Last Updated on November 3, 2026 by sanjjeett
What this composition helps you practise
This argumentative composition shows how to build a case against an activity by combining ethical reasoning, consequences, ecological concerns and practical solutions. The model argues against the use of animals in public and street performances.
Composition Prompt
Set out briefly but clearly the argument for or against animals being used in public and street performance.
Composition at a Glance
Essay Outline
Model Essay
The use of animals in public and street performances should be condemned by one and all. It is not only barbaric but also against the law of nature. Animals, like human beings, are born free and have just as much right to live, as we have. It is indeed very painful to see man exploiting these animals, to fulfill his greed for wealth. The subjugation of animals for business and profit is an evil practice that should be done away with immediately.
Animals like monkeys, snakes, elephants, bears, etc. are captured from their natural surroundings and subjected to inhuman torture during training. This is done so that they can perform completely unnatural tasks for entertaining people and generating profit. The training schedules are so stringent that quite a few perish in the process. Those that survive the ordeal are just not their normal self. The animals living in captivity gradually lose their natural instinct. The artificial surroundings and diet has an adverse effect on their health, making them die an unnatural death.
Animals have an important role to play in maintaining the ecological balance in nature. It would be difficult to imagine the world without them. Environmentalists have time and again warned about the extinction of some animals which would have serious effect on the food cycle. This would consequently endanger life on earth. God has bestowed man with intellect, to enable him to utilise the resources of nature. He does this effectively by harnessing the natural as well as the animal resources, to make life comfortable. However exploiting animals just for the sake of entertainment and fun is an unpardonable sin, which must be avoided.
This realisation had led to many advanced countries like the USA and the UK, banning use of animals in public and street performances. Many non-government organisations, in the country including the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) have also taken up the cause and have successfully aroused public opinion against this evil practice. However, more needs to be done so that this practice is completely banned. This is not easy, for even now it is the only source of livelihood for some people.
There is therefore an urgent need to educate the public, about the harmful effect of this practice. This would build public opinion enabling the government to enact laws to stop the cruelty perpetuated on animals.This needs to be done immediately, for it is our social and moral duty to preserve the universe and the species living in it, for the future generation.
Understanding This Argument
The position is stated immediately
The opening condemns the use of animals in public and street performances and frames the issue around freedom, exploitation and profit. This gives the argument a clear ethical foundation from the start.
The essay explains the direct harm to animals
The model describes capture, training, captivity and unnatural performance as forms of harm. This gives the central position concrete reasons rather than leaving it as a purely emotional claim.
The discussion expands to ecological consequences
The argument moves beyond individual animals to their role in ecological balance. This broadens the essay and shows how one issue can be connected with wider environmental concerns.
The model acknowledges a practical complication
The essay notes that animal performances may be a source of livelihood for some people. Recognising a difficulty like this can make an argument more realistic, provided the writer still explains how the problem should be addressed.
The conclusion proposes education and law
The final paragraph moves from criticism to action by calling for public awareness and legal measures. A practical conclusion is especially effective in essays about social or ethical problems.
Useful Vocabulary and Expressions
Try It Yourself
Practice Prompt
“Animals should never be used merely for human entertainment.” Express your views either for or against this statement.
Write approximately 300–350 words.
Before You Submit
ICSE Composition Guidelines
For ICSE Examination Year 2027, the composition should be approximately 300–350 words. Question 1 carries 20 marks, and the specimen paper recommends spending no more than 30 minutes on it.
For a for-or-against prompt, take a definite position and support it with relevant reasoning, examples and a logical conclusion.
Official ICSE 2027 English Syllabus
Official ICSE 2027 English Language Specimen and Draft Marking Scheme