argumentative essay for class 9 icse

Argumentative Essay for ICSE Students - A Complete Guide

What is an argumentative essay.

In life, there are many topics people have varying thoughts about. Many times, two or more groups of people are not able to see eye to eye. There are opposing viewpoints between two clashing groups who see things from different perspectives.

An argumentative essay is about putting forth your stance clearly and justifying why your point of view is correct. Further on in the essay, we will be exploring the different methods of writing an argumentative essay.

Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the crux of your discussion and should be written in a single sentence.

As ICSE students, Imagine you have to write an argumentative essay on how junk food should be banned from schools. Here is an example of a thesis statement:

Yes, I strongly believe that junk food is bad for your health and it needs to be banned from schools.

Thus, as you can see the thesis statement sets in motion the flow of the essay and then the other content follows. It is the basic premise on which the essay will be based. Be sure to incorporate the thesis statement in the first paragraph itself.

Body paragraphs

Now comes the major part of the essay. For your English Language paper, you need a solid reasoning capacity. After the thesis statement you will need to write three or more paragraphs explaining your stance. For example, you agree that junk food is bad for health.

Convince the reader about your viewpoint. Use examples, research material, statistics and citations to support your stance. You can also provide details of studies conducted, etc which show that junk food is bad for your health.

You will need to provide concrete evidence and facts supporting your claim.

Here is an example of how you need to incorporate the statistics that you know:

As per the study done in US adults between the years 2015-18, an average adult ate about 5 junk food items every day, getting almost half of their daily energy from these foods.

Lastly, conclude the essay by restating your thesis and summarising the points mentioned. Avoid introducing new facts. Just end in a way that appeals to the emotions of the reader. You could also mention why you personally agree to this particular viewpoint.

There are 3 Main Argument Types

There are three ways to structure your argumentative essay. You can use one or more of them to persuade your readers.

This is the easiest line of thinking to follow. You present your main argument, state your opinion and then convince the reader that yours is indeed the best stance to follow. This popular strategy is also called Aristotelian. It is effective when the audience has not yet made up its mind and does not have adequate information.

Following this argument type is best for polarising topics. In this form of argument, you start by presenting the problem. That is the first step. After that, you acknowledge the opposing side of the argument. State your point of view and why it is the best. That is sufficient since it acknowledges both sides and presents the middle ground.

This type of argument is also effective for polarising topics. First you present your claim. Then start presenting appropriate grounds to back up that claim. Then, justify that these grounds do indeed prove your point. In this type of argument, you do not present both sides. Rather you present the facts in such a way that one finds it difficult to believe the opposite view.

You can read the book - Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell to understand better how to structure your point of view for any situation in life. This book teaches you to research topics and how to present one, big complex problem in a nutshell. Thus, you learn to present in a simple yet powerful way.

Thus, you can see that writing an argumentative essay is not difficult. You just need to be proactive and make the best use of grammar and spelling along with neatly listing down your viewpoint and supporting claims. Even the smallest typing error can make a big impact and completely change what you are trying to say. Hence, you have to be very careful while writing.

Final Tips for writing a good argumentative essay

• Brainstorm - Get your classmates together and arrive at a good thesis for the essay if it is not already provided.
• Preparation - Then do your preparation before starting. Collect all relevant material and be ready.
• Drafting - Then make your first draft. List down direct quotes and data as early on as possible.
• Revising - Polish your draft and restructure your arguments if necessary. Check the appropriate word usage, and make sure the language is succinct. Double check your points and counter-arguments.
• Proofreading - Go through what you have written and fix any mistakes. You can take the help of Grammar checking tools. Check the diction.

Thus, you have the complete guide to writing an argumentative essay for ICSE students.

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Essay Writing Class 9 ICSE Notes PDF (Quick Revision Notes)

The ICSE Class 9 English Essay Writing may sometimes create confusion among students, but those who often take help of Essay Writing ICSE Class 9 Notes and revise the topic more often can benefit a lot. It is so, because the revision notes of Essay Writing help students refresh the learning time and again which help deepen the understanding in Class 9 English Essay Writing.

In order to help students in studying the topics of Essay Writing properly here, we provide the Essay Writing ICSE Class 9 Notes PDF for free of cost. The revision notes of Class 9 ICSE Essay Writing have been prepared by subject matter experts of Selfstudys and so, it will aid students in maintaining the accuracy level too.

Essay Writing ICSE Class 9 Notes PDF

In order to help students access the digital format of Essay Writing notes, our team has bundled the Essay Writing ICSE Class 9 Notes in PDF. The Essay Writing ICSE Class 9 Notes PDF can be downloaded and used throughout the ongoing academic session to improve the grip on the topic as well as to improve the performance in the exam.

Having access to ICSE Class 9 English Essay Writing PDF enables the students to study conveniently without thinking much of place and time, because the PDF notes are easily accessible in Smartphone and one can carry with them all the time.

