- Answer any one of the two, (a) or (b), in 120 words : (b) Climate change is one of the most pressing global issues today, with rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation affecting life across the planet. While governments and organisations take action, it is equally important for the youth to understand their role and act responsibly toward a sustainable future. As Anu/Aarav Mehta, Sunrise Apartment, Paninagar, write a letter to the editor of a national daily expressing your concern about climate change, emphasizing the role of younger people in combating it, and suggesting practical steps the youth can take to make a positive impact.
- Answer any one of the two, (a) or (b), in 120 words : (b) Climate change is one of the most pressing global issues today, with rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation affecting life across the planet. While governments and organisations take action, it is equally important for the youth to understand their role and act responsibly toward a sustainable future. As Anu/Aarav Mehta, Sunrise Apartment, Paninagar, write a letter to the editor of a national daily expressing your concern about climate change, emphasizing the role of younger people in combating it, and suggesting practical steps the youth can take to make a positive impact.
Sunrise Apartment
Paninagar
6 July 2026
The Editor
The National Herald
New Delhi
Subject: The youth's vital role in combating climate change
Sir/Madam
Through your widely read newspaper, I wish to voice my deep concern about climate change. Rising temperatures, erratic monsoons, floods and worsening air quality now threaten our health, farming and future. While governments and organisations act, lasting change also demands responsible action from us, the young.
Young people can make a real difference. We can save electricity and water, cut single-use plastic, plant and protect trees, use cycles or public transport, and spread awareness through social media and school eco-clubs. Small, consistent habits add up to a powerful movement.
I appeal to fellow youngsters to lead the way toward a sustainable future.
Yours faithfully
Aarav Mehta
Marking Scheme
- 1Format – 2 marks: sender's address, date, receiver (The Editor + daily), subject line, salutation (Sir/Madam), and complimentary close (Yours faithfully) with the given name Anu/Aarav Mehta.
- 2Content – 3 marks: concern about climate change (1), the specific role/responsibility of the youth (1), and practical steps young people can take (1).
- 3Expression – Fluency & Coherence (1 mark): logical paragraphing, formal persuasive register, clear linking.
- 4Expression – Accuracy (1 mark): grammar, spelling, punctuation.
- 5Acceptable alternatives: any relevant youth actions — energy/water conservation, reducing plastic, afforestation, sustainable transport, digital awareness campaigns, eco-clubs. Small word-limit overshoot not penalised.
Hint
Keep the youth angle central in every paragraph; state the concern, argue why young people matter, and list concrete youth-level actions — all within full formal-letter format using the given name and address.
Quick Oral Answer
In this letter to the editor I voice concern over climate change, argue that the youth — the most affected and connected generation — must lead, and suggest concrete steps like saving energy and water, cutting plastic, planting trees, using public transport and spreading awareness, all in proper formal-letter format signed 'Yours faithfully, Aarav Mehta'.
Analysis & Explanation
A letter to the editor on climate change must foreground the youth's role, not just describe the problem, and stay format-perfect.
Concept
- Same formal skeleton as any letter to the editor: sender's address (Sunrise Apartment, Paninagar), date, receiver, subject line, 'Sir/Madam', and 'Yours faithfully' with the given name Anu/Aarav Mehta.
- The prompt's specified persona/address is mandatory — inventing another name costs format marks.
Key Points
- Three content targets: express concern about climate change, emphasise why youth are pivotal, and suggest practical youth-level steps.
- Credible actions: saving energy/water, cutting single-use plastic, tree planting, cycling/public transport, awareness via social media and eco-clubs.
Common Mistakes (परीक्षा में सावधानी)
- Writing a generic 'save the environment' piece that never foregrounds the youth angle the question explicitly demands.
- Listing vague steps instead of doable, individual actions young people can actually take.
Real-World Application
- Echoes real youth-led climate advocacy (school climate strikes, campus sustainability drives); citing everyday achievable actions keeps the letter credible rather than preachy.
Common Mistakes
- 1Writing a general environment essay that never centres the youth/younger-people angle the question explicitly requires.
- 2Listing only the problems of climate change and forgetting the 'practical steps the youth can take' section, which carries content marks.
- 3Format slips — wrong name/address instead of 'Anu/Aarav Mehta, Sunrise Apartment, Paninagar', missing subject line, or an informal sign-off.
Previously Asked
Write a letter in 100-120 words to the editor of a local daily drawing attention to the problem of affordable accommodation for students in Delhi. Landlords charge exorbitant rents and refuse rooms due to cultural differences. You are Raman/Raveena, 12, Station Road, Delhi.
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.
'Atithi Devo Bhava' has been India's stand... However, only tourism promotional drives do not suffice. It is important to sensitize those in the tourism industry to conduct themselves with propriety as hosts... Write a letter to the Tourism Department expressing your concerns.
Interesting Facts
The 2015 Paris Agreement set the global target of limiting warming to well below 2°C, ideally 1.5°C, above pre-industrial levels — the benchmark most climate action is now measured against.
Youth-led movements such as the global school 'climate strikes' from 2018–2019 mobilised millions of students across the world, showing how powerfully young people can shape the climate debate.
Simple individual actions add up: switching to cycling or public transport, cutting single-use plastic and planting trees are among the everyday measures repeatedly recommended by climate bodies for ordinary citizens.
Spotted a mistake or something unclear?
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep the youth angle central in this letter?
Frame every part around young people: mention how the crisis affects their future, argue why they are best placed to act, and make your practical steps specifically youth-achievable (school eco-clubs, social-media awareness, cycling, cutting plastic). Avoid a generic 'everyone should save the planet' tone.
Which sign-off is correct for a letter to the editor?
Use 'Yours faithfully' (since you address 'Sir/Madam' without a name) followed by your given name — here Anu/Aarav Mehta. 'Yours sincerely' is only for letters that open with a named person.
Should I still write a subject line even under 120 words?
Yes. The subject line is part of the formal-letter format and carries format marks. Keep it short and pointed, e.g. 'The youth's vital role in combating climate change'.