Analytical Paragraph

Types of Input: Bar graph (Horizontal or vertical), pie chart, line graph, tabular
representation of data, outlines, cues, concept chart/ concept map/ mind map

Points to remember:

– Interpret the given data/ clues/ points/ table/ graph/ chart

– Analyse and make comparisons based on the given content
– Transfer the data into a verbal representation; the body of the paragraph will consist of the
verbal representation of the given data and an analysis of the same – Arrange them into a
meaningful paragraph with a brief introduction and conclusion – Break the monotony of the
representation by varying the language – Use connectors/ words/ phrases like initially, to
begin with, however, as a matter of fact, respectively, furthermore, on further analysis,
follows closely etc.

Format:
∙ Only ONE PARAGRAPH to be written
∙ Body of the paragraph
– Introductory sentence – statement of the topic/ data
– Content points based on the given data/ cue
– Concluding sentence - analysis
PARAGRAPH ON BAR GRAPH

Parents Helping Children with their Homework

 Parents Helping Children with their Homework
According to a recent survey conducted on the time parents spend helping kids with
homework, it has been found that Indian parents top the chart. They spend an average of 12
hours per week on their kids’ homework in contrast to German parents who spend only 5 hours
per week for this purpose. The second and third positions are taken by Turkey and Singapore
respectively where parents are engaged for 8.7 and 7.9 hours respectively per week to help their
children with their homework. Brazil and Russia share the fourth place with an average of 7.5
hours per week while China follows closely with 7.2 hours. The parents of South Africa and US
are much less involved with the homework of their kids and they have been found to spend an
average of 6.8 to 6.2 hours in a week to assist their children with their home assignments. South
Korean parents spend only 5.4 hours per week to help their offspring with their homework. So,
we may conclude that the German and South Korean children are more self reliant than the
others.
PARAGRAPH ON GIVEN OUTLINE

Leisure Time for Students

∙ Beneficial break from the stress of everyday life

∙ Relax and stop worrying about school or other stressful aspects of life ∙ Some
popular activities - watching TV, listening to music, playing video games ∙ Others
– reading, DIY crafts, gardening, playing with pets
∙ Parents – 66% parents view this as waste of time, 32.5% don’t realise the importance of
leisure time
∙ Teachers/ schools – syllabus involves curricular and co-curricular subjects ∙ A recent study
by the University of Rochester - free time is necessary for high school students not only to
sustain their performance in school, but also to maintain their mental health

Leisure Time for Students

Leisure time is considered by behavioural scientists as a beneficial break from the stress
of everyday life. this is the time when we stop worrying about school or other stressful
aspects of life. Some popular leisure activities are watching TV, listening to music and
playing video games. Children also spend time reading, doing DIY crafts, gardening,
playing with pets among others. Unfortunately, 66% of the parents view these activities
as a waste of time while 32.5% parents don’t even realise the importance of leisure time.
Thankfully, the school curriculum involves co-curricular activities which give an outlet to
the creative aspect of the kids. The teachers also design their classes keeping in mind the
need for leisure time. A recent study by the University of Rochester reveals that free time
is necessary for high school students not only to sustain their performance in school, but
also to maintain their mental health. Studies also show that students require some leisure
time everyday in order to maintain a healthy mental state.
PARAGRAPH ON A BAR GRAPH: COMPARISON

The chart below displays data about the number of digital devices purchased in
Rishunagar across the years 2015-2019. Write a paragraph analysing the given data.
(CBSE Sample Paper 2021-22)