ICSE English Essay Writing Class 9 Notes Features

The Salient features of ICSE English Essay Writing Class 9 Notes are mentioned below:

• Notes are Decorated with Bullet Points and Underlines: When students prepare their handwritten notes they try to make them well formatted so that they go through them quickly. Following the same method, our expert has decorated the Revision Notes of ICSE Class 9 English Essay Writing using bullet points, underlines and bold font.
• Appealing Design: The Design team of Selfstudys has kept in mind to make Essay Writing ICSE Class 9 notes appealing to read therefore, they have used various colours, minimal design, and a clean clear formatting. Due to the appealing design of Essay Writing notes, the students find it more interesting to read and easy to grasp the written information.
• Prepared by Subject-Matter Expert: The Essay Writing ICSE Class 9 notes are prepared by highly skilled teachers who have years of experience in teaching English. Therefore, ICSE Class 9 English Essay Writing revision notes have higher accuracy and accurate formatting.
• Proper Definitions and Examples are Given: Similar to the English textbook, the Class 9 Essay Writing notes contain proper definitions and examples to help students brush up their earlier learning of Essay Writing.
• Practice Questions are Included: Along with the topic and subtopics brief, the Practice Questions are Included in Essay Writing Class 9 notes. Those practice questions are given to help students solve the relevant questions right after revising the topic. Solving questions helps deepen the understanding in the Essay Writing.

How to Download Essay Writing Class 9 Notes?

One of the easiest methods to download Essay Writing Class 9 Notes is by searching the notes on Selfstudys.com; however, one can follow the below-given download steps too.

• Type “Selfstudys.com” on your device’s browser

• Scroll down the website a bit or till you find “Free Study Materials”

• Find “CISCE” and Click on that which will open another section containing various study resources

• Choose “Revision Notes Exam” and it will lead to your next step in the downloading process.

• Now, on the newly opened page, click on “Class 9,” it will expand where you need to click on English to access the Class 9 ICSE English Essay Writing Notes PDF.

5 Benefits of Essay Writing ICSE Class 9 Notes

These 5 benefits of Essay Writing ICSE Class 9 Notes help you understand why one should download the Essay Writing revision notes in PDF and use them.

• Better Command on the uses of Essay Writing: No doubt the more you practise the better you become and so, revising through the ICSE Class 9 English Essay Writing help students make their command better on the uses of Essay Writing and enables them to learn how to use the skill properly.
• Opportunity to Strengthen the Knowledge in Essay Writing: Apart from the revision notes of Essay Writing, students can use a variety of study tools to strengthen the knowledge; however, the use of Essay Writing revision notes not only help students to enhance their knowledge in theory but give them skill to utilise them in real-world.
• Works as Confidence Booster: A thorough revision of Essay Writing ICSE Class 9 notes help students boost their confidence in the topic and also gives the confidence to solve several related questions regardless of its difficulty level.
• Provides Various Questions to Practise: This is more like a feature than benefits, but the Essay Writing ICSE Class 9 Notes PDF help students practise several questions. It is because the subject matter experts have included a variety of easy to difficult questions on Essay Writing. Solving those questions also boost the overall confidence in the topic and help students better write answers in the ICSE Class 9 annual examination.
• Ability to Identify Errors in Own Answers: Using the ICSE English Essay Writing Class 9 Notes on a regular basis gives students the ability to find errors or mistakes in their own given answers. It happens when a student has gained a great command of the concepts as well as has done a lot of practice to the questions.

5 Methods to Revise Using Essay Writing ICSE Class 9 Notes?

From so many revision methods; here, we have mentioned the 5 revision methods so that you can better use Essay Writing ICSE Class 9 notes and score impressive marks in your examination.

• Reading Aloud: When you are referring to the Essay Writing revision notes of ICSE Class 9 try to read aloud. Reading aloud helps you hear your own voice which boosts the memory’s capability to remember information for a longer period of time. It also helps you improve your English pronunciation skills.
• Writing without Looking At the Notes: The very first step is to go through the revision notes of Essay Writing for once and then keep them far from you and try to write whatever you just studied. Writing without looking at the notes gives you confidence and helps you test your own memorising power.
• Solving Relevant Questions: For the convenience of ICSE Class 9 students, we have added some relevant questions in Class 9 English Essay Writing notes so that you can test your revision level. Revising using this method doesn’t only help you to level-up your conceptual understanding but help you practise for the examination.
• Use Classic Revision Tool such as FlashCards: One of the classical revision tools is Flashcards in which students write a word, definition or keyword on one side of the card and meaning on the other side. If you are familiar with this technique then, we will advise you to use this method to easily do your revision.
• Revise According to Pomodoro Technique: One of the most renowned and powerful techniques, Pomodoro can be used to revise the Essay Writing ICSE Class 9 Notes. In Pomodoro Technique, one can break their total work time into a 25 minute time slot so that they can better maintain their focus.

How Does Using ICSE Class 9 Notes of Essay Writing Help Students Score Better Marks?

Keep in mind that, Essay Writing is a single topic among so many and so, only using ICSE Class 9 Notes of Essay Writing will not help a student score better marks in the exam, but for sure, revising using this note will help the students to better answer the Essay Writing questions in the exam if asked.

