Chapter 1: Formal letter

Important questions — the ones the board asked most (20)

1. Q1Long answer5 marksAsked: 2026

   Attempt any one from (a) and (b) given below in about 120 words : (a) You are Rita/Raghav, a resident of Amrut Colony, Shirshpur. You feel it is important to inculcate a sense of civic responsibility and community service among children today. Write a letter to the President of the RWA, sharing your views on how children can be encouraged to volunteer on projects such as clean parks, art in the park, spread awareness messages regarding littering, say no to plastics, and senior citizen outreach. OR (b) Physical fitness is essential for everyone to increase energy and stamina, boost mental well-being and lower risk of chronic diseases. Write a letter to the editor expressing your views on how exercise in some form should become a way of life for people of all ages. You are Gita/Ganesh from Ramant Nagar, Vriddhipur.

   

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   Model answer · formal letter, children's community service

   Amrut Colony Shirshpur Date: ........ The President Resident Welfare Association Amrut Colony Shirshpur Subject: Suggestions for encouraging children in community service Sir/Madam I am a resident of Amrut Colony and I wish to share my views on how our children can learn civic responsibility and community service. The RWA can form a children's volunteer club that meets every Sunday. Children can join clean park drives and paint the park walls under an 'Art in the Park' project. They can also make posters and give short talks to spread awareness against littering and to say no to plastics. Further, they can visit senior citizens, read to them and help them with small tasks. Certificates and praise at colony functions will motivate them. Such projects will make our children caring and responsible citizens. I hope the RWA will consider these suggestions. Yours sincerely Rita

   • Write every format part in order: your address, date line, addressee, subject, salutation, body, subscription and name.
   • Name each project the question lists and say how children can take part in it.
   • Keep the body to about 120 words in three short paragraphs.

   Marks split as in the board’s published marking scheme

2. Q2Long answer5 marksAsked: 2026

   (a) You are Kavita / Kuvam, a retired teacher. The rich experience of teaching young minds across the country has taught you the significance of inter-state student exchange programmes. You believe they not only enrich and sensitize children but also help in unifying the country. Write a letter, in about 120 words, to the Editor of The Indian Express expressing the need for such programmes. Also, highlight how these programmes would promote cultural understanding, instil independence and give exposure to diverse lifestyles and learning environments. OR (b) You are Rahima / Rahim a parent of a school-going child. You were invited to attend a 2 day festival organized by the school. You were amazed to see how from food stalls to performances were all organized by the students themselves. Write a letter to the Principal expressing your views on how these programmes help in building confidence and self-esteem among children. Also draw attention to their organizational skills, sense of responsibility, and commitment in their tasks.

   

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   Model answer · letter to editor, student exchange

   45, XYZ Colony ABC City Date: ........ The Editor The Indian Express ABC City Subject: Need for inter-state student exchange programmes Sir Through your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw attention to the need for inter-state student exchange programmes in our schools. As a retired teacher who has taught young minds across the country, I have seen how such programmes enrich and sensitize children. When students live and study in another state for a few weeks, they learn its language, food, festivals and customs. This promotes cultural understanding and respect for others. Living away from home also instils independence. Children learn to manage their time, money and belongings on their own. Moreover, they get exposure to diverse lifestyles and learning environments, which broadens their outlook. Above all, these programmes unite the country by building friendships across states. I urge the authorities to introduce them in every school. Yours faithfully Kavita

   • Put every part of the format in order: your address, the date line, the Editor's address, the subject, 'Sir', the body, 'Yours faithfully' and your name.
   • Give each point the question names (cultural understanding, independence, exposure to diverse lifestyles and learning environments) at least one clear sentence of its own.
   • End with an appeal to the authorities, and keep the body close to the word limit.

