Essays

Are Betting And Gambling National Evils? You can find Previous Year Argumentative Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Argumentative Essay Topic – Are Betting And Gambling National Evils?

Introduction:
Betting or gambling is the sure way of getting nothing from something.

• It is evil when it becomes a compulsive habit.
• People become addicted to it.
• It affects the work culture of people.
• This leads them to crime and violence.
• This, evil has also infiltrated the halo arena of sports, like football and cricket.

Conclusion:
Gambling and betting are not games for enjoyment for people lose both time and money, two of the most precious things.

‘Betting or gambling is the sure way of getting nothing from something.’ People resort to them by playing for financial stakes in the hope of striking it rich. They do so by playing cards, dealing in stocks and shares, betting on match outcome, and almost anything which has an element of chance. This gives them thrill and excitement. Being independent citizens, people do have a legitimate right to partake in such excitement, which is no evil on the ground of morality.

However, it becomes an evil when it is a compulsive habit. Quite often we find people whose greed for wealth overcomes their reasoning. In the hope of winning they gamble away their life’s savings, destroying their life and that of the family. Such a sport could be a game of chance for the wealthy, giving him thrill and excitement but for the poor it leads to penury and grief. They resort to gambling by playing cards or buying lottery tickets, in the hope of becoming rich overnight, little realising that they are merely pursuing an illusion.

Such addicts find it difficult to break away from the habit. They find themselves in a vicious cycle where despite losing they must keep on playing, in the hope of covering up their losses. Such is its stranglehold that it makes them a financial and mental wretch. We know the ignominy that the Pandavas had to suffer in the Mahabharata, when they lost their wife Draupadi to the Kauvaras in the game of dice.

Gambling and betting also affects the work culture of people. They no longer want to work for earning a stable livelihood. Being gripped with the delusion of ‘get rich quick syndrome’, they become unfit for work in course of time. They spend their time idling and in other unproductive pursuits.

This shunning of work and application to labour leads them to crime and violence. To satisfy their craving and cater to the basic necessities of life, they resort to theft and other criminal activities. This leads them to prison and break up of homes.

This evil has also infiltrated the halo arena of sports, like football and cricket and almost about anything. Reputed players for raking in the moolah, have sullied the gentleman’s game of cricket, by fixing matches at the behest of betting syndicates. This has led to corruption in high places which if not checked, could eliminate the thrill of watching games and sports.

Gambling and betting are not games for enjoyment. People lose both time and money, two of the most precious things that can make their life good and happy. Unfortunately this malice has now become so widespread and deep rooted, that it is a national evil.

Assignments

• ‘Betting in cricket should be banned.’ Give your views for or against the statement.
• ‘Betting and gambling should be banned.’ Discuss
• ‘Betting and gambling should be legalised.’ Discuss.

Should Punishment Be Retributive Or Reformatory? You can find Previous Year Argumentative Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Argumentative Essay Topic – Should Punishment Be Retributive Or Reformatory?

Introduction:
What is ‘retributive punishment’?

• The state took upon itself the role of policing the society.
• Humantarians advocated for reformatory form of punishment which lays stress on reforming the person.
• The reformatory form of punishment considers that a convict can be modified and corrected by proper counselling and environment.

Conclusion:
Reformatory form of punishment is desirable for it addresses the root cause of the problem.

‘Give a dog a bad name and hang him’. This is retributive or avenging punishment. Here the criminal is severely punished, to deter others to obey the law. The effect of such a form of punishment on the public is debatable, but the effect it has on the criminal is evident. Such punishments existed up to the nineteenth century when the legal codes were severe and the penalties harsh. This was consciously done, to compel people to obey and fear law. It was also felt that criminals or people who broke the law should be kept away from contaminating the society.

