CBSE Class 10 English: Letter, Essay & Notice Writing Formats with Examples
Tushar Parik
Author
Master Every Writing Format Before the 2027 Board Exam
Section B of the CBSE Class 10 English paper carries 20 marks — split between Writing Skills (10 marks) and Grammar (10 marks). The writing component alone can make or break your grade, yet most students lose marks not because they lack ideas, but because they miss the correct format. A formal letter without a subject line, an article without a byline, or a notice missing the issuing authority — each format slip costs you 1–2 marks. This guide gives you the exact templates, marking criteria, and worked examples for every writing format tested in the 2027 CBSE Class 10 English board exam: formal letters, informal letters, analytical paragraphs, article writing, notice writing, and speech writing. Print it, practise with it, and walk into the exam hall fully prepared.
In This Article
- Writing Section Marking Scheme & Exam Pattern
- Formal Letter Format with Solved Example
- Informal Letter Format with Solved Example
- Analytical Paragraph / Essay Writing Structure
- Article Writing Format with Solved Example
- Notice Writing Format with Solved Example
- Speech Writing Format with Solved Example
- Common Mistakes That Cost Marks
- Frequently Asked Questions
Writing Section Marking Scheme & Exam Pattern
Understanding how marks are distributed is the first step to scoring full marks. The CBSE Class 10 English Language and Literature paper (Code 184) for 2027 follows the pattern established in the 2025–26 academic cycle, with Section B carrying 20 marks total.
| Question Type | Marks | Word Limit | Internal Choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formal Letter | 5 | 100–120 words | Choose 1 of 2 options |
| Analytical Paragraph | 5 | 100–120 words | Choose 1 of 2 options |
| Grammar (Gap Filling, Editing, Transformation) | 10 | — | Internal choices provided |
How Examiners Award Marks (C.A.L.F. Criteria)
- Content (2 marks): Relevance, completeness, and depth of ideas. Did you address every part of the prompt?
- Accuracy (1 mark): Spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence construction.
- Layout / Format (1 mark): Correct format with all required elements (address, date, subject line, salutation, etc.).
- Fluency (1 mark): Coherence, logical flow, appropriate vocabulary, and tone.
Key Insight: Format alone is worth 1 mark. Students who skip even one format element (such as the subject line in a formal letter) lose this mark entirely. It is the easiest mark to earn — and the most commonly lost.
Formal Letter Format with Solved Example
Formal letters are the most frequently tested writing format in CBSE Class 10. You may be asked to write to an editor, a government official, a school principal, or a business. The format is non-negotiable — every element must appear in the correct order.
| Element | Position | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Sender's Address | Top left | 14, Rajendra Nagar New Delhi – 110060 |
| 2. Date | Below sender's address | 15 March 2027 |
| 3. Receiver's Designation & Address | Below date | The Editor The Times of India New Delhi |
| 4. Subject Line | Below receiver's address | Subject: Unsafe Road Conditions Near ABC School |
| 5. Salutation | Below subject | Sir/Madam (for editor) or Respected Sir/Madam |
| 6. Body (3 paragraphs) | Main content | Para 1: Purpose → Para 2: Details → Para 3: Request/Action |
| 7. Complimentary Close | Below body | Yours sincerely / Yours faithfully |
| 8. Sender's Name & Designation | Below close | Riya Sharma (Student, Class X) |
Solved Example: Letter to the Editor on Water Scarcity
Prompt: Write a letter to the Editor of a national newspaper highlighting the problem of water scarcity in your locality and suggesting measures to conserve water. (100–120 words)
14, Rajendra Nagar
New Delhi – 110060
15 March 2027
The Editor
The Hindustan Times
New Delhi
Subject: Acute Water Scarcity in Rajendra Nagar
Sir/Madam,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw attention to the severe water crisis faced by residents of Rajendra Nagar. For the past three months, piped water supply has been reduced to barely two hours per day, causing immense hardship to over 5,000 families.
Overflowing tanker queues, contaminated borewell water, and rising waterborne diseases have become daily realities. Senior citizens and young children are the worst affected.
I urge the municipal authorities to repair leaking pipelines, install rainwater harvesting systems in public buildings, and increase tanker supply until the main pipeline is restored. Citizens, too, must adopt water-saving practices.
Yours sincerely,
Riya Sharma
(Concerned Citizen)
Informal Letter Format with Solved Example
Informal letters are written to friends, relatives, or close acquaintances. While the tone is conversational, the format still matters for board exams. CBSE typically tests informal letters in the English Communicative paper, and understanding this format is essential for internal assessments.
