In short: CBSE Class 10 English Writing Section carries 20 marks. This guide covers all writing formats with proper structure, examples, and marking scheme — everything you need to score full marks.
Writing Section Overview (20 Marks)
| Question | Type | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Formal Letter / Informal Letter | 5 |
| Q2 | Analytical Paragraph | 5 |
| Q3 | Descriptive Paragraph / Story | 5 |
| Q4 | Information Paragraph | 5 |
1. Formal Letter (5 Marks)
Format
Sender's Address
_________________
_________________
Date: DD Month YYYY
Receiver's Designation
Receiver's Address
_________________
_________________
Subject: ________________________________
Salutation (Sir/Madam),
Body Paragraph 1: Introduction (state the purpose)
Body Paragraph 2: Details (explain the issue/request)
Body Paragraph 3: Conclusion (expected action/thanks)
Yours faithfully/sincerely,
Signature
(Name)
Types of Formal Letters
- Letter to Editor — Newspaper issues, social problems
- Complaint Letter — Product defects, service issues
- Application Letter — Leave, job, admission
- Letter to Principal — School-related requests
- Letter to Municipal Officer — Civic issues
Example: Letter to Editor
A-45, Sector 15
Noida, UP
15 October 2027
The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi
Subject: Increasing Air Pollution in Delhi NCR
Sir/Madam,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw
attention to the alarming levels of air pollution in Delhi NCR.
The AQI has crossed 400 in many areas, making it hazardous for
residents. Schools have been forced to close, and people are
suffering from respiratory problems. The main causes include
vehicular emissions, stubble burning, and industrial pollution.
I request the authorities to take immediate action — promote
public transport, enforce strict emission norms, and provide
alternatives to stubble burning. Citizens must also contribute
by using carpools and avoiding firecrackers.
I hope this letter brings the issue to public notice.
Yours faithfully,
Rahul Sharma
Marking Scheme
| Criteria | Marks |
|---|---|
| Format (address, date, subject, salutation, closing) | 1 |
| Content (relevant points, logical flow) | 2 |
| Expression (grammar, vocabulary, coherence) | 2 |
| Total | 5 |
2. Informal Letter (5 Marks)
Format
Sender's Address
_________________
Date: DD Month YYYY
Dear [Name],
Opening paragraph: Greetings, reason for writing
Body paragraphs: Main content, details, experiences
Closing paragraph: Conclude, ask about recipient
With love/Yours lovingly,
[Your Name]
Example: Letter to Friend
B-12, Green Park
New Delhi
20 October 2027
Dear Priya,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits.
I'm writing to share the exciting news about my recent trip
to Jaipur with my family.
We visited the magnificent Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, and the
City Palace. The architecture was breathtaking! We also
enjoyed the local cuisine — dal baati churma was my favorite.
The shopping at Johari Bazaar was amazing, and I bought some
beautiful bangles for you.
I wish you could have been there with us. Let's plan a trip
together during the winter holidays. How are your exam
preparations going? Do write back soon.
With love,
Ananya
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3. Notice Writing (4-5 Marks)
Format
NOTICE
Name of Institution/Organization
Date: DD Month YYYY
[HEADING IN CAPS]
Body: What, When, Where, Who, Why
(50-60 words, formal language)
Signature
Name
Designation
Example: Notice for Annual Day
NOTICE
Delhi Public School, Vasant Kunj
Date: 25 October 2027
ANNUAL DAY CELEBRATION
The school is organizing its Annual Day on 15 November 2027
at 4:00 PM in the school auditorium. All students are
requested to participate in cultural activities. Interested
students may submit their names to their class teachers by
1 November 2027. Parents are cordially invited.
Riya Kapoor
Cultural Secretary
Key Points
- Box the notice
- Include date and heading
- Use passive voice
- Keep it brief (50-60 words)
- Sign with name and designation
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4. Article Writing (5 Marks)
Format
[CATCHY TITLE]
By: [Your Name]
Introduction: Hook the reader, state the topic
Body Paragraph 1: First main point with examples
Body Paragraph 2: Second main point with examples
Body Paragraph 3: Third main point (if needed)
Conclusion: Summary, call to action, final thought
Example: Article on Importance of Reading
READING: A WINDOW TO THE WORLD
By: Arjun Mehta
In today's digital age, the habit of reading is slowly
fading away. However, reading remains one of the most
powerful tools for personal growth and knowledge.
Reading improves vocabulary and language skills. When we
read regularly, we encounter new words and sentence
structures that enhance our communication abilities.
