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S. CHAND & COMPANY PVT. LTD. (AN ISO 9001 : 2008 COMPANY)
RAM NAGAR, NEW DELHI-110 055
ART OF EFFECTIVE ENGLISH WRITING
WITH AURAL AND ORAL SKILLS
(FOR STUDENTS OF ICSE)
PROVERBS & IDIOMS • Synonymous Words & Phrases Words Likely to be Confused • Comprehension and Summary Writing Functional Grammar • Latest ICSE Question Papers (Fully Solved)
MEENA SINGH Former Senior English Teacher Loreto Convent, Lucknow (U.P.)
The Gandhi Memorial International School JAKARTA - INDONESIA
and
O.P. SINGH
S. CHAND & COMPANY PVT. LTD. (An ISO 9001 : 2008 Company) Head Office: 7361, RAM NAGAR, NEW DELHI - 110 055 Phone: 23672080-81-82, 9899107446, 9911310888 Fax: 91-11-23677446 Shop at: schandgroup.com; e-mail: [email protected]
Branches : AHMEDABAD : 1st Floor, Heritage, Near Gujarat Vidhyapeeth, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad - 380 014,
Ph: 27541965, 27542369, [email protected] BENGALURU : No. 6, Ahuja Chambers, 1st Cross, Kumara Krupa Road, Bengaluru - 560 001,
Ph: 22268048, 22354008, [email protected] BHOPAL : Bajaj Tower, Plot No. 2&3, Lala Lajpat Rai Colony, Raisen Road, Bhopal - 462 011,
Ph: 4274723. [email protected] CHANDIGARH : S.C.O. 2419-20, First Floor, Sector - 22-C (Near Aroma Hotel), Chandigarh -160 022,
Ph: 2725443, 2725446, [email protected] CHENNAI : No.1, Whites Road, Opposite Express Avenue, Royapettah, Chennai - 600014
Ph. 28410027, 28410058, [email protected] COIMBATORE : 1790, Trichy Road, LGB Colony, Ramanathapuram, Coimbatore -6410045,
Ph: 2323620, 4217136 [email protected] (Marketing Office) CUTTACK : 1st Floor, Bhartia Tower, Badambadi, Cuttack - 753 009, Ph: 2332580; 2332581,
[email protected] DEHRADUN : 1st Floor, 20, New Road, Near Dwarka Store, Dehradun - 248 001,
Ph: 2711101, 2710861, [email protected] GUWAHATI : Dilip Commercial (Ist floor), M.N. Road, Pan Bazar, Guwahati - 781 001,
Ph: 2738811, 2735640 [email protected] HYDERABAD : Padma Plaza, H.No. 3-4-630, Opp. Ratna College, Narayanaguda, Hyderabad - 500 029,
Ph: 27550194, 27550195, [email protected] JAIPUR : 1st Floor, Nand Plaza, Hawa Sadak, Ajmer Road, Jaipur - 302 006,
Ph: 2219175, 2219176, [email protected] JALANDHAR : Mai Hiran Gate, Jalandhar - 144 008, Ph: 2401630, 5000630, [email protected] KOCHI : Kachapilly Square, Mullassery Canal Road, Ernakulam, Kochi - 682 011,
Ph: 237840, 2378207-08, [email protected] KOLKATA : 285/J, Bipin Bihari Ganguli Street, Kolkata - 700 012, Ph: 22367459, 22373914,
[email protected] LUCKNOW : Mahabeer Market, 25 Gwynne Road, Aminabad, Lucknow - 226 018, Ph: 4076971, 4026791, 4065646,
4027188, [email protected] MUMBAI : Blackie House, IInd Floor, 103/5, Walchand Hirachand Marg, Opp. G.P.O., Mumbai - 400 001,
Ph: 22690881, 22610885, [email protected] NAGPUR : Karnal Bagh, Near Model Mill Chowk, Nagpur - 440 032, Ph: 2720523, 2777666
[email protected] PATNA : 104, Citicentre Ashok, Mahima Palace , Govind Mitra Road, Patna - 800 004, Ph: 2300489, 2302100,
[email protected] PUNE : 291, Flat No.-16, Ganesh Gayatri Complex, IInd Floor, Somwarpeth, Near Jain Mandir,
Pune - 411 011, Ph: 64017298, [email protected] (Marketing Office) RAIPUR : Kailash Residency, Plot No. 4B, Bottle House Road, Shankar Nagar, Raipur - 492 007,
Ph: 2443142,Mb. : 09981200834, [email protected] (Marketing Office) RANCHI : Flat No. 104, Sri Draupadi Smriti Apartments, (Near of Jaipal Singh Stadium) Neel Ratan Street, Upper
Bazar, Ranchi - 834 001, Ph: 2208761, [email protected] (Marketing Office) SILIGURI : 122, Raja Ram Mohan Roy Road, East Vivekanandapally, P.O., Siliguri, Siliguri-734001,
Dist., Jalpaiguri, (W.B.) Ph. 0353-2520750 (Marketing Office) VISAKHAPATNAM : No. 49-54-15/53/8, Plot No. 7, 1st Floor, Opp. Radhakrishna Towers,
Seethammadhara North Extn., Visakhapatnam - 530 013, Ph-2782609 (M) 09440100555, [email protected] (Marketing Office)
© 2002, Meena Singh and O.P. Singh All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or copied in any material form (including photo copy- ing or storing it in any medium in form of graphics, electronic or mechanical means and whether or not transient or incidental to some other use of this publication) without written permission of the copyright owner. Any breach of this will entail legal action and prosecution without further notice. Jurisdiction : All disputes with respect to this publication shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the Courts, tribunals and forums of New Delhi, India only.
First Edition 2002 Subsequent Editions and Reprints 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 (Twice), 2006, 2007, 2008 (Twice) 2009 (Twice), 2011 (Twice), 2012 Fourth Revised Edition 2013
ISBN : 81-219-2130-9 Code : 11D 784 printed in india By Rajendra Ravindra Printers Pvt. Ltd., 7361, Ram Nagar, New Delhi-110 055 and published by S. Chand & Company Pvt. Ltd., 7361, Ram Nagar, New Delhi -110 055.
Preface to the Second Revised Edition There was an immediate need to revise our book ‘Art of Effective English Writing’ so as
confirm to recent changes in the syllabus of ICSE for the year 2008 onwards. Besides adding new composition addressing a variety of subject in the essays and the letter
section . We have added a NEW GRAMMAR SECTION keeping the syllabus in view. Besides this the MODEL TEST PAPERS and the SOLVED ICSE QUESTION PAPERS have been updated to make it more useful and relevant.
We are indeed grateful to the comments and valued suggestion we have received from numerous students and teachers across the country. We have tried to incorporate their suggestion in this book. However we would welcome your comments to further improve on the same.