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Sender's Address | Top left (your address only, not the receiver's) |
| Date | Below address (15 March 2027) |
| Salutation | Dear Riya / My dear Aman (use the name given in the prompt) |
| Body | 2–3 short paragraphs in a warm, friendly tone |
| Closing | Yours lovingly / With love / Your friend |
| Name | Your first name (or the name given in the prompt) |
Solved Example: Letter to a Friend About a School Trip
Prompt: Write a letter to your friend describing a memorable school trip you recently went on. (100–120 words)
23, MG Road
Nashik – 422001
15 March 2027
Dear Aman,
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to share the wonderful time we had on our school trip to Mahabaleshwar last week.
We visited Venna Lake, Pratapgarh Fort, and the famous Mapro Garden. The bus ride through the ghats was breathtaking, and our teachers organised a fun quiz during the journey. The highlight was the campfire on the second evening where everyone shared stories and sang songs. I wish you could have been there.
Do write back and tell me about your summer plans. I would love to meet up during the holidays.
Yours lovingly,
Riya
Formal vs. Informal Letter — Quick Comparison
| Feature | Formal Letter | Informal Letter |
|---|---|---|
| Receiver's address | Required | Not required |
| Subject line | Mandatory | Not needed |
| Tone | Polite, impersonal | Warm, conversational |
| Closing | Yours sincerely/faithfully | Yours lovingly / With love |
| Contractions (don't, can't) | Avoid | Acceptable |
Analytical Paragraph / Essay Writing Structure
The analytical paragraph is worth 5 marks and tests your ability to analyse data from a chart, graph, table, or set of cues and write a coherent paragraph. This replaced the traditional essay question in recent CBSE patterns but follows the same fundamental structure: introduction, body, and conclusion.
The PEEL Structure for Analytical Writing
- P — Point: State the main observation or argument in one clear sentence. Example: "The data reveals a steady increase in digital literacy among Indian students between 2020 and 2027."
- E — Evidence: Support your point with specific data, numbers, or facts from the prompt. Example: "Internet usage among students rose from 38% in 2020 to 72% in 2027."
- E — Explanation: Analyse why the trend exists and what it means. Example: "The shift to online education during the pandemic accelerated this trend, and government initiatives like Digital India sustained it."
- L — Link: Connect back to the main topic and provide a concluding thought. Example: "If current trends continue, near-universal digital literacy among school students is achievable within the next decade."
Essay Writing: Expanded Format for Internal Assessments
When asked to write a longer essay (150–200 words) for internal assessments or communicative English, use this expanded structure:
- Title: A clear, concise heading that captures the central theme.
- Introduction (1 paragraph): Open with a quote, a startling statistic, or a thought-provoking question. State the topic clearly.
- Body (2–3 paragraphs): Present your arguments with examples. Each paragraph should cover one main idea. Use the PEEL method for each paragraph.
- Conclusion (1 paragraph): Summarise your key points. End with a forward-looking thought or a call to action. Never introduce new ideas here.
Solved Example: Analytical Paragraph Based on Data
Prompt: The following pie chart shows how students of Class 10 spend their after-school hours. Write an analytical paragraph in 100–120 words. (Tuition: 30%, Sports: 15%, Screen Time: 25%, Self-Study: 20%, Hobbies: 10%)
The pie chart illustrates how Class 10 students allocate their after-school hours across five activities. Tuition classes consume the largest share at 30%, indicating a heavy reliance on external coaching among students preparing for board examinations. Screen time follows at 25%, a figure that reflects the growing influence of digital devices on student life. Self-study accounts for 20%, which, combined with tuition, means that half of all after-school time is dedicated to academics. Sports receive only 15% of the time, while hobbies claim the smallest share at just 10%. The data suggests that while academic preparation dominates, physical activity and creative pursuits are being neglected — a balance that educators and parents should work to correct.
Article Writing Format with Solved Example
Article writing is tested in both the English Communicative and Language & Literature papers. An article is a short piece of writing meant for publication in a newspaper, magazine, or school newsletter. The key difference from other formats is the heading and byline at the top.
| Element | What to Write | Marks Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Heading / Title | Eye-catching, relevant, 5–6 words maximum | Part of Format (1 mark) |
| Byline | "By [Your Name]" immediately below the heading | Part of Format (1 mark) |
| Introduction | Hook the reader — quote, question, or statistic | Content (2 marks) |
| Body (1–2 paragraphs) | Discuss the topic with examples, causes, effects, or solutions | Content (2 marks) |
| Conclusion | Summarise, offer a solution, or end with a call to action | Fluency (1 mark) |
Solved Example: Article on Importance of Physical Fitness
Prompt: Write an article for your school magazine on the importance of physical fitness among students. (120–150 words)
Fit Body, Sharp Mind
By Riya Sharma
"A healthy mind resides in a healthy body" — this ancient wisdom has never been more relevant. A recent survey found that 60% of Indian school students spend less than 30 minutes per day on physical activity, contributing to rising obesity and stress levels among teenagers.
