Essays

This Argumentative Essay was asked in ICSE 2006 board exam. You can find Previous Year Argumentative Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Argumentative Essay ICSE 2006

India has always believed in the value of the family. Discuss the changes, both good and bad, that have resulted from the break-up of the traditional Indian joint family system. (ICSE 2006)

Introduction:
The value of the family has been deeply ingrained in the Indian society.

• Break-up of the joint family due to economic factors, and the corrupting influence of the western society.
• Positive impact
• The kindling of the spirit of enterprise in the people.
• End of the internal squabbles inherent in a joint family.
• Negative impact
• The loss of security and protection offered in a joint family.

Conclusion:
The break-up of the joint family system may be due to economic and social compulsions. But we must preserve the rich family values, and strengthen the kinship bonds.

The value of family has been deeply ingrained in the Indian society over the ages. This is because we have been fed with mythological stories from great epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, very early in life. While the Ramayana vividly portrays the duties of a son towards his father, mother, brothers, sisters and wife, the Mahabharata exhorts us to fight for justice and rights. This rich legacy of family values and culture found reflection in the Indian joint family system.

However like everything, this too has been corrupted by the evil influence of western society. The present generation aping the west has become highly materialistic which has led to the break-up of the joint family system. Further with the exponential growth in population, people living in rural areas have been compelled to migrate to towns and cities in search of employment. This is because the meagre land holdings can no longer support their livelihood.

The positive impact of this break-up has been the kindling of the spirit of enterprise in people, who till now were conditioned to conform to the decisions of the family head or Karta, the sole decision maker. There are numerous rags to riches stories of people leaving the safety of their hearth and home in the villages, carving a niche for themselves in the cities and towns. This emergence of nuclear family system has made the society more broad based and open. The transformation has also led to the crumbling of the age-old boundaries of caste and creed, making the society more human and hospitable.

Another positive fallout has been the end of the internal squabbles and unpleasantness, that are inherent in a joint family. The clash of individual personalities, because of ego or different aspirations have often led to tension and ill-will in the family.

However, this break-up has taken away the umbrella of security and protection from the individual. One can no longer seek protection, advice, or support from elders, in times of crisis. Further the emotional bonds of the family have also been weakened by distance and time, so much so that near cousins often meet as strangers. This lack of emotional bonding has given rise to psychological problems for the youth, causing more cases of suicide, and socially unacceptable behaviour.

The break-up of the traditional Indian joint family system may be due to economic and social compulsions. However, there is need to preserve the rich family values, and also strengthen the kinship bonds, through greater interaction within the family, and by showing respect to elders. This is what differentiates us from others in the universe.

Assignments

• Impact of western culture on our culture.
• ‘Smaller families are better than large ones.’ Express your views either for or against this statement.

The computer will soon replace the book. Express your views either for or against this statement. (ICSE 2006)

Introduction:
The computer can never replace a book.

• A book is the most cost effective way of spreading literacy. It is portable and handy.
• Reading a book does not cause any physical discomfort or eye strain.
• There is a high degree of respectability in the written word.
• Books develop our power of expression and personality.
• The book is the source of a wealth of knowledge on a particular subject. It is important for serious learning.

Conclusion:
The computer can never replace a book, either now or in the near future for the convenience and conviction offered by a book, can never be possible through a computer.

A good book in the words of John Milton “is the precious lifeblood of a master spirit, embalmed and treasured up to a purpose to a life beyond life”. The thoughts and ideas contained in a book are immortal like Tulsidas’s Ram Charitra Manas, Ved Vyas’s Mahabharata, the Bible and other religious books. Similarly literary classics of Shakespeare, Munshi Premchand and others are treasured legacy passed on from one generation to another. On the other hand a computer is but a machine, that at best can visually display the contents of a specific book for a limited period of time. To think that a computer would one day replace a book, is indeed unthinkable and far fetched.

A book is the most cost effective way of spreading education and literacy for it is available at a fraction of the cost of a computer. Moreover, being extremely portable and handy, it is not dependent on any external factor like availability of power supply, software and space, which are an essential prerequisite for a computer. A book basically requires two basic ingredients – time and inclination. It can be read at any time of the day or night, and anywhere, while travelling or dozing off to sleep.

