Essays

A Visit To A Historical Place. You can find Previous Year Descriptive Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Descriptive Essay Topic – A Visit To A Historical Place

Introduction:
India has a rich historical past, reminisced from the majestic and imposing monuments like the Taj Mahal.

• Preparation for the journey and arrival at Agra
• Description of the Taj Mahal
• Description of the surroundings; Its magnificence in the moonlight

Conclusion:
Beauty that could inspire poets

India perhaps is amongst few countries of the world which is blessed with a rich historical past. Some glimpses of its glorious history, can be reminisced from the majestic and imposing monuments spread across the length and breadth of the country. One of these monuments, which also finds place in the UNESCO list of ‘wonders of the world,’ is the Taj Mahal at Agra. This was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his loving wife Mumtaz Mahal, more then three hundred and fifty years ago.

I had always wished to see this monument and was thrilled to learn, that my class was going on an excursion trip to Agra in the Dusshera vacations. There were thirty boys in the group accompanied by three teachers. Early morning we set forth from Delhi by bus for the four hour drive to Agra. The journey was a memorable experience with chorus, dance and music. Our enthusiasm was contagious for even the sober teachers joined in the merriment. On reaching Agra, after light refreshment we were back again in the bus for our tryst with the Taj Mahal.

Leaving the bus in the parking slot, we trudged along on foot towards the ticket counter. By the time we got the tickets it was late afternoon. The entrance was through a majestic gate made of red stone. The glowing white Taj Mahal viewed from here presented a magnificent sight. The monument stood on a raised and square platform at the farthest end of the complex. In front was a large lush green garden, which had four pools, which reflected the majestic monument in all its glory. In the centre was the driveway on either side of the pool, lined with fountains. The river Yamuna flowing behind it gave it a divine look. Slowly winding our way through the milling crowd we reached the monument, made of pure white marble, which sparkled in the late afternoon sunlight.

On the four comers of the monument, were four tall graceful, slender minarets, on which were embedded precious gems and stones for decoration and calligraphy. The main structure comprised the central dome flanked by four subsidiary dome chambers. Beneath the central dome were the two gravestones of marble around which we moved. The actual graves of Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaj Mahal lay beneath them in the basement. The walls of the main structure and the dome had exquisite carving done on marble, with precious stones embedded in them. Seeing them closely one could not help wonder the great mastery of the artesan who had created them.

The imposing structure was indeed a noble gesture of an emperor expressing his love for his beloved wife. It was however moving to learn that these master artesans had their hands amputated, so that they could not create a similar structure elsewhere. It was late evening and we therefore decided to wait a little longer to see the Taj Mahal in the moonlight.

As luck could have it there was a clear sky. A sigh escaped my lips as I watched the milky monument in moonlight. I was speechless for a moment and could not help recall the words of the famous English poet, Sir Edwin Arnold, “Not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passions of an emperor’s love wrought in living stones.”

Assignments

• You and your friends decide to visit the Red Fort at Delhi. Write about the preparations you made and what impression this monument left on you.
• Describe one frightening incident that you and your family found really nightmarish.

You Have Just Returned From A Cyclone – Affected Area. You can find Previous Year Descriptive Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Descriptive Essay Topic – You Have Just Returned From A Cyclone – Affected Area

Introduction:
Recurrence of natural calamities

• Vivid description of the destruction of life and property
• The relief measures being provided by the government and voluntary agencies

Conclusion:
What more needs to be done

We have made spectacular advancements in science and technology, but time and again nature has shown its supremacy over us. It has reminded us of the supreme power, to whom we are all subservient – ‘God the almighty.’ The wanton destruction it causes through cyclones, hailstorms, avalanches and drought, are also our own undoing.

The thoughtless felling of trees, destruction of forests, green cover on the mountains, and pollution caused by automobiles and industries, result in such calamities striking at regular intervals. They take a heavy toll of life and property and leave behind a trail of destruction. The state of Odisha was struck by a cyclone on the 20th March 2001.