Students who read perform better in academics.
Moreover, reading reduces stress and improves mental health.
Studies show that just 30 minutes of reading can lower
blood pressure and heart rate. It's a healthy escape from
the pressures of daily life.
Reading also broadens our perspective. Through books, we
can travel to different countries, experience different
cultures, and understand diverse viewpoints — all from
the comfort of our homes.
Let's make reading a daily habit. Start with just 15
minutes a day, and watch how it transforms your life.
Marking Scheme
| Criteria | Marks |
|---|---|
| Title and byline | 0.5 |
| Content (relevant, informative) | 2 |
| Expression (grammar, vocabulary) | 2 |
| Coherence and organization | 0.5 |
| Total | 5 |
5. Report Writing (5 Marks)
Format
[HEADLINE]
By: [Reporter Name]
Place, Date: Opening paragraph (What happened, When, Where)
Body: Details of the event (Who was present, How it happened)
Conclusion: Impact, quotes, future plans
Example: Report on Science Exhibition
SCIENCE EXHIBITION HELD AT DPS NOIDA
By: Staff Reporter
Noida, 18 October 2027: Delhi Public School, Noida,
organized its annual Science Exhibition on 17 October 2027.
Over 200 students from classes 6-12 participated in the event.
The exhibition showcased innovative projects on renewable
energy, waste management, and artificial intelligence. The
chief guest, Dr. Ramesh Kumar, a renowned scientist from
ISRO, inaugurated the event and appreciated the students'
creativity.
The first prize was awarded to Class 10 students Aisha and
Rohan for their working model of a solar-powered water
purifier. "We wanted to create something that can help
rural communities," said Aisha.
The Principal, Mrs. Sunita Sharma, announced that the
winning projects would be displayed at the district-level
competition next month.
6. Analytical Paragraph (5 Marks)
Format
Introduction: State what the data/chart shows
Analysis: Describe trends, comparisons, key findings
Conclusion: Summary, inference
Example: Analyzing a Pie Chart on Time Spent by Students
The pie chart shows how students spend their time on a
typical school day.
The data reveals that students spend the maximum time
sleeping (8 hours, 33%), followed by school hours (7 hours,
29%). Homework and self-study take up 3 hours (12.5%),
while leisure activities including TV and games account
for 2 hours (8%).
Interestingly, physical activities like sports occupy only
1 hour (4%), which is concerning given the importance of
fitness. Meals and personal care take 2 hours (8%), and
travel to school accounts for 1 hour (4%).
The analysis suggests that while students maintain adequate
sleep, they need to allocate more time for physical
activities and reduce screen time for better health.
7. Story Writing (5 Marks)
Format
Title: [Catchy, relevant title]
Beginning: Set the scene, introduce characters
Middle: Build the plot, create conflict/suspense
End: Resolution, moral (if applicable)
Example: Story with Opening Line
Opening line given: "It was a dark and stormy night..."
THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR
It was a dark and stormy night. Twelve-year-old Meera was
home alone, her parents stuck at work due to the heavy rain.
The power had gone out, and she sat with a candle, trying
to read her book.
Suddenly, she heard a scratching sound at the door. Her
heart raced. The sound grew louder. Gathering courage, she
slowly opened the door, candle in hand.
There, shivering in the rain, was a small puppy — wet,
hungry, and scared. Meera's fear melted away. She brought
the puppy inside, dried it with a towel, and gave it some
milk.
When her parents returned, they found Meera asleep on the
couch with the puppy curled up beside her. They decided to
adopt the puppy, naming it "Storm" — a reminder of the
night that brought an unexpected friend into their lives.
Moral: Sometimes, our fears lead us to unexpected joys.
Quick Tips for Full Marks
Do's ✅
- Follow the exact format
- Stick to word limit (100-150 words)
- Use paragraphs
- Write neatly
- Proofread for errors
Don'ts ❌
- Don't skip format elements
- Don't exceed word limit significantly
- Don't use informal language in formal writing
- Don't leave the conclusion incomplete
- Don't use SMS language or abbreviations
Frequently Asked Questions
How important is format in writing section?
Very important! Format alone carries 1 mark in most questions. Missing the date, subject line, or proper closing can cost you marks.
What's the ideal word limit?
- Formal/Informal Letter: 100-120 words
- Notice: 50-60 words
- Article/Report: 100-150 words
- Paragraph: 100-120 words
How to improve writing skills?
- Practice one format daily
- Read sample answers
- Time yourself (15 minutes per question)
- Get feedback from teachers
Practice on Padhaao
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