Analytical Paragraph
The analytical paragraph is a compulsory writing task in the CBSE Class 10 English (Language & Literature, Code 184) paper for session 2026-27. You must write a paragraph of about 100–120 words for 5 marks (with internal choice), analysing and interpreting the data or visual input given — a table, bar graph, pie chart, line graph, map, cue points or a chart/diagram of a process.
What "Analytical" Means
You do not merely list numbers — you interpret them. Identify the overall trend, compare the highest and lowest values, point out sharp rises/falls or surprising figures, and draw a logical conclusion. Every claim must come from the data itself; do not add personal opinions, imaginary causes or advice unless the question asks for a conclusion/inference.
Marking Scheme (5 marks)
- Content — 2 marks: all significant features of the data covered
- Organisation — 2 marks: introduction → body (analysis) → conclusion, with linking words
- Accuracy — 1 mark: grammar, spelling, appropriate vocabulary
Format Box: Structure of the Paragraph
| Part | What It Contains | Useful Openers |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction (1–2 lines) | State what the chart/table shows — the topic, units, place and time period. Paraphrase the title; do not copy it word for word. | The given bar graph illustrates… / The table presents data on… |
| Body (4–6 lines) | Main trends and comparisons: highest/lowest values, increases/decreases, ratios, notable exceptions. Group similar figures; quote only key numbers. | It is evident that… / In contrast… / While X doubled, Y declined steadily… |
| Conclusion (1–2 lines) | Overall inference or the single most striking takeaway. | To conclude, the data clearly indicates that… |
Language and Tone Tips
- Write in the third person and mostly in the simple present tense (past tense if the data is about past years).
- Use comparison vocabulary: rose sharply, declined gradually, remained constant, peaked at, accounts for, nearly half, twice as many, whereas, in contrast, overall.
- Do not use "I/we/you", questions, or exclamation marks; one single paragraph — no headings or bullet points in the answer.
- Quote selected figures to support statements; copying the entire table wastes words.
- Stay within 100–120 words; going far beyond invites cutting of marks for expression.
Sample 1: Bar-Graph Based (Modes of Transport)
Question: The bar graph shows the modes of transport used by students of Green Valley School in 2015 and 2025 (cycle 40%→15%, school bus 30%→45%, car 10%→30%, walking 20%→10%). Write an analytical paragraph.
The given bar graph presents the modes of transport used by students of Green Valley School in the years 2015 and 2025. A remarkable shift from self-driven to motorised transport is clearly visible over the decade. The school bus emerged as the most preferred option, rising from 30% to 45%, while travel by car tripled from 10% to 30%. In sharp contrast, cycling suffered the steepest decline, falling from 40% to a mere 15%, and the proportion of students walking to school halved from 20% to 10%. Overall, the data indicates that students have moved decisively towards convenient, motorised commuting, with eco-friendly and healthier options like cycling and walking losing popularity considerably during this period.
Sample 2: Table Based (Internet Usage)
Question: The table shows the average daily internet use (in hours) by different age groups in an Indian town in 2025 — Teens (13–19): 6.5; Young adults (20–35): 5.0; Middle-aged (36–55): 3.0; Seniors (56+): 1.5. Write an analytical paragraph.
The given table shows the average number of hours spent on the internet daily by four age groups in an Indian town in 2025. The data reveals a clear inverse relationship between age and internet use. Teenagers top the chart with 6.5 hours a day, closely followed by young adults with 5 hours. Usage drops noticeably among the middle-aged, who spend 3 hours online, while seniors record the lowest figure of merely 1.5 hours — less than a quarter of the teenagers' screen time. It is evident that the younger the age group, the greater its dependence on the internet. Overall, the table indicates that digital engagement is concentrated heavily among the youth, gradually tapering off with advancing age.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Merely repeating every figure instead of analysing trends.
- Adding causes or suggestions not supported by the data ("this is because of mobile games").
- Writing in first person or breaking the answer into multiple paragraphs/points.
- Forgetting the concluding sentence — the "overall" line often decides the content marks.