As a freelance reporter for ‘The Daily Times’, I went there to get a first hand account of the tragedy. The extent of destruction and human suffering I saw was unimaginable and beyond description. On my way to Rampur village, which was the worst affected, I saw the roads washed away. The electric and telephone poles littered on the road side, along with massive trees, which blocked the movement of traffic.

The village was enveloped in deadly silence. The eerie silence was broken, by the sobs and wail of children, huddled together in small groups in a makeshift tents. The entire village seemed to have been razed to the ground. Relief workers along with some survivors were shifting the debris, in the hope of finding survivors. On spotting a body in the debris, a painful shriek would occasionally rent the air.

I was relieved to see different agencies actively engaged in the relief operations which were going on in full swing. The Army and the paramilitary forces were busy removing debris from houses and clearing roads. The district administration officials, police and civil defence personnel, were busy in locating and disposing of the bodies, which were highly decomposed. The stench emanating from them, made me put a handkerchief to my nose as I passed a heap of bodies that after identification were being cremated.

There were doctors along with paramedics, providing medical aid to the injured in the temporary relief camps. Looking above 1 saw helicopters airdropping food packets to the marooned people in the village and on the nearby hillocks. It was heartening to see some non-government organisations and voluntary workers setting up make shift kitchens and offering food to their unfortunate brethren.

A week had passed since the tragedy struck this part of Odisha. Though all out relief measure had been made, they were still inadequate. This was for the calamity had left more than ten thousand people dead and millions homeless, in different parts of the coastal region. It is a national calamity, that was promptly declared by the Prime Minister.

It would be a Herculean task to rehabilitate these people and help them pick up their strands of life again. This calls for proper coordination in the relief operations, conducted by different agencies. Besides financial assistance, basic items like food and clothing need to be sent to the Relief Commissioner, for distribution among the hapless people. There is an immediate need to set about building the shattered lives of our unfortunate brethren of Odisha.

Assignment

You have just returned from an earthquake-affected area. Write an account of what you saw and what measures are necessary for the rehabilitation of the people.

An Entertainment Programme Organised On Teacher’s Day. You can find Previous Year Descriptive Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Descriptive Essay Topic – An Entertainment Programme Organised On Teacher’s Day

Introduction:
Preparations made for a memorable Teacher’s Day programme.

• Programme commenced with play titled ‘Corruption’
• The highlight of the function was a musical programme
• This could not be held because of the last minute failure of the orchestra to turn up
• The main protagonist forgot his dialogue, which led to booing and jeering by the students
• Last minute alternative for a song by a student could not be held because of his absence
• Left with no alternative apologised for the flop show

Conclusion:
Important lesson learnt to be humble, realistic and cautious

Teacher’s Day is celebrated every year in our school on the 5th of September. As the head of the cultural club, I decided to celebrate it with a difference this year. To encourage the budding talent, I decided to host a cultural extravaganza, the like of which the school had never seen before. After detailed discussion with other members of the club, we finally short listed a play and a musical concert. The play was a satire on the corruption in the society, to be followed by a musical concert by VJ Orchestra, which was the best in town.

With little time at our disposal, we began practicing in earnest, often staying back after school hours. To ensure smooth progress of the programme, I distributed work among all the members and things seemed to be working as per plan. On D day I felt a bit nervous, but set forth with the programme that was to be held in the school auditorium. The team entrusted with the reception of the teachers, welcomed them with flowers and garlands. The programme commenced with my welcome address, in which I thanked the teachers for their role in moulding our life.

Since the students were getting restless, I requested them to be patient and enjoy the memorable programme, which was to be held for the first time in the school. This was greeted with a loud applause. The programme started with the play titled ‘Corruption’. The curtains went up to show a politician sitting with some hangers on, pressing his legs. Their juicy dialogues, had the audience hold their sides with laughter.