Those who want to score better marks in their ICSE Class 9 English paper should first go through the CISCE Syllabus and then they should study accordingly. Using the complete ICSE Class 9 English Notes and such other study resources may help a student to score better marks in the annual exam in a particular English subject.

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ICSE English Composition: 25 Latest Topics

by Yash Soni on Sep 27, 2022

ICSE English language exams for Class 9 & 10 include composition writing as a mandatory question. Make sure you read important tips to write compositions in ICSE before you begin your practise.

Below are 25 trending composition topics in ICSE that you can use to practise essay writing:

Descriptive Essays

• Describe your favourite place in the world.
• Which of your family members do you spend the most time with? Describe your experience of being with them.
• Describe what you like about your house and give a sneak peek of your surroundings.
• Imagine a time you accomplished a personal goal. Give a brief description of the goal you were after and how you achieved it. Describe how you felt when you achieved it.
• Life revolves around people. Describe how one person has had a significant influence on your life.

Narrative Essays

• Narrate an experience you had when you were expected to perform well but for some reason were not able to. Narrate what happened and why it happened. In what way did it teach you something?
• Think of a time when you found yourself in an embarrassing situation. Narrate how you got into that situation, how you dealt with it, and the lesson you learnt from it.
• Explain how your teacher has influenced your life. Refer to relevant incidents or relate appropriate anecdotes to show how the actions of your teacher and his/her example have affected your life.
• Narrate an incident when you had difficulty travelling from one place to another. Mention what made it difficult for you to travel and where did you go?
• Narrate an incident when you were caught in a traffic jam for hours. What difficulties did you face? What were the consequences?

Argumentative Essays

• "Teenagers today are more worldly-wise than their parents." Express your views for or against the statement.
• "Plastic bags are convenient and should not be banned by the government." Give your views for or against this statement.
• "Book reading is a dying phenomenon of life nowadays." Throw light on the factors responsible for it and give suggestions for its improvement.
• "The use of Mobile Phones must be allowed in schools." Express your views for or against this statement.
• "Money causes more harm than good." Express your views for or against this statement.

Story Writing

• Write an original short story that ends with the words: "... I put the keys back into the drawer, hoping no one would notice they had been touched."
• Write an original short story that begins with the words: "The day started off well enough, who thought it would..."
• Write an original story that ends with the words: "... it came as a blessing in disguise."
• Write a short story which illustrates the truth of the statement, 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder.'
• Write an original story which illustrates the truth of the statement, 'One lie leads to another'.

Picture Composition

You can practice this essays and get it evaluated from your class teacher and get a better understanding of your performance. You can also improve your grammar as students lose lot of there marks due to grammar.  Our Top 5 essay writing tips can also be a game changer for your upcoming exams.

Also checkout Almond Books English Compositions for Class 9 and 10

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REALMS OF ENGLISH, EDUCATION HAS NO BOUNDARY

Oliver Asks for More

Exploring the timeless tale of "oliver twist" by charles dickens.

Introduction: Step into the captivating world of "Oliver Twist," a masterpiece by Charles Dickens that unveils the poignant journey of its titular protagonist through the intricacies of Victorian England. This classic novel, renowned for its vivid characters and social commentary, transports readers to an era of stark social disparities, moral dilemmas, and the enduring power of goodness.

Synopsis: "Oliver Twist" narrates the life of a young orphan, Oliver, born within the grim walls of a workhouse. Bereft of a mother's care and thrust into a harsh environment, Oliver's trials begin early. The story follows his escape to the bustling streets of London, where he encounters a diverse array of individuals—both benevolent and malevolent—while searching for belonging and purpose.

Fagin's Web: Oliver's path takes a twist when he crosses the paths of Fagin, a cunning mastermind leading a gang of young thieves. Oliver finds himself caught up in a web of theft that Fagin has orchestrated without his knowledge. Amidst this, he forms unexpected bonds with the likes of Bill Sikes and the enigmatic Nancy, leading to life-altering confrontations and moral dilemmas.

Resilience and Redemption: Throughout his tumultuous journey, Oliver's innocence and innate goodness shine as a beacon of hope. Encounters with compassionate individuals like Mr. Brownlow and Rose Maylie illuminate the possibility of a better life. The revelation of Oliver's origins unfurls a tapestry of secrets, intertwining the fates of the characters and underscoring themes of social class, morality, and the capacity for change.

Social Critique and Timeless Themes: Charles Dickens employs "Oliver Twist" as a mirror of Victorian society's inequalities and injustices. The novel casts a searing light on the harsh realities faced by the impoverished and dispossessed while unveiling the corruption within institutions such as workhouses. Its narrative lays bare the moral degradation prevalent in segments of society, resonating with themes of compassion, empathy, and the dire need for social reform.

Character Portraits: The novel's characters are vividly painted, showcasing a spectrum of societal facets. From the conniving and self-serving to the compassionate and altruistic, the characters embody the tapestry of Victorian society. The contrast between the privileged and the destitute underscores the novel's call for a just, compassionate, and equitable world.

