ProTeacher

Class 11th English

Reading Skills

Unit 1. The Portrait of a Lady – Answer and Summary

  Khushwant Singh

  A Photograph – Answer and Summary

  Shirley Toulson

Unit 2. We’re Not Afraid to Die if We Can All Be Together – Answer and Summary

  Gordon Cook and Alan East

Unit 3. Discovering Tut: the Saga Continues – Answer and Summary

  A.R. Williams

  The Laburnum Top – Answer and Summary

  Ted Hughes

  The Voice of the Rain – Answer and Summary

  Walt Whitman

Unit 4. The Ailing Planet: the Green Movement’s Role – Answer and Summary

  Nani Palkhivala

  Childhood – Answer and Summary

  Markus NaTTen

Unit 5. The Adventure – Answer and Summary

  Jayant Narlikar

6. Silk Road – Answer and Summary

  Nick Middleton

Father to Son – Answer and Summary

  Elizabeth Jennings

Writing Skills 

1. Note-making

2. Summarising

3. Sub-titling

4. Essay-writing

5. Letter-writing

6. Creative Writing

How to Prepare English for Class 11 (NCERT – Hornbill)

Class 11 English is the step towards advanced language learning. The Hornbill textbook (prose, essays, poems) along with Snapshots (short stories) focuses on critical reading, deeper analysis, and mature writing skills. Students are expected to move beyond surface-level comprehension and learn interpretation, evaluation, and creative expression.

1. Reading and Literature

  • Read every prose and poem carefully at least twice—once for flow, once for detail.

  • Focus on themes, arguments, and character development.

  • Identify literary devices (metaphor, symbolism, irony, imagery, personification, etc.).

  • Summarise each lesson in 8–10 lines in your own words.

  • In poems, pay attention to tone, rhythm, and emotions.

Tip: Maintain a literature journal—write theme, devices, and moral in a structured format.

2. Writing Skills

In Class 11, writing tasks become advanced and more formal.

  • Essay Writing: Develop both descriptive and argumentative essays.

  • Reports: Write fact-based reports of events with clear structure.

  • Articles: Practice on social, environmental, and current topics.

  • Speech/Debates: Present strong viewpoints with logical arguments.

  • Business/Official Letters: Learn proper formats (applications, job letters, enquiries).

  • Note-making & Summarising: Practice condensing long passages into key points.

Tip: Stick to word limits and avoid memorised content—clarity and originality are valued.

3. Grammar and Vocabulary

Grammar is integrated with writing in Class 11, but key areas include:

  • Transformation of sentences

  • Clauses and sentence connectors

  • Tenses and subject–verb agreement

  • Active & passive voice

  • Reported speech

  • Editing and error correction

Vocabulary building:

  • Learn academic words and literary terms.

  • Practice synonyms, antonyms, idioms, and phrasal verbs.

  • Work on context-based meanings (used in comprehension).

Tip: Add at least 5 new words weekly to your writing and speaking.

4. Listening and Speaking

  • Listen to English news, speeches, and podcasts—note tone and vocabulary.

  • Practice recitation of poems with rhythm and stress.

  • Deliver short speeches in class or practice group discussions.

  • Do role-play of dialogues from lessons for fluency.

Tip: Record your own speech, listen, and refine clarity and pronunciation.

5. Supplementary Reader (Snapshots)

  • Stories are shorter but often layered with deep meaning.

  • Focus on character sketches, cultural themes, and social issues.

  • Prepare both short-answer and long-answer questions.

  • Practice retelling stories in your own words—this helps in exams.

6. Exam Preparation Strategy

  1. Reading Section:

    • Practice unseen passages for comprehension, note-making, and summarising.

    • Work on speed-reading and extracting key ideas.

  2. Writing Section:

    • Revise formats of reports, articles, speeches, and letters.

    • Practice writing concise, well-organised answers.

  3. Literature Section:

    • Revise themes, morals, and devices for all lessons.

    • Practice extract-based Qs (poems + prose).

    • Write in your own words instead of rote answers.

7. General Tips

  • Read English newspapers and magazines regularly.

  • Watch English documentaries/films with subtitles—improves listening.

  • Maintain a separate notebook for notes, summaries, and new words.

  • Practice writing model answers under exam timings.

  • Revise weekly instead of cramming at the end.

Preparing English for Class 11 (Hornbill + Snapshots) requires a mix of analytical reading, advanced writing, and confident speaking. Students should focus on themes, literary devices, grammar accuracy, and real-life communication. With regular practice and thoughtful preparation, Class 11 English becomes not just a scoring subject but also a skill-builder for higher studies.