Prepared by: Santhosh Chungath
What is an analytical paragraph?
• An analytical paragraph is a form of descriptive writing used to
test students’ analytical skills by providing them with a
hypothetical chart, graph, table, data etc.
• It requires an in-depth, comprehensive analysis of the given data.
• CBSE introduced the concept of analytical passage in the writing
section to enhance the student’s analytical and reasoning skills.
• The motive to write analytical paragraphs is to analyse and explain
a text or data and then describe it in simple and straightforward
language.
• Analytical writing should be lucid and crisp.
• CBSE introduced analytical paragraph writing in the English
question paper of class 10 board exams in recent years.
• The question would carry 5 marks and enhance the student’s
analytical and reasoning skills.
• The question would require the students to:
• Comprehend
• Analyze
• Compare
• conclude
the given data/information in the mentioned format.
Key Characteristics of an Analytical
Paragraph
• It should be brief, around 120-150 words.
• It should be precise and well directed
• Clear and crisp language should be implemented
• The entire paragraph should be written using a single
tense
• Personal opinions should not be included in the
paragraph
• It should portray the stated facts
• The use of first-person pronouns should be omitted
Types of Analytical Paragraphs
• Data-oriented
• Here, the class 10 students would be required to carefully
comprehend and analyse the information presented in graphs,
pie charts or tables.
• The students would do the comparative analysis and conclude
it.
• Map oriented
• Here, two maps with considerable differences will be provided.
• One has to meticulously analyse the variations and finally
summarise them in the form of a paragraph.
• Information-oriented
• This revolves around comprehending and processing the provided
information presented as input and eventually describing it in a
paragraph.
• Problem-oriented
• Here, a problem would be depicted, and students would be required
to reason and suggest some solution based on logic backed by data.
• Process description oriented
• The information is in a flow chart, diagram, or infographic.
• Again, the student must analyse and summarise the information in
a passage carefully.
Format of an Analytical Paragraph
• The content should be well summarised and should comprise
the following components:
• Introduction
• This should well direct and explain briefly the principle content
highlighted in the graph or table.
• It should be no more than two or three lines.
• Body
• It focuses on the critical areas of the information/data given in
the question asked by CBSE.
• It portrays the significance of the graph.
• The following requirements should be covered as part of
the body:
• It should be well presented
• Can divide it into sub-paragraphs; breaking the body
facilitates comprehension for the reader
• Use simple and clear language
• Explain the graph/diagram in detail
• Highlight the comparisons and variations observed using
appropriate words
• If mentioning numbers and figures, their accuracy must
be ensured
• The sentences should be rationally framed and connected
• Conclusion
• It should cover the entire summary of the given chart,
graph, or diagram.
• This is the closing paragraph, so it should be concluding
in nature.
How to write an Analytical Paragraph?
• The perfect way of writing an analytical paragraph in the
examination is to primarily select the critical information, organise it
systematically, state facts accurately, and well summarise the
section.
• Keep the following points in mind for scoring well:
• Carefully analyse the provided information
• Try to comprehend the literal and surface meaning of the data given
• The facts and data should be accurate
• Follow a sequential and logical pattern while writing the content
• Use simple and lucid language
• To depict the comparisons, and variations and withdraw
the conclusion, implement functional language
• Do proofread to avoid any grammatical and structural
errors
• Present the factual information in the best possible
manner
• Try to cover every little piece of information that is
provided by the charts/diagrams/graphs etc
Sample 1
Qn1. The pie chart represents the amount of money a family spends on
different items in a month. Write an analytical paragraph using the
information given in the chart in about 100-120 words.
Answer:
The pie chart provides information about the amount of money a family has
spent on different items in a month. On average, the family has spent majorly
on groceries which is twenty-three percentage of the total expenses. At the
same time, it has spent 20 per cent on education which shows that it’s the
second priority for the family. The other item it has spent the most is clothes
and transportation which levels off 19 and 18 per cent respectively. Fifteen per
cent of their expenses were on other things, including stationery, cosmetics,
accessories, etc., and the least they had spent was on their rent. The maximum
amount was spent on groceries, education, transportation and clothes. Overall
the data shows that they have not spent much on unnecessary items or
miscellaneous. After spending on groceries which is of utmost importance, they
have spent a significant amount on education. The least money is spent on
miscellaneous items after spending on their rent which is their liability. Thus, it
is evident that 85% of their money was spent on their liabilities whereas only
15% was spent on other items that might not be necessary to pay.
Assignment
• The bar graph shows men’s and women's increasing use of skin care
products over three months. Write an analytical paragraph
elaborating on the provided information.