Things were going along fine, till one of my team mates signalled me to come aside. The look of dismay on his face got me worried. I hastened behind the stage to learn that there was no trace of the orchestra. They had rung up to inform that .they could not participate due to the indisposition of key artists. This came as a bombshell to me, for I had not in my wildest dream anticipated such an eventuality. Left with no alternative I decided to approach Ashok, a talented singer in school, to save the day for us. An emissary was sent to fetch him immediately.

Rushing back I found the play approaching the climax with the main protagonist the politician, getting up to make a small speech. He began well, but soon faltered and even prompting did not help. By now the boys started hooting and jeering, which made me beat a hasty retreat. The curtains were drawn but there was no sign of Ashok. My emissary returned with news that he had not come to school. Being left with no alternative, I thought it prudent to go before the audience and apologise for the flop show.

Surprisingly, my humble apology brought an instant reaction. The Principal walked up to the stage, patted me on my shoulder and said, “Well-done boys. There is nothing to be sorry about, for we learn from our mistakes.” With a brief thanksgiving, the programme came to an abrupt end.

I was crestfallen and cursed myself for not anticipating things. Later assessing the sequence of events, I realised that the programme was doomed to fail. The extremely short time for practice and the lack of an alternate plan, was but courting disaster. I am now much wiser after the event, for it has taught me to be humble, realistic and also cautious.

Assignments

• A Fancy dress competition organised by you in your colony ends in a disaster.
• You have organised a variety entertainment in your school. Give a vivid account of your experience.

The Scene At The Railway Station. You can find Previous Year Descriptive Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Descriptive Essay Topic – The Scene At The Railway Station

Introduction:
When and why you visited the railway station?

• Reached the station and learnt that the train was an hour late.
• Scene at the station.
• An incident at the station.

Conclusion:
Arrival of the train and reunion of friends.

I was overjoyed to learn that my friend Rohit was coming to Lucknow to spend the Christmas vacation with me. I decided to receive him at the railway station. The thought of meeting him after a gap of five years exhilarated me.

On the appointed day I got up early in the morning and was at the railway station by 7 AM, the estimated time of arrival of Lucknow Mail. On reaching the station I was informed that the train was an hour late. Cursing the railways for their inefficiency, I trudged along to the enquiry office to enquire about the exact status of the train. The clerk at the counter seemed uncooperative. After some prodding, he informed that there was a derailment at Hardoi, about 60 KM from Lucknow, which had delayed the train.

Since it was unadvisable to return home, I decided to wait and looked around for a place to park myself. To my dismay there was none, for the platform was milling with people. There were passengers waiting for trains, while others like me were waiting to receive their near and dear ones. There were still others, sleeping on the floor with their luggage under their head. I couldn’t help admiring their capacity to sleep, amidst the din of hawkers and vendors.

An occasional dog or cow would make a detour of the place, looking for eatables left by passengers. A bull probably attracted by my red jacket, headed towards me. Fearing that it would butt me, I thought it prudent to move away. It however had no such intention, for it picked up a banana peel lying before me. Feeling tired and exhausted, I took a cup of tea from a vendor. While sipping it, I saw a train screech to a halt on the platform. There was great commotion as people on the platform rushed in, to take their seat, making it difficult for passengers to disembark. There was much shouting and confusion.

In this hullabaloo, a lady who had just disembarked from the train yelled, that her chain had been snatched. Hearing her shout, a lad standing close to her, broke into a run. He came rushing towards me, to escape from the exit passage behind me. I instinctively flung the cup of hot tea on his face. This startled him and in no time I With the help of other passengers overpowered him. The lady thanked me profusely for my presence of mind. The culprit was handed over to the railway police who arrested him.

A little later I was relieved to hear the announcement of the arrival of the Lucknow Mail. As the train rolled in, I found my friend standing in one of the compartments waving out to me. It was a happy reunion, as we hugged each other like long lost friends. All the din, dirt and the clamour was lost on us, as we walked away from the station with his baggage in tow.

