly.
Question 2 Letter Writing Answers
Informal letter to a friend after changing school
| Part | What to write | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sender’s address | Your address only | 24 Lake Road, Kolkata |
| Date | Below the address | 10 March 2020 |
| Salutation | Friendly greeting | Dear Rohan, |
| Body | New school likes and old school memories | Library, teachers, friends, classroom |
| Subscription | Friendly closing | Your loving friend, |
Model answer:
24 Lake Road
Kolkata
10 March 2020
Dear Rohan,
I hope you are well. I wanted to tell you about my new school because I have been thinking of our old class often.
The new school has airy classrooms, a good library and teachers who explain lessons clearly. I have joined the football team, so I am slowly making friends. Still, I miss our lunch breaks, our classroom near the playground and the way everyone knew one another.
The new school is good, but it will take time before it feels familiar. Write back soon and tell me the news from our class.
Your loving friend,
Aman
Final answer: Balance both parts: what you like now and what you miss from the old school.
Formal complaint letter to the Municipal Commissioner
| Part | What to write | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sender’s address | Your residential address | 18 Nehru Nagar, Vijayawada |
| Date | Formal date | 10 March 2020 |
| Receiver | Designation and office | The Municipal Commissioner |
| Subject | One-line purpose | Wastage of water from open taps |
| Body | Problem, effect and suggestions | Repair, inspection and public notice |
| Subscription | Formal closing | Yours faithfully, |
Model answer:
18 Nehru Nagar
Vijayawada
10 March 2020
The Municipal Commissioner
Municipal Corporation
Vijayawada
Subject: Wastage of water from open taps
Sir/Madam,
I wish to bring to your notice the waste of water caused by public taps being left open throughout the day in our locality.
Several taps near the market lane and bus stop are damaged or left running after use. Clean water flows into the drains for hours, creating muddy patches and reducing the water available to residents during supply hours.
I request you to send a maintenance team to repair the faulty taps and fit self-closing taps where possible. A public notice and regular inspection by ward staff will also help prevent wastage.
Yours faithfully,
Aarav Sharma
Final answer: Keep the tone polite, give facts and suggest practical action.
Correct ICSE letter format table
| Feature | Informal letter | Formal letter |
|---|---|---|
| Receiver | Friend or relative | Official person or authority |
| Tone | Personal | Formal and polite |
| Subject | Not required | Required |
| Body | Feelings and details | Problem, facts, request and solution |
| Closing | Your loving friend or Yours affectionately | Yours faithfully or Yours sincerely |
Marks checklist for address, date, salutation, body and subscription
- Address is written at the top.
- Date is below the address.
- Salutation matches the receiver.
- Body is divided into paragraphs.
- Subscription matches the letter type.
Common mistakes in formal and informal letters
- Using formal language in a letter to a friend.
- Forgetting the subject in a formal letter.
- Writing an angry complaint instead of a polite one.
- Giving no solution in a complaint letter.
- Attempting both letter options.
Question 3 Notice and E-mail Answers
Notice for school fete or carnival
| Notice part | What it contains | Model detail |
|---|---|---|
| Institution | School name | St. Mary’s School |
| Label | Word NOTICE | NOTICE |
| Date | Date of issue | 10 March 2020 |
| Heading | Purpose | Charity Fete for Flood Relief |
| Body | Event, date, time, venue and cause | Fete on school grounds |
| Issuer | Name and designation | Cultural Secretary |
Model notice:
St. Mary’s School
NOTICE
10 March 2020
Charity Fete for Flood Relief
The school is organising a fete on 20 March 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the school grounds to raise funds for victims of the recent floods in the State. There will be food stalls, games, book counters and student performances. All students are requested to attend and contribute generously.
Ananya Rao
Cultural Secretary
Final answer: Keep the notice short, informative and complete.
E-mail invitation to a neighbouring school Principal
| E-mail part | What it contains | Model detail |
|---|---|---|
| To | Receiver’s e-mail address | principal.riverside@example.com |
| Subject | Clear purpose | Invitation to Charity Fete for Flood Relief |
| Salutation | Formal greeting | Respected Sir/Madam, |
| Body | Invitation, date, time, venue and cause | Request participation |
| Closing | Sender name and designation | Cultural Secretary |
Model e-mail:
To: principal.riverside@example.com
Subject: Invitation to Charity Fete for Flood Relief
Respected Sir/Madam,
Our school is organising a charity fete on 20 March 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the school grounds to raise funds for victims of the recent floods in our State.
We request you to allow students of your school to attend the event. The fete will include food stalls, games, books and student performances. Their presence and contribution will support the relief effort.