Moreover, reading a book does not cause any physical discomfort like back pain or eye strain. The same however cannot be said on reading from a computer screen, which causes serious back pain and eye strain. Another factor in favour of the book, is the general high degree of respectability and faith in the written word. Thus while one may see or hear something on the computer terminal, he would like to confirm the same from a newspaper or a book. Besides spreading education to the masses, a book plays an important role in developing our power of expression. It helps in the generation of new ideas and thoughts which mould one’s personality.

Reading a book is a serious matter requiring total concentration, as it offers no diversion or distraction. A computer because of its very nature offers entertainment, games, news and other features, which hamper serious reading and consequently the acquisition of knowledge. Indeed the convenience and conviction offered by a book can never be possible through a computer. Moreover, being a machine, it is liable to breakdown and error, factors that are non-existent while reading a book.

Books are indeed irreplaceable now or in the near future, for they are immortal. In the words of Francis Bacon “Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed and some few to be chewed and digested.” This can never be said for a computer.

Assignments

• “A book is the precious lifeblood of a master spirit, embalmed and treasured up to a purpose to a life beyond life” Discuss.
• Pleasure of reading a book.

Cinema both entertains and educates the masses. Express your views, either for or against this statement. This Argumentative Essay was asked in ICSE 2007 board exam. You can find Previous Year Argumentative Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Argumentative Essay ICSE 2007

Cinema both entertains and educates the masses. Express your views, either for or against this statement. (ICSE 2007)

Introduction:
Cinema both entertains and educates the masses, for it mirrors our social values.

• Offers an affordable source of entertainment catering to a variety of tastes, interests and moods.
• Powerful tool for education through audio-visual medium.
• Films like Gandhi, Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Mughal-e-Azam promote brotherhood, communal harmony and nationalism.
• A powerful tool for social change, awakening public conscience against social malpractices, like unsociability, sati pratha, dowry, child labour and corruption.
• Excellent medium for advertising products and services.
• Also used for propaganda by government to promote social harmony and health care.
• Unscrupulous persons exploit it for personal gains, showing scenes of sex and violence, which corrupt the youth and society.

Conclusion:
As conclusive proof, the government has a Films Division for production and distribution of films to the general public.

Cinema today has come a long way from the early days of ‘silent pictures’. The true to life sets, dramatic screen plays, photographic techniques, acting histrionics, and their portrayal on a 70 mm screen, with digital sound effect, in plush multiplexes, have made cinema an ideal medium for entertainment and education. Its close affinity to the people, mirrors their social values and ethos often showing the true picture of life. The evils that plague the society vividly portrayed on screen, makes it a powerful medium for social change, that not only entertain but also educate the masses.

There is no disputing the fact, that cinema offers an easy and affordable means of entertainment .to the masses. For some, after a day of hard work it is an escape from the tension and worries of life. To others it is a respite from boredom. The true to life portrayal of characters, evoke our emotions, moving us to tears, laughter, thrill or even shock. It is this ability of catering to a variety of tastes, interests and moods which make it an ideal medium of entertainment.

It is also a very powerful tool for education. The audio-visual mode of presentation leaves an indelible mark on our mind and makes learning a pleasant experience. This is for we get to see, and hear about different people, places, and customs leading to a better understanding and assimilation of ideas and knowledge. Historical movies bring to life the dead pages of history. Pictures like Gandhi, Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Mughal-e-Azam give valuable insight about these great people, their struggle, aspirations, and ideology. Such films promote nationalism, brotherhood, and communal harmony. They remind us of their sacrifices and our rich cultural heritage.

Cinema is also a very powerful medium for social change. It effectively reflects the evils prevailing in the society. The portrayal of social malpractices like unsociability, sati pratha, dowry, child labour and corruption prick the conscience of people leading to social change.

It is also an excellent medium for advertising and propaganda. The advertisements and endorsements help in promoting the sale of goods and services. The government also uses it to promote social harmony and health care. Documentaries create awareness for prevention of Aids, Polio eradication and other information to benefit the society. The fashion industry owes its genesis and growth, to cinema. The youth, imitate the costumes and hairstyles, of popular film stars.

The popularity of cinema, however, has led to some unscrupulous mandarins of the industry exploiting it for personal gains. Unwarranted scenes of sex and violence, are displayed, to draw the crowd to fetch them the moolah. They contend that these are essential for a film to be realistic and commercially viable. This is a very frivolous and irresponsible argument, which corrupt the youth, and the society. Such tactics are basically used to cover up the weak story line, lack of creativity, and direction. This has been amply proved, by the resounding success of good films, like Three Idiots, Taare Zamin Par and others, which did not use such cheap gimmickry.The censor board plays an important role in censoring films that are in bad taste.