Enduring Legacy: "Oliver Twist" ultimately stands as a testament to the triumph of good over evil and the enduring potency of human kindness. Oliver's transformation from a neglected workhouse child to a cherished individual serves as a heartening reminder of the human spirit's resilience and potential for growth. Charles Dickens's masterful storytelling and societal critique ensure that "Oliver Twist" remains a timeless classic, resonating with modern readers and emphasizing the urgency of a fair and compassionate society.

Conclusion: Delve into the pages of "Oliver Twist" to embark on a captivating journey through a world of contrasting fortunes, moral dilemmas, and the pursuit of a better existence. Charles Dickens's literary brilliance shines as he exposes the heartaches of the marginalized and champions the indomitable strength of compassion. Experience the enduring relevance of this classic novel as it continues to inspire readers to reflect on their role in shaping a more just and empathetic society.

COMPREHENSIVE SUMMARY

"Oliver Twist" by Charles Dickens is a classic novel that delves into the life of the eponymous protagonist and his journey through the harsh realities of Victorian England. The story begins with Oliver's birth in a workhouse, where his mother tragically passes away. Raised in the workhouse, Oliver faces neglect, mistreatment, and a constant struggle for survival.

Oliver flees the workhouse for London, where he runs into a variety of people—both good and bad—driven by curiosity and a desire for a better life. He falls into the hands of Fagin, a cunning and manipulative criminal who leads a gang of young thieves. Under Fagin's influence, Oliver unknowingly becomes involved in a series of thefts and encounters the brutal Bill Sikes and the tragic Nancy.

Throughout his ordeals, Oliver's inherent goodness and innocence remained intact. He crosses paths with individuals who recognize his purity, such as Mr. Brownlow, who takes Oliver into his care, and Rose Maylie, whose kindness offers him a glimmer of hope and love. As the truth about Oliver's origins unfolds, secrets are revealed, and the characters' lives intertwine.

Dickens uses "Oliver Twist" to shine a critical light on the social injustices and inequalities of Victorian society. The novel exposes the harsh conditions faced by the poor, the corrupt practices of institutions such as workhouses, and the moral decay prevalent among some segments of society. Through Oliver's character, Dickens portrays the innate goodness and resilience that can survive in the face of adversity.

The themes of poverty, social class, morality, and redemption are prevalent throughout the story. Dickens portrays the stark divide between the privileged and the destitute, highlighting the importance of compassion, empathy, and social reform. The characters in "Oliver Twist" are vividly depicted, representing various aspects of society, from the corrupt and self-serving to the selfless and compassionate.

In the end, "Oliver Twist" serves as a testament to the triumph of good over evil and the power of human kindness. Oliver's journey from a neglected workhouse child to finding a place where he is truly valued underscores the capacity for individuals to change and transcend their circumstances. Dickens's masterful storytelling and social commentary continue to resonate, making "Oliver Twist" a timeless classic that highlights the plight of the marginalized and the call for a more just and compassionate society.

The earliest known playbill of a production of Oliver Twist . Marylebone Theatre , 1838  

Mr Bumble by Kyd (Joseph Clayton Clarke)  

WORD MEANINGS:

1. workhouse: a place where poor people without money or shelter are provided with basic accommodations.

2. destitute: extremely poor or lacking basic necessities.

3. orphan: a child who has lost both parents.

4. audacity: boldness or daring, often in a surprising or shocking manner.

5. confining: restricting or limiting movement or freedom within a small space.

6. undertaker: a person who prepares and arranges for the burial or cremation of the deceased.

7. ethical: relating to principles of right and wrong, moral values, and good conduct.

8. compassion: sympathetic understanding and concern for the suffering or misfortunes of others.

9. resilience: the ability to recover quickly from difficulties or adapt to challenging circumstances.

10.       empathy: the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, putting oneself in their shoes.

11.       inclusive: including or covering all individuals or elements, without discrimination or exclusion.

12.       dignity: the state or quality of being worthy of honor, respect, and self-respect.

13.       multifaceted: having many different aspects, facets, or components.

14.       humanitarian: concerned with promoting human welfare and addressing the needs of vulnerable individuals.

15.       justifiable: capable of being morally or ethically justified or defended, having a valid reason or explanation.

OLIVER TWIST

CHARLES DICKENS

Oliver Twist is born in a workhouse, where his mother, who is ill, dies shortly after holding him. The doctor and an old woman present at the time express sympathy for her tragic situation. The doctor notes that she was unmarried and had no valuable possessions. The old woman, responsible for caring for the baby, dresses him in worn-out workhouse clothes.

The baby's true parentage remains a mystery, so a town officer named Mr Bumble gives him the name Oliver Twist as part of the alphabetical naming convention. As Oliver grows up in the workhouse, he suffers from lack of warm clothes and proper meals, receiving only meagre portions of thin soup each day.

