Instead of attempting to cram large volumes of information right before tests, establish a routine of regular, shorter study sessions. Consistent engagement with the material is far more effective for long-term retention and skill development.

When reading prose or poetry, do not be a passive receiver of information. Engage actively by:

• Annotating: Underlining key phrases, highlighting significant literary devices, and writing brief notes or questions in the margins of your textbook (if allowed) or a separate notebook.
• Questioning: Ask yourself "Why?" and "How?" questions about the characters' actions, author's choices, or thematic implications.
• Predicting: Try to anticipate what might happen next in a story or how a character might evolve.

For literary texts, develop systematic notes that include character analyses, summaries of key plot points, thematic explorations, and lists of important quotes with their significance. For unseen passages, practice the structured note-making format as per CBSE guidelines.

Maintain a personal vocabulary journal. Whenever you encounter a new word in your reading, note it down with its definition, part of speech, a sentence demonstrating its usage, and a few synonyms or antonyms. Make a conscious effort to integrate these new words into your writing and speaking.

Instead of rote memorization, strive to understand the underlying rules and logic of grammatical concepts. Why is a certain tense used? What function does a modal verb serve? Understanding the 'why' makes application easier.

Spaced repetition is a powerful learning tool. Periodically revisit previously studied chapters, grammatical rules, and literary analyses. This strengthens memory traces and helps identify any lingering areas of confusion.

Never let doubts linger. If you find yourself confused about a literary concept, a grammatical rule, or the format of a writing task, seek clarification immediately from your teacher, a peer, or a reliable resource.

English writing skills improve only through consistent practice. Regularly attempt different writing tasks (advertisements, letters, articles, etc.), even if it's just a rough draft. Pay close attention to sentence structure, paragraph cohesion, logical flow of ideas, and clarity of expression.

After completing practice exercises or mock tests, critically evaluate your own work. Compare your answers with solutions, identify mistakes, understand why they were mistakes, and consciously work on improving those areas. If possible, seek feedback from your teacher or a knowledgeable peer.