ICSE Class 10 English: Grammar and Composition — Important Questions with Answers 2026

Short Answer Questions (2-3 Marks)

• Q: Rewrite using passive voice: The teacher praised the students for their performance.
  Ans: The students were praised by the teacher for their performance. Rule: Object becomes subject, verb becomes 'was/were + past participle', original subject becomes agent with 'by'.
• Q: Write a formal letter to the Municipal Commissioner complaining about poor waste management in your locality.
  Ans: Format: Your address (top right), Date, Recipient's designation and address (left), Subject line, Salutation (Respected Sir/Madam), Body (3 paragraphs: introduce the problem, describe specific issues — irregular collection, overflowing bins, health hazards, suggest solutions), Complimentary close (Yours faithfully), Name. Keep formal tone, be specific about location and problems.
• Q: Change to indirect speech: 'I will help you tomorrow,' said Rina to Sona.
  Ans: Rina told Sona that she would help her the next day. Changes: 'I' → 'she' (speaker), 'you' → 'her' (listener), 'will' → 'would' (tense change), 'tomorrow' → 'the next day' (time change), inverted commas removed, 'said to' → 'told'.

Long Answer / Application Questions (4-6 Marks)

• Q: Fill in with correct preposition: She is good ___ mathematics and takes interest ___ painting.
  Ans: She is good AT mathematics and takes interest IN painting. Common preposition usage: good at, interested in, fond of, afraid of, surprised at, different from, similar to, agree with.

Exam Tips for This Chapter

• Revise all definitions and laws from Grammar and Composition — they are commonly asked as 1-2 mark questions
• Practice diagrams related to Grammar and Composition — neat labelled diagrams carry 2-3 marks
• For numericals, always show formula → substitution → answer with correct units
• Previous year analysis shows Grammar and Composition carries 8-12 marks in the board exam