Physical fitness is not just about sports. Simple habits like walking to school, stretching between study sessions, and playing outdoor games for 45 minutes daily can dramatically improve concentration, sleep quality, and emotional well-being. Schools that have introduced mandatory fitness periods report a 15% improvement in average academic scores.
Students should treat exercise as non-negotiable — just as important as completing homework. Let us commit to at least one hour of physical activity every day and build a generation that is both academically strong and physically resilient.
Notice Writing Format with Solved Example
A notice is a formal written communication used to inform a group of people about an event, announcement, or instruction. In CBSE exams, notice writing carries 4–5 marks and must be enclosed in a box. The word limit is typically 50–80 words — making brevity essential.
Notice Format Checklist (All Elements Mandatory)
- Name of the organisation / school at the top (centred)
- The word "NOTICE" (centred, bold or underlined)
- Date on the left
- Heading / Title that summarises the notice purpose
- Body covering the 5Ws and 1H: What, When, Where, Who (target audience), Why, and How
- Signature, Name, and Designation of the issuing authority at the bottom
Important: The entire notice should be enclosed in a rectangular border. Use third-person language ("All students are hereby informed") — never write in first person.
| Marking Criterion | Marks | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Format | 1 | Organisation name, NOTICE heading, date, signature with designation |
| Content | 2 | What, when, where, who, why — all five W's covered |
| Expression | 2 | Coherence, formal tone, grammatical accuracy, word limit |
Solved Example: Notice for an Inter-School Science Exhibition
Prompt: As the Head Boy/Head Girl of your school, write a notice informing students about an upcoming inter-school science exhibition. (50 words)
ABC PUBLIC SCHOOL, NASHIK
NOTICE
Date: 15 March 2027
INTER-SCHOOL SCIENCE EXHIBITION 2027
All students of Classes VIII to X are hereby informed that our school is hosting an Inter-School Science Exhibition on 28 March 2027 in the school auditorium from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Students wishing to participate must submit their project proposals to the Science Department by 22 March 2027. Each team may have a maximum of three members. For further details, contact Mrs. Kulkarni (Science Lab).
Riya Sharma
Head Girl
Speech Writing Format with Solved Example
Speech writing tests your ability to express views on a given topic in a structured, persuasive manner. The word limit is 120–150 words, and the key differentiator from other formats is the salutation at the beginning and a "Thank you" at the end.
Speech Writing Template
- Salutation: "Good morning, respected Principal, teachers, and dear friends."
- Introduction: State the topic and hook the audience with a quote, question, or fact. Example: "Today, I stand before you to speak about a topic that affects each one of us — the impact of social media on student life."
- Body (2–3 points): Present your arguments logically. Use examples, data, or anecdotes. Address the audience directly ("Have you ever noticed...", "Let us think about...").
- Conclusion: Summarise your message and end with a call to action or an inspiring thought.
- Closing: "Thank you."
Solved Example: Speech on the Importance of Time Management
Prompt: You are delivering a speech in the morning assembly on the importance of time management for board exam students. Write the speech in 120–150 words.
Good morning, respected Principal, teachers, and my dear friends.
Today, I would like to talk about something that can transform your board exam results — time management. As Benjamin Franklin once said, "Lost time is never found again."
With the board exams approaching, many of us feel overwhelmed by the vast syllabus. But the truth is, it is not about studying more — it is about studying smart. Prepare a weekly timetable that allocates fixed hours to each subject. Break study sessions into focused 45-minute blocks with 10-minute breaks. Tackle difficult subjects when your mind is fresh, usually in the morning, and revise lighter topics in the evening.
Students who follow a structured schedule consistently outperform those who study in last-minute marathon sessions. Let us choose discipline over panic, and planning over procrastination.
Thank you.