Assignments

• You have gone to a village fair along with your friend. Describe what you saw and felt.
• A visit to a trade fair or exhibition

A Visit To A Bus Station. You can find Previous Year Descriptive Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Descriptive Essay Topic – A Visit To A Bus Station

Introduction:
Need to undertake a bus journey

• The scene at the bus stand
• An interesting incident
• Settled down for the journey

Conclusion:
Resolved never to travel long distance by bus

I normally detest travelling by bus not because it is uncomfortable, but because it gives me a feeling of claustrophobia. However, last month I had to go through this ordeal, on being summoned by my uncle to Delhi. The visit was in connection with my long pending Visa application. Unable to get a train ticket, I was left with no other alternative, but to travel by bus.

Reaching the bus station, I saw a huge queue at the ticket counter. Nestling my briefcase between my legs, I also stood in the queue. The station was milling with people. Some were sitting on benches, on the floor, while still others lay asleep with bags under their head, prepared for an eternal wait. An occasional cow or dog would make a detour of the place, in search of eatables thrown by passengers. They were also bold enough to nibble at the bags. I hated myself to be amidst this squalor. I nudged along in the queue which was advancing at a snail’s pace. There was an occasional fray of temper, as people tried to jump the queue, which made the nudging and jostling more unpleasant.

Just then a person standing a little distance from me cried out that his pocket had been picked. He immediately collared the person pushing him, accusing him of the offence. I instinctively felt for my purse and was relieved to find it intact. By now the scuffle had turned to a free for all, with allegations and counter allegations. Fortunately a beat constable seeing the commotion arrived on the scene and took both the warring parties aside. On checking the person of the accused, the offending purse was found. While the public wanted to teach the pickpocket a lesson, the constable handled the situation with tact and led the culprit away in handcuffs.

As the commotion subsided, I once again queued up for the ticket. Clutching the ticket in my hand I looked around for a place to rest myself. Seeing none, I placed my briefcase near a tea stall and sipped the hot tea waiting for the bus to arrive. I felt relieved after the nerve wrecking experience which I had just gone through.

As soon as the bus arrived people rushed toward it. I also collected my wits and scrambled towards it. After a lot of pushing and jostling, I found myself in the bus. Exhausted, I thankfully sat on the first vacant seat which came my way. After about half an hour, the bus finally pulled out of the station. While dozing off to sleep I made a mental note of never undertaking a long journey by bus, which left one weary even before the journey begins.

Assignments

• A view from a ship overlooking the harbour
• A scene in a shopping plaza

A Day When Everything Went Wrong In School. You Can Find Previous Year Descriptive Essay Topics Asked In ICSE Board Exams.

Descriptive Essay Topic – A Day When Everything Went Wrong In School

Introduction:
A day that one would like to forget for nothing good happened that day.

• Got up late in the morning for the half yearly exams
• Prepared for the wrong subject
• Punished for coming late

Conclusion:
Even now have nightmare of that day when everything went wrong at school.

A day in school is normally like any other day, but there is a day that one would like to forget, for nothing good happens that day. Even now recalling it gives me nightmares. Last year in the midst of the half yearly examinations, I got up late in the morning. My head felt dizzy because of sleeping late the previous night, preparing for the English Language test.

Looking at the alarm clock left me pale. I had just ten minutes to board the school bus. I scrambled from bed, completed my daily chores in a jiffy. I had barely put on my trousers, when the horn of the school bus sounded. Clutching my bag, I hounded out of the driveway, but to my dismay the bus was nowhere in sight. Rushing back, I entreated my father to drop me to school in his car. He grudgingly agreed, after giving me a pep talk on being careless.

I reached school twenty minutes late, and was immediately ticked off by the monitor, who asked me to stay back after school as punishment. I took this in my stride, cursing my ill stars for the humiliation. On reaching the classroom, I took my seat and settled down for the test. The Question paper left me dumbstruck.

Was I hallucinating? I pinched myself to see if I was in my senses. Yes I was. I glanced at my wrist watch, it was indeed the 1st of September but the test slated was not English but Maths. The earth seemed to slip under my feet as I tried to come to terms with this catastrophe. Maths itself was my achilles heel, but to give a test without preparation was indeed a nightmare. I however gathered my wits and began to attempt the questions with trembling hands.