Purchase of Digital Devices – Market Trends

According to a survey conducted about the number of digital devices purchased in
Rishunagar across the years 2015 – 2019, it has been found that there has been a
 sharp rise in the figures over the years. More than 60,000 smartphones were purchased
in 2016, in comparison to 2015, when the number was just over 40,000. After a steady
rise in 2017, there was a dip in the figures in 2018 when the sales went down to below
70,000. Computers, on the other hand, were less popular purchases in 2015 and 2016; in
comparison to smartphones. But in 2017, a sharp shift was observed after the prices of
computers dropped. In this year more than 80,000 computers were purchased which was
less than the number of smartphones sold. But there was a decline in the sales figures of
both smartphones and computers in 2018, owing to a depression in the economy. With
the increasing popularity of digital platforms, the market regained the momentum
in 2019 with a huge increase in the sale of both computers and smartphones.
PARAGRAPH ON A GIVEN CUE

Question: (CBSE Sample Paper 2021-22)

“The ban on single-use plastic is impractical. The purpose of articles like bags and
packaging is ultimately to make human life easier. Plastic articles do this well, so they
shouldn’t be banned.”
Write a paragraph to analyse the given argument. You could think about what alternative
explanations might weaken the given conclusion and include rationale / evidence that
would strengthen / counter the given argument.

Hints: (The format remains the same)

• Introductory sentence
• arguments rationalising against/in favour of assumption
• concluding line - reiterating main inference/position.

PARAGRAPH ON A GIVEN LINE GRAPH

The chart below displays data about the average monthly rainfall of two cities. Write a
paragraph analysing the given data.
 HINT: The format and content of the paragraph remains the same.
PARAGRAPH ON A CONCEPT MAP/ CONCEPT CHART/ MIND MAP

Points to note:
∙ go through the given chart carefully
∙ try to understand the main concept of the given topic
∙ choose the important points on which you will build your paragraph ∙ write the analytical
paragraph according to the given format

Study the concept chart from the self-help magazine section of a monthly publication. Write a
paragraph in not more than 120 words, analysing the listed responses to the situation when one
faces setbacks. (CBSE Sample paper 2022)
Sample paragraph:

According to the given concept chart, setbacks can cause an affected person to feel upset.
This situation can be handled in a healthy manner where the person learns from the
situation and eventually gets over it. This can be done by feeling and observing the
pattern of behaviour. By doing so, one can assess the magnitude of the setback and
recognise the likelihood of future success by doing the work. But if a person is unable to
process the setback fully, he will block his feelings and stop learning from the situation.
This will lead to self-criticism and self-doubt leading to listlessness and attention
deficiency. If this is combined with unconscious, implicit childhood memories, then these
can have serious repercussions like anxiety, anger or depression. So, the most sensible
way to handle setback is by accepting and learning from it, thus planning a future course
of action to deal with it.

PARAGRAPH ON SWOT ANALYSIS

Gurmeet Kaur is an aspiring candidate for a public-funded engineering college in the

suburbs. She belongs to a nearby village, has minimal technological skills and exposure,
has the required cut-off percentage and is looking for a complete or partial scholarship.
Write a paragraph in about 100-120 words, analysing her SWOT notes to support your
stand on whether she should join/not join the college. (CBSE Sample Paper 2022-23)
STRENGTH WEAKNESS

Strong Curriculum Lack of diversity

Quality faculty Students’ behavioural problems
Vibrant Activity Clubs No hostel facility
Green location Slow repair and maintenance
Close proximity to residential areas work Underutilization of IT
Services
Lack of targeted advertisements to
out-state students

OPPORTUNITIES THREAT

Practice based research Lack of publicity in areas of

Partnership with professional excellence
organisations Public perception towards funded
Strong alumni colleges
Acclaimed Student Exchange Declining students’ interest
Programme with European countries towards technical subjects
Low employee morale due to
budget cuts

In support of the decision:

The given information illustrates the options Gurmeet would weigh in order to take the
right decision about her admission in a public-funded engineering college. With
availability of strong curriculum, quality faculty and vibrant Activity Clubs, she will be
assured of an enriching educational journey. Though hostel facility is unavailable, she
may take up accommodation in the suburbs or choose to travel daily from her village.
Good opportunities of practice-based research, partnership with professional companies
and international students exchange program will enhance her professional and
interpersonal skills. Hard work, responsible behaviour and prudent decision-making
could help Gurmeet thrive in the college even though it has a rigid and conventional
culture. The strengths and opportunities work in favour of Gurmeet. Taking this
opportunity will allow her to mend the incorrect public perception towards public-funded
colleges and students’ outlook towards technical subjects.

