Class 10 › English

CBSE Class X · English Language and Literature · 2026–27

Writing skills: clear, evidence-led answers

The current CBSE outline includes one formal letter and one analytical paragraph task in the writing component. Each answer is expected to be about 100–120 words.

1. Formal letter · 100–120 words

Read the situation and identify the recipient, purpose and requested action. Use a formal tone, short paragraphs, specific details and a clear closing.

  1. Sender’s address and date
  2. Recipient’s designation and address
  3. Subject line
  4. Salutation, purpose and supporting details
  5. Specific request or suggested action
  6. Formal closing and name
Practice prompt: Your neighbourhood park has broken lights and overflowing bins. Write to the municipal officer requesting repairs and regular cleaning.

Model answer:
24 Green Park Road
New Delhi
29 October 2026

The Municipal Officer
South Zone Municipal Office
New Delhi

Subject: Request to improve maintenance of Green Park

Sir/Madam,

I am writing on behalf of residents of Green Park to report poor maintenance in the public park near our colony. Several pathway lights have not worked for weeks, making evening use unsafe. The bins are also overflowing, and litter is spreading across the walking area.

Please arrange for the lights to be repaired and for the park to be cleaned on a regular schedule. A notice displaying the maintenance contact number would also help residents report future problems.

We would be grateful for prompt action.

Yours faithfully,
Aarav Mehta

Why this works: It identifies the problem, gives relevant details, requests practical action and keeps the tone respectful. In the examination, follow the format and word limit shown in the question.

2. Analytical paragraph · 100–120 words

Describe the most important information in a map, chart, graph or cue set. Compare key values, note a trend and avoid unsupported causes or personal opinions.

  1. Read the title, units, categories and time period.
  2. Identify the highest, lowest and largest change.
  3. Group related figures; use accurate comparisons.
  4. Write a short introduction, evidence-led middle and concise concluding observation.
Practice data: Students choosing after-school activities (200 students)
Sports 80 · Music 50 · Art 40 · Coding 30

Model answer:
The survey of 200 students shows that sports is the most popular after-school activity. Eighty students, or two-fifths of the group, selected it. Music ranks second with 50 students, followed by art with 40. Coding is the least chosen option, selected by 30 students. The difference between sports and coding is 50 students, while music attracts ten more students than art. Together, sports and music account for 130 responses, indicating that these two options are preferred by a majority. The figures present a clear ranking of interests, but they do not explain why students made their choices. The school could use the results to plan activity groups while retaining options for smaller groups.

The sample data are invented for practice. In an exam response, use only the information supplied with the question.

Try these prompts

  1. Write a formal letter to a newspaper editor about unsafe traffic near your school.
  2. Describe a chart comparing library visits across four months. Report the main trend and two comparisons without guessing causes.
  3. Before submitting, check format, relevant details, paragraph order, grammar, punctuation and the stated word limit.