Section BQ55 Marks100–120 Words

Analytical Paragraph WritingCBSE Class 10 English — Section B, Q5

Q5 in Section B carries 5 marks and always gives you two choices: a paragraph based on a chart or table (a), or a paragraph based on notes and cues (b). You write one in 100–120 words — as a single connected paragraph, not bullet points.

How 5 marks are distributed

Content

2 marks

Key observations made correctly — accurate reading of data, relevant points selected

Organisation

1 mark

One clear paragraph: topic sentence → analysis → evidence → conclusion

Expression

2 marks

Grammar, vocabulary, coherence, sentence variety, word limit (100–120 words)

How to structure your paragraph

1

Topic sentence

Open with a statement that introduces the main idea or the subject of the data. Don't begin with 'The chart shows…' — that wastes your opening.

2

Key analysis

Pick the 2–3 most significant trends, comparisons, or contrasts from the data. State them clearly in sentences, not bullet points.

3

Evidence from data

Refer to specific numbers or facts from the table/chart to support your observations. This is what distinguishes analysis from opinion.

4

Conclusion

End with a brief concluding sentence — a broader implication, a trend, or an inference. Do not just repeat what you said.

Chart / Table based

Always cite specific numbers. Compare the highest and lowest values. Look for a turning point or trend across years or groups.

Notes / Cues based

Use all the given cues — don't ignore any. Expand each cue into a sentence and connect them logically. Add one or two ideas of your own.

Real Board Paper Questions

All questions below are from actual CBSE Class 10 board papers (2023 and 2024). Write your own paragraph first, then compare with the model answer.

Chart / Table BasedE-learning vs Classroom Learning2024 Board Paper (Set 1)

In the past few years, the teaching-learning process has taken a leap and gone beyond the four walls of the classroom. Today, it has become possible to learn not just by sitting in a physical classroom, but from anywhere. Given below is a chart depicting the differences between E-learning and Classroom learning. Write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words, assessing the benefits and drawbacks of both, by selecting features that support your analysis.

E-learning                          vs.   Classroom learning
Accessible anytime, anywhere               Same place, same time
At your own pace                           Caters to the needs of the class
No travel costs, saves time                Transportation cost and time-consuming
Show model answer

Model Answer

E-learning and classroom learning each have distinct advantages and limitations. E-learning offers unmatched flexibility — a student can access lessons anytime, anywhere, and progress at their own pace without incurring travel costs. This makes it particularly beneficial for learners in remote areas or those with irregular schedules. However, it demands strong self-discipline and reliable internet access, which are not always guaranteed. Classroom learning, by contrast, operates on a fixed schedule at a specific venue, which some learners find constraining and costly in terms of time and transport. Yet, it allows teachers to observe and respond to the collective needs of the class, making learning more interactive and adaptive. Both models are valuable, and a blend of the two may offer the most effective learning experience.

Notes / Cues BasedRole of Computers in Today's World2024 Board Paper (Set 1)

Read the given details of a computer. Analyse the details and write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words about the description and role of computers in today's world.

• Electronic device that can store and process information
• Makes life easy and simple
• Physical description — monitor, keyboard, CPU and mouse
• Computer technology used in all fields — education, medicine, commerce, entertainment
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Model Answer

A computer is an electronic device designed to store, process, and retrieve information, and it has become indispensable in modern life. Physically, it consists of a monitor, keyboard, CPU, and mouse — each component playing a specific role in input, processing, and output. What makes the computer truly remarkable is its versatility: it has transformed virtually every domain of human activity. In education, it has enabled digital classrooms and online learning. In medicine, it powers diagnostic imaging, patient records, and surgical simulations. In commerce, it drives e-commerce, banking, and inventory management. Entertainment too has been revolutionised through streaming, gaming, and digital content creation. In essence, computers have simplified complex tasks and made information instantly accessible, profoundly changing the way we live, work, and learn.

Chart / Table BasedNatural Food vs Processed Food2024 Board Paper (Set 2)

Natural food typically refers to food that has not been processed or preserved in any significant way before it is consumed, while ultra-processed food refers to food items that have been altered from their natural state through various methods. Given below is a table that differentiates between natural and processed foods. Study the description given and write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words, drawing a comparison between the two.

Natural Food                                    Processed Food
Not chemically treated or preserved               Chemically treated, additives added
Rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals          Nutrients reduced during processing
Short shelf life — spoils quickly                 Long shelf life due to preservatives
Better for overall health                         Linked to obesity, diabetes, heart disease
Tastes authentic                                  Artificial flavours enhance taste
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Model Answer

Natural and processed foods differ fundamentally in their composition, nutritional value, and health impact. Natural food — food that has not been chemically treated or preserved — retains its full complement of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, making it significantly better for long-term health. However, its short shelf life makes storage and distribution challenging. Processed food, by contrast, is chemically altered and loaded with additives and preservatives that extend its shelf life and enhance its taste through artificial flavouring. While this makes it convenient and commercially attractive, the nutritional cost is high — processing strips away essential nutrients, and regular consumption has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The growing preference for processed food over natural food is therefore a public health concern that requires urgent attention through education and policy.