Realising its significance the government has set up the Film Division, under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for the production and distribution of good films for the general public. This is a conclusive proof of the significant role that cinema plays in entertaining and educating the masses.

Assignment

‘Surrogate advertising should be banned’. Give your views for or against the statement.

“No other subject taught in school is as important as Moral Science”. Express your views either for or against this statement. This Argumentative Essay was asked in ICSE 2008 board exam. You can find Previous Year Argumentative Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Argumentative Essay ICSE 2008

“No other subject taught in school is as important as Moral Science”. Express your views either for or against this statement. (ICSE 2008)

Introduction:
Moral Science basically is a well-structured study of books, by which moral values are imparted, making us good human beings.

• Other subjects can be of use only after one is a proper civilised person.
• Moral Science moulds character, personality and enables one to differentiate between good and evil.
• Examples of intellectual and successful people bringing disgrace to themselves and the nation by their immoral deeds.
• Example of Germany under Adolf Hitler.

Conclusion:
Moral science is the basic building block of character and hence it is more important than other subjects taught in school.

No other subject taught in school is as important as Moral Science. This is because only after we become good human beings, can we aspire to become an engineer, doctor or a. lawyer. It is thus the first basic step in school, where through a well-structured study of books, moral values are imparted.

This does not imply that all the other subjects taught in school are irrelevant. Subjects like Science, History, Geography, Mathematics and Language are also important. However, they can only be of use after one has become a proper civilised person. This is the basic objective of teaching Moral Science in school, and hence, most important.
Moral Science not only helps in imbibing good moral, ethical and family values, but also enables one to differentiate between good and evil. It moulds the character, personality, and equips one with good etiquettes and manners, that stands one in good stead in life.

Indeed a doctor, engineer, or for that matter any person bereft of moral values is of no use to society. Such persons no matter how good they may be in their profession, would be a threat to the society. There are numerous examples of intellectual and successful people bringing disgrace to themselves and the nation by their immoral deeds. The latest being the high profile doctors who stole kidneys from unsuspecting poor people for monetary gains. Such people may have been good in academics, but their scant regard for moral values, ultimately proved to be their nemesis.

Education and advancement in any field without good moral values and character bring about chaos and ruin. There are innumerable examples from history that bear testimony to this fact. Germany under Adolf Hitler advanced and progressed considerably. However, his misplaced notion of the superiority of the German race and the profound hatred for the Jews brought his country to ruins. Had Adolf Hitler in his childhood got proper instructions in Moral Science, the world would have been spared the scourge of the Second World War, where millions perished.

Undoubtedly Moral Science is the basic building block of character and hence its importance over other subjects taught in school. It not only benefits the individual, but also the society, making the world a better place to live in.

Assignment

Which is your favourite subject in school and why?

“The use of mobile phones has lowered active social life and has become an addiction.” Express your views for or against he statement. This Argumentative Essay was asked in ICSE 2009 board exam. You can find Previous Year Argumentative Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Argumentative Essay ICSE 2009

“The use of mobile phones has lowered active social life and has become an addiction.” Express your views for or against he statement. (ICSE 2009)

Introduction:
Mobile phones have lowered social life, and have become an addiction for the youth of today.

• The young generation is enamoured by it, because it provides access to the Internet at any given moment.
• The virtual social networking, actually weakens active social life.
• The imposition of callers on important occasions causes social embarrassment.
• Spending excessive time with mobile phones ruins personal relationships.
• Medical research has proved that its excessive use causes serious health hazards.

Conclusion:
Mobile phones are indispensable but their excessive use has adversely impacted our social life making us addicted to it.

Mobile phones undoubtedly, are one of the most spectacular developments, ever to have taken place in the field of telecommunication. They offer the easiest and simplest way to stay connected, with our near and dear ones, thus augmenting and invigorating our social life. However on the contrary, they have actually lowered active social life, and have become an addiction for the youth of today.

The young generation is enamoured by this latest gadgetry. Smart phones undisputedly offer many conveniences, like access to the Internet, entertainment, social networking and the ability to use idle time, (time spent in travelling or in leisure) to best use. It is however some of these conveniences that have actually eroded social life.

