Last Updated on November 6, 2026 by sanjjeett
What this composition helps you practise
This composition shows how to narrate a frightening but rewarding experience. The model combines preparation, hesitation, physical sensations during the jump, visual description from the air, safe landing and reflection on how facing fear can strengthen confidence.
Composition Prompt
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.
Composition at a Glance
Essay Outline
Model Essay
“Jump”, barked the instructor, standing near the exit of the plane, as it soared 10,000 ft. above sea level. My heart skipped a beat, as I nervously fidgeted my feet, trying to muster courage. After an agonizing long minute, he glared furiously at me shouting, “Jump you fool, others are waiting their turn”. As if on cue I sidestepped, making way for Mohan standing just behind me to go ahead and jump. Mohan looked contemptuously at me, and with a grin ran towards the exit. He was off the plane in a jiffy. It all appeared so simple, as I saw him jump.
It was, however, not so simple as it appeared for the para jump was the climax of a month-long training. This was a crucial exercise for the parachute regiment of the NCC battalion in school. The first week was spent in familiarising the students with the basics of aerodynamics. This was followed by practical classes, where the nitty gritty of the parachutes was explained, which was followed by the technique of manoeuvering the chute, taking into account the direction of the wind. Such techniques help in moving away from trees and high rise buildings while landing. The training programme finally concluded with a special psychological session, to mentally prepare us for the jump. The parting advice of the instructor was—‘Never look down before you jump and never to panic and lose cool while hurtling down.’
Just a moment ago I was feeling very confident. Yet here I was, fumbling and afraid of taking the plunge. The question that dogged me—what if the chute failed to open? The very thought made my legs quiver. As I glanced down from the air plane window the words of the instructor rang in my ears, “Never look down before you jump.”
“Next”, barked the instructor. I looked behind me, making way but there was nobody behind. Steeling myself, I ran toward the exit, and leaped into space, with my eyes firmly shut and with a prayer on my lips. My heart literally jumped into my mouth, as I hurtled down like a stone. The first few seconds were very agonising, as I fumbled with the string of the parachute. I felt a sudden tug as it opened, halting my speedy descent. It was smooth sailing thereafter as l drifted into and out of the clouds. The sceneic beauty from the great height, was indeed breathtaking. I shouted with delight seeing the green fields, meadows, and orchards in the countryside. The match box size high rise buildings, the serpentine roads and canals continued to grow in size as the parachute continued to descend. I waved out to my friends sailing in the vicinity, who also seemed to be having the time of their life. Steering away from the trees I finally landed on a small field close to our base camp. Folding my parachute I walked up to Sumeet, who was waiting for me. Together we jogged down to the camp, sharing our experience.
It was a thrilling experience, that I shall never forget in my life. The thought of the traumatising seconds, just before and after the jump makes my hairs stand on end. But then what is life without risk and adventure? The parachute jump enhanced my willpower, making me more self-confident. It added a new facet to my personality, which was hitherto unknown to me.
Understanding This Composition
The essay opens at the moment of maximum hesitation
The instructor’s command, the height of the plane and the narrator’s inability to jump create immediate tension. Beginning at the aircraft door draws the reader into the most important moment before background is supplied.
Training gives the jump context
The month-long preparation explains aerodynamics, parachute handling, wind direction and mental preparation. This makes the first jump feel like the climax of sustained effort rather than an impulsive act.
Fear is shown physically
Quivering legs, nervous fidgeting, the fear that the chute may not open and the instructor’s repeated command make the anxiety concrete. Physical reactions are more vivid than repeatedly saying “I was afraid”.
The mood changes when the parachute opens
The sudden tug marks the turning point. Panic gives way to smooth descent, clouds, fields, roads and distant buildings. The change in sensory detail mirrors the narrator’s change from fear to exhilaration.
The conclusion explains why the experience mattered
The safe landing resolves the action, but the final paragraph adds reflection. The narrator sees the jump as an experience that strengthened willpower and revealed a new level of self-confidence.
Useful Vocabulary and Expressions
Try It Yourself
Practice Prompt
Describe an occasion when you had to overcome fear before attempting something adventurous for the first time. Explain how you prepared, what you felt during the experience, and how you felt after completing it successfully.
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 narrative-descriptive task about an adventurous experience, keep the sequence clear: preparation, hesitation, decisive action, sensations during the event, resolution and reflection. The final paragraph should show how the experience changed you.
Official ICSE 2027 English Syllabus
Official ICSE 2027 English Language Specimen and Draft Marking Scheme