One day, the boys in the workhouse decide to send Oliver to ask for more food. Despite the master's shock, Oliver courageously asks for additional soup. In response, the master strikes Oliver, accuses him of being ungrateful, and Mr Bumble punishes him further by confining him in a dark room for a week. During this time, Oliver is subjected to physical abuse and mistreatment.

Eventually, Mr Bumble encounters Mr Sowerberry, an undertaker who supplies coffins to the workhouse. Mr Bumble inquires if anyone is interested in taking Oliver and offers a five-pound reward. This sparks a glimmer of hope for Oliver's future, as he continues to endure the harsh conditions of the workhouse.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

1. Who was Oliver Twist?

Ans. Oliver Twist is a baby boy who is born in a workhouse to a young, unknown mother and is left orphaned. He grows up in the workhouse under harsh conditions and faces mistreatment from the authorities.

2. What was the workhouse like?

Ans. The workhouse was a place in England where poor people without money or a place to live were housed. It provided basic shelter and meals for the destitute, but the conditions were grim, with inadequate clothing, meagre food portions, and a lack of love or care for the residents.

3. How did Oliver ask for more food?

Ans. Oliver, prompted by his fellow workhouse boys, mustered the courage to approach the master and ask for an additional serving of soup. Despite the shocking nature of his request, he persisted and said, "Please, sir, I want some more."

4. How did the authorities react to Oliver's request?

Ans. Oliver's audacity shocks the master, who responds by hitting him with a spoon and calling for assistance. Mr Bumble, another authority figure, condemns Oliver's request and punishes him by confining him in a dark room and subjecting him to physical abuse.

5. What happened to Oliver after his request for more food? Ans. Following Oliver's request for more food, a notice offering a reward of five pounds is posted on the workhouse gate, seeking someone to take Oliver away. This encounter leads to a meeting between Mr Bumble and Mr Sowerberry, an undertaker, hinting at the possibility of a different future for Oliver outside the workhouse.

VALUE-BASED QUESTIONS:

Should basic necessities like food and shelter be guaranteed rights for every individual, regardless of their circumstances? Why or why not?

Ans. The question of whether basic necessities like food and shelter should be guaranteed rights for every individual is a matter of personal values and societal beliefs. However, from a humanitarian perspective, ensuring access to these basic needs is often seen as essential for human dignity and the promotion of a just and equitable society. By providing these fundamental rights, we can contribute to the overall well-being and potential of individuals, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate community.

Is it morally justifiable for authorities to respond to a simple request for more food with punishment and mistreatment, as seen in Oliver's case? Discuss the importance of empathy and compassion in addressing the needs of vulnerable individuals.

Ans. Responding to a simple request for more food with punishment and mistreatment, as seen in Oliver's case, raises ethical concerns. Empathy and compassion play vital roles in addressing the needs of vulnerable individuals, especially children. Punitive measures can exacerbate their suffering and hinder their development. Instead, a compassionate and supportive approach can help create an environment where individuals feel valued and supported, facilitating their growth and resilience.

How can society ensure that children like Oliver Twist, who are born into challenging circumstances, are given opportunities for a better future? Reflect on the role of social welfare systems, education, and community support in breaking the cycle of poverty and providing equal opportunities for all children.

Ans. Ensuring a better future for children like Oliver Twist requires a multifaceted approach involving various stakeholders. Social welfare systems should prioritize the well-being of children and provide comprehensive support, including access to education, healthcare, and adequate living conditions. Quality education plays a crucial role in breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering children to reach their full potential. Additionally, community support and engagement are essential in creating a nurturing environment where children receive mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for growth. By combining these efforts, we can strive to provide equal opportunities for all children, irrespective of their backgrounds, and foster a more just and inclusive society.

Fill-in-the-blank questions.

Oliver Twist was born in a ___________.

The workhouse provided shelter for poor people who had no ___________ or ___________.

Oliver Twist's mother was a young woman who fell ___________.

The doctor noted that Oliver's mother had no ___________ on her finger, indicating she was unmarried.

Oliver and the other workhouse boys were given only three meals of ___________ soup every day.

The boys cleaned their bowls with ___________ until they shone.

Oliver's request for more food shocked the ___________.

Mr Bumble punished Oliver by confining him in a ___________ room.

Mr Sowerberry was an ___________ who supplied coffins to the workhouse.

The notice on the workhouse gate offered a ___________ reward for anyone willing to take Oliver Twist.

Oliver Twist was born in a workhouse.

The workhouse provided shelter for poor people who had no money or place to live.

Oliver Twist's mother was a young woman who fell ill.

The doctor noted that Oliver's mother had no ring on her finger, indicating she was unmarried.

Oliver and the other workhouse boys were given only three meals of thin soup every day.

The boys cleaned their bowls with spoons until they shone.

Oliver's request for more food shocked the master.

Mr Bumble punished Oliver by confining him in a dark room.

Mr Sowerberry was an undertaker who supplied coffins to the workhouse.

The notice on the workhouse gate offered a five-pound reward for anyone willing to take Oliver Twist.