The urge to stay connected with our own circle of friends and relatives, has made us a social outcast in the society in which we live. It is quite common to find a group of youngsters sitting together in a place talking on phone to people far away, unmindful of the presence of others around. They are thus more concerned and connected to people far away, than to those around them. Such behaviour dissuades them in cultivating new friendship, in the mistaken belief that they are more secure by staying connected to their known circle of friends. This virtual networking, actually weakens their active social life.

The convenience of utilising the idle time also affects us socially. Business executives and professionals are the worst sufferers. They have no time for leisure as they can be called for work whenever the need arises. This not only affects their social life, but also their family life. The ringing of a mobile is a real nuisance on occasions like an important meeting, praying or participating in a funeral.

Nevertheless it is now becoming indispensable and an addiction because of many value added features that provide social networking, and entertainment. These features have caught the imagination of the youth who spend hours on their smart phones. According to psychiatrists, this causes compulsive disorders and is one of the biggest non-drug addiction in the 21^st century. Spending excessive time with mobiles isolates the person from the society.

Mobile addicts tend to neglect obligations towards family, work or study and drift away from friends. Being victims of low self-esteem, they have problems of developing social relations, and are more comfortable in the virtual world. They feel insecure without their phones. In its absence they suffer from anxiety, irritability and sleeplessness. Besides the addictive influence of mobiles, medical research has proved that it can cause serious health hazard for the frequent user.

Undoubtedly mobile phones have made our lives more safe and comfortable. However, like all good things their excessive use has adversely impacted our social life and has now become an addiction.

Assignment

‘Success depends on opportunity and not on- character.’ Express your views either for or against this statement.

‘More lessons are learnt on the sports field than in the classroom’. Express your views either for or against this statement. This Argumentative Essay was asked in ICSE 2010 board exam. You can find Previous Year Argumentative Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Argumentative Essay ICSE 2010

‘More lessons are learnt on the sports field than in the classroom’. Express your views either for or against this statement. (ICSE 2010)

Introduction:
This is a fallacy for the primary activity of a student is to study and acquire knowledge.

• Developments in the field of science and technology was possible only by efforts of scholars and scientists.
• Lessons in the sports field like the virtues of discipline, hard work, perseverance, sportsmanship and teamwork can also be acquired by engaging in hobbies and indoor games.
• History is proof of achievements of great scholars and reformers not known for their sporting skills.

Conclusion:
Classrooms are meant for serious study, while activities in the sports field can at best help recreate and augment the learning process.

I don’t agree with the statement ‘More lessons are learnt on the sports field than in the classroom.’ The primary activity of a student is to study and acquire knowledge. He can do this only through lessons learnt in the classroom.

The giant strides in the field of science and technology was possible only through persistent effort of scholars and scientists. Their thirst for knowledge through lessons learnt in the classrooms made our lives more comfortable and luxurious. Similarly the lessons that we learn in the classroom, help us shape our career and life. In this age of cut throat competition, a shortfall of one mark in academics can make a difference – at times changing the course of our life. The academic achievements not only help in passing competitive examinations, but also mould our personality and future.

Undoubtedly there are lessons to be learnt in the sports field like the virtues of discipline, hard work, perseverance, sportsmanship and teamwork. These too are important lessons that one must learn in life. They teach us to be magnanimous in victory and sporting in defeat. Nevertheless, these lessons and attributes can also be acquired by engaging in other activities, like indulging in one’s hobby, playing indoor games like cards, carrom etc.

History is proof of the outstanding achievements made by great personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Mother Teresa and many others who are not known for their sporting skills but who transformed the society by lessons learnt in the classroom or by reading books. We have also before us the great achievement of differently- abled scientist Stephen Hawking and social reformer Helen Keller. Despite being physically handicapped, their achievements can put ordinary mortals to shame.

The lesson that one learns in the sports field can at best help in improving one’s skill in a particular sport. This could be important for an aspiring sportsman and woman, who has chosen to excel in a particular sport. It could also help others to stay physically fit and be a good source of recreation.
However, for students more lessons are learnt in the classroom than in the sports field. This is because classrooms are meant for serious study, while activities in the sports field can at best help recreate and augment the learning.

Assignment

‘Playing games should be made compulsory in school.’ Give your views for or against the proposition.