Yours faithfully,
Ananya Rao
Cultural Secretary
St. Mary’s School
Final answer: Write formally because the receiver is a Principal.
Notice vs e-mail format comparison table
| Point | Notice | |
|---|---|---|
| Audience | Group | One receiver |
| Opening | School name, NOTICE, date, heading | To, subject, salutation |
| Tone | Brief and informational | Formal and courteous |
| Ending | Issuer and designation | Closing and sender details |
Subject line, date, venue and contact details checklist
- Notice has date of issue.
- E-mail has a subject line.
- Both mention event date, time and venue.
- The purpose of raising funds is clear.
- The sender is identified.
Common mistakes in notice and e-mail writing
- Forgetting the word NOTICE.
- Leaving out date, time or venue.
- Writing an e-mail without a subject.
- Using informal language to a Principal.
- Making the notice too long.
Question 4 Comprehension Passage Answers
The passage adapted from Totto-chan describes a school where pupils could sit where they liked, choose the subject they wanted to begin with and consult the teacher when needed.
Vocabulary answers: assigned, ideal, independent
| Word | Meaning as used in the passage | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| assigned | given or allotted | Each pupil was given a specific desk in the previous school. |
| ideal | most suitable | The method helped teachers understand pupils well. |
| independent | working on one’s own | Pupils worked by themselves and consulted the teacher when needed. |
Short-answer questions from the Totto-chan passage
| Question | Answer guidance | Model answer |
|---|---|---|
| What was unusual about the seating arrangement? | Mention no fixed desks. | The pupils did not have fixed desks. They could sit wherever they liked. |
| How did the method help the teacher? | Explain observation. | It helped teachers observe each child’s interests, thinking and character. |
| Why did pupils enjoy their lessons? | Connect freedom with study. | They could begin with favourite subjects and manage disliked subjects at their own pace. |
| What did first-grade pupils do? | List passage examples. | Some copied letters, some drew pictures, some read books and some did physical exercises. |
| Which sentence shows the boy had difficulty walking? | Quote only the required sentence. | The boy dragged his leg, and his whole body swayed from side to side. |
Evidence-based answer table with line references
Line numbers can vary between printed copies. Use the line numbers in your own paper; the support below shows the passage area to check.
| Answer point | Evidence area | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| No fixed desk | Opening paragraph on seating | State the idea in your own words. |
| Teacher listed the day’s work | Paragraph on the first period | Use it to explain the teaching method. |
| Teachers learned about pupils | Paragraph on observation | Use it for the teacher-help question. |
| Pupils studied independently | Paragraph on pupils enjoying lessons | Use it for the learning-freedom answer. |
| Boy’s walking difficulty | Last part of the passage | Quote the exact sentence if asked. |
Precis or summary answer within 50 words
Restated task: In not more than 50 words, describe how the children were taught.
Step 1: Include the teacher’s daily list.
Step 2: Include freedom to choose a subject.
Step 3: Include independent work and consultation.
50-word model summary: At the school, the teacher listed the day’s problems and let children choose where to begin. Pupils worked independently, starting with favourite subjects and consulting the teacher when needed. This helped teachers understand each child’s interests, thinking and character while keeping pupils active in real study.
Final answer: The model summary is 43 words.
Common mistakes in comprehension answers
- Copying long passage lines when own words are required.
- Writing more than 50 words in the summary.
- Giving a dictionary meaning instead of the passage meaning.
- Writing long answers for brief questions.
- Quoting the wrong sentence.
Question 5 Grammar Answers
The OCR text supplied for the 2020 paper is truncated before the numbered grammar items. For accuracy, this page does not invent the official blank-by-blank 2020 grammar key. The tables below give a 2020-style Total English practice key with one-line reasoning for each grammar skill.