The state thus took upon itself the role of policing the society. The effect on the criminal, was disastrous. They suffered brutalities in prison and were bullied into submission. Punishment like flogging and solitary confinement, even denial of food and water were the order of the day. Being in.the company of hardened criminals, they imbibed their skills and nursed a secret hatred for society. They came out of prison more hardened and dangerous, Their animosity towards society further aggravated as people shunned and looked down on them. Exasperated they took to crime on a much larger scale. Thus a small time offender, became a hardened criminal.

This negative aspect of retributive punishment made humanitarians campaign for prison reforms, which resulted in a quantum shift in the ideology of meting out punishment. The prison codes have been modified and savage penalties have been abolished. Prisoners today enjoy human rights, which are duly respected. This is because of growing conviction, that reformatory form of punishment which lays stress on reforming the person is more desirable than punitive.

The reformatory form of punishment considers a convict a human being, who can be modified and corrected, to become a good citizen. Thus in imprisoning the criminal the state sees this as an opportunity to reform him. Jails today are therefore equipped with television, libraries and vocational training centres. Besides formal education, vocational training is also given to prisoners so that they can live a normal life on completing their term.

Thus offenders are reformed to become good citizens. Indeed, the reformatory form of punishment is desirable for it addresses the root cause of the problem, which could be poverty or deprivation. This is also in line with Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy “Hate the sin, not the sinner.”

Assignments

• ‘Retributive punishment is the need of the hour to curb the growing incidence of crime.’ Give your views for or against the statement.
• Crime and punishment in the modem world

Pen Is Mightier than The Sword. You can find Previous Year Argumentative Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Argumentative Essay Topic – Pen Is Mightier than The Sword

Introduction:
The power of a pen ruled by the mind, is mightier, than a sword, ruled by the muscle.

• The noble ideas and thoughts penned by great revolutionaries led to big revolutions.
• The pen influences the mind and brings permanent transformation, while the effect of force is temporary. Example: Emperor Ashoka
• The writings of sages have a profound influence on our life like the Ramayana and Gita.
• The changes brought about by the pen are humane and noble, eliciting love, affection, peace.
• That by the sword lead to hatred, animosity and more violence.

Conclusion:
The pen rules the mind and heart of the people, and is therefore mightier than the sword.

“Power flows from the barrel of a gun”. People who believed in the above dictum have been thrown into oblivion. This is for the power of a pen ruled by the mind, is far mightier, than a sword, ruled by the muscle. The sword may conquer the body, but it can never conquer the heart and mind of the person. The sword may elicit fear and compliance which is short-lived, but the pen influences the mind and its effect is everlasting.

The noble ideas and thoughts penned by great revolutionaries led to big revolutions. The fiery slogans of liberty, equality and fraternity’ put forth by Rousseau and Voltaire ignited the French Revolution. Similarly, Das Kapital authored by Karl Marx, fired the imagination of millions suffering exploitation under autocratic rule. This led to the communist revolution, which swept across Asia and Europe.

The revolutionary thoughts expressed by writers in their books, continue to influence our lives even today. Their writings moulded history, and are more resounding than all military victories. Thus while we remember them with respect and awe, great conquerors like Napoleon, Taimur and Hitler are hated and forgotten. Closer to home words penned by Mahatma Gandhi awakened the Indian masses from age-old slumber, to fight for independence.

By influencing the mind one can bring about a permanent transformation, while the use of force can only subdue the opponent temporarily. The Great Emperor Ashoka realised this after the long and arduous battle of Kalinga. Moved by the teachings of the Buddha, he renounced violence and set forth spreading his message of love and compassion. He achieved greater glory and fame by winning the hearts of the people, spreading his empire in Asia.

Besides works of great revolutionaries, the writings of sages and religious leaders have a profound influence on our life. Great epics like the Ramayana and Gita written by Valmiki and Vedvyas inspire us, and shall continue to inspire generations till eternity. The stoicisms and noble behaviours of lord Rama and Aijuna, would have faded from the memory, had they not been immortalised by them.