‘Private tuitions are a necessary evil’. Give your views either for or against the statement. This Argumentative Essay was asked in ICSE 2011 board exam. You can find Previous Year Argumentative Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Argumentative Essay ICSE 2011

‘Private tuitions are a necessary evil’. Give your views either for or against the statement. (ICSE 2011)

Introduction:
Private tuitions are a necessary evil because of the cut-throat competition for qualifying in competitive examinations.

• Evil because it is at the expense of childhood carefreeness.
• Schools have become commercial institutions.
• Parents do not have time and cannot help.
• It is advantageous because it augments school learning by clarifying abstract concepts.
• Private tutors provide better interaction and motivation which improves learning.

Conclusion:
Private tuition plays an important role in shaping the future of

Private tuitions are a necessary evil because of the cut-throat competition for qualifying in competitive examinations, or even getting admission to good colleges. This has led to children as young as six years old going for personalised coaching. The popularity of private tuition can be attributed to the declining standard of teaching and instruction in schools, especially government schools.

Unhealthy as it seems, private tuitions cannot be dispensed with. This is because in the rat race of competition, children lose their childhood carefreeness. After spending six to seven hours in school and another couple of hours at tuition, the child has just no time to play or indulge in other childhood activities.

This is because schools that were once considered to be the temple of learning, have now become commercial institutions. The high student to teacher ratio makes it impossible for teachers to give personalised attention to students. There is also dearth of quality teachers to explain the difficult concepts and lack of creative teaching methods, to address different needs of students. Furthermore, teachers are inaccessible in school, for students fear reprimand on approaching them for clarifying their doubts. The picture in government or rural schools is even more dismal, for teacher absenteeism is quite high. Thus even in rural areas students are forced to go for private tuitions.

The students unable to get help from teachers in school cannot turn to their parents. This is, because they do not have the time, or the skill to help their wards their words at home. The parents thus have no option but to send their wards for private tuitions.

Private tuitions are in a way advantageous, besides augmenting learning in school, they help in clarifying abstract concepts and solve difficult problems of students. The tutor here is more friendly and accessible and the student can look up to him or her without the fear of being scolded.

Furthermore, the interactive method of teaching is more comprehensible and lasting. It inculcates in the student the importance of time management. This is besides school homework they have to allocate some time for tuition and not waste it in unhealthy pursuit. Private tutors besides teaching also motivate, guide and mentor them in their academic pursuit.

The popularity of private tuition is indeed a direct fallout of and testament to the inefficient system of education in the country, where there is a premium on academic excellence. This evil may have affected the childhood of children. Nevertheless it has helped shape their future making them good professionals in their chosen fields.

Assignment

‘Extracurricular activities should be encouraged in schools.’ Give your views either for or against this statement.

This Argumentative Essay was asked in ICSE 2012 board exam. You can find Previous Year Argumentative Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Argumentative Essay ICSE 2012

‘Money causes more harm than good’. Express your views either for or against the statement. (ICSE 2012)

Introduction:
Money is the cause of most of the problems that plague modem society.

• Money has an intoxicating effect that goes into the head of its beholder. It makes them arrogant and selfish.
• Money has also been the root cause of most of the problems that plague the society.
• ‘Money makes the mare go’.
• Being unduly obsessed with money, leads to corruption, crime, stress, ailments and unhappiness.
• Money brings with it fair weather friends, sycophants, scheming relatives, professional rivals.

Conclusion:
Money is essential to live. Need to maintain the right balance, for as we all know ‘money can’t buy happiness, but neither can poverty.’

“They are sick that surfeit with too much, as they that starve with nothing,” said William Shakespeare in his play ‘Merchant of Venice’. This very aptly brings out the role of money in our lives. Excessive money and wealth brings with it problems of security and mental tension, while not having any, reduces one to penury, making life miserable and not worth living. This is for in today’s materialistic world, we have assigned a monetary value to everything. Thus in the words of Somerset Maugham, “Money is like, the sixth sense without which you cannot make complete use of the other five.”

However, money is not the end of all and be all of our existence. There is no denying the fact that money brings with it prosperity, which has a psychological and social dimension. Psychological for the security, self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment it gives to the beholder, along with the increase in social and political status. It has an intoxicating effect, making the person arrogant, selfish and insensitive to others. So great is the intoxication, especially in the neo rich, that they begin to hallucinate in self-glory and pride.

