Last Updated on November 5, 2026 by sanjjeett
What this composition helps you practise
This composition is built on contrast. The first incident shows courage, helpfulness and satisfaction, while the second shows dishonesty, embarrassment and regret. The conclusion then connects both experiences to the development of character and judgement.
Composition Prompt
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.
Composition at a Glance
Essay Outline
Model Essay
“How far that little candle throws its beam! So shines a good deed in the naughty world,” said William Shakespeare, in his play the Merchant of Venice. Indeed good deeds enrich our lives and people appreciate us for it. They give us immense joy and satisfaction, while some of our actions are the cause of much regret and unhappiness.
Last summer while going to school on my bicycle, I saw a huge crowd on the road side. Recognising the bicycle of my friend Abhay lying on the road, I made my way through the crowd, and found him lying in a pool of blood. He had apparently been knocked down by a speeding car. Quickly taking stock of the situation, I signalled a car to stop. Taking the help of bystanders, I put Abhay in the car and sped towards the Civil Hospital. The doctors in the trauma ward decided to go in for an emergency operation because of the serious head injury.
They asked me to immediately arrange for blood of ‘O’ group, which was required for the operation. I volunteered to give blood for it was of the desired blood group. I was immediately wheeled into the OT. I felt dizzy and dozed off as the blood transfusion and his operation began. A little later on opening my eyes, I found Abhay’s parents standing anxiously around me. Their eyes brimmed with tears, as they held my hand. Fortunately for Abhay the operation was successful, and after a few month’s rest, he was back to school. Ever since he is my best friend.
While this deed gave me immense joy and satisfaction, I regret and feel ashamed in recalling my first and last attempt at using unfair means in the examination. This happened when I was appearing for the social science paper in class VIII. I just could not memorise the date of birth and death of great men. I therefore thought of an easy way out, and wrote the same on a small piece of paper, which I concealed in the pencil box. I was caught in the act of taking a glimpse of this note, and was hauled up by the invigilator. The matter was reported to the Principal, and my parents were called to school. I was severely reprimanded for my conduct, and was let off with a stern warning. Even today, just thinking about it makes me feel awkward and embarrassed. I found myself unable to face my friends and colleagues. The understanding shown by my friend Abhay made me overcome this ignominy.
Thus I know from personal experience that good deeds give us tremendous joy and satisfaction. The not so good deeds are the cause of deep regret and shame. Nevertheless, they too help us mould our life, if we learn from them.
Understanding This Composition
The introduction establishes the contrast
The opening prepares the reader for two very different experiences: one connected with satisfaction and the other with regret. This makes the structure clear before either incident begins.
The first deed is shown through urgent action
The crowd, injured friend, hurried journey to hospital and emergency treatment create a fast-moving incident. The narrator’s satisfaction comes from taking responsibility when immediate help is needed.
The second incident is morally opposite
The attempt to use unfair means in an examination provides a clear contrast with the earlier helpful action. A strong two-part composition benefits from incidents that differ sharply in motive and consequence.
Regret is shown through consequences
The Principal’s involvement, parents being called, reprimand and embarrassment before friends make the regret concrete. Consequences make remorse more convincing than simply stating “I felt bad”.
The conclusion connects both incidents
The final paragraph does not treat the good and bad deeds as unrelated memories. It explains that both kinds of experience can shape a person if the lessons are understood and remembered.
Useful Vocabulary and Expressions
Try It Yourself
Practice Prompt
Write about two actions from your life: one that still makes you feel proud and another that you deeply regret. Narrate what happened in each case and explain what both experiences taught you.
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 two-incident personal narrative, maintain balance between the two experiences. Each incident should have a beginning, consequence and emotional response, while the conclusion should explain what you learned from the contrast.
Official ICSE 2027 English Syllabus
Official ICSE 2027 English Language Specimen and Draft Marking Scheme