What you like or dislike about being a teenager? Express your views either for or against the statement. This Argumentative Essay was asked in ICSE 1992 board exam. You can find Previous Year Argumentative Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.
Argumentative Essay ICSE 1992
What you like or dislike about being a teenager? Express your views either for or against the statement. (ICSE 1992)
Introduction:
A teenager has the best of both worlds
- They are taken seriously by the family
- High energy makes them excel in sports
- Youth and beauty are at its peak
- Abundant freedom without worry
- Most interesting, intense, and complicated period because of studies and competition
Conclusion:
Interesting stage in life which comes but only once
“His best companions, innocence and health;
And his best riches ignorance and wealth.
How happy he who crowns in shades like these
A youth of labour with an age of ease,”
Said Oliver Goldsmith. Indeed a teenager has the best of both worlds. On committing a mistake one is easily pardoned, being a child. On the other hand if something is not to one’s liking one can always throw tantrums. Teenage is thus more akin to, enjoying the fruit of adulthood, without having to shoulder its responsibilities.
The best thing about being a teenager is that elders including your parents and teachers take you seriously. Your individuality is respected and you are not taken for granted. While just a few years ago, you were shooed away to play when anything important was being discussed. Now you are called upon to participate and give your views on the same, this boosts your confidence and self-esteem.
One is bubbling with energy and euphoria. There is the desire to pursue hobbies like outdoor and indoor games. The desire to excel in sports makes many teenagers excel in it. Some even win laurels for themselves and the country, by winning awards and prizes.
Youth and beauty are the hallmark of this age. One is more conscious about one’s looks. While girls are the embodiment of beauty at “sweet sixteen”, boys tend to emulate the eternal hero, symbolised as “tall, dark and handsome”. To further accentuate this God gifted beauty fashion comes handy. There is a craze to indulge in the latest fashion to get noticed.
Bereft of any worries or responsibilities there is a sense of complete freedom. Making friends, socialising and indulging in one’s hobby are the major pastime. Gone are the restrictions of childhood for one is now independent.
However everything is not ‘hunky – dory’ for this stage in life is, also perhaps, one of the most interesting, intense, and at the same time complicated period. One experiences identity crisis, that is accentuated by the physical changes that occurs. This makes one sensitive and emotional. It is also the time to take major decisions, which have a profound effect on one’s life.
Studying for getting good grades in school and qualify in various competitive examinations is the cause of great stress in teenagers. The desire to excel is further accentuated by the high expectations of parents and peers. This makes them bum the midnight oil. Often the mental stress is so overpowering that some take to drugs or even contemplate suicide. Gone, are the daydreams of childhood, that have now have been replaced with real life harsh realities.
Teenage life is the most interesting period in one’s life, yet intense, and complicated. However being free from worldly worries, life is full of enjoyment and energy. Given a choice, one would like to remain a teenager throughout life. But alas! Just as ‘time and tide waits for none’, similarly this phase in life also comes but once.
Assignments
- What do you think about modem fashion trends among teenagers. Write your views on the same?
- ‘Teenagers should be allowed more freedom?’ Give your views for or against the statement.