MEENA SINGH O.P. SINGH
Disclaimer : While the authors of this book have made every effort to avoid any mistake or omission and have used their skill, expertise and knowledge to the best of their capacity to provide accurate and updated information. The authors and S. Chand does not give any representation or warranty with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this publication and are selling this publication on the condition and understanding that they shall not be made liable in any manner whatsoever. S.Chand and the authors expressly disclaim all and any liability/responsibility to any person, whether a purchaser or reader of this publication or not, in respect of anything and everything forming part of the contents of this publication. S. Chand shall not be responsible for any errors, omissions or damages arising out of the use of the information contained in this publication. Further, the appearance of the personal name, location, place and incidence, if any; in the illustrations used herein is purely coincidental and work of imagination. Thus the same should in no manner be termed as defamatory to any individual.
Preface to the Fourth Revised Edition
The Council of Indian School Certificate Examination New Delhi, has made changes in the English language syllabus for ICSE examinations, from the year 2012 onwards. This necessitated revision of the book. Besides updating the book, a new section on listening (aural) and speaking (oral skills) has been added. This now forms an integral part of the internal assessment process, for English language examination for class IX and X.
Specific changes in the new edition are : • A NEW section on LISTENING (AURAL) AND SPEAKING (ORAL) SKILLS with internal
assessment syllabus, guidelines for examination and exercises for practice. • Recent Essays and Letters Section with latest essays and letters. • Comprehension and grammar section • LATEST SOLVED ICSE QUESTION PAPERS.
The above changes would augment the language skills of the students, to face the ICSE examination with confidence. Any suggestions for further improvement of the book are most welcome.
Meena Singh O.P.Singh
Acknowledgements
We are indebted to a number of personalities who have at various stages helped and mo- tivated us to bring out this book .We would also like to thank Mr. Naveen Joshi, Executive Vice-President, S. Chand & Company Ltd. for the encouragement, Ms Jaya Singh and Soumya Singh for computer assistance and last but not the least our dear father Shri Kalika Singh to whom we dedicate this book.
MEENA SINGH O.P. SINGH
REVISED SYLLABUS OF ICSE FOR THE YEAR 2012 ONWARDS
AIMS: 1. To develop and integrate the use of the four language skills, i.e. listening, speaking, reading
and writing for the purpose of effective communication. 2. To develop a functional understanding of the grammar, structure and idiom of the language. 3. To develop the capacity to read efficiently and access information effectively. 4. To develop an appreciation of good literature. 5. To experience, through literature, the thoughts and feelings of the people of the world.
The paper will be of two hours duration. Paper 1 : English Language 80 Marks Internal assessment 20 Marks
PAPER 1 -- ENGLISH LANGUAGE (Two hours) - 80 marks
Four questions will be set, all of which will be compulsory. Question 1: Candidates will be required to write a composition from a choice of subjects
which will test their ability to: organise, describe, narrate, report, explain, persuade or argue, present ideas coherently, compare and contrast ideas and arrive at conclusions, present relevant arguments and use correct style and format. The subjects will be varied and may be suggested by language or by other stimuli such as pictures. The subjects will be so chosen so as to allow the candidates to draw on first hand experience or to stimulate their imagination.
With one subject, a number of suggestions about the content of the composition will be given, but the use of the suggestions will be optional and a candidate will be free to treat the subject in any way that he/she chooses.
The organisation of subject matter, syntax, punctuation, correctness of grammatical constructions and spelling will be expected to be appropriate to the mode of treatment required by the subject.
Question 2: Candidates will have to write a letter from a choice of two subjects requiring either a formal or an informal mode of treatment. Suggestions regarding the content of the letter may be given. The layout of the letter with address, introduction, conclusion, etc., will form part of the assessment. Candidates will be expected to be familiar with the use of appropriate salutation, format and style for letters.
Question 3: An unseen passage of prose of about 500 words will be given. Uncommon items of vocabulary, or structure will be avoided. One question will be set to test vocabulary. Candidates will be required to show that they understand the words/phrases in the context in which they have been used. A number of questions requiring short answers will also be asked on the passage. These questions will test the candidates’ ability to understand the explicit content and organisation of the passage and to infer information, intentions and attitudes from it.
The last question will consist of a summary that will test the candidates’ ability to distinguish main ideas from supporting details and to extract salient points to re-express them in the form of a summary. Candidates will be given clear indications of what they are to summarise and of the length of the summary.
Question 4: There will be a number of short answer questions to test the candidates’ knowl- edge of functional grammar, structure and usage of the language. All the items in this question will be compulsory. They will consist of sentence completion, multiple choice or other short answer type of questions.
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INTERNAL ASSESSMENT – SYLLABUS LISTENING (AURAL) AND SPEAKING (ORAL) SKILLS
For ICSE Examinations in and after 2012 Paper 1 English Language
1. Schools will prepare, conduct and record assessments of the Listening and Speaking Skills of candidates as follows
Class IX: Three assessments in the course of the year. Class X: Two assessments in the course of the year. 2. Pattern of assessment.
(a) Listening Skills. A passage of about 300 words is read aloud by the examiner twice. The first time
at normal reading speed (About 110 words a minute) and the next time at a slower speed. Candidates may make brief notes during the reading. They then answer an objective type test based on the passage on the paper provided.
The recommended number of candidates at a sitting is 30. (b) Speaking Skills. Each candidate is required to make an oral presentation of about two minutes, which
will be followed by a discussion on the subject by the examiner, for about three minutes.
Subject for presentation may include narrating an experience, providing a descrip- tion, giving direction how to make or operate something, expressing an opinion, giving a report, relating an anecdote, or commenting on a current event.
A candidate may refer to brief notes in the course of the presentation but reading or excessive dependence on notes will be penalized.
It is recommended that the candidates be given an hour for preparation of their sub- ject for presentation and that they may be given a choice of subject, on a common paper.
Evaluation. The assessment will be conducted jointly by the subject teacher and the external
examiner who will each assess the candidates (The External Examiner may be a teacher nominated by the Head of the School who could be from the faculty but not teaching the subject in the section / class. For example, a teacher of English of Class VIII may be deputed to be an External Examiner for Class X).
Award of Marks Listening Skills: 10 marks Speaking Skills: 10 marks. The total marks obtained out of 20 are to be sent to the Council by the Head of the
School. The Head of the School will be responsible for the entry of marks on the mark sheet provided by the council.
( ix )
Schools are required to maintain a record of all assessments conducted in Listening and Speaking Skills for candidates of class IX and X. These include copies of the assessment tests, topics for presentation and marks awarded. The record will be main- tained for a period of two months after the ICSE (10) examinations of the candidates concerned.