The pen is mightier than the sword for it has changed the course of history, leaving an indelible impression on mankind. The changes brought about by it are humane and noble, eliciting love, affection, peace and tranquility. While change brought about by the use of the sword brings with it negative feelings of animosity, anger and hatred.

It is because of this that John Milton said, “Who kills a man, kills a reasonable creature. God’s image, but he who destroys a good book, kills reason itself, kills the image of God as it were in the eye.” Indeed the power of the pen of great writers is an image of God. They rule the minds and hearts of the people, and are mightier than the sword.

Assignment

“Power flows from the barrel of gun.” Give your views for or against the statement.

Should Competitive Examinations Be Abolished? You can find Previous Year Argumentative Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Argumentative Essay Topic – Should Competitive Examinations Be Abolished?

Introduction:
What is competitive examination?

• Need for competitive examinations
• Competitive examinations act like an imperfect sieve; it does not test a candidate’s suitability.
• Only knowledge tested, other important attributes are overlooked.
• Competitive examinations being highly subjective
• Need to augment by considering attributes, like personality, character and will power

Conclusion:
Need to augment the existing system to make it realistic and objective

All examinations are competitive in nature, as each Candidate tries to secure the maximum marks. This is prevalent in studies as well as in every sphere of human activity and is the secret of our growth and development. Hence competitive examinations should not be abolished.

Competitive examinations are held to select candidates for civil services, banks or for admission to reputed colleges. Such examinations are considered an egalitarian way of choosing worthy applicants without favouritism, influence or any other consideration. The selection process therefore, uses the procedure of elimination, and selects candidates purely on the basis of their performance in the written examination. It tests candidates on specific subjects, knowledge, traits and analytical reasoning. This is necessary because a large number of candidates apply for limited vacancies which make the competition tough.

Such a selection process is purely subjective and faulty. It tests a candidate’s knowledge on a certain subject, mental ability and awareness, but does not judge other essential traits that are necessary for a particular job. Take for example the Indian Civil Service examination for recruiting people to the Indian Administrative Services. Every year lakhs of candidates appear for the examination, which evaluates their knowledge on certain subjects, quite oblivious to the fact, that there are more essential attributes required for a civil servant, like administrative ability, man management, tact, diplomacy and quick decision-making.

Thus competitive examinations act like an imperfect sieve, through which candidates are selected subjectively, without analysing their suitability for the job. There is need for a proper form of evaluation, whereby an applicant’s potential can be objectively judged, taking into account his/her suitability for the job.

Competitive examinations being highly subjective, candidates pass them by selective cramming. This knowledge is therefore, superficial and hence, easily forgotten. It defeats the very purpose of selecting people with real knowledge and skill. This is proven by the fact that toppers in schools or colleges are not always successful, while mediocre ones, deemed by the present competitive examination excel in life.

There is therefore need to augment the present system of examination. Other important attributes, like personality, character and will power also need to be evaluated. These are essential qualities for any responsible position, especially for a civil servant.

Despite all its anomalies there is need for some form of examination to select candidates from the teeming millions. Perhaps the existing system could be augmented with psychographic tests, group discussions, group tasks and personal interviews to get a more realistic and objective assessment of the candidate’s other qualities beside knowledge. This would enable it to achieve the purpose for which it was intended.

Assignments

• ‘The ills of the present examination system.’ State your views on the subject.
• ‘Too many examinations are of little value.’ Discuss the statement.
• ‘Examinations work like an imperfect sieve.’ Discus the statement

Child Labour Should Be Banned. You can find Previous Year Argumentative Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Argumentative Essay Topic – Child Labour Should Be Banned

Introduction:
Child labour should be banned.

• Children are forced to work, to eke out a living; impacts their impressionable minds
• They are exploited; made to work in hazardous factories
• Their survival instinct moulds their personality which makes them take to crime and anti social activities.
• The government has banned child labour which is not effectively enforced for there is no provision for their food and shelter.

Conclusion:
Child labour must be effectively banned, ensuring at the same time that no child goes to sleep hungry.

