The National Bravery Awards are given to honour those children who have demonstrated selfless courage... Similarly, the government should institute National Environment Crusader Awards... Write a letter to the editor of a national daily, in 120 words, expressing your views on the above.
[Address]
[Date]
The Editor
[Newspaper Name]
Subject: Proposal for National Environment Crusader Awards
Sir/Madam,
Through your esteemed columns, I wish to advocate for the institution of 'National Environment Crusader Awards'. While we rightly honor selfless courage through Bravery Awards, the environmental crisis requires a different kind of 'environmental courage'.
Many children are tirelessly spreading awareness about reforestation and waste management. Recognizing such efforts will not only validate their work but also inspire thousands to follow suit. Official awards would nurture a generation of eco-conscious citizens. In this age of climate change, rewarding those who protect our planet is as vital as rewarding physical bravery. I hope the authorities consider this proposal.
Yours truly,
[Your Name]
Marking Scheme
- 11 mark for correct Format (sender's address, date, editor's address, subject, salutation, complimentary close).
- 23 marks for Content (reference to bravery awards, argument for environment awards, societal benefits, specific examples).
- 33 marks for Expression (formal tone, persuasive language, grammatical accuracy, logical flow, adherence to 120-word limit).
Hint
Use the bravery awards as an analogy, then build a case for why environmental efforts deserve equal national recognition.
Quick Oral Answer
I would write a formal letter to the editor proposing National Environment Crusader Awards. Drawing a parallel with existing Bravery Awards, I would argue that children working on reforestation and waste management deserve equal recognition to inspire a generation of eco-conscious citizens.
Analysis & Explanation
This is a 7-mark formal letter requiring both structural accuracy and persuasive argumentation. The marking scheme divides as: 1 mark for format, 3 for content, and 3 for expression. For format, students must include the sender's address, date, editor's designation, subject line, salutation, and complimentary close -- missing any element costs the format mark. The content must accomplish three things: acknowledge the existing bravery awards (the reference point), argue why environmental crusaders equally deserve recognition, and explain the societal benefits of such awards (inspiring youth, building eco-consciousness). The expression marks reward formal tone, logical flow, varied vocabulary, and grammatical accuracy. A critical writing technique here is drawing a parallel: just as bravery awards honor physical courage, environment awards would honor ecological courage. This analogy makes the argument more compelling. Common content mistakes include: spending too many words describing bravery awards instead of arguing for environment awards, being too vague ('we should help the environment'), or writing a report instead of a persuasive opinion letter. The phrase 'Through your esteemed columns' is a conventional opening for letters to editors and immediately signals proper format. Keep paragraphs short and impactful for maximum effect within the 120-word constraint.
Common Mistakes
- 1Spending too many words describing the National Bravery Awards instead of focusing on the proposed Environment Crusader Awards -- the bravery awards are just a reference point, not the main topic.
- 2Writing the letter in an informal, conversational tone instead of the formal register expected for a letter to the editor of a national daily newspaper.
- 3Omitting essential format elements (sender's address, date, subject line, or 'Through your esteemed columns' opening) which costs the entire 1-mark format component.
Interesting Facts
The National Bravery Awards for Indian children have been given since 1957 by the Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW), with 25 children honored annually on Republic Day eve for acts of bravery against all odds.
Licypriya Kangujam, an 11-year-old Indian climate activist from Manipur, has been campaigning since 2018 for climate action and has addressed world leaders at the UN Climate Change Conference, demonstrating the kind of 'environmental courage' this letter proposes to reward.
Sweden's Right Livelihood Award (often called the 'Alternative Nobel Prize'), established in 1980, recognizes environmental and social justice champions, including Indian activists like Vandana Shiva and Medha Patkar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct format for a letter to the editor in CBSE exams?
Include: Sender's address (top left), Date, Editor's designation and newspaper name, Subject line, Salutation (Sir/Madam), Body starting with 'Through your esteemed columns...', and Complimentary close with name.
How do I write persuasively within 120 words?
Structure your argument: state the problem (no environment awards), draw a parallel (bravery awards exist), propose the solution (create environment awards), and explain the benefit (inspires eco-consciousness). Each point should be one concise sentence.
Should I discuss both bravery awards and environment awards equally?
No. Mention bravery awards briefly as a reference point, then focus most of your letter on why environment awards should be created. The comparison is the hook, not the main content.