Chart / Table BasedGrowth of Online Education (2017–2022)2024 Board Paper (Set 3)

The effects of technology on education have been profound and multifaceted, influencing both teaching and learning in various ways. The data below shows the rising enrolment in online courses over the years. Analyze the data and write an analytical paragraph, in about 120 words, about how technology has transformed teaching and learning by shifting from classrooms to digital devices. Discuss benefits such as access to information and challenges like digital divide.

S. No.   Year   Total Enrolments (in millions)
1.       2017   26
2.       2018   43
3.       2019   59
4.       2020   76
5.       2021   143
6.       2022   189
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Model Answer

The data reveals a dramatic rise in online course enrolment over six years — from 26 million in 2017 to 189 million in 2022 — a sevenfold increase that reflects how deeply technology has transformed education. The sharpest growth occurred between 2020 and 2021, a period that coincides with the COVID-19 pandemic, during which physical classrooms shut down and digital learning became the only viable option. Technology has made education more accessible than ever before: learners can attend courses from any location, access vast knowledge repositories, and study at their own pace. However, this transformation is not without challenges. The digital divide — the gap between those with reliable internet and devices and those without — means that the benefits of online education are not equally distributed. Addressing this inequality is essential for technology to fulfil its promise of democratising education.

Notes / Cues BasedAI — Benefits and Drawbacks2024 Board Paper (Set 3)

Read the given details about the pros and cons of artificial intelligence (AI). With the help of the given cues and your own ideas, write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words on 'AI — Benefits and Drawbacks'.

• AI is possessed by machines
• Impacted our lives in many ways
• AI — Google Maps
• Knowledge at our fingertips
• Cannot wholly replicate humans
• Increase in cyber crime
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Model Answer

Artificial Intelligence — the ability of machines to simulate human thinking — has become one of the most transformative technologies of our time, bringing both remarkable benefits and serious concerns. On the positive side, AI has made life more convenient: navigation tools like Google Maps use AI to provide real-time route guidance, while search engines put vast knowledge at our fingertips within seconds. AI also powers medical diagnostics, virtual assistants, and personalised learning platforms. However, AI has significant limitations and risks. It cannot wholly replicate human creativity, empathy, or moral judgement, making it unsuitable for roles that require these qualities. More alarmingly, the rise of AI has been accompanied by a surge in cyber crime, as malicious actors exploit AI tools for fraud, deepfakes, and data breaches. A balanced, regulated approach to AI adoption is therefore essential.

Chart / Table BasedOnline Activity Across Age Groups2023 Board Paper (Set 1)

The chart below displays details regarding online activity for four age groups in six categories. Write an analytical paragraph for the table provided in about 100 words.

Activity (%)         Teens   20s    30s    40s
News                 76      71     72     78
Downloads            85      55     35     25
Buying a product     44      66     67     69
Online games         88      55     36     28
Searching a product   0      77     81     85
Searching for people  6      33     22     21
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Model Answer

The data on online activity across four age groups reveals clear generational patterns in internet use. Teenagers dominate in entertainment-oriented activities — online games (88%) and downloads (85%) — indicating a strong preference for leisure. Interestingly, teens show negligible activity in searching for products (0%), while this behaviour rises sharply with age, peaking among the 40s (85%), who are likely more driven by practical, purchasing needs. News consumption is fairly consistent across all groups, with the 40s reading the most (78%). Buying products online increases with age, reflecting greater financial independence. Overall, while all age groups are active online, the nature of their digital engagement shifts from entertainment in youth to information and commerce in adulthood.

Notes / Cues BasedHazards of Smoking2023 Board Paper (Set 1) — For Visually Challenged Candidates

Write an analytical paragraph on 'Hazards of Smoking'. Using your own ideas and the information given below, write the paragraph in 100-120 words.

• Smoking — drains out income of an average earner
• Affect health badly
• Vital organs are affected
• Harmful for passive smokers
• Need to educate people
• Role of media in creating awareness
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Model Answer

Smoking is one of the most harmful habits a person can develop, with consequences that extend far beyond the individual smoker. Medically, it damages vital organs including the lungs, heart, and liver, leading to chronic diseases such as lung cancer, bronchitis, and cardiovascular disorders. Economically, it drains the income of average earners, who spend a significant portion of their wages on cigarettes, leaving less for essential needs. Smoking also harms passive smokers — those who inhale secondhand smoke — making it a public health hazard rather than a purely personal choice. Combating this problem requires sustained public education, with schools, healthcare workers, and the media playing a central role in raising awareness about the devastating long-term consequences of tobacco use.