Internal Assessment in English Language. Guidelines for marking with grades –Aural Assignment for class IX and X
Grade Understanding/Com- prehension Main Idea,
Central Theme
Marks
I The candidate accurately understands the central idea of the passage as well as the relevant points in the selected passage/talk
The candidate recalls all the important points made (written/ verbal)
The candidate uses appropriate and correct vocabulary while recalling the points made.
The candidate clearly understands the context and can widely correlate the passage to the other areas.
3
II The candidate gives ideas farily close to the central/main idea of the passage as well as understands some of the relevant points heard in the selected passage/ talk.
The candidate recalls some of the important points made (written/ verbal).
The candidate uses correct but simple vocabulary while recalling the points made.
The candidate can moderately understand the context of the passage and can moderately correlate the passage to the other areas.
2
III The candidate cannot fully comprehend the passage and gives only a few ideas related to the central theme of the passage
The candidate recalls very few of the important points made (written/ verbal).
The candidate makes various errors in vocabulary while recalling the points made.
The candidate can only faintly understand the context of the passage and relate it to the other areas.
1
IV The candidate is neither able to understand the central/main idea of the passage; nor able to understand relevant points heard in the passage/talk.
The candidate is unable to recall the important points made (written/verbal)
The candidate uses incorrect vocabulary while recalling the points made
The candidate is uable to understand the context of the passage and is unable to correlate the passage to the other areas.
0
( x )
Internal Assessment in English Language. Guidelines for marking with grades –Oral assignment for class IX and X
Grade Fluency of language
Understand- ing
Gestures Marks
I Speaks with fluency and has full operational command over the language.
Matter is rel- evant, rich in content and original
Content is well sequenced and well organized
Uses ap- propriate vo- cabulary and pronounces words cor- rectly
While speak- ing, the candidate emphasizes the important points
Uses natural and spontane- ous gestures that are not out of place.
3
II The candidate speaks with fairly good fluency and has reasonable operational command of the language.
Subject mat- ter is mostly relevant, consisting of few original ideas
The content is satisfactorily sequenced and well orga- nized
The candidate pronounces most words correctly and uses simple vocabulary
While speak- ing, the candidate em- phasizes most important points.
Uses some natural gestures
2
III The candidate speaks with poor fluency and does not com- municate except for the most basic informa- tion.
The subject matter is irrelevant and lacks originality
The subject content is very poor and lacks organisational structure
The candidate pronounces many words incorrectly and uses inappropriate vocabulary
While speak- ing, the candidate em- phasizes some important points.
Uses very few natural gestures
1
IV The candidate cannot com- municate even the most basic information
The subject matter is negligible
The subject content com- prises of mere words with no structured sentences.
The candidate is unable to correctly pronounce most words and has a limited vocabulary
While speak- ing, the candi- date is unable to emphasize important points.
Uses no natural gestures
0
( xi )
Contents Pages Importance of writing good composition 1–6 Quotable Quotations 7–14
S.No Topics Pages
SECTION - A. RECENT ESSAYS 1. ‘Money causes more harm than good’. Express your views either for or against
the statement. ICSE–2012 2. Modes of communication are constantly changing. What are some of these
changes? Say which one change you like the best and why? ICSE–2012 3. Private tuitions are a necessary evil. Give your views either for or against the
statement. ICSE–2011 4. Children’s day is celebrated in your school every year. Write what you particularly
liked about this year’s celebration. What did you learn from the efforts of those who planned and organised the function? How did you express your gratitude to them? ICSE–2011
5. Think of a time when you achieved a personal goal. Say why the goal was important to you and how you achieved it. Describe how you felt on achieving it. ICSE–2010
6. ‘More lessons are learnt on the sports field than in the classroom’. Express your views either for or against the statement. ICSE–2010 7. A school carnival or fete is a great occasion for fun with friends. Describe one
such event in your school. ICSE–2010 8. Recall a time in your life when you were certain about something but were later
proved terribly wrong. ICSE–2009 9. ‘The use of mobile phones has lowered active social life and has become an
addiction.’ Express your views for or against the statement. ICSE–2009 10. The waiting room at a railway station presents a wonderful opportunity to observe
human behaviour. Describe an experience when you were early for a train and had to spend some time in the waiting room with different kinds of people. ICSE–2009
11. “No other subject taught in school is as important as Moral Science “ Express your views either for or against this statement. ICSE–2008.
12. Elements of western culture have had a very influential role on cultures of the world. How are these elements different from those of Indian culture? What according to you, should we as Indians adopt from the west to make life more meaningful. ICSE–2008
13. Cinema, both entertains and educates the masses. Express your views either for or against this statement. ICSE–2007
( xii )
17
18
19
20
21
21
22
23
23
24
25
26
27
14. Siblings often grow up side by side in families; yet have very different life experiences. If you have one or more siblings and feel that your lives have differed significantly, write an essay explaining the reasons and the effects of such differences. ICSE–2007
15. Recall a remarkable event of social importance in your city or locality. Give a little of its background, the event as it occurred, and its, impact on the lives of people. ICSE–2007
16. The Computer will soon replace the Book. Express your views either for or against this statement. ICSE–2006
17. 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. ICSE–2006
18. You are a spectator at a cricket match. Trouble erupts suddenly in the stadium and you witness a riot among the crowd. Give a vivid description of the scene. ICSE–2006
19. ‘The commercialization of festivals has eroded their real significance.’ Express your views either for or against this statement. ICSE–2005
20. You have returned to your city after spending five years in a foreign country. The city has changed during your absence. Describe the changes that have affected the life of people in the city. Give your personal views regarding the changes.
ICSE–2005 SECTION - B. ESSAYS
Views Including Argumentative
S.No Topics 1. “Teenagers today are more worldly wise then their parents”. Express your views
for or against the statement. ICSE 2004 2. Animals should not be used for drug development or medical research. Express
your views either for or against this statement. ICSE 2003 3. Man and Women should have equal rights. Give your views for or against the
statement. ICSE 2002 4. There are three kinds of people in the world –the wills, the won’ts and the can’ts.