Against the decision:

The given information indicates Gurmeet’s dilemma about seeking admission in a public
funded college. Though equipped with a strong curriculum, engaging activity clubs and
an able faculty, the college lacks diversity and good conduct among the students, giving
rise to concerns of safe environment for a novice like Gurmeet. Underutilization of IT
services will be further detrimental to the progress of Gurmeet’s educational journey and
add to extra costs related to research work. If she does not qualify for a complete or
partial scholarship, arrangement of own accommodation and additional expense of
students exchange programme will increase her expenditure, too. Such a college
environment may dampen her endeavouring spirit. The weakness and threats outweigh
the strengths, in case of Gurmeet. So, it is recommended that Gurmeet does not apply for
admission to the said college.

PARAGRAPH ON A GIVEN CUE

Read the following excerpt from an online post of a website on educational practices.
Kids who appreciate how much effort, time and care goes into growing food will
understand how important farmers are, and why it's important to take care of our Earth. In
the world of today, gardening needs to be given more importance than sports, music and
dance in all schools because it creates environmental stewards and outdoor learning
laboratories that help the child and community for years to come.
Write a paragraph in 100-120 words to analyse the given argument.

You could think about what alternative explanations might weaken the given conclusion
and include rationale / evidence that would strengthen / counter the given argument.
(CBSE Sample Paper 2022-23)
Argument FOR the subject of the statement:

In the world of today, gardening needs to be given more importance than sports, music
and dance in all schools. While sports, music and dance contribute towards personal
growth, the current times mandate attention towards an issue that is global ---nature and
natural processes. With growing food wastage in many homes today and the urban young
believing that vegetables are grown, harvested at the super markets, the efforts of the
farmers are discredited. Gardening at school will open a world of first-hand learning
experiences of sowing, watering and harvesting processes. Waiting for the saplings to
grow will inculcate sensitivity, patience, empathy, gratitude and value for one’s hard
work. They will feel accountable for their piece of Mother Earth, resulting in making
them efficient and enterprising environmental stewards. Unlike sports, music or dance,
gardening goes beyond just enjoyment to create aware and responsible citizens of the
future.
Argument AGAINST the subject of the statement:

Gardening, certainly, should not be given precedence over sports, music and dance in all
schools. Gardening at school requires good planning with hands-on guidance and
continued supervision by the teachers. Students tend to lose interest due to the slow and
natural growth progress of plants as well as the investment of continuous hard work.
Small targets or goals would be missing whereas the danger of destruction of their work
due to rains, intrusion of grazing animals or a pest attack is like to set in a feeling of
defeat. It may be noted that sports, music and dance are uplifting activities which display
faster results, are enjoyable and inculcate team spirit, collaboration and confidence.
Unlike gardening, setbacks in these activities can be addressed with some sense of
personal control. These activities help students express and de-stress successfully. So,
maintaining their due importance in the school’s co-curriculum is imperative.
PARAGRAPH ON GRAPHIC DATA

CBSE Sample Paper 2023-24

You may begin like this:

As a responsible student voter, I believe Tsering possesses / does not possess the
necessary traits to be a School Captain.

You may end like this:

For these reasons, I believe she has / does not have the potential to be a good School
Captain and I support / oppose her candidature.