Money has also been the root cause of most of the problems that plague the society. Financial disputes over it have been known to be a major cause of discord in families, making even siblings sworn enemies. It arouses negative emotions like jealousy, enmity and hatred in the family or friends. In its endless pursuit people become unhappy and tense which lead to serious medical conditions like high blood pressure eventually causing diabetes heart attack and brain haemorrhage.

Despite its dubious role there is no denying the fact that, ‘Money makes the mare go.’ It is the biggest and the most effective motivator. Ordinary men have become great and wealthy in its pursuit. The rags to riches stories of Dhirubhai Ambani, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates and numerous others, bear testimony to the important role it plays as a motivator. Human progress can,, to a large extent, be attributed to one’s desire to acquire money and wealth. However, being unduly obsessed with money, leads one to indulge in corrupt practices and crime, which invariably lead to punishment, and unhappiness.

Surfeit of money attract fair weather friends, sycophants, and scheming relatives. There are also personal and professional rivals against whom one has to be constantly on guard. This makes life uneasy, insecure and unpleasant.

Undoubtedly money is essential to life. However its endless pursuit, does more harm than good. This is because happiness that comes from the love of dear ones, true friends, and good health are more lasting and essential and they cannot be purchased. It is therefore essential to maintain the right balance.

Assignments

• ‘The wealthy are not happy’. Give your views either for or against this statement.
• Pollution of all types has now become a curse to us. Mention some of the causes of pollution, its harmful effects and how it can be reduced, or checked.

Modes of communication are constantly changing. What are some of these changes? Say which one change you like best and why? (ICSE 2012)

Introduction:
Man being a social animal evolved different modes of communication from sign language to words, letters, telegraph and telephone.

• The advent of the twenty-first century, paved the way for the Internet.
• Telephones made way for mobile phones.
• These come loaded with value added features and are the best way to stay connected with your near and dear ones.
• The integration of the Internet in the mobile phone, is the best change ever to have taken place.

Conclusion:
The advent of the Internet telephony has been the best change ever to happen. Life today is unimaginable without a mobile.

‘Man is by nature a social animal,’ said the Greek philosopher Aristotle. This makes him constantly explore different and more effective ways to communicate with fellow humans. Thus what may have started as a sign language, gradually transformed to words and sentences, by which one could communicate one’s ideas and thoughts. Man’s endeavour to reach out to the vast multitude of people across the globe, led him to make inventions like the telephone and the telegraph. These were powerful and effective in reaching out to people all over the world till the twentieth century. In course of time he found them to be too slow and cumbersome to meet his insatiable desire.

The advent of the twenty-first century, further revolutionsed the mode of communication. The launching of the communication satellites paved the way for wireless communication. The arrival of the computer and the Internet, provided instant connectivity to any one across the globe, through the world wide web. The networking sites on the Internet like Facebook, Twitter and Google, have now reduced the world to a global village. Besides communicating, one can also visually interact with others using web cams and microphones. The boom in information technology has made it possible to assess any information on pressing a key on a computer. It has also enabled many value added services that have made life comfortable.

Mobile phones are the latest gadgetry in communication that has caught the fancy of the youth. Being extremely light and portable they come loaded with value added features like camera, audio, video recording, music, etc. They are undoubtedly the easiest and most effective way to stay connected with your near and dear ones.

The integration of the Internet in the mobile is the ultimate change. The smart phone has now become the most valuable and trusted companion, without which life is unimaginable. It enables me to put my idle time (time spent in travelling or at leisure) to better use. I can now access information on the net for my project work anytime, find my way in the city, or interact with my friends and relatives. It also offers a host of entertainment features like movies, games which I can enjoy in the confines of my home. All this is now possible without using a computer or the hassle of visiting a cyber cafe.

Assignment

‘Science is both a blessing and a curse’. Discuss

‘Boarding schools are far better than day schools for the all-round education of a child’. Express your view either for or against this statement. This Argumentative Essay was asked in ICSE 2013 board exam. You can find Previous Year Argumentative Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Argumentative Essay ICSE 2013

‘Boarding schools are far better than day schools for the all-round education of a child’. Express’ your view either for or against this statement. (ICSE 2013)

Introduction:
‘The Battle of Waterloo was won in the playing fields of Eton’

• Boarding schools provide an unequalled academic environment, because of greater interaction between the students and teachers facilitating mentoring
• Gives an opportunity to mingle with students of different backgrounds and inculcates virtues like tolerance and trust
• Emphasis on extracurricular activities nurtures their creative talent, making them independent
• Helps mould character inculcating virtues of self disciplines, open-mindedness, perseverance and hard work
• Prepares them for the academic rigors and social challenges of college life
• The tough and hectic life compared to the easy going life at home, inculcates virtues of time management

Conclusion:
Long queues of parents desirous of admitting their wards in boarding schools, despite the high cost, is ample proof of the crucial role they play in moulding the future of children.