Prepositions and word-choice answers
| Practice item | Answer | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| She is interested ___ classical music. | in | Interested is followed by in. |
| We should prevent children ___ wasting water. | from | Prevent takes from before a gerund. |
| He was accused ___ breaking the rule. | of | The phrase is accused of. |
| This solution is superior ___ the earlier one. | to | Superior takes to, not than. |
| There are ___ students today than yesterday. | fewer | Use fewer for countable plural nouns. |
Verb form answers with tense reasoning
| Practice item | Answer | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| When I reached the station, the train already ___. | had left | Past perfect shows the earlier past action. |
| The children ___ when it began to rain. | were playing | Past continuous shows action in progress. |
| She ___ for the result since morning. | has been waiting | Since needs present perfect continuous here. |
| By next week, they ___ the project. | will have completed | Future perfect shows completion before a future time. |
| The letter ___ every Monday. | is written | Simple present passive fits a regular action. |
Sentence transformation answers
| Practice transformation | Answer | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| As soon as the bell rang, the students entered. Begin: No sooner… | No sooner did the bell ring than the students entered. | No sooner takes inversion and than. |
| He is too weak to walk. Use so…that. | He is so weak that he cannot walk. | The meaning of inability is retained. |
| Only a brave person can speak the truth. Begin: None but… | None but a brave person can speak the truth. | None but means only. |
| The teacher said, Do not waste time. Change to indirect speech. | The teacher advised the students not to waste time. | An imperative sentence is reported with a suitable reporting verb. |
| The work was completed by Rina. Change to active voice. | Rina completed the work. | The doer becomes the subject. |
Error correction table
| Incorrect sentence | Correct sentence | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Each of the boys have a book. | Each of the boys has a book. | Each takes a singular verb. |
| She is senior than me. | She is senior to me. | Senior takes to. |
| I am knowing the answer. | I know the answer. | Know is not used in the continuous form here. |
| He did not went to school. | He did not go to school. | After did not, use the base verb. |
Common grammar traps in ICSE English Language
- Using than after senior, junior, superior and inferior.
- Forgetting inversion after No sooner and Hardly.
- Changing meaning while transforming a sentence.
- Using a plural verb after each or everyone.
- Ignoring time markers such as since, for, by and when.
Literature Practice Extracts Included for Revision
The OCR material also includes English Literature extract questions. These are not part of English Language Paper 1, but they help students practise extract-based answers.
The Merchant of Venice extract questions
| Extract area | Answer points | Exam note |
|---|---|---|
| Shylock calls Antonio bankrupt and prodigal | Bankrupt means unable to pay debts. Shylock uses it because Antonio’s ships are believed to be lost. Prodigal means wasteful; Shylock uses it bitterly because Antonio lends without interest and harms his moneylending business. | Show Shylock’s anger and bias. |
| Rialto and the mart | The Rialto was the commercial centre of Venice. Antonio appeared there confidently as a respected merchant. | Connect the place with trade. |
| Antonio’s insults to Shylock | Antonio had abused Shylock for usury, called him a dog, spat on his clothes and kicked him. | Use incidents from the play. |
| Portia compares Bassanio to Aleides | Aleides is Hercules. Bassanio is compared to him because he is about to take the risky casket test. Portia sees her own fate as depending on the result. | Explain the comparison briefly. |
| Appearance and reality speech | Bassanio says outward show can hide inner weakness. Cowards may appear brave like Hercules or Mars but lack courage. | Identify the theme clearly. |
Bangle Sellers extract questions
| Question focus | Answer points | Exam note |
|---|---|---|
| Speaker and subject | The speakers are bangle sellers describing bangles carried to a temple fair. | Use full sentences. |
| Description of bangles | The bangles are bright, delicate, shining and rainbow-tinted. | Explain the effect of imagery. |
| Lustrous tokens of radiant lives | The bangles symbolise bright stages of women’s lives, especially as daughters and wives. | Explain tokens as symbols. |
| Tone | The tone is celebratory and musical as the sellers invite buyers and praise the bangles. | Support tone with a phrase from the stanza. |
| Feministic overtones | A balanced answer says the poem celebrates women but also presents them mainly through traditional roles. | Avoid a one-word answer. |
The Battle of Blenheim extract questions
| Question focus | Answer points | Exam note |
|---|---|---|
| Kasper’s justification | He accepts the deaths as something that happens after a famous victory. | Contrast his calm tone with the horror. |
| Scene after battle | The field is full of dead bodies left in the sun. | The poem questions war glory. |
| The victory | The reference is to the Battle of Blenheim, where Marlborough and Prince Eugene defeated the French and Bavarian forces. | Use only needed historical detail. |
| Skulls as symbols | The skulls symbolise the human cost of war. | Connect symbol to theme. |
| Old man’s view | His view is narrow because he repeats that it was a famous victory without understanding suffering. | Give your view with support. |
Daffodils extract questions
| Question focus | Answer points | Exam note |
|---|---|---|
| What the daffodils were doing | They seemed to dance in the breeze. The device is personification. | Name and explain the device. |
| Comparison with stars | The daffodils are compared to stars because they seem numerous, bright and continuous. | This is a simile. |
| Appropriateness | The comparison suits the number and beauty of the flowers. | Explain why. |
| Who they refers to | They refers to the daffodils near the lake. | Identify the noun. |
| Message | A beautiful experience in nature can remain in memory and give joy later. | Link message with recollection. |
Short story extract questions
| Extract area | Answer points | Exam note |
|---|---|---|
| Old man and animals | The old man worries about animals left behind during war. | Give speaker, listener and situation. |
| The cat | The cat is one of his animals. He believes it can look after itself. | Keep to the extract. |
| The others | The others are the goats and pigeons. | Do not confuse them with people. |
| Reason for worry | War has forced him to leave, and the animals may not survive without care. | Connect personal worry with war. |
| Character trait | His concern shows kindness, helplessness and attachment to innocent living beings. | Use trait plus evidence. |
How to write extract-based answers in ICSE format
- Start with speaker, listener and context where needed.