After two hours the ordeal was finally over. I had vision of a sound whacking, that was in store for me. I was morose throughout the lunch recess. My friend Arvind first laughed at my foolishness, but later comforted me allaying my fears. To add salt to injury, I was made to stand outside the class, for not bringing the Science book. I heaved a sigh of relief on hearing the toll of the school bell.

But alas! I had to stay back for detention, which meant catching a public bus to reach home. The journey in the bus was another shattering experience. It was packed to capacity and I could barely stand on my feet throughout the journey. A year has passed but I still have nightmare of that day, when everything went wrong at school. Recalling it sends a shiver down my spine.

Assignments

• Write a description of the happiest day in your life.
• Write about the saddest day of your life.

Prohibition Is An Infringement Of Our Fundamental Right. You can find Previous Year Argumentative Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Argumentative Essay Topic – Prohibition Is An Infringement Of Our Fundamental Right

Introduction:
It is commonly used to ban the use of intoxicant beverages by the rule of law.

• People advocate prohibition on the ground of morality and ethics; It is addictive.
• Enforcement of prohibition interferes with the private life of the citizen.
• Enforcing prohibition gives rise to bootlegging and trafficking which have dangerous consequences.
• The government in turn loses considerable revenue in the form of excise duty and sales tax.

Conclusion:
Enforcing prohibition does not work. Respecting the right of the individual, it should be left to his discretion.

The word ‘prohibition’ owes its genesis to the word ‘prohibit’ which means ban. It is commonly used to ban the use of intoxicant beverages by the rule of law. In the age of enlightenment and freedom its imposition on the citizen, is an infringement of his fundamental right.

People advocate banning the sale and consumption of intoxicant beverages on the ground of morality and ethics. According to them its consumption makes people addicts and drunkards. This ruins them and their family. They fail to realise, that prohibition is unjust for the majority for the sake of the few who would anyway come to ruin, because of their weak will power.

Enforcement of prohibition interferes with the private life of the citizen. People i drink for enjoyment, for overcoming weariness and for some it is a matter of aping the Jones. As confirmed by medical experts alcoholic drinks within limits are good for health. Furthermore, it is a necessity for people living in cold climatic conditions.

Enforcing prohibition is easier said than done. It gives rise to a plethora of other problems like bootlegging and trafficking in illicit liquor. While the former provides encouragement to antisocial elements making a mockery of the law, the latter gives rise to a parallel-uncontrolled industry. This is more dangerous as illicit breweries in the countryside serve poisonous brew to the poor labourers. Hundreds of people die on consuming such adulterated liquor. Those that are spared death are maimed for life being either blinded or paralysed.

The government in turn loses considerable revenue in the form of excise duty and sales tax, which it realises from the sale of liquor. This leads to resource crunch, adversely affecting the development and social welfare schemes of the state. Some states had imposed prohibition bowing to popular sentiments. However, they had to roll back the same because of severe financial crunch. A specific example being, the state of Andhra Pradesh.

Enforcing prohibition does not work. It is important to educate the public on the evil of excessive drinking. The glamour and macho depicted in advertisements should be countered effectively. Finally respecting the fundamental right of the individual, it should be-left to his discretion.

Assignments

• ‘Drinking of alcoholic beverages should be banned in public places.’ Discuss
• The evil of drug abuse among students. Find the causes and suggest effective remedies.

It Is Better, To Have Brains Than Beauty. You can find Previous Year Argumentative Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Argumentative Essay Topic – It Is Better, To Have Brains Than Beauty

Introduction:
“Remember that the most beautiful things in the world are the most useless, peacock and lilies for instance,”

• Beauty is not lasting, it declines with age. The brain and mental faculty improves and grows with age
• The brain has an all pervasive impact on us, while beauty can at best razzle dazzle for a moment
• Beauty can enthrall us for the moment, while the brain reaches out and influences the lives of people.
• The brain impacts our personality

Conclusion:
Undoubtedly, it is better to have brains than beauty.

