CBSE Class 10 English 2023: question 5(b)
Set in the CBSE Class 10 board exam of 2023, paper 2/5/1, section B, question 5(b), for 5 marks. Try it first; the hints and our step-by-step solution are below.
Q5(b) · 5 marks · WritingCompetency-basedWriting Skills
OR
(B) Read the following excerpt from an article that appeared in the magazine section of a local daily: The ban on single-use plastic is impractical. The purpose of articles such as bags and packing material is ultimately to make human life easier. Plastic articles make this convenient, so they should not be banned. Write an analytical paragraph in 100 – 120 words for the given argument. You could give rationale/evidence that would counter/strengthen the argument.
Source: official question paper from cbse.gov.in (PDF). See it in the full 2023 board paper, set 2/5/1.
Hints
Open one hint at a time and try again before the next.
Hint 1
Decide first whether you agree or disagree with the statement.
Hint 2
Give two or three reasons with examples, such as drains, animals or alternatives.
Hint 3
Finish with a firm concluding sentence.
Step-by-step solution
Each step shows the marks it earns, as an examiner would award them. Checked by an independent re-solve from the question paper.
- 2 marks
Content: take a stand and support it with evidence. Model (counter-argument): The claim that a ban on single-use plastic is impractical overlooks its long-term costs. Convenience is brief but plastic persists for centuries. It clogs drains, causes floods, chokes rivers and kills animals that swallow it. Microplastics enter the food chain and harm human health.
- 2 marks
Organisation: one paragraph with an opening, supporting arguments and a conclusion. Model: Practical alternatives such as cloth, jute and paper bags exist, and several countries and Indian states have banned plastic successfully. A ban with a phased plan, awareness and affordable substitutes is workable. Therefore the argument fails, since protecting the environment outweighs convenience.
- 1 mark
Accuracy: correct spelling, grammar and punctuation, in 100–120 words.
Answer: An analytical paragraph countering the argument with evidence on environmental harm and the availability of alternatives.
Where the marks are
- Content: rationale and evidence (2 marks)
- Organisation (2 marks)
- Accuracy (1 mark)
Revise the chapter
- Chapter: Writing Skills
More questions from Writing Skills
- Sample paper 2026-27, Q5(A) · 5 marksRead the product details mentioned on an e-commerce website for a student study desk organiser. ⇒ Multi-compar…
- Sample paper 2026-27, Q5(B) · 5 marksVikram, a student of Grade X, has been offered the position of President of his school's Debate Club, which re…
- 2026 board paper, set 2/1/1, Q5(A) · 5 marksImprovements in sports infrastructure with a focus on multi-purpose sustainable facilities as well as the inte…
The question is transcribed from the official paper; figures are described in words. The solution, hints and chapter tag are ours. Spotted an error? Write tosupport@questionbuddy.in.