‘The Battle of Waterloo was won in the playing fields of Eton.’ Eton being a famous boarding school in England that trained boys for career in the military and civil services. The superior character of the young men from this school, tipped the balance in favour of the British during wars. Indeed many leaders emerged from the hallowed portals of such boarding schools, to guide the destiny of their nation often creating history. It is an undisputed fact that boarding schools are far better than day schools for the all round development and education of a child.

Boarding schools provide an excellent academic environment, because of greater interaction between students and teachers. This interface unlike day schools is not just limited to 6 – 8 hours. The small class size enables teachers to give individual attention to each student. Thus even less academically endowed students also fare better. Greater interaction foster better mentoring of the students taking into account their special skills and attributes. This helps the students to hone specific talent, which stands them in good stead later in life.

The residential campus environment provides a unique opportunity to mingle with students of different communities, religion and culture. This not only leads to greater understanding of others, but also evolves a spirit of camaraderie, friendship, tolerance and trust among them, that endures for a lifetime.

Besides studies there is additional emphasis on extra-curricular activities like sports, music, dramatics, painting through different club activities. Such activities nurture their creative talent, making them more innovative and confident. The ability to think independently makes them more adventurous, outgoing and hence more successful in life.

Playing and studying in a group also mould their character. They inculcate important virtues of team work, sportsmanship, self discipline, open-mindedness, perseverance and hard work which makes them emerge as future leaders. This is evident in the number of leaders-both political and military, coming from such boarding schools.

The campus life prepares them for the academic rigors and social challenges they are to face in college life. Being adaptive by nature, they are better able to assimilate knowledge and also interact with students coming from diverse backgrounds. Accustomed to staying away from home, they are not prone to homesickness and hence adapt themselves to the new environment comfortably.

Life in a boarding school is indeed more tough and hectic, compared to the easy going life at home, where they live a carefree life under the perpetual protective care of parents. Here they have to fend for themselves. This inculcates discipline and the virtue of time management. A virtue that is important in facing the challenge of adult life. It makes them more independent and confident in their professional as well as social life in future.

The long queues of parents, desirous of admitting their wards in boarding schools is ample proof of such schools being better than day schools. This is despite the high cost and the emotional pain of seeing their loved ones staying away from them.

Boarding schools are indeed better than day schools for the all-round development of the child. They play an important and crucial role in moulding the character and personality, making them useful citizens of the society.

Assignments

• ‘Competition leads to progress’. Give your view for or against the statement.
• ‘They can who think they can.’ Bring out the truth of the statement based on your own experience.

‘Working women make better mothers than women who stay at home’. Express your views either for or against this statement. This Argumentative Essay was asked in ICSE 2014 board exam. You can find Previous Year Argumentative Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Argumentative Essay ICSE 2014

‘Working women make better mothers than women who stay at home’. Express your views either for or against this statement. (ICSE 2014)

Introduction:
Working women make better mothers than women who stay at home because they are usually better educated, more practical and efficient.

• They have good knowledge of social, health and educational requirements of their children.
• They are more practical and efficient in performing the daily chores at home.
• They spend more quality time with their children.
• Their children are generally more disciplined, confident and self dependent.
• Their additional income enable children to go to better schools, wear good dresses and eat good food.
• Advanced countries encourage mothers to go out to work because this contributes to the economy and the society.

Conclusion:
They not only help in the growth and prosperity of the family, but also to the economic development of the nation.

‘ The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world ’. A mother undoubtedly plays an important role in the growth and development of her children, who are the future of the country. Working women make better mothers than women who stay at home because they are usually better educated, more practical and efficient. This has a positive impact on children, making them better citizens.

Being better educated they have good knowledge of social, health and educational requirements of their children. This is important for the child’s wholesome development. On the other hand mothers who stay at home, have limited exposure to such issues which are important for their wards.