   Marks split as in the board’s published marking scheme

3. Q3Short answer5 marksAsked: 2026

   Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below : (A) You are Devi / Dev Arora a concerned resident. You are deeply concerned at the overflowing garbage dumps in the city. Besides being eyesores, these dumps create environmental and health risks. They produce a foul odour and attract stray animals and other scavengers. Write a letter to the Municipal Commissioner drawing attention to the situation. Suggest the need to identify systemic flows in the collection system due to insufficient collection vehicles and irregular cleaning of dumps. OR (B) Living in multistoreyed complexes with limited open space for sporting activities, you feel that children today are forced to be indoors. This is leading to increased screen addiction, lack of concentration, and unhealthy eating habits and lifestyles. Write a letter to the editor on the need to build community centers with indoor sporting facilities for children. Highlight the benefits of creating a comfortable and safe environment, and its usefulness for residents. You are Shrushti / Sharan.

   

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   Model answer · formal letter, garbage dumps

   ABC Colony XYZ City Date: ........ To The Municipal Commissioner Municipal Corporation XYZ City Subject: Overflowing garbage dumps in the city Sir, Through this letter, I wish to draw your attention to the overflowing garbage dumps in our city. Garbage has been piling up at many dumps for several days. Besides being eyesores, these dumps create serious environmental and health risks. They produce a foul odour, so residents find it difficult to walk past them. They also attract stray animals and other scavengers, which spread the waste on the roads. Flies and mosquitoes breed there, and diseases like dengue and cholera may spread. I feel that there are systemic flaws in the collection system. There are not enough collection vehicles, and the dumps are not cleaned regularly. I request you to identify these flaws and ensure the systematic collection of waste. More garbage collection vehicles should be provided, and the dumps should be cleaned every day. Residents may also be made aware of the need to separate wet and dry waste. I hope you will take prompt action in this matter. Yours faithfully, Dev Arora

   • Write at least two problems and at least two solutions, each in its own clear sentence.
   • Keep every part of the formal letter in order: sender's address, a blank date line, 'To' the Municipal Commissioner, subject, 'Sir', body, 'Yours faithfully' and your name.
   • Mention the causes the question gives: too few collection vehicles and irregular cleaning of the dumps.

   Marks split as in the board’s published marking scheme

4. Q4Long answer5 marksAsked: 2026

   Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below : (A) As a parent, you have observed a rise in the number of students feeling a sense of inadequacy and anxiety. According to you social media is impacting their self worth through constant social comparison and exposure to unrealistic standards. You are Divya / Dinesh Rana - write a letter to the Principal of Sunrise International School, suggesting the need to hold workshops and interactive sessions with students, teachers, and parents to explore the positive aspects of social media that will strengthen a sense of self identity. OR (B) You are Sneha/Gursharan Singh an art teacher from a reputed public school. You have noticed that most students after class X opt for management or science streams and pursue careers as doctors, engineers, or management professionals : You believe that Art is crucial for students as it fosters creativity, critical thinking, and promotes emotional well-being. Write a letter to the editor of a local daily expressing your views on the importance of studying art in schools.

   How the model answer begins

   1. The letter has the sender's address, the date line, the receiver (The Principal, Sunrise International School), the subject, the salutation 'Sir/Madam', the close 'Yours sincerely' and the name Divya Rana.

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5. Q5Long answer5 marksAsked: 2025

   Attempt any one from (a) and (b) given below : (a) You are Rashmi / Roshan, a concerned citizen, residing at G-16, Himmat Path, Nayanagar. Compose a letter in about 120 words to the Director, Municipal Corporation, drawing his attention to the open drains in your colony. The drains are not only the breeding ground for disease-causing organisms but are also polluting the surrounding areas, especially the water bodies which could lead to water-borne diseases. Suggest measures for addressing this issue. OR (b) You are Mamta / Manish, a student of Grade 11 of Hitech Public School Roopbagh. You have recently volunteered as a student-teacher in a three-week literacy camp held for the children of construction site workers in your neighbourhood. It was a fulfilling and a meaningful experience for you. It sensitized you to the needs of the community, boosted your confidence, and improved your social skills. Write a letter in about 120 words to the editor of a national daily expressing your views on the benefits of volunteering and how students can contribute to the betterment of society.