The first accomplish everything, the second oppose everything, and the third fail in everything. By giving reasons or referring to some incidents, state in which category you fall. ICSE 2001
5. Which in your opinion is more important a healthy body or a healthy mind. Give relevant arguments to support your opinion. ICSE 2000
6. “Cigarette smoking in public places should be banned”. Give your views for or against the statement. ICSE –1999
7. “Tradition’ is an obstacle in progress”. Give your views for or against the state- ment. ICSE –1999
8. Of all the subjects you are studying at present, which do you think would be useful to you in future and why? ICSE–1999
9. Set out briefly but clearly the arguments for or against animals being used in public and street performance. ICSE –1998
S.No Topics Pages
42
44
46
48
49
50
51
10. Give an account of the ways in which advertising has affected modern life. or Role of Advertising in our lives. ICSE–1997
11. The advantages and disadvantages of being young. ICSE–1997 12. There is no scope for adventure in this modern world. Give your views for or
against the statement. ICSE –1997 13. The impact of modern entertainment on society, provide a balanced write up of
your views on the subject. ICSE–1996 14. ‘Hobbies are a waste of time’. Give your views for or against the statement. ICSE –1995 15. What you like or dislike about being a teenager? ICSE –1992 16. ‘The wealthy are not happy’. Give your views for or against the statement. ICSE –1993 17. ‘Success depends on opportunity and not character’. Express your views for or
against the statement. ICSE –1990 18. The best things in life are free. Give your views for or against the statement. ICSE –1991 19. Should the use of polythene be banned. Give your views for or against the
statement. 20. ‘Should capital punishment be abolished’. Give your views for or against the
statement. 21. ‘If you would have peace, prepare for war’. Give your views for or against the
statement. 22. ‘Our forefathers were luckier than us’. Give your views for or against the state-
ment. 23. The greater the power the more dangerous the abuse. Give your views for or
against the statement. 24. Environmental pollution is a cause for concern. Provide a balanced write up of
your views on the subject. 25. Student’s indiscipline is a burning problem. What according to you are its causes
and remedies ? 26. Joint family system has lost its value in the present day context. Give your views
for or against the statement. 27. It is and will always be a man’s world. Give your views for or against the
statement. 28. Democracy has lost it’s meaning in India or Democracy in India is a success or
a failure. Give your views on the statement. 29. It is better to be born rich than talented. Give your views for or against the
statement. 30. Multinationals a boon or a curse for the country. Give reasons why you think so? 31. The advantages and disadvantages of co-education in schools. Discuss. 32. ‘Manners maketh a man.’ Give your views for or against the statement. 33. The advantages and disadvantages of living in a democratic society. Discuss. 34. Corporal punishment should be abolished. Give your views for or against the
statement.
75 76 78 79 81
35. Child labour should be banned. Give your views for or against the statement. 36. Women in India are under privileged. Give your views for or against the state-
ment. 37. Should competitive examinations be abolished? 38. Pen is mightier than the sword. Give your views for or against the statement. 39. The present education system has outlived its use. Give your views for or against
the statement. 40. Should punishment be retributive or reformatory? Discuss. 41. Are betting and gambling national evils? Discuss. 42. It is better to be born a genius than talented. Discuss. 43. “Education makes the people easy to lead, but difficult to drive, easy to govern,
but impossible to enslave. ‘Discuss’. 44. Students should not take part in politics. Give your views for or against the
statement. 45. It is better to have brains than beauty. Give your views for or against the statement. 46. Prohibition is an infringement of our Fundamental Rights. Give your views for
or against the statement. 47. The Programmes launched by the government for improving literacy in the country
are a dismal failure. Write how and what you think should be done to remove illiteracy in the country.
Descriptive Essays and Stories 48. You have lived in your ancestral house since birth. The house is to be sold so that
flats may be built. Narrate the circumstances that led to this decision and describe your feelings about moving out of the house. ICSE–2004
49. Write about two deeds you have done one of which gave you immense joy and satisfaction while the other was a cause of deep regret. ICSE–2004
50. While on a picnic you and your friends decide to go sailing, unfortunately, your boat capsizes in a violent storm. However all of you manage to swim to safety. Give a vivid account of the incident. ICSE–2003
51. Looking back at the last ten years of your life, describe the events that have been significant in shaping your personality. ICSE–2003
52. Write a short story to illustrate the proverb, ‘Knowledge is power’. ICSE–2003 53. ‘Society is influenced more by show than by substance’. Relate an incident from
your experience, which brings out the truth of this statement. ICSE–2002 54. It was a long awaited climax to your period of training for the parachute regiment
–the day of the first jump! Describe how you prepared yourself for the parachute drop, the drop itself, and your feeling after the event. ICSE–2002
55. You have just interviewed a famous person at his /her residence. Write an account of the whole experience. You may include the following points. ICSE–2002
56. Describe a weekly market scene in your area. State why you like or do not like the scene. ICSE–2001
57. You have been on a plane journey recently. While going through a cloud the plane develops engine trouble. Describe what took place in the plane and how you were saved. ICSE–2000
S.No Topics Pages
105
106
107
108
58. One of your parents has influenced you considerably. Give details of the influence. ICSE–2000
59. Write a story beginning with “I do not believe in ghosts.....” ICSE–1999 60. On a train journey you detect a bomb in the compartment, you help in evacuat-
ing and rescuing the passengers and in the confusion lost your baggage. Give a detailed account of your adventure. ICSE –1998
61. Rivers and lakes are always interesting and commercially important to people who live near them. Describe some of the ways in which people living close to a lake or a river use it to their advantage commerically and also for their relaxation and amusement all through the year. ICSE–1999
62. You are sleeping in your bedroom. Someone knocks at your door. You wake up to see a boy who says he has come from outer space. Write an account of what he tells about his life in space. ICSE –1998
63. Write a story in which a suitcase, a photographer and a soldier playing an important role. ICSE–1997
64. You have represented your school in national inter–school competition. Describe your excitement on being selected, the competition and the joy you felt at having brought honours to your school. ICSE –1996
65. There are several humorous incidents that occur in every family. Describe one such event that you and your family found really amusing or Describe one embarrassing/awkward incident that you and your family found really amusing. ICSE –1991
66. Write a story on two old women, a small child and an aeroplane–playing an important role or Write a story titled ‘The hijacking’.
67. Write a short story titled ‘What is real’. 68. Write a composition titled ‘The Great Fraud’or ‘The betrayal’. 69. Write a composition beginning with. “If only I had told the truth”. 70. A Day when everything went wrong in school. 71. Write an original story about a man, whose doctor has given him three months
to live. 72. You have to catch a bus, write what you saw at the bus station and your experi-
ence there before your bus arrived or A visit to a bus station. 73. You had to go to the railway station to receive your friend.The train was one hour
late. Hence you had to wait at the station. Describe what you saw and felt or The scene at the railway station.
74. A fighter pilot who is believed to be killed in action returns home four years later. Write a story on what awaits him.
75. An entertainment program organised by you on ‘Teachers Day’ ends in a flop. Give an account of your feelings and your assessment as to what went wrong.
76. The Quarrel 77. Write a story with the following ending. It was exactly as he had said it would
be. 78. Write about a wedding ceremony of your friend in which you took an active part. 79. You have just returned from a cyclone affected area. Write an account of what
you saw and what measures are necessary for the rehabilitation of the people.
