FBISE SSC (Matric) English (IX-X): syllabus, papers and marking
FBISE SSC English splits 15 MCQ marks from 60 written marks. Writing tasks are marked on content and format together, the way the board scores them.
National Curriculum 2022-23, Inclusive Scheme of Studies 2024 (1200 marks); SLO-based model paper · First Annual and Second Annual series · grades A++ to U (IBCC scale)
FBISE SSC English: where the marks go
FBISE English at SSC follows the National Curriculum 2022-23 and an SLO-based model paper. The paper is 75 marks: a 15-mark MCQ section sat first for 20 minutes, then 60 marks of written work in 2 hours 40 minutes. In Class IX the written part is a comprehension passage with a compulsory 6-mark summary, a poetry extract, grammar and punctuation tasks, then a formal letter, a paragraph of 80 to 100 words and a dialogue. Marks are shared between reading, grammar and writing, and the writing tasks are marked on content, structure and accuracy together.
AdmitPortfolio builds English papers to the layout in the board's model paper, with the same section split, internal choice and mark values. Objective sections score automatically; written answers are marked question by question as each rubric is released, and the concept behind each lost mark is named.
Paper structure and what we mark
| Paper | Time | Marks | Weight | Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class IX: Section A — Multiple Choice | 20 min | 15 | 20% | 15 MCQs at one mark each, with weight on vocabulary and grammar |
| Class IX: Sections B and C — Reading, Grammar and Writing | 2 h 40 min | 60 | 80% | Section B 40 marks: comprehension and summary, poetry, grammar. Section C 20 marks: formal letter (8), paragraph (6), dialogue (6) |
| Class X: Section A — Multiple Choice | 20 min | 15 | 20% | 15 MCQs at one mark each |
| Class X: Sections B and C — Reading, Grammar and Writing | 2 h 40 min | 60 | 80% | Section B 39 marks and Section C 21 marks |
Syllabus outline
- Competency B: Reading and critical thinking. Comprehension passage and summary writing, poetry extract
- Competency C: Vocabulary and grammar. Tenses, conjunctions and transitional devices, punctuation
- Competency D: Writing. Formal letter, paragraph, dialogue
How each paper is marked here
- Section A is scored automatically, weighted towards vocabulary and grammar as the board specifies.
- The letter, paragraph and dialogue are marked against the board’s breakdown, with format and body marks kept apart so a candidate can see which was missed.
- Each lost mark is mapped back to the SLO or domain behind it, so revision targets the outcome and not just the chapter.
Where FBISE SSC English candidates lose marks
- Summaries that copy the passage — Summary marks go to selecting the main points and rewording them. Lifted sentences earn little even when the points are right.
- Format without a body, or body without format — Letter and report format marks usually apply only when a real body is written; an address block over two lines of content does not score.
- Grammar slips inside the writing tasks — Tense, agreement and punctuation errors in the letter, paragraph and essay lower the expression mark across the whole paper.
- Writing that drifts from the prompt — A fluent essay or dialogue on a slightly different topic sits in the lowest content band.
- Letter format marks claimed with no body — FBISE awards the format marks (addresses, date, subject, salutation, closing) only when the body of the letter is written, however accurate it is.
Sample papers, mark schemes and marked reports for FBISE SSC English
See a real handwritten script marked by eight examiners at admitportfolio.com/examiners.
Questions teachers ask
- How is the formal letter marked?
- FBISE splits the 8 marks between format items such as addresses, subject and salutation and the body of the letter. Our rubric mirrors that split.
- Is English the same pattern at HSSC?
- No. HSSC English is a 100-mark paper with 20 marks of MCQs, a 40-mark Section B and a 40-mark Section C; see the HSSC page.
- Is this official FBISE marking?
- No. Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education marks the real exam. This is examiner-style marking of mocks and homework for FBISE SSC English. Only you see the marking, and you decide what reaches the student.
- Do you reproduce past-paper questions?
- No. Every IX-X paper here is original and written to the national curriculum 2022-23, inclusive scheme of studies 2024 (1200 marks); slo-based model paper, in the same structure as the real papers shown above.
- Which papers are marked?
- None yet are marked question by question; Class IX: Section A, Class X: Section A are scored instantly. Practical exams sat at the centre are not marked here.
- How is the next paper chosen?
- From the marks a student lost: the concepts behind them are ranked by marks dropped, and the new paper weights those topics. It is the same syllabus and structure, with new questions.
- When are the exams?
- First Annual and Second Annual series. Grades A++ to U (IBCC scale).