Fagin by 'Kyd' (1889)  

IN THE WORKHOUSE

POOR CHILDREN DURING THE TIME OF DICKENS

Steps to be followed when writing the thematic analysis  

In order to do a thematic examination of a piece of writing, one must first examine the fundamental ideas and concepts that are conveyed in the narrative and then investigate the meaning and consequences of those themes and conceptions. The following is an in-depth guide that will walk you through the process of writing a thematic analysis: 1. Take the time to read and comprehend the narrative. To get started, you should read the story in a mindful and attentive manner. Make a mental note of the most important events, characters, places, and conflicts. Pay careful attention to recurrent concepts, symbols, and motifs since they may hint at more significant underlying themes. 2. Determine the overarching themes: Find the most important lessons or ideas that the story is trying to teach you. Themes might be overarching notions like love, power, or justice, or they can be more specific issues like overcoming oppression, finding one's identity, or finding salvation. Keep an eye out for repeating motifs and connections between the various aspects of the narrative that bring these themes into focus. 3. Collect evidence: In order to provide support for your interpretation, you should collect evidence from the text. Search for particular texts, dialogues, descriptions, or acts that exemplify the themes that have been highlighted. Your analysis will be strengthened as a result of these textual references, and you will be provided with actual instances to support your claims. 4. Analyse and interpret: To get started examining the themes, think about how significant they are and how the author intended them to be interpreted. Put yourself in the author's shoes and ask yourself things like, "Why did the author choose those specific themes?" In what ways do their actions contribute to the significance of the story as a whole? What sort of analysis or judgement is the author providing through the use of these themes? When attempting to analyse the themes, it is important to take into account the setting of the story, the historical background, as well as the writing style and beliefs of the author. 5. Formulate a clear and succinct statement that serves as your main argument or perspective on the themes in the text. Based on your analysis, develop a statement that serves as your thesis and is clear and succinct. Your general comprehension of the story's ideas should be encapsulated in the thesis statement, which should also serve as a roadmap for the rest of your study. 6. Give your essay structure by arranging its components in a way that is logical and consistent. Beginning with a synopsis that describes the narrative and offers background, including the name of the author and the title of the story, is a good place to begin. At the conclusion of the introduction, you should present your thesis statement. In the body paragraphs of your paper, you should investigate each theme separately and provide evidence and analysis from the text to back up your claims. Make use of topic sentences to present each issue in an understandable manner while also connecting back to your thesis statement. In the final step of your essay, you will conclude it by restating your most important conclusions and reiterating the significance of the recurring themes. 7. Provide examples to support your analysis: As you analyse each of the story's themes, provide concrete instances from the narrative to support your argument. Include direct quotations from pertinent passages, detailed descriptions of major moments, or references to particular character qualities or acts that are used to exemplify the issues that you are investigating. Explain how the themes function inside the story and how they contribute to the story's overall meaning by using the examples given here. 8. Take into consideration the more far-reaching implications: Consider the wider repercussions that the ideas presented in the story have. Discuss the ways in which they are relevant to real-life scenarios, societal problems, or universal aspects of the human experience. Examine the ways in which the themes strike a chord with the audience and the reasons they are important beyond the scope of the specific narrative. 9. Edit and rewrite your work: Once you have finished your thematic analysis, go back through your essay and edit it so that it is more clear, consistent, and persuasive. Make sure that your analysis is organised well and that your claims have sufficient supporting evidence. To produce a finished product that is error-free in terms of language, punctuation, and spelling, your attention to detail is required. Keep in mind that a thematic analysis is not a synopsis of the story but rather a more in-depth look at the ideas and messages that lie beneath the surface of the story. It calls for analytical thinking, a close reading of the content, and the capability to link the narrative to bigger settings and ideas.

THEMATIC ANALYSIS

Introduction

The plot of Oliver Twist centres on several fundamental themes, including poverty, injustice, and the search for one's own identity. It sheds light on the harsh reality that children living in poverty and without parents had to confront in England throughout the 19th century. A society that does not prioritise the health and safety of its most defenceless citizens is represented by the workhouse. It is a place where the poor are kept in confinement and are ignored, and there is no love or compassion there.

Oliver's poor beginnings in this world, which provide him with no opportunities for a better existence, may be traced back to the fact that he was born in the workhouse. The terrible representation of disregard towards the suffering of the poor that Oliver's mother's death offers serves as an allegory for Oliver's mother. The doctor's and the elderly woman's contemptuous comments are reflective of a culture that considers the poor to be expendable and to be nothing more than numbers, devoid of human stories or value. Oliver's lack of knowledge regarding his parents contributes further to his feelings of abandonment and solitude. The fact that Mr. Bumble chose to give Oliver Twist his name is symptomatic of the dehumanising effect of institutions such as the workhouse. The alphabetically arranged naming system treats children as nothing more than objects, robbing them of their individuality and identity in the process.

The twists and turns that Oliver's life has taken are reflected in the name that was given to him, which provides a hint as to the difficulties he will experience.