Common Mistakes That Cost Marks
Examiners report the same errors year after year. Avoiding these alone can boost your writing score by 2–3 marks.
| # | Mistake | Why It Costs Marks | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Missing subject line in formal letter | Loses format mark (1 mark) | Always write "Subject:" followed by a concise topic |
| 2 | Exceeding word limit | Examiner stops reading after the limit; extra content is ignored | Practise counting words. Keep formal letters to 100–120 words |
| 3 | Using informal tone in formal letter | Loses fluency mark (1 mark) | Avoid contractions, slang, and exclamation marks |
| 4 | No byline in article | Loses part of format mark | Write "By [Name]" directly below the heading |
| 5 | Notice not in a box | Format mark at risk | Draw a clear border around the entire notice |
| 6 | No salutation in speech | Speech looks like an essay; loses format identity | Always begin with "Good morning, respected..." |
| 7 | Writing "Yours faithfully" when name is used | Grammatical convention error | Use "Yours sincerely" if you used the recipient's name; "Yours faithfully" if you wrote "Sir/Madam" |
| 8 | Not addressing the prompt fully | Loses content marks (up to 2 marks) | Underline keywords in the prompt. Ensure every point is covered |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many marks does the writing section carry in CBSE Class 10 English 2027?
The Writing Skills component carries 10 marks out of 80 in Section B. This is divided into a Formal Letter (5 marks) and an Analytical Paragraph (5 marks). The remaining 10 marks in Section B are for Grammar. Including internal assessment, the total paper is worth 100 marks.
Q: What is the difference between "Yours sincerely" and "Yours faithfully"?
Use "Yours sincerely" when you have addressed the recipient by name (e.g., Dear Mr. Gupta). Use "Yours faithfully" when you have used a general salutation like "Sir/Madam" and do not know the recipient's name. In CBSE board exams, most formal letter prompts use "Sir/Madam", so "Yours faithfully" is the safer choice in most cases.
Q: Can I use the same format for an article and a speech?
No. While both share a similar introduction-body-conclusion structure, they differ in key format elements. An article requires a heading and byline but no salutation. A speech requires a salutation (greeting the audience) and a closing "Thank you" but no heading or byline. Using the wrong format signals to the examiner that you do not understand the difference, and you will lose the format mark.
Q: How do I write an analytical paragraph if I have never seen the data type before?
Follow a universal approach: (1) Read the data carefully and identify the highest and lowest values, (2) Note any trends — increase, decrease, or stability, (3) Start your paragraph by stating the overall picture, (4) Use specific numbers from the data as evidence, (5) Offer a brief analysis of why the trend might exist, (6) Conclude with a forward-looking statement. This PEEL approach works for pie charts, bar graphs, line graphs, tables, and cue-based prompts alike.
Q: What are the most common formal letter topics in CBSE Class 10 board exams?
Based on analysis of past papers from 2018 to 2026, the most frequently tested topics are: letters to the editor about civic issues (water supply, traffic, pollution, safety), letters to the principal requesting facilities or reporting problems, letters to government officials about public concerns, and complaint letters about defective products or poor services. Practise at least two examples from each category to be fully prepared.
Q: Is notice writing asked in the CBSE Class 10 English Language & Literature paper?
Notice writing is more commonly tested in the English Communicative paper and in internal assessments. However, the English Language and Literature paper may include notice-style questions as part of grammar or short-writing tasks. Regardless of whether it appears in your specific paper, knowing the notice format is essential for school-level assessments and competitive exams. The format is simple to master and takes only 10 minutes to learn.
Q: How should I manage time for the writing section during the exam?
Allocate 30–35 minutes for the entire Section B (writing + grammar). For the two writing questions, spend approximately 12–15 minutes each. Spend the first 2 minutes planning your answer and jotting down key points. Spend 8–10 minutes writing. Use the last 2 minutes to proofread for spelling, grammar, and format errors. Completing grammar questions first (10–12 minutes) frees up mental space for the more creative writing tasks.
Q: What is the best way to practise writing formats at home?
Follow a three-step method: (1) Memorise the format skeleton for each writing type — print the templates from this guide and keep them at your study desk, (2) Practise one writing task daily from CBSE sample papers or previous year papers under timed conditions (12 minutes per question), (3) Get your writing checked by a teacher or compare it against CBSE marking scheme model answers. After two weeks of daily practice, formats will become automatic, and you can focus entirely on content quality during the exam.
Format Is the Foundation — Master It and the Marks Follow
The writing section is one of the most predictable parts of the CBSE Class 10 English exam. Unlike literature questions where interpretation varies, writing formats have fixed rules that never change. Learn the template, practise with real prompts, and proofread before submitting. These 10 marks are yours to claim — do not leave them on the table.
Need focused coaching for the 2027 CBSE board exams? Bright Tutorials offers structured English preparation with format drills, daily writing practice, and personalised feedback from experienced faculty. Reach out today to build exam confidence.
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