   How the model answer begins

   1. The piece opens with the sender's address (G-16, Himmat Path, Nayanagar), a blank date line, then the Director's designation and address, and a concise subject line.

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6. Q6Long answer5 marksAsked: 2025

   Attempt any one from (a) and (b) given below : (a) You are Suman Lata / Rohan Mori living at 345, Green Apartments, Tyagnagar. You have read that some prominent places in your city have been identified as high-crime areas. Women and elderly people feel scared to navigate through those areas and feel they are more likely to be robbed. To safeguard the interests of vulnerable people, write a letter to the SHO of your area, in about 120 words, requesting him/her to deploy more police personnel in high-crime areas so that the crime rate can be brought down. OR (b) You are Anjali Gehlot / Rohan Hora living at 867, Limeroad Heights, Tramnagar. You have noticed how new technologies have paved their way into every aspect of our lives. On the one hand, they have revolutionized the way we live, work and communicate, and on the other hand, it has raised concerns about data privacy and security. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily, in about 120 words, discussing the benefits and risks of new technologies in our daily life.

   How the model answer begins

   1. The letter has every part of the formal letter format, in order: the sender's address, the date line, 'To' with the SHO's address, the subject, the salutation, the body, 'Yours faithfully' and the name Suman Lata.

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7. Q7Long answer5 marksAsked: 2025

   Attempt any one from (a) and (b) given below : (a) As Sakshi/Saksham Bedi of 864, Solar Apartments, Lajpat Street, Dipak Nagar, you feel that the lack of proper street lighting in several areas of your neighbourhood is a threat to safety. Residents, especially those who work late shifts or return home after dark, feel vulnerable due to poorly lit streets. Write a letter to the District Magistrate of your city area, in about 120 words, stating the problem and requesting him to take necessary action for installation of streetlights in those areas. OR (b) You are Dharti Pradhan/Balal Goyal, the head girl/boy of Pinnacle School, Ustahpuri. You live in a culturally rich city with many historical monuments. You have observed that visitors have etched graffiti on these monuments and littered the area around. You are extremely disturbed at this irresponsible behaviour of the visitors. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily, in about 120 words, suggesting measures to stop such vandalism and creating awareness about the importance of these monuments.

   How the model answer begins

   1. All parts of the format are in order: the sender's address, the date line, the addressee (The District Magistrate, Dipak Nagar), the subject, the salutation 'Sir', the body, 'Thanking you', 'Yours faithfully' and the…

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8. Q8Long answer5 marksAsked: 2025

   Attempt ANY ONE from (A) and (B) given below : (A) You are Raashi / Rahul of Simargarh, Himachal Pradesh. Write a letter in about 100-120 words to the Municipal Commissioner of the city drawing attention to the unattended condition of the public parks in your town. They are poorly maintained with garbage strewn and pools of stagnant water. Give suggestions on how the parks can be maintained. OR (B) You are Bela / Baloo of Palanpuri. You recently visited a ‘craft mela’. You were delighted to see the diversity of handicrafts, handlooms and cultural fabric of India. However, you were dismayed that not many people were there to encourage the artisans. Write a letter to the editor in 100-120 words, expressing your views on the situation and the need to support indigenous art and craft.

   How the model answer begins

   1. The sender's address (Simargarh, Himachal Pradesh), the date line, and the recipient's designation and address (The Municipal Commissioner, Simargarh) are written at the top in correct format.

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9. Q9Long answer5 marksAsked: 2025

   Attempt ANY ONE from (A) and (B) given below : (A) In recent weeks, there have been several incidents of theft in your area, and despite reaching out to the local law enforcement authorities, there has been no improvement in the situation. Write a 100-120 words letter to the editor of a local newspaper, highlighting this issue and urging higher authorities to take action. You are Jyoti / Arvind residing at 54/47, Lohia Apartments, Nagpur. OR (B) You are Shivani Dube of B-3, Indira Nagar, Kota. You have recently relocated to the city and are taken aback by the condition of roads in the city. There are huge pot holes and no traffic lights, nor pedestrian crossings. At peak hours there is chaos at the intersections. Write a letter in 100-120 words to the Municipal Commissioner expressing your views and urging him to take action.

