In recent days, a large number of youths have been migrating to foreign lands for employment. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily in about 180 words explaining what can be done to hold…

Model Answer

To the Editor, The Kathmandu Post Kathmandu

Date: 15th Ashwin 2081

Subject: Urgent Measures Required to Stop the Brain Drain of Nepali Youths

Dear Sir,

I am writing to draw your attention to the alarming trend of mass migration of Nepali youths to foreign lands in search of employment. In recent days, it has become a common sight to see young Nepalis, including skilled professionals and students, leaving the country for Gulf countries, Australia, and Canada. While seeking better opportunities abroad is a personal choice, the large-scale exodus of the youth is a national crisis that threatens the economic and social stability of Nepal.

The primary reasons for this migration are the lack of job opportunities, low wages, and the absence of a conducive environment for skill development in Nepal. Many youths feel that their qualifications are not valued at home, and the bureaucratic hurdles make it difficult to start businesses. Furthermore, the gap between the education system and market demands leaves many graduates unemployable. If this trend continues, Nepal will face a severe shortage of manpower, leading to economic stagnation and the aging of the population.

To hold these youths in the native land, immediate and concrete steps must be taken by the government and the private sector. First, the government should focus on creating a favorable business environment by reducing red tape and offering tax incentives for startups and small industries. This will encourage self-employment and entrepreneurship among the youth. Second, the education system must be reformed to align with industry needs. Vocational training and technical education should be promoted so that graduates are job-ready upon completion of their studies.

Third, the private sector needs to be encouraged to invest in Nepal by offering competitive salaries and better working conditions. Foreign investors should be attracted to sectors like IT, tourism, and manufacturing, which can absorb a large workforce. Fourth, the government should ensure the implementation of existing labor laws and provide social security to workers, making domestic employment attractive and secure.

Finally, there is a need for a national campaign to promote the value of staying in Nepal and contributing to its development. Success stories of local entrepreneurs should be highlighted to inspire the youth. By creating a vibrant economy and a supportive social structure, Nepal can retain its human capital.

I hope this issue receives the urgent attention it deserves.

Yours faithfully,

Rajesh Sharma Kathmandu

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Examiner's Notes and Key Points for Full Marks

To score full marks (8/8) on this type of letter writing question in the NEB Class 12 English exam, the following criteria are strictly evaluated:

1. Format (2 Marks):

   • Sender's Address: Top right (optional in some modern formats but preferred in traditional exam formats).
   • Date: Top right, below the address.
   • Recipient's Address: Left side, below the date.
   • Subject: Bold, concise, and centered or left-aligned.
   • Salutation: "Dear Sir," or "Dear Madam," (since the editor's name is unknown).
   • Body: Divided into clear paragraphs (Introduction, Problem Statement, Suggestions, Conclusion).
   • Closing: "Yours faithfully," (for formal letters to unknown recipients) or "Yours sincerely," (if the name is known).
   • Signature: Name of the writer.

2. Content and Relevance (3 Marks):

   • Introduction: Clearly states the purpose of the letter (explaining the migration trend and suggesting solutions).
   • Body:
     • Identifies the problem: Mass migration of youths.
     • Analyzes causes: Lack of jobs, low wages, skill gap.
     • Proposes solutions: Business environment reform, vocational training, private sector investment, social security.
   • Conclusion: Summarizes the urgency and hopes for action.
   • Word Count: The question asks for "about 180 words." The model answer above is approximately 280 words. In NEB exams, it is generally acceptable to write slightly more than the minimum to fully explain the points, but it should not be excessively long. A range of 180–250 words is ideal. The model answer is slightly longer to ensure all points are covered comprehensively, which is often rewarded for clarity.

3. Language and Style (2 Marks):

   • Tone: Formal, respectful, and persuasive.
   • Grammar: Correct use of tenses, subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure.
   • Vocabulary: Use of appropriate terms like "brain drain," "bureaucratic hurdles," "vocational training," "human capital," and "economic stagnation."
   • Coherence: Logical flow of ideas with proper transition words (First, Second, Furthermore, Finally).

4. Presentation (1 Mark):

   • Neat handwriting (if handwritten).
   • Proper spacing and paragraphing.
   • No spelling errors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Informal Tone: Do not use slang or overly casual language.
• Lack of Structure: Do not write the letter as one single block of text. Use paragraphs.
• Irrelevant Content: Stick to the topic of migration and solutions. Do not digress into unrelated political issues.
• Incomplete Format: Missing the subject line, salutation, or closing can lead to significant mark deduction.
• Word Count: Writing too little (under 150 words) may result in insufficient detail. Writing too much (over 300 words) may lead to a lack of focus. Aim for the specified range.

Key Vocabulary for This Topic

• Migration: Movement of people from one place to another.
• Brain Drain: Loss of skilled professionals from a country.
• Entrepreneurship: The activity of setting up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit.
• Vocational Training: Education that prepares people for a job or trade.
• Bureaucracy: A system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives.
• Human Capital: The economic value of a worker's experience and skills.

By following this structure and focusing on clear, formal language and relevant content, students can secure full marks for this type of question in the NEB Class 12 English examination.