“Remember that the most beautiful things in the world are the most useless, peacock and lilies for instance,” said John Ruskin. It is better to have brain than beauty, for it is useful to us and the society. While physical beauty is purely visual, the beauty of the brain is all encompassing.

It enables the individual to perform great deeds and make a valuable contribution to the society. On the other hand physical beauty is but ‘skin-deep’ as most beautiful people are superficial. Beneath their exterior countenance lie base qualities of jealousy, wickedness, pride and arrogance.

Furthermore beauty is not everlasting, it fades out with age and time. The beauty which is at its peak in youth, withers with age making it unrecognisable in old age. On the contrary the brain and mental faculty improves and grows with age. People become wiser and more experienced, others look up to them for advice and direction.
The brain has an all pervasive impact on us. It influences our words and actions. Thus a person with a pleasing mental disposition, leaves a satisfying influence on others, for a long time.

While a person blessed with beauty and glamour can at best razzle dazzle for a moment. No sooner such a person is out of sight than he/she is forgotten. Some beautiful people live in vain unnoticed and unsung. A noble mind on the other hand brings out the inner beauty of the person. It is because of this, personalities like Mother Teresa and Mahatma Gandhi, who by no stretch of imagination could be called beautiful, left an indelible impact on society. Their noble deeds and actions, which were the outcome of a dignified mind would inspire generations. People gratefully remember them as Mother and Mahatma respectively.

Beauty can at best enthrall us for the moment, while the brain can reach out and influence the lives of countless people inspiring them profoundly. This is exemplified in the life and travails of Florence Nightingale. She could have lived a normal life like other girls of her age, but she chose to reach out to the injured and the suffering. The maiden with the lamp not only brightened the lives of those she came in contact with, but she blazed a new trail in the nursing profession.

It is an acknowledged fact that the brain impacts our personality. This is why at national and international beauty paegants, effort is made to gauge the intelligence of the participants by eliciting their response to identical questions. Undoubtedly it is better to have brains than beauty. William Shakespeare acknowledging this fact said, “For sweetest things turn sourest by their deeds, Lilies that fester smell far more than weeds”. This is for the brain, inspires us to do noble things. It not only makes us happy but also spreads joy and happiness in the society.

Assignments

• Beauty is but skin deep
• “Remember that the most beautiful things in the world are the most useless, peacock and lilies for instance.”
• ‘Beauty paegants are a vulgar display of body.’ Give your views for or against the statement.

Education Makes The People Easy To Lead. You can find Previous Year Argumentative Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Argumentative Essay Topic – Education Makes The People Easy To Lead

Introduction:
What is education?

• The present scenario in the country
• Effect on the people; Awakens their mind
• Trains the intellect to reason logically
• Makes them cultured, civilised and humane
• Empowers them by helping learn new skills and techniques
• Effect on the nation; Strengthens democracy

Conclusion:
Education is necessary to safeguard our independence.

“Education makes the people easy to lead, but difficult to drive, easy to govern, but impossible to enslave,” said Lord Brougham. This is true, for without education man is a shade better than an animal. The word ‘education’ is derived from a Latin word meaning ‘to draw out’. Thus it is the drawing out of the mental faculties of a person which is essential for leading a happy life. In its absence, people behave like a flock of sheep that can only be herded.

Lack of education among the poor and the downtrodden make them vulnerable to economic and political exploitation. Though adequate provisions to ensure their empowerment have been made in the constitution, the fruits of economic development have not percolated down to them. This is because lack of education deprives them of the power to claim their rights. They are economically exploited by the landlords, and petty traders.

Politically they fall easy prey to the mechanisation of crafty politicians. Their so- called messiah treat them as vote banks, for gamering power and clout for themselves, leaving them worse off. This problem can only be addressed by enlightening the masses through proper education. It would enable them to think for themselves and be able to distinguish between good and bad.