“The child is the father of man,” said William Wordsworth, for the experience of childhood cast a shadow on the future. Children are imparted noble values and virtues, so that they grow up to be good and responsible citizens of the country. Making them work in the tender age not only destroys their future but is also detrimental for the country.

It is indeed unfortunate that children are forced to work, to eke out a living. The hands that should hold books and toys for study or play are used for hard manual work. Their gentle and impressionable minds, which ought to imbibe good and noble qualities, are exposed to the harsh realities of life. It is indeed a pity to see them toil and shoulder responsibilities, which are far more than their tender shoulders can bear. Childhood which comes once in a lifetime is wasted.

Being Weak and undemanding they are susceptible to exploitation. They work in the agricultural sector and in hazardous factories making fireworks and chemicals, risking their life to keep body and soul together. So tragic is their condition, that in the prime of their youth, they are a physical and mental wreck. Youth has bypassed them altogether.

Their survival instinct moulds their personality and attitudes, which makes them take to crime and anti social activities.The Chota Ranjans, the Dawood Ibrahims and countless others, bear testimony to what deprivation of childhood can lead to. Thus instead of growing up to be law-abiding citizens, they become a threat to the society.

Realising the gravity of the situation, the government has banned child labour, making it an offence under the law. It is however not effectively enforced. This is because no provision of food and shelter has been made for such children. It is because of this, the evil of child labour continues to gnaw into the vitals of the society.

No ban can work, unless such children are provided with food, shelter and education. This would not only bring back their childhood, but also secure the future of the nation. To spare the nation from the likes of mafia dons and criminals child labour must be effectively banned, ensuring at the same time that no child goes to sleep hungry.

Assignments

• ‘Exploitation of children as domestic help is an evil.’ Give your views for or against.
• ‘The child is father of the man’. Do you agree and if so why give reasons?

Corporal Punishment In Schools. You can find Previous Year Argumentative Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Argumentative Essay Topic – Corporal Punishment In Schools

Introduction:
What is corporal punishment? It should be abolished.

• School is detested by students.
• It inhibits the child’s natural urge to learn.
• Results in school dropouts and often causes grievous injury
• Affects personality development of the student

Conclusion:
Need to ban corporal punishment

Corporal punishment is meted out to students in school by teachers, for minor act of indiscipline or misbehaviour. This is a retributive form of punishment in which teachers resort to caning or spanking. The objective of awarding such form of punishment is to deter others from committing the same mistake. This concept and method of punishment, is not conducive to education in school, which is a temple of learning.

Students go to school to acquire knowledge and to add to their mental acumen, rather than be subjected to torture and humiliation which erodes their self esteem and confidence. Such schools become a dignified prison, where students follow set rules and procedures, the non-compliance of which invites immediate retribution. Thus instead of looking forward to another day at school, students are happy staying away from it, defeating the very objective of a school.

Corporal punishment also inhibits their mental faculty, which gets clouded with fear and apprehension. It curtails the natural urge of experimenting and learning through trial and error, which is vital in the learning process. The lurking fear of punishment on committing a mistake dampens their initiative. They thus remain content in following rules, which curb their creative talent to do things differently.

Often such punishment has a telling effect on the morale of the student who avoid going to school. Apart from physical injury, the embarrassment that accompanies it has a profound effect on the psychology of the young pupil. They detest the school and its tormentors and often drop out of school. Thus not only does it kill the desire to acquire knowledge, but also changes the course of their life, turning them a criminal or an antisocial element. There are also instances, of students being crippled for life or even dying, because of being subjected to severe form of corporal punishment.

Corporal punishment also has a crippling effect on the personality of the students shattering their self confidence and self belief. They are temperamentally nervous and lacking in drive and initiative. This reflects in their lack of creativity and self-esteem which makes them a misfit in the society.

