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The problem of open manholes… (Class 10 English 2024, Q4a)

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EnglishCBSE Class 10 · Board exam 2024, set 2/5/1 · 5 marks · Writing

CBSE Class 10 English 2024: question 4(a)

Set in the CBSE Class 10 board exam of 2024, paper 2/5/1, section B, question 4(a), for 5 marks. Try it first; the hints and our step-by-step solution are below.

Q4(a) · 5 marks · WritingCompetency-basedWriting Skills

The problem of open manholes and drains in your locality is posing a threat to the lives of people. As a young citizen, who cares about the upkeep of the locality and safety of the residents, write a letter to the editor of a local daily, in about 120 words, expressing your concern at the situation and suggesting measures to resolve the problem and drawing attention of the concerned authorities.

You are Sam/Karen of 67, Mist Apartments, Gagan Vihar, Akash Nagar.

Source: official question paper from cbse.gov.in (PDF). See it in the full 2024 board paper, set 2/5/1.

Hints

Open one hint at a time and try again before the next.

Hint 1

Start with the format: sender's address, date, editor and subject line.

Hint 2

State the problem, then the danger to residents.

Hint 3

Close with specific measures and an appeal to the authorities.

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.

  1. Format: sender's address, date, the Editor, The Daily Herald, City, subject line, 'Sir/Madam', closing 'Yours faithfully' and name.

    67, Mist Apartments, Gagan Vihar, Akash Nagar
    12 March 2024

    The Editor
    The Daily Herald
    Akash Nagar

    Subject: Open manholes and drains endangering lives

    Sir/Madam

    1 mark

  2. Organisation: formal tone, short paragraphs, logical order from problem to risk to solution.

    1 mark

  3. Body (content, 2 marks):
    I wish to draw the attention of the authorities to the open manholes and drains in Gagan Vihar, Akash Nagar. Many have been uncovered for weeks, and children, the elderly and two-wheeler riders are in grave danger, especially after dark and during rain. Stagnant water in the drains breeds mosquitoes and spoils the locality.

    I urge the municipal corporation to cover all manholes at once, put up warning signs and lights, and clean the drains regularly. Residents should report such hazards through a helpline, and a periodic inspection should be fixed. Prompt action can prevent a tragedy.

    2 marks

  4. Accuracy: correct vocabulary, spelling and grammar, about 120 words, ending with 'Yours faithfully, Sam'.

    1 mark

Answer: Formal letter to the editor of about 120 words on open manholes with measures suggested.

Where the marks are

  • Format: address, date, receiver, subject, salutation, close (1 mark)
  • Organisation of ideas and formal tone (1 mark)
  • Content: problem, danger to residents, upkeep, measures (2 marks)
  • Accuracy of language (1 mark)

Revise the chapter

  • Chapter: Writing Skills
Practise this chapterBoard-style questions from Writing Skills, one at a time, marked against the answer key and marking points.Back to the full paper2024 board paper, set 2/5/1: every question, by section.

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.