Awakening their minds to the wonders and mysteries of the universe, would help remove doubts and superstitions. It would help in the eradication of many social evils that plague the society like child marriage, dowry etc. Besides eradication of social evils it would improve health and sanitation thereby making their lives comfortable and happy. Their enlightened minds would reason logically and not to be carried away by false or illogical promises of politicians or power brokers.

Enlightening the masses would empower them. By learning new skills they would be able to contribute to the nation’s growth and development. By adopting new technologies j in agriculture they would help transform the countryside and bring about a green revolution for their economic emancipation.

An enlightened electorate would also auger well for the country for it would strengthen democracy. The people in the true sense would be able to elect good honest leaders. Leaders that empathise with them, and are able to appreciate national problems, [ rather than be misguided by vested, selfish sectarian interests. This would strengthen the hands of the government and make it govern more effectively.

Education of the masses is necessary to safeguard our independence for it would enable the masses to exercise their franchise without fear or favour. This would indeed make them the master of their destiny. In short it would make them civilised, cultured and good citizens of a proud country.

Assignments

• Poverty and unemployment are the major problems facing the country. Write about any one suggesting what remedies might be effective.
• Unemployment is a major problem affecting the country. Suggest what remedies might be effective.

It Is Better To Be Born A Genius Than Talented. You can find Previous Year Argumentative Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Argumentative Essay Topic – It Is Better To Be Born A Genius Than Talented

Introduction:
What is a genius and talent?

• Would like to be born a genius, for it is inborn while talent is acquired;
• Genius thrives in an adverse environment
• They are rarely born after centuries, leave a legacy for posterity.

Conclusion:
Would like to be born a genius, and make innovative contribution to society.

“Talent hits a target no one else can hit. Genius hits a target no one else can see,” said Arthur Schoperhauer. Thus while talent can be acquired by constant practice, genius is inborn and cannot be acquired. The word ‘genius’ implies very extraordinary native power, especially as displayed in original creations, discoveries and achievements. The originality of the work of a genius is an inborn inspiration, independent of instruction or training, which drives a person to do something with original excellence.

A genius is not born every day. They are as rare as the blue moon. Talent on the other hand, is an ability which can be acquired by learning or instruction. Thus while talent is a capacity to learn to do a thing well, genius is an inborn inspiration, an instinct that drives a man to excellence. In other words while a ‘genius’ does what it must, a talent does what it can.

Given a choice I would like to be born a genius, for imagine having to bestow something new and inspiring in science and literature like Newton or William Shakespeare. They were trailblazers who left behind a rich trail for others to follow. A person blessed with a specific talent in any field of human activity is also great, but what set a genius apart is the originality. It is because of this that the painting of Monalisa by Leonardo Da Vinci is referred to as the work of genius, though there are many good paintings by talented painters.

Geniuses have been known to thrive in the most unfavourable of environment. Illustrious personalities like William Shakespeare, Mirza Ghalib, Tulsi Das and Munshi Premchand were born in acute poverty, but blessed with genius they rose to the pinnacle of glory, which made them immortal. They did not have the privilege of a formal education, but the literary wealth they bequeathed makes the so-called educated men blush with ignorance. Their words loaded with wisdom and truth, are as relevant today as they were then. A few of them like Mirza Ghalib, was unaware of his genius. Had it not been for his patrons, who painstakingly compiled his utterings, the world would have been much poorer.

Geniuses are God’s gift to mankind. They have blazed a new trail in various fields like Beethoven’s in Music, Albert Einstein in Science and Mahatma Gandhi in Social Welfare to name a few. They have left behind a legacy so rich and varied, which would continue to inspire generations. They have set benchmarks, against which ordinary mortals set about acquiring talent, basking in their reflected glory.

I would therefore like to be born a genius and make some innovative contribution to the society, rather than be reduced to a mere copy. This is not to demean talented people, for they are also great men. But when it comes to a choice, why choose a replica, when you can have the unique.

Assignments

• Talent and genius.
• ‘Geniuses are born not made.’ Give your views for or against the statement.