How many marks is the analytical paragraph in CBSE Class 10 English?

The analytical paragraph in the writing section typically carries 5 marks, awarded for content, organisation/coherence and language accuracy.

Should an analytical paragraph be written in points?

No. It must be a single, continuous paragraph with a topic sentence, supporting details and a closing line — never bullet points or sub-headings.

Which tense should I use?

Use the past tense for dated or completed data and the present for a general or ongoing pattern, and keep it consistent throughout the paragraph.

Can I add my own opinion to an analytical paragraph?

No. Stay objective — describe and interpret only what the chart or cue shows. Adding personal opinions or unsupported reasons costs you content marks.

CBSE Class 10 English Language · Chapter 3

Analytical Paragraph Writing

One paragraph, no opinions — just describe what the data shows

Summary

The analytical paragraph asks you to interpret a visual or verbal cue — a chart, graph, table, map, flow chart or a set of clues — and present it as a single, well-organised paragraph. It tests whether you can read information and report it clearly and objectively, without inventing reasons or adding personal opinions.

Marks are awarded for content (covering the key data and the main trend), for organisation and coherence (a logical opening, supporting detail and a closing line), and for accurate, fluent language. Crucially, it is written as one continuous paragraph — not in points and not split into sections.

Because the data is given to you, the challenge is selection and expression: pick the most significant figures, compare and contrast them, and describe the overall pattern in clean, formal English. Get the tense and tone right and this becomes a dependable scorer.

Key points to remember

Write it as one single paragraph — no headings, no bullet points, no sub-sections.
Open with a topic sentence that says what the graph/chart/data is about.
Report the main trend first, then support it with the most significant figures or comparisons.
Use comparison and contrast language: 'higher than', 'the highest', 'whereas', 'in contrast', 'a sharp rise', 'a steady fall'.
Keep the tone objective and impersonal — describe what the data shows, do not give your opinion or invent causes.
Use the correct tense — usually the past for completed/dated data, present for a general or current pattern; stay consistent.
Do not copy every single number — select the important ones and round sensibly where needed.
End with a brief concluding sentence summarising the overall pattern, and stay within the word limit.

Important questions (board pattern)

5 marksThe given bar graph shows the number of books sold by a shop over five years. Write an analytical paragraph interpreting the data.
How to answer: State what the graph shows, describe the overall trend, support with the highest/lowest years, and close with the general pattern — one paragraph, objective tone.
5 marksStudy the pie chart showing how a student spends a typical day and write an analytical paragraph.
How to answer: Identify the largest and smallest segments, compare key proportions, and avoid adding personal judgement on how time 'should' be spent.
5 marksThe table shows rainfall recorded in four cities across three months. Write an analytical paragraph based on it.
How to answer: Compare cities and months, highlight the highest and lowest readings, and keep the tense consistent throughout.
5 marksUsing the clues/cue given, write an analytical paragraph on the topic provided.
How to answer: Develop every clue into the paragraph, maintain a logical flow from one point to the next, and keep the tone formal and analytical.

Common exam traps

Writing in points or splitting the answer into several paragraphs instead of one continuous paragraph.
Adding personal opinions or inventing reasons that the data does not show.
Listing every number mechanically instead of selecting and comparing the significant ones.
Mixing tenses or using an informal, chatty tone.

Frequently asked questions

How many marks is the analytical paragraph in CBSE Class 10 English?: The analytical paragraph in the writing section typically carries 5 marks, awarded for content, organisation/coherence and language accuracy.
Should an analytical paragraph be written in points?: No. It must be a single, continuous paragraph with a topic sentence, supporting details and a closing line — never bullet points or sub-headings.
Which tense should I use?: Use the past tense for dated or completed data and the present for a general or ongoing pattern, and keep it consistent throughout the paragraph.
Can I add my own opinion to an analytical paragraph?: No. Stay objective — describe and interpret only what the chart or cue shows. Adding personal opinions or unsupported reasons costs you content marks.