S.No Topics Pages
127
128
129
130
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RAM NAGAR, NEW DELHI-110 055
ART OF EFFECTIVE ENGLISH WRITING
WITH AURAL AND ORAL SKILLS
(FOR STUDENTS OF ICSE)
PROVERBS & IDIOMS • Synonymous Words & Phrases Words Likely to be Confused • Comprehension and Summary Writing Functional Grammar • Latest ICSE Question Papers (Fully Solved)
MEENA SINGH Former Senior English Teacher Loreto Convent, Lucknow (U.P.)
The Gandhi Memorial International School JAKARTA - INDONESIA
and
O.P. SINGH
S. CHAND & COMPANY PVT. LTD. (An ISO 9001 : 2008 Company) Head Office: 7361, RAM NAGAR, NEW DELHI - 110 055 Phone: 23672080-81-82, 9899107446, 9911310888 Fax: 91-11-23677446 Shop at: schandgroup.com; e-mail: [email protected]
Branches : AHMEDABAD : 1st Floor, Heritage, Near Gujarat Vidhyapeeth, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad - 380 014,
Ph: 27541965, 27542369, [email protected] BENGALURU : No. 6, Ahuja Chambers, 1st Cross, Kumara Krupa Road, Bengaluru - 560 001,
Ph: 22268048, 22354008, [email protected] BHOPAL : Bajaj Tower, Plot No. 2&3, Lala Lajpat Rai Colony, Raisen Road, Bhopal - 462 011,
Ph: 4274723. [email protected] CHANDIGARH : S.C.O. 2419-20, First Floor, Sector - 22-C (Near Aroma Hotel), Chandigarh -160 022,
Ph: 2725443, 2725446, [email protected] CHENNAI : No.1, Whites Road, Opposite Express Avenue, Royapettah, Chennai - 600014
Ph. 28410027, 28410058, [email protected] COIMBATORE : 1790, Trichy Road, LGB Colony, Ramanathapuram, Coimbatore -6410045,
Ph: 2323620, 4217136 [email protected] (Marketing Office) CUTTACK : 1st Floor, Bhartia Tower, Badambadi, Cuttack - 753 009, Ph: 2332580; 2332581,
[email protected] DEHRADUN : 1st Floor, 20, New Road, Near Dwarka Store, Dehradun - 248 001,
Ph: 2711101, 2710861, [email protected] GUWAHATI : Dilip Commercial (Ist floor), M.N. Road, Pan Bazar, Guwahati - 781 001,
Ph: 2738811, 2735640 [email protected] HYDERABAD : Padma Plaza, H.No. 3-4-630, Opp. Ratna College, Narayanaguda, Hyderabad - 500 029,
Ph: 27550194, 27550195, [email protected] JAIPUR : 1st Floor, Nand Plaza, Hawa Sadak, Ajmer Road, Jaipur - 302 006,
Ph: 2219175, 2219176, [email protected] JALANDHAR : Mai Hiran Gate, Jalandhar - 144 008, Ph: 2401630, 5000630, [email protected] KOCHI : Kachapilly Square, Mullassery Canal Road, Ernakulam, Kochi - 682 011,
Ph: 237840, 2378207-08, [email protected] KOLKATA : 285/J, Bipin Bihari Ganguli Street, Kolkata - 700 012, Ph: 22367459, 22373914,
[email protected] LUCKNOW : Mahabeer Market, 25 Gwynne Road, Aminabad, Lucknow - 226 018, Ph: 4076971, 4026791, 4065646,
4027188, [email protected] MUMBAI : Blackie House, IInd Floor, 103/5, Walchand Hirachand Marg, Opp. G.P.O., Mumbai - 400 001,
Ph: 22690881, 22610885, [email protected] NAGPUR : Karnal Bagh, Near Model Mill Chowk, Nagpur - 440 032, Ph: 2720523, 2777666
[email protected] PATNA : 104, Citicentre Ashok, Mahima Palace , Govind Mitra Road, Patna - 800 004, Ph: 2300489, 2302100,
[email protected] PUNE : 291, Flat No.-16, Ganesh Gayatri Complex, IInd Floor, Somwarpeth, Near Jain Mandir,
Pune - 411 011, Ph: 64017298, [email protected] (Marketing Office) RAIPUR : Kailash Residency, Plot No. 4B, Bottle House Road, Shankar Nagar, Raipur - 492 007,
Ph: 2443142,Mb. : 09981200834, [email protected] (Marketing Office) RANCHI : Flat No. 104, Sri Draupadi Smriti Apartments, (Near of Jaipal Singh Stadium) Neel Ratan Street, Upper
Bazar, Ranchi - 834 001, Ph: 2208761, [email protected] (Marketing Office) SILIGURI : 122, Raja Ram Mohan Roy Road, East Vivekanandapally, P.O., Siliguri, Siliguri-734001,
Dist., Jalpaiguri, (W.B.) Ph. 0353-2520750 (Marketing Office) VISAKHAPATNAM : No. 49-54-15/53/8, Plot No. 7, 1st Floor, Opp. Radhakrishna Towers,
Seethammadhara North Extn., Visakhapatnam - 530 013, Ph-2782609 (M) 09440100555, [email protected] (Marketing Office)
© 2002, Meena Singh and O.P. Singh All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or copied in any material form (including photo copy- ing or storing it in any medium in form of graphics, electronic or mechanical means and whether or not transient or incidental to some other use of this publication) without written permission of the copyright owner. Any breach of this will entail legal action and prosecution without further notice. Jurisdiction : All disputes with respect to this publication shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the Courts, tribunals and forums of New Delhi, India only.
First Edition 2002 Subsequent Editions and Reprints 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 (Twice), 2006, 2007, 2008 (Twice) 2009 (Twice), 2011 (Twice), 2012 Fourth Revised Edition 2013
ISBN : 81-219-2130-9 Code : 11D 784 printed in india By Rajendra Ravindra Printers Pvt. Ltd., 7361, Ram Nagar, New Delhi-110 055 and published by S. Chand & Company Pvt. Ltd., 7361, Ram Nagar, New Delhi -110 055.
Preface to the Second Revised Edition There was an immediate need to revise our book ‘Art of Effective English Writing’ so as
confirm to recent changes in the syllabus of ICSE for the year 2008 onwards. Besides adding new composition addressing a variety of subject in the essays and the letter
section . We have added a NEW GRAMMAR SECTION keeping the syllabus in view. Besides this the MODEL TEST PAPERS and the SOLVED ICSE QUESTION PAPERS have been updated to make it more useful and relevant.
We are indeed grateful to the comments and valued suggestion we have received from numerous students and teachers across the country. We have tried to incorporate their suggestion in this book. However we would welcome your comments to further improve on the same.