Hunger and deprivation are metaphors for the widespread poverty and lack of resources that Oliver and the other inmates of the workhouse must endure. The pitiful servings of watery soup and a sliver of bread bring to light the ongoing battle to obtain even the most fundamental of foods. The fact that the boys have taken it upon themselves to inquire for more provisions is indicative of both their sense of helplessness and the fundamental unfairness of their predicament.

Oliver’s request for additional food was met with a violent response by the master, which sheds light on the power dynamics and abuse that existed within the workhouse system. Oliver was subjected to severe punishment and was isolated as a means for Mr. Bumble to achieve his goals of preserving power and silencing any opposition. Oliver's ability to persevere and show defiance in the face of adversity highlights his intrinsic sense of justice as well as his potential for fighting back against injustice.

The topic of exploiting children and turning them into commodities is brought up in the conversation that takes place between Mr. Bumble and Mr. Sowerberry. The fact that a transactional offer of five pounds was made for Oliver's placement illustrates a society that sees children more as commodities than as humans who deserve to be cared for and protected. The novel Oliver Twist is, as a whole, a caustic indictment of society's indifference, institutionalised cruelty, and the dehumanisation of the poor. This critique is presented in the form of a story. It reveals the terrible reality that vulnerable people have to confront while also showcasing their resiliency and their desire for a better life. Through its study of a central theme, the novel encourages us to examine social injustice, stand up for those who are marginalised, and acknowledge the inherent worth and dignity of every human, regardless of the circumstances in which they find themselves. [585 WORDS]

Essays on Various Topics - List of Essay Writing Ideas

Essay writing is not everyone’s cup of tea. Most students find it difficult to begin writing. Essays can be made easier if students start thinking about the topic either through brainstorming or by putting them down on a sheet of paper. After getting the ideas, they need to know how to organise them to form an essay. For this, they need to practise essays on different topics. Here, we have compiled a list of Essays on various topics.

These are the general essay topics which are most likely to be asked in the exam. Some of these essay topics are also picked from past year papers. Students of Classes 6 to 10 can go through these essays and know the right way of expressing their thoughts to form a perfect essay. Apart from the CBSE , students of ICSE and other state boards can also use these topics to prepare for their English exams.

Essay Topics: List and Writing Ideas

Usually, one essay is asked in the English paper. The essay writing question mainly comes under the writing section and comprises 5 to 10 marks. By having a look at the essays on the below-mentioned topics, students can easily score these marks in the exam.

We will be soon updating more Essays.

Characteristics of a Good Essay

A composition on a particular topic consisting of more than one paragraph is an essay. The characteristics of a good essay are:

1) Unity: The essay should deal with the main subject and all parts of it should be clearly linked with that subject.

2) Coherence: There should be a logical sequence of thought. This requires a logical relationship between ideas, sentences and paragraphs.

3) Relevance: Unimportant information should not be included.

4) Proportion: Give more space to important ideas.

Students can also get the essays for class 2 and class 3 to improve their writing skills.

Types of Essays

Essays are mainly ways of expressing one’s ideas and thoughts. Essays vary in how one narrates a personal experience, describes an issue, or convinces the reader to accept a certain viewpoint. So, essays are mainly classified into four major types, as mentioned below:

1) Narrative Essays: Telling a Story

While writing a narrative essay, students must consider the topic as if telling a story. Through these essays, they can express themselves in a creative way. These essays are usually written in the first person, so as to engage the readers.

2) Descriptive Essays: Painting a Picture with Words

In a descriptive essay, students have to paint a picture with words. They have to describe something. It can be an object, person, place, experience, emotion, situation or anything else. These essays allow students a great deal of artistic freedom.

3) Expository Essays: Presentation of the Facts

An expository essay is an informative piece of writing that presents a balanced analysis of a topic. To write a good expository essay, students need to investigate the topic, evaluate evidence, express the idea, and set forth an argument clearly and concisely. It can be done by comparison and contrast, definition, example, the analysis of cause and effect, etc.

4) Persuasive Essays: Convince Me

A persuasive essay is one in which a writer tries to convince the reader to accept his/her viewpoint. It presents all sides of the argument but clearly communicates the writer’s personal opinion.

CBSE Unseen Passages

Students can increase their scores in the reading section of the English paper by practising the comprehension passages. To help them, below, we have listed the links to unseen passages.

Students must have found these Essay Topics helpful for their studies. For more study material and latest updates on the CBSE / ICSE / State Board / Competitive exams, keep visiting BYJU’S. Also, download the BYJU’S App for interactive study related videos.

Frequently Asked Questions on Essay writing Essay

How should students practise essay writing.

The following points should be remembered while practising essay writing: 1. Constant written practice is required for honing essay writing skills. Writing alone tests the competency of the students to ideate and execute a proper essay within a specified time. 2. In-depth knowledge on various topics is a prerequisite for students preparing to write essays in school exams and competitive examinations. Such knowledge can be acquired by regularly developing a habit of reading extensively — especially newspapers and magazines — and following other news sources on various media available to them. 3. Developing a good vocabulary is another important factor students should focus on. Essay writing demands a more formal and extensive vocabulary as the range of topics asked are so wide-ranging. Every topic will demand familiarity with words and phrases pertaining to it. Use of good idiomatic English rich with apt vocabulary will help students pen memorable essays.