Indeed the days of ‘ Spare the rod and spoil the child’ are over. There is an urgent need to ban corporal punishment in schools if the quality of education is to be enhanced. It is encouraging to note that many institutions have done away with this form of punishment. Moreover doing away with corporal punishment would encourage more and more students to go to school. This would benefit the society, for in the words of Victor Hugo, “He who opens a school door, closes a prison.”

Assignments

• ‘Spare the rod and spoil the child’. Give your views for or against the statement.
• ‘Fear of punishment only enforces discipline.’ Give your views for or against the statement.

The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Living. You can find Previous Year Argumentative Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Argumentative Essay Topic – The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Living

Introduction:
Concept of a democratic society; more advantageous.

• People enjoy fundamental rights and have freedom of speech, work, religion
• The right of franchise enables them to elect the government of their choice
• Makes the people master of their own destiny, unity in diversity
• Few disadvantages plague the system, created by narrow-minded political and religious leaders
• Democratic society offers stability and better quality of life than any other form of society

Conclusion:
Living in a democratic society has many advantages and is the hope of the future.

‘Government of the people, for the people and by the people, shall not perish from the earth’, said Abraham Lincoln. He was indeed very prophetic, for people living in a democratic society have a say in the working of the government. Such a democratic society is therefore bound to be good and successful. India, the largest democratic country in the world, is an excellent example, a diverse but vibrant and progressive society.

This is for people living in a democratic society have absolute freedom to live their life. They enjoy fundamental rights and have freedom of speech, work, religion and doing business. This makes their life happy, secure and progressive for there is no interference of the state in personal matters that exist in an autocratic or communist society.

The right of franchise enables people to elect the government of their choice. Such an elected government caters to the regional aspirations of the people, thereby safeguarding their identity and individuality in terms of language and traditions. The encouragement of different cultural and social practices removes feeling of alienation and deprivation, among different sections of the society.

The constitution of the country guarantees equality, and’ justice for which special concessions like reservation are extended to backward classes and women, enabling them to join the mainstream of the society. This active participation of the people in the government, makes them the master of their own destiny. In fact it is an ideal system that can cater to the needs of the large and diverse society as ours, truly exemplifying the concept of unity in diversity.

There are a few disadvantages plaguing the system. Some of them are real and others created by narrow-minded political and religious leaders. Such misguided elements create a fear among the minorities, because the very concept of democracy is based on majority rule. The sectarian leaders often project imaginary grievances of a section with an eye on votes for gamering more power and clout. This vote bank politics and appeasement, often leads to strife and violence.

Democratic societies are however plagued with slow pace of development. This is because valuable time and energy is lost in discussion, debate and getting public opinion before implementing major decisions. This often leads to monetary losses, and slows down the pace of economic development, which is harmful for a developing country like India.

Nevertheless living in a democratic society offers stability and better quality of life than any other form of society. The last century saw the fall of many fascist, communist and autocratic societies. They failed miserably in addressing the diverse aspirations of the people. Some were able to usher in stupendous growth and development, like communist USSR, autocratic Iran and Iraq, under the rule of the Shah and Saddam Hussein. However, they broke up and paved the way to fundamentalism and chaos, which is still tormenting the people.

Living in a democratic society has many advantages. It is the hope of the future. There is need to nurture it with great care and respect. The anomalies that have inadvertently crept into the polity like casteism, regionalism, fundamentalism, for vote should be done away with. In the words of Abraham Lincoln, “You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.”

Assignments

• The democratic society in India is a living example of unity in diversity.’ Discuss.
• ‘Government of the people, for the people and by the people, shall not perish from the earth.’ Write your views on the statement.

Manners Maketh A Man. You can find Previous Year Argumentative Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Argumentative Essay Topic – Manners Maketh A Man

Introduction:
“A gentleman by gentle deeds is known, for a man by nothing is more betrayed as by his manners

• Pleasing manners makes a person attractive, pleasant and appealing.
• Parents and family environment play an important role.
• Good and wholesome education is also an essential prerequisite.
• The society expects all its members to be civilised.
• Important to learn good manners and make it a part of our personality.