   How the model answer begins

   1. The first two paragraphs set out the problem: growing incidents of theft, an atmosphere of fear among the residents, the apathy of the local police, and people now being reluctant to approach them.

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10. Q10Long answer5 marksAsked: 2025

    (a) You have recently purchased a speaker from a retail store. On reaching home, you found that it was not of same model which you had purchased and paid for. You want to replace it with a new one. Write a letter to the retail manager in 100-120 words for replacement. You may use the given hints : • Say who you are • Explain your problem • Also mention what action you want from the retail store OR (b) Recently you visited to your city after a span of ten years. You were happy to see the development of your city in the last few years. But at the same time, you are deeply hurt to find the condition of the road in your vicinity. You feel that the road needs repair. Write a letter to the editor of the local daily expressing your deep concern regarding the same. Sign yourself as Ganesh/Geeta. (100-120 words)

    How the model answer begins

    1. The subject line and opening paragraph say the road in XYZ Colony is in poor condition, and the body adds 'It is in a very bad condition.'

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11. Q11Long answer5 marksAsked: 2024

    (a) As Sharman Singh of 776, Hemkunt Apartments, Arampur, you believe that as a law abiding citizen who pays regular taxes you deserve regular supply of clean drinking water in your house. However, your locality is facing acute shortage as supply is often disrupted without notice causing problems to the residents. Write a letter to the Director of Jal Board of your city area, in about 120 words, apprising him of the situation; sharing the need for regular supply of clean water and requesting him to take necessary action to improve the situation. OR (b) As Sonam Mehta, a resident of 14, Sunrise Apartment, Udaipur, you are distressed about the misuse and poor maintenance of the public park in your society. Write a letter to the editor of a local daily, in about 120 words, highlighting the condition, mentioning the inconvenience faced by the residents of the locality. Share the importance of public parks and suggest measures for its proper upkeep.

    How the model answer begins

    1. The piece opens with sender's address (776, Hemkunt Apartments, Arampur), a blank date line, and the receiver's designation and address (The Director, Jal Board, Arampur) in correct formal letter format.

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12. Q12Short answer5 marksAsked: 2023

    (a) You have purchased a computer for personal use. After using it for about a month, you have started having problems in it, like its CPU is not working properly, screen is flickering etc. Write a letter to the manager of the complaint cell of Abott Computers Pvt. Ltd. about the faulty computer in about 100-120 words. Sign yourself as Dev/Devika of Janakpuri, Delhi. OR (b) You feel that the Right to Education is going to help India rise above the narrow boundaries of prejudices of caste, colour, creed and corruption. Write a letter to the editor of The Times of India, reflecting your views on the subject. Sign yourself as Nandita/Naveen of Paschim Vihar, Delhi (word limit 100-120).

    How the model answer begins

    1. The letter follows the full formal-letter format in the right order: sender's address (XYZ, Janakpuri, New Delhi), a blank date line, the receiver's address (The Manager, Complaint Cell, Abott Computers Pvt. Ltd.), the…

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13. Q13Long answer5 marksAsked: 2023

    4. (a) You want to surprise your family by taking them abroad during the summer vacation. Write a letter to the Manager of "Tour the World" Majestic Complex, Mount Road, Chennai - 600 002 asking details of places to visit, hotels, cost, etc. You are Vivek/Viveka living in Usman Road, T-Nagar. Write the letter in about 100-120 words. OR 4. (b) Auto rickshaws and vans overcrowded with precariously seated children, is not an uncommon sight in cities today. Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper highlighting this dangerous practice and urging authorities to take steps to curb this. Write the letter in 100-120 words as Sushant/Sunanda of Rani Bagh, Delhi.