How to write an essay on an unknown or unfamiliar topic?

If an essay topic is unfamiliar then students can try to write in general about topics which are related to the main topic. Reading magazines and books can help in acquisition of knowledge in various subject matters.

How to score high marks in essay writing?

Given below are some of the points to be considered to ensure that students can score high marks in essay writing. 1. Maintain flow of text in essay: Ensure that the essay follows a natural progression from introduction to conclusion. Make sure that each paragraph is thematically or logically connected to successive paragraphs. Only then will the essay be evocative and easy to read and comprehend. 2. Phrase the essay is a relatable way: Keep the target audience in mind while drafting the essay and use images and language that resonate with them. Otherwise it would fail to connect with the reader, even if you have come up with a decent essay. 3. Be creative: Show the audacity to think out of the box and to deviate from traditional ways of writing essays while coming up with ideas to present your viewpoints in the essay. Readers will be immediately drawn to a piece of writing that gives them a fresh perspective, even if you are writing on a very common topic. But too much creativity and idiosyncratic writing will only mar an otherwise well-researched essay. 4. Present the essay in a better manner: Always think of new ways and strategies to present your ideas which you may have drawn from multiple sources. Doing background research is definitely essential. But that does not mean that you have to present the content you found in the same way. A fresh approach can turn a boring essay into a very engaging one. 5. Do not be over confident: Essays usually require students to state personal opinions as well as facts. Be prudent in voicing your opinions as well as in stating facts – make sure you don’t hurt the sentiments of readers when writing on sensitive and controversial topics. Practice diligence, not overconfidence, while writing essays as a best practice.

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Argumentative Essay ICSE 2000

Which in your opinion is more important – a healthy body or a healthy mind. Give relevant arguments to support your opinion. This Argumentative Essay was asked in ICSE 2000 board exam. You can find Previous Year Argumentative Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Which in your opinion is more important – a healthy body or a healthy mind. Give relevant arguments to support your opinion. (ICSE 2000)

Introduction: A healthy mind is more important.

• A healthy mind enables one to differentiate between good and bad.
• It is more lasting and increases with age.
• Increases by use and sharing, imbibes knowledge making one powerful
• Influences life of self and others, examples of Mahatma Gandhi and Helen Keller.
• Influences one’s personality

Conclusion: An essential prerequisite to lead a happy life.

Man is the only creature in the entire universe blessed with both a body and a mind of its own. This makes him the crown of creation. A healthy body is necessary to live, but in the absence of a healthy mind, one is no longer a human being, but more akin to an animal. Thus in my opinion a healthy mind that makes one do good deed is more important than a healthy body.

A healthy mind makes one a good human being, enabling him to differentiate between good or bad, virtuous and evil. It is because of this that all religious scriptures try to mould the mind of the followers, so that they can lead a good and pious life. In its absence one cannot lead a happy life.

The body is subject to ageing, while the mind is not. A healthy person with the passage of time, grows old and infirm, while the mental faculty on the other hand increases. One becomes more mature and wise. People come to seek advice and guidance from him.

The mind, unlike the body, is also unaffected by fatigue and overwork. On the contrary the more one uses it, the more perfect it becomes. It enables one to imbibe knowledge, that can be used for the betterment of self and the society. The power of knowledge, if used judiciously, can make one advance in life. There are numerous examples of people with strong mental strength and frail constitution, managing the destiny of nations, holding sway over millions of other wise well-bodied people.

A person blessed with a healthy mind also influences the life of others. Their impact makes people change their life and career. Mahatma Gandhi, with a frail constitution, led the country to wage a war for independence. His unique approach of non-violence and truth shook the mighty British Empire. They were in mortal fear of this frail; semi clad fakir as they called him. We also know of Helen Keller, though blind and deaf since birth, led a normal life. These souls achieved greatness by sheer dint of strong willpower, endowed by a healthy mind. They are the source of inspiration for thousands of otherwise able-bodied men and women. It is thus evident that a healthy mind can more than make up for a frail or even a physically challenged body.

The mental strength of a person has an all-pervading impact on his life. It moulds his personality by making him more humane, loving, compassionate and caring. These qualities endear him to people in society. A healthy and strong body lacking a good mind is no better than a beast. This is so because people remember one by deeds and not looks.

Undoubtedly a healthy mind is more important, than a healthy body for it is an essential prerequisite for leading a normal happy life. John Ruskin rightly said, “Remember that the most beautiful things are the most useless, peacocks and lilies for instance.”

Assignments

• ‘For sweetest things turn sourest by their deeds, Lilies that fester smell far more than weeds.’Discuss.
• ‘The mind is in its place and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven.’ (Milton) Discuss.