CBSE Class 10 English: Persuasive Letter to the Editor

Why a Letter to the Editor Can Matter

Ever read a newspaper and thought, "That should have been mentioned differently"? A letter to the editor lets you voice that thought and maybe spark change.

💡 In Simple Words: A persuasive letter to the editor is a short, strong note you send to a newspaper asking readers to see an issue your way. Keep it clear, back it up with facts, and end with a clear ask.

What Makes a Letter Persuasive?

Persuasive means trying to convince someone. In this case, you want the editor and readers to agree with your point of view. To do that you need:

• Clarity: No vague statements. Say exactly what you think.
• Evidence: Facts, statistics, or real‑life examples that support your claim.
• Emotion: A touch of feeling that makes the reader care.
• Call‑to‑Action: A clear request – what you want the newspaper or public to do.

Step‑by‑Step Format

Think of the letter as a tiny story with a beginning, middle, and end. Follow this order:

1. Header: Your address (optional) and the date.
2. Salutation: Address the editor directly – e.g., "Dear Editor,".
3. Opening Paragraph: Hook the reader, state the issue and why it matters.
4. Body Paragraph(s): Present evidence, explain why the current situation is wrong, and suggest a solution.
5. Closing Paragraph: Summarise your main point and give a firm call‑to‑action.
6. Signature: Your full name, age, class, and school (helps the editor verify you’re a student).

Example Letter (CBSE‑style)

Below is a model that follows the format above. Notice how each part does its job.

John Sharma
Class 10, XYZ High School
New Delhi – 110001
15 August 2024

The Editor
The Daily Tribune
New Delhi

Dear Editor,

I am writing to draw attention to the increasing amount of plastic waste on the campus of XYZ High School. Over the past three months, the school grounds have become littered with single‑use bottles, which not only spoil the environment but also pose a health risk to students.

A recent survey by the school’s eco‑club found that 78% of students use plastic water bottles daily. Moreover, a study by the Indian Ministry of Environment (2022) shows that plastic waste contributes to 8% of the country’s total landfill volume. Simple steps such as installing water dispensers and encouraging reusable bottles could reduce this waste by at least 50%.

I request the school administration to install two water dispensers in the main courtyard and to launch a “No Plastic” campaign this semester. Publishing this suggestion in your newspaper would motivate other schools to adopt similar measures.

Thank you for considering this matter.

Yours sincerely,
John Sharma
(16 years old)

Do’s and Don’ts (Quick Reference)

📝 Likely Exam Questions

• Q1: Write a persuasive letter to the editor about the lack of clean drinking water in your school. (150‑200 words)
• Model Answer: Follow the format above – start with a hook, give facts about water shortage, suggest installing water filters, and end with a request for the newspaper to publish the issue.
• Q2: List three essential elements of a persuasive letter and explain why each is important.
• Model Answer: Clarity – prevents misunderstanding; Evidence – builds credibility; Call‑to‑Action – tells the reader what to do next.
• Q3: How does a persuasive letter differ from a complaint letter?
• Model Answer: A persuasive letter aims to convince the reader to adopt a viewpoint or take action, using facts and emotion, while a complaint letter mainly expresses dissatisfaction without necessarily proposing a solution.