The Analytical Paragraph is a 5-mark writing task in CBSE Class 10 English (Section B). You are given a graph, pie chart, bar chart, or data table and asked to write a formal paragraph interpreting the data in 100-120 words.
What CBSE Expects in 5 Marks
| Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| Content (accurate data interpretation) | 2 |
| Organisation (clear structure, logical flow) | 1 |
| Language (formal tone, varied vocabulary) | 1 |
| Accuracy (grammar, spelling, punctuation) | 1 |
The 4-Step Method
- 1.Read all titles, axes, legends before writing — understand what is being compared
- 2.Identify the 3 most important trends: highest, lowest, most significant change
- 3.Write one topic sentence capturing the overall picture
- 4.Add 3-4 supporting sentences with specific figures and comparative language
Sentence Starters That Impress Examiners
- The data clearly indicates that...
- A significant rise or decline is observed in...
- While X shows an upward trend, Y demonstrates...
- Notably, X accounts for the highest proportion of...
- Overall, the data suggests that... (concluding sentence)
Tip
Never use casual language like 'we can see'. Use formal academic phrases. The analytical paragraph is a formal writing task — treat it like a mini-report. Aim for exactly 100-120 words.
Common Mistakes That Cost Marks
- Listing data without analysis — interpret, do not just restate numbers
- Ignoring comparisons — always contrast two or more variables
- No concluding statement — end with an overall inference
- Too short — aim for 100-120 words as specified