- Answer the exact sub-question first.
- Use evidence without copying long extracts.
- For 3 marks, give three clear points or one developed point with evidence.
- For 4 marks, add interpretation, theme or character insight.
Exam-Weightage and Time-Management Notes
Suggested time for composition, letter, notice, e-mail, comprehension and grammar
| Section | Suggested time | What to finish |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | 30 minutes | Plan, write 300 to 350 words and revise. |
| Letter | 20 minutes | Use the correct format and tone. |
| Notice and e-mail | 15 minutes | Include all event details. |
| Comprehension | 30 minutes | Answer briefly and write the 50-word summary. |
| Grammar | 25 minutes | Check each answer for meaning and agreement. |
Which answers need full sentences and which need direct responses
- Composition, letters and e-mail need paragraphs.
- Comprehension answers need complete sentences unless quoting.
- Vocabulary answers may be direct.
- Grammar blanks need direct answers.
- Transformations must be complete sentences.
Where students lose marks most often
- Ignoring word limits.
- Missing the subject line in a formal letter.
- Leaving out notice time or venue.
- Copying comprehension lines without adapting them.
- Changing meaning in grammar transformations.
How to revise this page before the exam
- Read the question-wise pattern table.
- Revise the four format tables.
- Practise one composition plan.
- Rewrite the 50-word summary.
- Check the rule behind each grammar answer.
Common Mistakes in Total English Class 10 ICSE Answers
Copying passage lines without adapting them
Use your own words unless the question asks for a sentence from the passage.
Writing essays below or above the expected length
Stay between 300 and 350 words for the composition. A short answer lacks development and a very long answer wastes time.
Mixing formal and informal letter formats
Do not use a subject line in an informal letter. Do not use casual expressions in a formal complaint.
Forgetting notice title, date or issuing authority
A notice must show who issued it, when it was issued and what it is about.
Giving grammar answers without checking tense and subject agreement
Read the whole sentence after each answer. Check the subject, verb and time marker.
Final Revision Checklist
Format checklist for every writing task
- Composition has paragraphs and a controlled ending.
- Informal letter has address, date, salutation, body, subscription and name.
- Formal letter has sender’s address, date, receiver, subject, salutation, body and closing.
- Notice has school name, NOTICE, date, heading, body and issuing authority.
- E-mail has To, Subject, salutation, body and closing.
Grammar checklist before submission
- Check subject-verb agreement.
- Check tense markers such as since, for, by and when.
- Check fixed prepositions.
- Check that transformations keep the same meaning.
- Check punctuation in speech answers.
Comprehension checklist for evidence and word limit
- Use the passage meaning.
- Answer briefly.
- Quote only when asked.
- Keep the summary within 50 words.
- Do not add outside ideas.
Answer-presentation checklist for ICSE Class 10
- Attempt all five questions.
- Number answers correctly.
- Leave space between sections.
- Show format headings clearly.
- Use the last few minutes to check missing parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Total English Class 10 ICSE Answers 2020 include?
It includes question-wise support for composition, letter, notice, e-mail, comprehension and grammar. It also gives format tables, model answer plans, a comprehension table and common mistakes.
Is the ICSE 2020 English Language paper solved question-wise here?
Yes, the available 2020 English Language questions from the supplied OCR are covered question-wise. The grammar section is treated as 2020-style practice because the OCR is truncated before the numbered grammar blanks.
How should I write the ICSE Class 10 composition answer?
Choose one topic and write 300 to 350 words. Plan before writing, keep paragraphs clear and make sure the ending fits the topic.
What is the correct format for ICSE notice and e-mail writing?
A notice needs the school name, NOTICE, date, heading, body and issuing authority. An e-mail needs To, Subject, salutation, body and closing with sender details.
How many words should the ICSE Class 10 comprehension summary contain?
The 2020 comprehension summary asked for not more than 50 words. Count the words after writing and remove repeated ideas if needed.
How can I avoid common grammar mistakes in ICSE English Language?
Read the whole sentence after filling a blank or transforming a sentence. Check tense, agreement, prepositions and meaning.