CBSE Class 8 English Syllabus 2025-26 | NCERT
CBSE Class 8 – English
Class: VIII
Subject: English
Board: CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education)
Question Pattern & Marking Scheme (CBSE 2025–26)
Total Marks: 100
• Annual Written Examination: 80 Marks
• Internal Assessment: 20 Marks
Written Examination Pattern (80 Marks)
The paper assesses reading skills, writing skills, grammar, vocabulary, literature comprehension and language application.
Types of Questions:
• Very Short Answer (VSA)
• Short Answer (SA)
• Long Answer (LA)
• Extract-based questions from prose/poetry
• Grammar and writing-based competency questions
(Exact section-wise marks may vary as per CBSE school-level guidelines.)
Internal Assessment (20 Marks)
• Periodic Tests
• Speaking & Listening Activities
• Creative writing tasks
• Notebook submission and class participation
CBSE Class 8 English Syllabus (2025–26)
A. NCERT Book – Honeydew (Prose & Poetry)
| Unit / Chapter | Title | Brief Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Prose 1 | The Best Christmas Present in the World | Develop reading comprehension and understand themes of war, humanity and relationships. |
| Poem 1 | The Ant and the Cricket | Learn poetic devices and moral lessons through poetry. |
| Prose 2 | The Tsunami | Understand real-life events, empathy and human resilience. |
| Poem 2 | Geography Lesson | Appreciate poetic expression related to geography and human impact. |
| Prose 3 | Glimpses of the Past | Learn about Indian history and freedom struggle through narrative. |
| Poem 3 | Macavity: The Mystery Cat | Enjoy narrative poetry, rhythm and character portrayal. |
| Prose 4 | Bepin Choudhury’s Lapse of Memory | Develop critical thinking through humour and mystery. |
| Poem 4 | The Last Bargain | Understand symbolism and poetic meaning. |
| Prose 5 | The Summit Within | Learn values of perseverance, courage and self-discovery. |
| Poem 5 | The School Boy | Explore emotions, education and childhood through poetry. |
| Prose 6 | This is Jody’s Fawn | Understand compassion, responsibility and human-animal relationships. |
| Poem 6 | The Duck and the Kangaroo | Appreciate light-hearted poetry and imaginative dialogue. |
| Prose 7 | A Visit to Cambridge | Learn about inspirational personalities and inclusivity. |
| Poem 7 | When I Set Out for Lyonnesse | Explore poetic mood, imagery and emotions. |
| Prose 8 | A Short Monsoon Diary | Develop descriptive writing appreciation and nature observation. |
B. NCERT Book – It So Happened (Supplementary Reader)
| Chapter No. | Chapter Title | Brief Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | How the Camel Got His Hump | Learn humour, imagination and moral storytelling. |
| 2 | Children at Work | Understand child labour issues and social awareness. |
| 3 | The Selfish Giant | Learn moral values like sharing, kindness and empathy. |
| 4 | The Treasure Within | Gain motivation and self-confidence through real-life experiences. |
| 5 | Princess September | Understand fantasy elements and freedom of choice. |
| 6 | The Fight | Learn courage, friendship and personal growth. |
| 7 | The Open Window | Develop comprehension of irony and humour. |
| 8 | Jalebis | Understand discipline, temptation and consequences. |
| 9 | The Comet – I & II | Learn scientific thinking, imagination and human response to crisis. |
| 10 | The Great Stone Face – I & II | Understand character building, values and moral integrity. |
C. Grammar & Writing Skills
• Tenses
• Active and Passive Voice
• Direct and Indirect Speech
• Modals
• Clauses and sentence transformation
• Notice, message and diary writing
• Paragraph and short composition writing
Related Keyphrases
- CBSE Class 8 English syllabus 2025-26
- Class 8 English NCERT syllabus CBSE
- CBSE Class 8 English chapter-wise syllabus
- Class 8 English exam pattern CBSE
- NCERT English syllabus Class 8
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is the CBSE Class 8 English syllabus based on NCERT books?
Yes, the syllabus is completely based on NCERT books – Honeydew and It So Happened.
Q2. How many books are prescribed for Class 8 English?
There are two NCERT books: Honeydew (main reader) and It So Happened (supplementary reader).
Q3. Are grammar and writing skills included in the syllabus?
Yes. Grammar, writing skills, speaking and listening activities are an integral part of the syllabus.
Q4. What is the exam pattern for Class 8 English?
The subject is assessed for 100 marks, with 80 marks for the annual exam and 20 marks for internal assessment.
Q5. Is Class 8 English important for higher classes?
Absolutely. It builds strong foundations in reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary and writing, essential for Classes 9 and 10.