MEENA SINGH O.P. SINGH
Disclaimer : While the authors of this book have made every effort to avoid any mistake or omission and have used their skill, expertise and knowledge to the best of their capacity to provide accurate and updated information. The authors and S. Chand does not give any representation or warranty with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this publication and are selling this publication on the condition and understanding that they shall not be made liable in any manner whatsoever. S.Chand and the authors expressly disclaim all and any liability/responsibility to any person, whether a purchaser or reader of this publication or not, in respect of anything and everything forming part of the contents of this publication. S. Chand shall not be responsible for any errors, omissions or damages arising out of the use of the information contained in this publication. Further, the appearance of the personal name, location, place and incidence, if any; in the illustrations used herein is purely coincidental and work of imagination. Thus the same should in no manner be termed as defamatory to any individual.
Preface to the Fourth Revised Edition
The Council of Indian School Certificate Examination New Delhi, has made changes in the English language syllabus for ICSE examinations, from the year 2012 onwards. This necessitated revision of the book. Besides updating the book, a new section on listening (aural) and speaking (oral skills) has been added. This now forms an integral part of the internal assessment process, for English language examination for class IX and X.
Specific changes in the new edition are : • A NEW section on LISTENING (AURAL) AND SPEAKING (ORAL) SKILLS with internal
assessment syllabus, guidelines for examination and exercises for practice. • Recent Essays and Letters Section with latest essays and letters. • Comprehension and grammar section • LATEST SOLVED ICSE QUESTION PAPERS.
The above changes would augment the language skills of the students, to face the ICSE examination with confidence. Any suggestions for further improvement of the book are most welcome.
Meena Singh O.P.Singh
Acknowledgements
We are indebted to a number of personalities who have at various stages helped and mo- tivated us to bring out this book .We would also like to thank Mr. Naveen Joshi, Executive Vice-President, S. Chand & Company Ltd. for the encouragement, Ms Jaya Singh and Soumya Singh for computer assistance and last but not the least our dear father Shri Kalika Singh to whom we dedicate this book.
MEENA SINGH O.P. SINGH
REVISED SYLLABUS OF ICSE FOR THE YEAR 2012 ONWARDS
AIMS: 1. To develop and integrate the use of the four language skills, i.e. listening, speaking, reading
and writing for the purpose of effective communication. 2. To develop a functional understanding of the grammar, structure and idiom of the language. 3. To develop the capacity to read efficiently and access information effectively. 4. To develop an appreciation of good literature. 5. To experience, through literature, the thoughts and feelings of the people of the world.
The paper will be of two hours duration. Paper 1 : English Language 80 Marks Internal assessment 20 Marks
PAPER 1 -- ENGLISH LANGUAGE (Two hours) - 80 marks
Four questions will be set, all of which will be compulsory. Question 1: Candidates will be required to write a composition from a choice of subjects
which will test their ability to: organise, describe, narrate, report, explain, persuade or argue, present ideas coherently, compare and contrast ideas and arrive at conclusions, present relevant arguments and use correct style and format. The subjects will be varied and may be suggested by language or by other stimuli such as pictures. The subjects will be so chosen so as to allow the candidates to draw on first hand experience or to stimulate their imagination.
With one subject, a number of suggestions about the content of the composition will be given, but the use of the suggestions will be optional and a candidate will be free to treat the subject in any way that he/she chooses.
The organisation of subject matter, syntax, punctuation, correctness of grammatical constructions and spelling will be expected to be appropriate to the mode of treatment required by the subject.
Question 2: Candidates will have to write a letter from a choice of two subjects requiring either a formal or an informal mode of treatment. Suggestions regarding the content of the letter may be given. The layout of the letter with address, introduction, conclusion, etc., will form part of the assessment. Candidates will be expected to be familiar with the use of appropriate salutation, format and style for letters.
Question 3: An unseen passage of prose of about 500 words will be given. Uncommon items of vocabulary, or structure will be avoided. One question will be set to test vocabulary. Candidates will be required to show that they understand the words/phrases in the context in which they have been used. A number of questions requiring short answers will also be asked on the passage. These questions will test the candidates’ ability to understand the explicit content and organisation of the passage and to infer information, intentions and attitudes from it.
The last question will consist of a summary that will test the candidates’ ability to distinguish main ideas from supporting details and to extract salient points to re-express them in the form of a summary. Candidates will be given clear indications of what they are to summarise and of the length of the summary.
Question 4: There will be a number of short answer questions to test the candidates’ knowl- edge of functional grammar, structure and usage of the language. All the items in this question will be compulsory. They will consist of sentence completion, multiple choice or other short answer type of questions.
( viii )
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT – SYLLABUS LISTENING (AURAL) AND SPEAKING (ORAL) SKILLS
For ICSE Examinations in and after 2012 Paper 1 English Language
1. Schools will prepare, conduct and record assessments of the Listening and Speaking Skills of candidates as follows
Class IX: Three assessments in the course of the year. Class X: Two assessments in the course of the year. 2. Pattern of assessment.
(a) Listening Skills. A passage of about 300 words is read aloud by the examiner twice. The first time
at normal reading speed (About 110 words a minute) and the next time at a slower speed. Candidates may make brief notes during the reading. They then answer an objective type test based on the passage on the paper provided.
The recommended number of candidates at a sitting is 30. (b) Speaking Skills. Each candidate is required to make an oral presentation of about two minutes, which
will be followed by a discussion on the subject by the examiner, for about three minutes.
Subject for presentation may include narrating an experience, providing a descrip- tion, giving direction how to make or operate something, expressing an opinion, giving a report, relating an anecdote, or commenting on a current event.
A candidate may refer to brief notes in the course of the presentation but reading or excessive dependence on notes will be penalized.
It is recommended that the candidates be given an hour for preparation of their sub- ject for presentation and that they may be given a choice of subject, on a common paper.
Evaluation. The assessment will be conducted jointly by the subject teacher and the external
examiner who will each assess the candidates (The External Examiner may be a teacher nominated by the Head of the School who could be from the faculty but not teaching the subject in the section / class. For example, a teacher of English of Class VIII may be deputed to be an External Examiner for Class X).
Award of Marks Listening Skills: 10 marks Speaking Skills: 10 marks. The total marks obtained out of 20 are to be sent to the Council by the Head of the
School. The Head of the School will be responsible for the entry of marks on the mark sheet provided by the council.
( ix )
Schools are required to maintain a record of all assessments conducted in Listening and Speaking Skills for candidates of class IX and X. These include copies of the assessment tests, topics for presentation and marks awarded. The record will be main- tained for a period of two months after the ICSE (10) examinations of the candidates concerned.