    How the model answer begins

    1. The sender's address (Usman Road, T-Nagar), a blank date line, and the recipient's address (The Manager, Tour the World, Majestic Complex, Mount Road, Chennai-600002) are given in correct format at the top.

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14. Q14Long answer5 marksAsked: 2023

    Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below : (A) You are Mohit/Mohita of E-46, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi. You came across news articles about neglect of elders in today's society. Disturbed after reading the articles, you decide to write a letter to the editor of 'The Hindustan Times' stressing upon the need of sensitizing children to the plight and loneliness of the elders and to inculcate in them values of caring and sharing. You can also express your views on strengthening of family values. Write your letter in 100 - 120 words. OR (B) You are Rajni/Rakesh Kothari, Director, Marketing in Oil Spices Manufacturing Unit. You have observed the commitment with which your Assistant Manager works. Write a letter in 100 - 120 words to your Assistant Manager, Sadiq Qureshi, congratulating him on his work ethic and professional approach. Also include a mention of his commitment, sense of responsibility, good inter-personal skills and his spirit of team work.

    How the model answer begins

    1. Format: the sender's address (E-46, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi), a blank date line, 'The Editor, The Hindustan Times, New Delhi', a subject line, the salutation 'Sir', the close 'Yours faithfully' and the name Mohit, all in…

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15. Q15Long answer5 marksAsked: 2023

    Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below : (A) You are Armaan/Anjali of C-63, Panvel. You recently read a magazine article which highlighted the condition of underage children working in hazardous conditions. Instead of going to school, they are working in dimly lit factories, tea stalls, in garages, etc. to supplement family incomes. Write a letter to the editor of 'The Times of India' in about 100 - 120 words, drawing attention to this national problem and suggesting solutions. OR (B) You are Rohit/Riya of Hauz Khas, New Delhi. You bought a pair of shoes from M/s. Shoe Factory, GK-II, New Delhi. On unpacking them, you found to your amazement that both the shoes are meant for your left foot. Write a letter of complaint to the Manager of M/s. Shoe Factory asking for replacement at their cost. (Word limit : 100 - 120 words)

    How the model answer begins

    1. The format is complete and in order: the sender's address (C-63, Panvel), the blank date line, the addressee (The Editor, The Times of India), the subject, the salutation, the body, 'Yours faithfully' and the name…

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16. Q16Long answer5 marksAsked: 2023

    Attempt any one from A and B given below : (A) Technology today is an effective and convenient means of learning. You are Meera/Vaibhav and would like to share your views on the pros and cons of technology in education. Write a letter to the Editor of a newspaper expressing your views in about 100 -120 words. OR (B) You are Aruna/Arjun C.C.A. incharge of St. Joseph's High School, Pune Cantt. You have read an advertisement by the National Tourist Corporation, offering excellent prices for group tours. Write a letter to enquire about the following : - Duration of tour - Sight seeing itinerary - Cost of package discount - Mode of transport - Destinations being offered

    How the model answer begins

    1. Every format part is there, in order: sender's address (XYZ Colony, ABC City), a blank date line, the Editor's address, the subject, 'Sir', the body, the close 'Yours truly' and the name Meera.

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17. Q17Short answer5 marksAsked: 2023

    (a) When you think about your city, you feel proud of its historical monuments, places of cultural interest, shopping centres and beautiful parks. Write a letter in 100-120 words to the editor of a national daily expressing your views on 'Your City'. Also suggest ways to increase footfall to these places like the government's recent initiative of free entry to all historical monuments on the occasion 75th Independence Day. You are Sangeeta / Sanjay, 45 Vijay Nagar, Delhi. (Word limit 100 – 125 words) OR (b) You are Ankit / Ankita of Mahavir Public School, Delhi. You have seen an advertisement in 'The Times of India' regarding the starting of new batches of 'Astronomy Club' by the National Science Centre. You wish to join the club. Write a letter to the Director, enquiring about the venue, duration, fee-structure, activities, etc. (Word limit 100-125 words)