Conclusion:
Good manners are the ornaments that make a woman a lady and a man a gentleman.

“A gentleman by gentle deeds is known, for a man by nothing is more betrayed, as by his manners,” said Edmund Spencer. Manners not only constitute outward behaviour, but also construe good conduct and morality. Thus it would be wrong to assume that good manners comprise only table manners, social etiquettes and salutations. Education and family environment also plays an important role in imparting good moral values, which lead to good character.

A person may be handsome or beautiful, but he/she becomes attractive, pleasant and appealing only by having pleasing manners. We are not born with it but have to cultivate it at home and at school. A child, lacking in etiquettes like talking, greeting or carrying himself/herself would grow up to be an uncouth and disgusting person. It is because of this parents inculcate good values in children. The family environment and peer group plays an important role in its development.

People with disturbed childhood are often found wanting in good personality traits. We have before us the example of Hitler, who because of his bad experience with Jews in childhood became a tyrant. Most hardened criminal’s childhood is also unhappy and sad. They may adorn themselves with the most expensive dresses, but their mannerism and actions, betray them for what they really are.

Good and wholesome education is also an essential prerequisite. It enables one to differentiate between good or bad, noble or evil. It helps in imbibing good habits and noble virtues like honesty, truthfulness, compassion etc. and shun bad habits and vices. A person without these qualities of head and heart, is but a savage.

The society expects all its members to be civilised. A civilised person would show concern and consideration for others. He/she would be patient while listening to others’ problems, be diplomatic in speaking, so as not to hurt other’s feeling. He/she would respect elders and guide and motivate youngsters. Such a person would be an asset to the society, while an unmannerly person would be highly undesirable for there can never be an excuse to justify such behaviour coming from a person of any age.

It is therefore important to learn good manners and make it a part of our personality. Thus it moulds our character and makes one a respectable person. People endowed with it are popular and acceptable to the society, while ill-mannered persons are looked upon with disdain and at best avoided.

Undoubtedly good manners are the ornaments that make a woman a lady and a man a gentleman. It plays an important role in our lives, without which we can never be, a respectable person in the true sense.

Assignments

• “A gentleman by gentle deeds is known, for a man by nothing is more betrayed as by his manners.” Discuss.
• ‘Manners are a hindrance to our progress.’ Give your views for or against the statement.
• ‘Good manners are a handicap in today’s society.’ Give your views for or against the statement.

Advantages, Disadvantages Of Co-Education In Schools. You can find Previous Year Argumentative Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Argumentative Essay Topic – Advantages, Disadvantages Of Co-Education In Schools

Introduction:
What is coeducation? Its advantages and disadvantages

• Co-education is an economical way of providing education.
• Can make the right to education a reality
• It has a positive impact on the students, leading to good behavioural changes
• Eliminates social evils like eve-teasing and sexual harassment
• Generates healthy competition, moulds the character and personality
• The disadvantages according to orthodox people is that it distracts students from studies.
• Social networking sites have already done away with the social divide.
• It leads to violence in schools, for winning the affection of a fellow student.

Conclusion:
Co-education in schools is good for the society and the nation.

Co-education in school is the imparting of education to both boys and girls. It is prevalent in many schools and colleges across the country, because of the many advantages it offers to the students and the society. There are however few disadvantages which are basically physiological in nature.

Co-education is an economical way of providing education to the masses, which – ‘ can make the right to education a reality, for the people living in the remote areas of the country. This is because it eliminates the need for having separate schools for boys and girls, which a developing country like India cannot afford.

Furthermore it has a positive impact on the students. Psychologists have observed good behavioural changes in students going to co-educational schools. While boys overcome their curiosity for girls, the girls get over their shyness. They learn to respect and cooperate with each other. The boys dress properly and behave well in the company of girls. They use dignified language and show courtesy. This improves the moral and social etiquettes, for familiarity blunts the edge of curiosity, leading to better understanding of each other.