Internal Assessment in English Language. Guidelines for marking with grades –Aural Assignment for class IX and X
Grade Understanding/Com- prehension Main Idea,
Central Theme
Marks
I The candidate accurately understands the central idea of the passage as well as the relevant points in the selected passage/talk
The candidate recalls all the important points made (written/ verbal)
The candidate uses appropriate and correct vocabulary while recalling the points made.
The candidate clearly understands the context and can widely correlate the passage to the other areas.
3
II The candidate gives ideas farily close to the central/main idea of the passage as well as understands some of the relevant points heard in the selected passage/ talk.
The candidate recalls some of the important points made (written/ verbal).
The candidate uses correct but simple vocabulary while recalling the points made.
The candidate can moderately understand the context of the passage and can moderately correlate the passage to the other areas.
2
III The candidate cannot fully comprehend the passage and gives only a few ideas related to the central theme of the passage
The candidate recalls very few of the important points made (written/ verbal).
The candidate makes various errors in vocabulary while recalling the points made.
The candidate can only faintly understand the context of the passage and relate it to the other areas.
1
IV The candidate is neither able to understand the central/main idea of the passage; nor able to understand relevant points heard in the passage/talk.
The candidate is unable to recall the important points made (written/verbal)
The candidate uses incorrect vocabulary while recalling the points made
The candidate is uable to understand the context of the passage and is unable to correlate the passage to the other areas.
0
( x )
Internal Assessment in English Language. Guidelines for marking with grades –Oral assignment for class IX and X
Grade Fluency of language
Understand- ing
Gestures Marks
I Speaks with fluency and has full operational command over the language.
Matter is rel- evant, rich in content and original
Content is well sequenced and well organized
Uses ap- propriate vo- cabulary and pronounces words cor- rectly
While speak- ing, the candidate emphasizes the important points
Uses natural and spontane- ous gestures that are not out of place.
3
II The candidate speaks with fairly good fluency and has reasonable operational command of the language.
Subject mat- ter is mostly relevant, consisting of few original ideas
The content is satisfactorily sequenced and well orga- nized
The candidate pronounces most words correctly and uses simple vocabulary
While speak- ing, the candidate em- phasizes most important points.
Uses some natural gestures
2
III The candidate speaks with poor fluency and does not com- municate except for the most basic informa- tion.
The subject matter is irrelevant and lacks originality
The subject content is very poor and lacks organisational structure
The candidate pronounces many words incorrectly and uses inappropriate vocabulary
While speak- ing, the candidate em- phasizes some important points.
Uses very few natural gestures
1
IV The candidate cannot com- municate even the most basic information
The subject matter is negligible
The subject content com- prises of mere words with no structured sentences.
The candidate is unable to correctly pronounce most words and has a limited vocabulary
While speak- ing, the candi- date is unable to emphasize important points.
Uses no natural gestures
0
( xi )
Contents Pages Importance of writing good composition 1–6 Quotable Quotations 7–14
S.No Topics Pages
SECTION - A. RECENT ESSAYS 1. ‘Money causes more harm than good’. Express your views either for or against
the statement. ICSE–2012 2. Modes of communication are constantly changing. What are some of these
changes? Say which one change you like the best and why? ICSE–2012 3. Private tuitions are a necessary evil. Give your views either for or against the
statement. ICSE–2011 4. Children’s day is celebrated in your school every year. Write what you particularly
liked about this year’s celebration. What did you learn from the efforts of those who planned and organised the function? How did you express your gratitude to them? ICSE–2011
5. Think of a time when you achieved a personal goal. Say why the goal was important to you and how you achieved it. Describe how you felt on achieving it. ICSE–2010
6. ‘More lessons are learnt on the sports field than in the classroom’. Express your views either for or against the statement. ICSE–2010 7. A school carnival or fete is a great occasion for fun with friends. Describe one
such event in your school. ICSE–2010 8. Recall a time in your life when you were certain about something but were later
proved terribly wrong. ICSE–2009 9. ‘The use of mobile phones has lowered active social life and has become an
addiction.’ Express your views for or against the statement. ICSE–2009 10. The waiting room at a railway station presents a wonderful opportunity to observe
human behaviour. Describe an experience when you were early for a train and had to spend some time in the waiting room with different kinds of people. ICSE–2009
11. “No other subject taught in school is as important as Moral Science “ Express your views either for or against this statement. ICSE–2008.
12. Elements of western culture have had a very influential role on cultures of the world. How are these elements different from those of Indian culture? What according to you, should we as Indians adopt from the west to make life more meaningful. ICSE–2008
13. Cinema, both entertains and educates the masses. Express your views either for or against this statement. ICSE–2007
( xii )
17
18
19
20
21
21
22
23
23
24
25
26
27
14. Siblings often grow up side by side in families; yet have very different life experiences. If you have one or more siblings and feel that your lives have differed significantly, write an essay explaining the reasons and the effects of such differences. ICSE–2007
15. Recall a remarkable event of social importance in your city or locality. Give a little of its background, the event as it occurred, and its, impact on the lives of people. ICSE–2007
16. The Computer will soon replace the Book. Express your views either for or against this statement. ICSE–2006
17. 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. ICSE–2006
18. You are a spectator at a cricket match. Trouble erupts suddenly in the stadium and you witness a riot among the crowd. Give a vivid description of the scene. ICSE–2006
19. ‘The commercialization of festivals has eroded their real significance.’ Express your views either for or against this statement. ICSE–2005
20. You have returned to your city after spending five years in a foreign country. The city has changed during your absence. Describe the changes that have affected the life of people in the city. Give your personal views regarding the changes.
ICSE–2005 SECTION - B. ESSAYS
Views Including Argumentative
S.No Topics 1. “Teenagers today are more worldly wise then their parents”. Express your views
for or against the statement. ICSE 2004 2. Animals should not be used for drug development or medical research. Express
your views either for or against this statement. ICSE 2003 3. Man and Women should have equal rights. Give your views for or against the
statement. ICSE 2002 4. There are three kinds of people in the world –the wills, the won’ts and the can’ts.