Working mothers have an identity of their own as they are better informed and financially independent. This makes them more confident and capable of taking decisions, which impact their children’s future. This is woefully lacking in ordinary housewives who are totally dependent on their husbands.

Accustomed to working as per schedule in the workplace, they are more practical and efficient in performing the daily chores at home. They value time and hence do not indulge in idle gossip at kitty parties, or rumour mongering. Such behaviour is usually associated with mothers who stay at home. A common refrain against working mothers is that they neglect their children and home. Their children are led astray, often taking to drugs, or other antisocial activities.

On the contrary, the opposite holds true in real life. There are numerous instances of children of homemakers spoilt because of excessive pampering. Some are so preoccupied in kitty parties and other social commitments that they have little time for their children. Working mothers though hard pressed for time, ensure undivided attention to their children at home. Her interactions are more positive and vigorous, as she shares their joys and apprehensions. The quality time she spends with her children, are more important and useful than the quantity.

Children of working mothers are generally more disciplined, confident and self dependent. This is so for they learn to fend for themselves very early in life. On the other hand children of homemakers lack in discipline and self confidence. This adversely affects their development and personality.

Furthermore, the increasing expectations and lifestyle changes have made it imperative for mothers to contribute to the family income. The money which she brings home, helps in improving the standard of living of the family. Her children go to better schools, wear good dresses and eat good food.

Realising their valuable contribution to the economy and the society advanced countries encourage mothers to go out to work. In China the government runs creches, where mothers can leave their children when they work.

Undoubtedly working women make better mothers than those who stay at home. They not only help in the growth and prosperity of the family, but also contribute positively to the economic development of the nation.

Assignments

• ‘Familiarity breeds contempt.’ Give your views for or against the statement,.
• ‘Television is harmful to society’. Express your views for or against this statement.

All girls’ or all boys’ school provide a better learning environment than co- educational schools. Express your views either for or against the statement. This Argumentative Essay was asked in ICSE 2015 board exam. You can find Previous Year Argumentative Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Argumentative Essay ICSE 2015

All girls’ or all boys’ school provide a better learning environment than co-educational schools. Express your views either for or against the statement. (ICSE 2015)

Introduction:
Co-educational schools provide a better learning environment, than all girls’ or all boys’ schools.

• Co-educational schools are economical because of a common infrastructure and teachers.
• Psychologists have observed good behavioural changes in the students going to coeducational schools.
• The learning environment is also superior because of the healthy competition both in academics and sports.
• Conservative people oppose this system fearing children would develop immoral relationships.
• Fears unfounded, for social networking sites have already done away with the social divide.

Conclusion:
Co-education provides a better learning environment, and is good for the society and the nation.

Co-educational schools, in which boys and girls are taught together, provide a better learning environment, than all girls’ or all boys’ schools. Such schools exist in almost all the countries of the world because there are many advantages in this form of education.

Co-educational schools are economical, for they eliminate the need to open separate schools for boys and girls, which a developing country like India cannot afford. Such schools would greatly help in spreading education to the remote areas of the country, making the right to education a reality for all the citizens of the country.

Besides being economical, there would be no need to have separate teachers for boys and girls. This is especially so keeping in mind the acute shortage of good teachers in the country.

Furthermore, psychologists have observed good behavioural changes in the 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 free interaction helps in eliminating the social scourge of eve-teasing prevalent in the society.

The learning environment is also superior because of the healthy competition both in academics and sports. They work hard in the classroom and on the playground to stay ahead. Besides competition they learn the importance of team work and co-operation, which help them later in life. In a way co-education helps in moulding the character and personality of the future generation of the country.

There are however some conservative people who are opposed to the system of co-education. They point out that it is against our tradition and culture. They apprehend that if boys and girls study together, there is a good possibility of their developing immoral relationship. This could spoil their character and would be detrimental for the society and the nation. These arguments are however not very convincing and do not hold much water in modem times. The easy access to social networking sites like the Facebook, Whatsapp etc, on the mobile, have already done away with the social divide.

Indeed co-education has many advantages. It enables the boys and girls to understand each other better. The dynamic environment in which we live, there is no room to fear loss of moral values. Women today have an equal status with men in the society. There is therefore need to accept the changing order and encourage co-education in schools. Besides providing a better learning environment to the students, they are good for the society and the nation.

Assignment

Books should be allowed in the examination hall. Give your view for or against the statement.