CBSE Class 10 NCERT English Books – A Complete Analysis

The CBSE Class 10 NCERT English books play a crucial role in shaping students’ understanding of literature and language. Designed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), these books provide a structured approach to English learning, covering prose, poetry, and grammar. With a blend of classic and modern literature, these books help students develop comprehension skills, analytical thinking, and a love for reading.

In this article, we will explore the NCERT English books for Class 10, their importance, a chapter-wise overview, and tips to score well in CBSE Class 10 English.

NCERT English Books for Class 10 – An Overview

CBSE prescribes two NCERT English books for Class 10 students:

1. First Flight (Main Textbook) – A collection of prose and poetry.
2. Footprints Without Feet (Supplementary Reader) – A set of short stories.

Both books are designed to enhance language skills, comprehension, and literary appreciation. Let’s take a closer look at each book.

1. First Flight – NCERT Class 10 English Book

First Flight is the main English textbook for Class 10 CBSE students. It includes a variety of literary works, including short stories, essays, and poems by renowned authors.

Chapter-Wise Summary of First Flight

Prose Section:

1. A Letter to God – A story about faith and optimism.
2. Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom – An excerpt from Nelson Mandela’s autobiography.
3. Two Stories about Flying – Inspirational accounts related to flying.
4. From the Diary of Anne Frank – A teenage girl’s experiences during World War II.
5. The Hundred Dresses – I & II – A story about empathy and kindness.
6. Glimpses of India – A collection of stories depicting India’s diversity.
7. Mijbil the Otter – A story about a pet otter’s adventures.
8. Madam Rides the Bus – A tale of a young girl’s curiosity and adventure.
9. The Sermon at Benares – A lesson on the realities of life by Gautama Buddha.
10. The Proposal – A humorous one-act play about marriage negotiations.

Poetry Section:

1. Dust of Snow – A poem about small moments of joy.
2. Fire and Ice – Discusses the possible end of the world.
3. A Tiger in the Zoo – Highlights the difference between a wild and captive tiger.
4. How to Tell Wild Animals – A humorous take on identifying animals.
5. The Ball Poem – Talks about loss and learning from experiences.
6. Amanda! – A poem about childhood imagination.
7. Animals – Celebrates the honesty of animals compared to humans.
8. The Trees – Represents nature’s struggle for freedom.
9. Fog – A short poem about fog’s movement.
10. The Tale of Custard the Dragon – A humorous narrative about a cowardly dragon.

2. Footprints Without Feet – NCERT Class 10 English Supplementary Reader

This book contains engaging short stories that focus on moral values, scientific concepts, and intriguing narratives.

Chapter-Wise Summary of Footprints Without Feet

1. A Triumph of Surgery – A heartwarming story about a dog’s recovery.
2. The Thief’s Story – Highlights the transformation of a young thief.
3. The Midnight Visitor – A thrilling espionage tale.
4. A Question of Trust – A suspenseful story about deception.
5. Footprints Without Feet – A sci-fi story about an invisible man.
6. The Making of a Scientist – A real-life account of scientist Richard Ebright.
7. The Necklace – A tale about materialism and fate.
8. The Hack Driver – A humorous story about mistaken identity.
9. Bholi – A moving story about a girl’s self-worth.
10. The Book That Saved the Earth – A futuristic take on literature’s impact.

Why Are NCERT English Books Important?

1. Concept Clarity – The books explain literary themes in a simple yet effective manner.
2. Board Exam Preparation – Most CBSE exam questions are based on these books.
3. Strong Language Foundation – Helps students develop excellent reading and writing skills.
4. Moral and Ethical Lessons – Stories and poems impart values and ethics.
5. Enhances Critical Thinking – Encourages analysis and discussion of literary works.

How to Study NCERT English Books Effectively?

• Read the Chapters Thoroughly – Understand the themes, characters, and messages.
• Make Summary Notes – Writing down key points helps in quick revision.
• Practice NCERT Questions – Answer the textbook exercises for better comprehension.
• Improve Writing Skills – Work on grammar, sentence structure, and creativity.
• Refer to CBSE Sample Papers – Solving sample papers improves exam readiness.
• Discuss with Teachers and Peers – Engaging in discussions enhances understanding.

Conclusion

The NCERT English books for Class 10 provide a strong foundation in language and literature. They not only help students score well in exams but also instill a lifelong love for reading. By following a structured approach and using effective study techniques, students can make the most of these books.

Whether you are preparing for CBSE board exams or looking to improve your English skills, NCERT English books are your best guide. Keep practicing, stay curious, and enjoy the journey of learning English!