The first accomplish everything, the second oppose everything, and the third fail in everything. By giving reasons or referring to some incidents, state in which category you fall. ICSE 2001
5. Which in your opinion is more important a healthy body or a healthy mind. Give relevant arguments to support your opinion. ICSE 2000
6. “Cigarette smoking in public places should be banned”. Give your views for or against the statement. ICSE –1999
7. “Tradition’ is an obstacle in progress”. Give your views for or against the state- ment. ICSE –1999
8. Of all the subjects you are studying at present, which do you think would be useful to you in future and why? ICSE–1999
9. Set out briefly but clearly the arguments for or against animals being used in public and street performance. ICSE –1998
S.No Topics Pages
42
44
46
48
49
50
51
10. Give an account of the ways in which advertising has affected modern life. or Role of Advertising in our lives. ICSE–1997
11. The advantages and disadvantages of being young. ICSE–1997 12. There is no scope for adventure in this modern world. Give your views for or
against the statement. ICSE –1997 13. The impact of modern entertainment on society, provide a balanced write up of
your views on the subject. ICSE–1996 14. ‘Hobbies are a waste of time’. Give your views for or against the statement. ICSE –1995 15. What you like or dislike about being a teenager? ICSE –1992 16. ‘The wealthy are not happy’. Give your views for or against the statement. ICSE –1993 17. ‘Success depends on opportunity and not character’. Express your views for or
against the statement. ICSE –1990 18. The best things in life are free. Give your views for or against the statement. ICSE –1991 19. Should the use of polythene be banned. Give your views for or against the
statement. 20. ‘Should capital punishment be abolished’. Give your views for or against the
statement. 21. ‘If you would have peace, prepare for war’. Give your views for or against the
statement. 22. ‘Our forefathers were luckier than us’. Give your views for or against the state-
ment. 23. The greater the power the more dangerous the abuse. Give your views for or
against the statement. 24. Environmental pollution is a cause for concern. Provide a balanced write up of
your views on the subject. 25. Student’s indiscipline is a burning problem. What according to you are its causes
and remedies ? 26. Joint family system has lost its value in the present day context. Give your views
for or against the statement. 27. It is and will always be a man’s world. Give your views for or against the
statement. 28. Democracy has lost it’s meaning in India or Democracy in India is a success or
a failure. Give your views on the statement. 29. It is better to be born rich than talented. Give your views for or against the
statement. 30. Multinationals a boon or a curse for the country. Give reasons why you think so? 31. The advantages and disadvantages of co-education in schools. Discuss. 32. ‘Manners maketh a man.’ Give your views for or against the statement. 33. The advantages and disadvantages of living in a democratic society. Discuss. 34. Corporal punishment should be abolished. Give your views for or against the
statement.
75 76 78 79 81
35. Child labour should be banned. Give your views for or against the statement. 36. Women in India are under privileged. Give your views for or against the state-
ment. 37. Should competitive examinations be abolished? 38. Pen is mightier than the sword. Give your views for or against the statement. 39. The present education system has outlived its use. Give your views for or against
the statement. 40. Should punishment be retributive or reformatory? Discuss. 41. Are betting and gambling national evils? Discuss. 42. It is better to be born a genius than talented. Discuss. 43. “Education makes the people easy to lead, but difficult to drive, easy to govern,
but impossible to enslave. ‘Discuss’. 44. Students should not take part in politics. Give your views for or against the
statement. 45. It is better to have brains than beauty. Give your views for or against the statement. 46. Prohibition is an infringement of our Fundamental Rights. Give your views for
or against the statement. 47. The Programmes launched by the government for improving literacy in the country
are a dismal failure. Write how and what you think should be done to remove illiteracy in the country.
Descriptive Essays and Stories 48. You have lived in your ancestral house since birth. The house is to be sold so that
flats may be built. Narrate the circumstances that led to this decision and describe your feelings about moving out of the house. ICSE–2004
49. Write about two deeds you have done one of which gave you immense joy and satisfaction while the other was a cause of deep regret. ICSE–2004
50. While on a picnic you and your friends decide to go sailing, unfortunately, your boat capsizes in a violent storm. However all of you manage to swim to safety. Give a vivid account of the incident. ICSE–2003
51. Looking back at the last ten years of your life, describe the events that have been significant in shaping your personality. ICSE–2003
52. Write a short story to illustrate the proverb, ‘Knowledge is power’. ICSE–2003 53. ‘Society is influenced more by show than by substance’. Relate an incident from
your experience, which brings out the truth of this statement. ICSE–2002 54. It was a long awaited climax to your period of training for the parachute regiment
–the day of the first jump! Describe how you prepared yourself for the parachute drop, the drop itself, and your feeling after the event. ICSE–2002
55. You have just interviewed a famous person at his /her residence. Write an account of the whole experience. You may include the following points. ICSE–2002
56. Describe a weekly market scene in your area. State why you like or do not like the scene. ICSE–2001
57. You have been on a plane journey recently. While going through a cloud the plane develops engine trouble. Describe what took place in the plane and how you were saved. ICSE–2000
S.No Topics Pages
105
106
107
108
58. One of your parents has influenced you considerably. Give details of the influence. ICSE–2000
59. Write a story beginning with “I do not believe in ghosts.....” ICSE–1999 60. On a train journey you detect a bomb in the compartment, you help in evacuat-
ing and rescuing the passengers and in the confusion lost your baggage. Give a detailed account of your adventure. ICSE –1998
61. Rivers and lakes are always interesting and commercially important to people who live near them. Describe some of the ways in which people living close to a lake or a river use it to their advantage commerically and also for their relaxation and amusement all through the year. ICSE–1999
62. You are sleeping in your bedroom. Someone knocks at your door. You wake up to see a boy who says he has come from outer space. Write an account of what he tells about his life in space. ICSE –1998
63. Write a story in which a suitcase, a photographer and a soldier playing an important role. ICSE–1997
64. You have represented your school in national inter–school competition. Describe your excitement on being selected, the competition and the joy you felt at having brought honours to your school. ICSE –1996
65. There are several humorous incidents that occur in every family. Describe one such event that you and your family found really amusing or Describe one embarrassing/awkward incident that you and your family found really amusing. ICSE –1991
66. Write a story on two old women, a small child and an aeroplane–playing an important role or Write a story titled ‘The hijacking’.
67. Write a short story titled ‘What is real’. 68. Write a composition titled ‘The Great Fraud’or ‘The betrayal’. 69. Write a composition beginning with. “If only I had told the truth”. 70. A Day when everything went wrong in school. 71. Write an original story about a man, whose doctor has given him three months
to live. 72. You have to catch a bus, write what you saw at the bus station and your experi-
ence there before your bus arrived or A visit to a bus station. 73. You had to go to the railway station to receive your friend.The train was one hour
late. Hence you had to wait at the station. Describe what you saw and felt or The scene at the railway station.
74. A fighter pilot who is believed to be killed in action returns home four years later. Write a story on what awaits him.
75. An entertainment program organised by you on ‘Teachers Day’ ends in a flop. Give an account of your feelings and your assessment as to what went wrong.
76. The Quarrel 77. Write a story with the following ending. It was exactly as he had said it would
be. 78. Write about a wedding ceremony of your friend in which you took an active part. 79. You have just returned from a cyclone affected area. Write an account of what
you saw and what measures are necessary for the rehabilitation of the people.
S.No Topics Pages
127
128
129
130
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