This interaction also generates more self-confidence in students which is crucial for their all-round development. It is a known fact that students from such institutions are more genuine, frank and possess a wholesome personality. They are not mesmerized, nor over awed in male/ female company. This free interaction helps in eliminating the social scourge of eve-teasing and sexual harassment that is prevalent in the society.

It also generates healthy competition in academics and sports, making them work hard to remain ahead. They leam the importance of team work and cooperation, which is important later in life. In a way coeducation helps in moulding the character and personality of the future generation of the country.

The disadvantages according to some orthodox people is that it distracts students from studies. Romance and heartbreaks at the tender age has disastrous consequences.
However, such arguments do not hold much water in modem times. The easy access to the Internet, or social networking sites like the Facebook, What’sapp etc. on the mobile, have already done away with the social divide.

Another charge levelled against co-education is the increasing incidence of violence ’ in schools, for winning the affection of a fellow student. This also to a large extent is on account of segregation of sexes.

Co-education in schools therefore, has many advantages. It enables the boys and girls to understand each other. There is no room for fearing loss of moral values, for the world is changing fast. Women today have an equal status with men in the society. There is therefore a need to accept the changing order and encourage coeducation in schools. Besides providing a better learning environment, it is good for the society and the nation.

Assignments

• ‘Is co-education in schools desirable?’ Discuss
• ‘Boarding schools are better than day schools.’ Give your view.

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

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

Introduction:
Prefer to be born talented than rich

• Possessing talent is something very tangible, while riches tends to make one corrupt and prone to vice
• Talent increases with use and practice, while wealth declines when used
• Talent brings with it fame which immortalises the person, example of Lata Mangeshkar, Sachin Tendulkar
• Unlike riches, talent is more sublime. It cannot be inherited or acquired by fair or foul means.

Conclusion:
Undoubtedly it is better to be born talented than rich.

‘If wishes were horses beggars would ride.’ This is an inconceivable statement. However, given a choice, I would prefer to be born talented, for possessing a talent is more satisfying, honourable and lasting.

A talent is something very tangible, for it is inherent in the person. One is recognised and appreciated for it throughout life. A talent could be any specialised skill in sports, music, painting, acting or any field of human endeavour. This special ability cannot be lost, squandered or abused unlike riches which are transitory, being here today and gone tomorrow. A talented person is more pious and humble, because he has acquired it through hard work, dedication, and patience. On the other hand riches tend to corrupt a person leading to vices.

Talent is a special skill which is more durable and concrete, it increases with use and practice, while wealth declines when used or shared with others. Talent brings satisfaction to self and joy to others. It enriches the society and brings with it love and affection of the people. Riches and wealth on the other hand are purely individualistic.

One can use it for self aggrandisement, or for the comfort of near and dear ones. Talent brings with it fame which immortalises the person, the same cannot be said about riches. Talented stalwarts in sports, music and acting like Sachin Tendulkar, Lata Mangeshkar and Amitabh Bachchan have become immortal. Such people are not born every day.Their work shall continue to inspire generations for a long time to come.

Unlike riches, talent is more sublime. It cannot be inherited or acquired by fair or foul means. It has to be nurtured with sincerity, dedication and rigorous discipline, so that it blossoms and spread it’s aroma in the society. Talent is inborn and can also be acquired. It however requires hard work and single minded devotion. The journey to the top is long and tortuous, but once there, one is the monarch of all that one surveys. No amount of wealth can help in acquiring a talent, for it is inspiring and god gifted. A talented person is never in want of money or fame, these are at his beck and call.

Undoubtedly it is better to be born talented than rich, for in the words of William Shakespeare in the Merchant of Venice “Superfluity comes sooner by white hair, but competence lives longer.” Indeed wealth and riches brings with it worries which makes one age faster, while competence which comes with talent makes one live longer.

Assignments

• ‘Talent cannot be acquired.’ Discuss
• Geniuses are born not made.
• It is better to be born lucky than rich.