Supporting Tsering’s candidature:

As a responsible student voter, I believe Tsering possesses the necessary traits to be an

excellent School Captain. Her disciplined study routine and hard work ethic indicate her
ability to prioritize and manage her time effectively. Tsering is less impulsive but
sensitive and focuses on the excellent outcome of tasks assigned to her demonstrating
good decision-making skills. Additionally, her willingness to help peers in academic and
personal difficulties highlights her empathetic and caring nature. Furthermore, Tsering
believes in the "One for all and all for one" policy, which is pivotal in fostering a sense of
community and promoting inclusivity in the school. While she may be an average
academic performer, her positive attitude and desire for appreciation will motivate her in
her pursuit of excellence. For these reasons, I believe she has the potential to be a good
School Captain and I support her candidature.

Opposing Tsering’s candidature:

As a responsible student voter, I have reservations about Tsering’s candidature for the
School Captain’s position. While she maintains a disciplined study routine, her average
academic performance suggests a lack of academic discipline. Additionally, her quest for
appreciation may cause her to prioritize recognition over the well-being of the school
community. Moreover, Tsering’s sensitivity, while admirable, may hinder her ability to
make tough decisions and exercise effective leadership skills. While her willingness to
help peers is commendable, it may also distract her from her responsibilities as the
School Captain. Finally, Tsering's focus on the excellent outcome of tasks assigned to her
may cause her to overlook the process and teamwork required to achieve those outcomes
which are crucial for the school’s smooth functioning. For these reasons, I believe she
does not have the potential to be a good School Captain and I oppose her candidature.
PARAGRAPH ON A GIVEN ITINERARY

As the Captain of the school’s Cultural Club, you have been asked to study the given
itinerary provided by a tour-organising vendor.
A 3N/2D Educational Tour for the Senior School Students:
Jabalpur and Ranha National Park (Vandhya Pradesh)
Tour Travel & sightseeing by bus.
Accommodation on quad sharing basis.
One staff complimentary for every 20 students.
Bottled mineral water throughout the tour.
Dance Party on 22 November.
 Insurance policy of ₹ 20,000/- per head.
Provision of Tour Manager’s assistance to all places.

Analyse this itinerary to either approve or reject the tour proposal, while focusing on the
students’ safety, interest, and physical wellness. Write this analytical paragraph in about
120 words, by selecting features that support your analysis.

You may begin like this:

A thorough analysis of the itinerary provided by the tour organising vendor reveals that
the tour proposal should be accepted / rejected.
You may end like this:
Therefore, the tour proposal for the educational trip should be approved / rejected.

Accepting the proposal:

A thorough analysis of the itinerary provided by the tour organising vendor reveals that
the tour proposal should be accepted. It is well-planned and includes an array of
educational activities for the students. The inclusion of visit to Bhawartal Garden,
Bhedaghat Dhuandhar Falls, Marble Rocks Cable car tour, and Rani Durgavati Museum
offers an opportunity for the students to learn about nature, history, and art. The tour to
Kanha Tiger Reserve adds an element of adventure and allows students to connect with
wildlife. The provision of bottled mineral water, insurance policy, and tour manager's
assistance ensures the safety and well-being of the students. Inclusion of a DJ party adds
to the entertainment, enjoyment and enthusiasm quotient of the tour. The complimentary
staff provided for every twenty students further adds to the security of the students.
Therefore, the tour proposal for the educational trip should be approved.

Rejecting the proposal:

A thorough analysis of the itinerary provided by the tour organising vendor reveals that
the tour proposal should be rejected. While the tour includes various educational
activities, we have concerns about the safety and well-being of the students. The tour
includes a long journey of nearly nine hours from Nagpur Junction to Jabalpur and vice
versa. Also, it mentions an early morning departure at 5:30 am to the Kanha Tiger reserve
and late evening arrival back to the hotel, on the last day. Long hours of travel and the
hectic schedule may lead to physical exhaustion and hamper the learning experience of
the students. Additionally, the inclusion of a DJ party may not be suitable for an
educational tour. The tour organizing vendor has not provided details on the quality of the
hotel and the quad-sharing basis may not be comfortable for all students. Hence,
considering the well-being of the students, the tour proposal for the educational trip,
should be rejected.