    How the model answer begins

    1. The letter has every part in the right order: the sender's address (Mahavir Public School, Delhi), a blank date line, the receiver's address (The Director, National Science Centre, Delhi), the subject, the salutation,…

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18. Q18Long answer5 marksAsked: 2026

    Attempt ANY ONE from (A) and (B) given below : (A) You are Divya/Divij Kumar, Director, Nurturing India, an organization providing skill education to youth. You believe that today's youth needs vocational and skill education that will encourage an independent and entrepreneurial lifestyle. Write a letter to the editor of a local daily expressing your views on the need and importance of skill education in creating employability and a self-employed independent generation. OR (B) You are Nirmala / Nirmal, a resident of Jhunjhunu Colony. Recently there have been a series of accidents and petty crimes in your colony. One of the reasons is poor street lighting. Write a letter to the Commissioner of the Works department, drawing attention to the urgent need to install street lights to avoid further crimes and accidents.

    How the model answer begins

    1. The body states the problem (degree holders without jobs, bookish education), explains how vocational courses build employability and self-employment, and ends with a suggestion to the government and schools. This…

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19. Q19Short answer5 marksAsked: 2026

    Attempt ANY ONE from (A) and (B) given below : (A) You are Roshni / Roshan, a concerned resident of Aryan Colony. There is a school inside your colony because of which there is traffic chaos and congestion during drop off and pick up timings. This has resulted in episodes of road rage as well as injuries to both students and residents. Write a letter to the Traffic Commissioner drawing his attention to the problem. Press on the urgent need to find solutions to reduce traffic congestion during peak hours. OR (B) You are Arti /Ashok Shukla, a resident of Nirman Vihar, Karnal. You have witnessed the children of your locality taking charge of the neighbourhood clean up. They not only dedicated weekend mornings in cleaning parks but also put up posters spreading awareness of segregated waste management. This move has made the area an immensely pleasant experience for all residents. Inspired by your experience, write a letter to the editor of the Times of India sharing your views on the power of teenagers when it comes to community welfare. Add how their proactiveness for civic welfare adds to their wholesome personality development.

    How the model answer begins

    1. The second paragraph describes the problem. It covers severe congestion and long delays, road rage incidents and collisions, injuries to students and residents, noise pollution from honking, and the lack of traffic…

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20. Q20Long answer5 marksAsked: 2026

    Attempt any one from (a) and (b) given below in about 120 words : (a) You are Sanjana/Sanjit of Avenue Apartments, XYZ Colony, Sakshamgarh. Recently, you read in the newspaper about adulteration in food and dairy products consumed by us daily. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily expressing your views on food adulteration. Highlight the health risks of eating such foods and suggest measures to tackle the issue. OR (b) Going for a walk in your residential colony offers a convenient way to integrate physical activity into your daily routine. Write a letter to the Director, Municipal Board, requesting maintenance of the colony parks, installation of lighting poles, and repair of walking tracks to facilitate walkers and create a safe community space. You are Rita/Raghav Mishra, President RWA, Senatown.

    How the model answer begins

    1. The body states the writer's concern, names adulterants (urea, starch, chalk, colours), gives the health risks (food poisoning, liver and kidney damage, cancer) and suggests measures (regular checks, strict punishment,…

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17 more questions of this chapter, each with its model answer, in the Ask Medha app.

Questions parents and students ask

How many marks does "Formal letter" carry in CBSE Class 10 English?

In the CBSE papers of 2023–2026, this chapter carried about 5 marks and about 1 questions a year; by marks it ranks 3 in English.

Which are the most important (VVI) questions of "Formal letter"?

The 20 questions above are from the board’s real papers, each with the years it was asked; the most-asked come first with their full model answers. All 37 written questions of this chapter, with answers, are in the Ask Medha app.

Do the answers follow the board’s marking scheme?

Yes. CBSE publishes its marking schemes; every model answer here is written point by point to the marks the board’s own scheme gives, and checked by a second, independent model.